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March on the Drina (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

March on the Drina is a board game that focuses on the events of World War I, specifically the Serbian army’s retreat through Albania in in 2019. It highlights the challenges faced by the Serbian soldiers as they try to survive in harsh conditions and evade enemy forces.

Game Components of March on the Drina

  • Player Boards:** Representing the powers in conflict (Serbia, Germany, Austro-Hungary, Bulgaria)
  • Units:** Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and Generals, each with distinct move, attack, range, defense, and price values
  • Standees:** Used to represent units on the board
  • Health Markers:** Plain black magnets to track unit health
  • Luck Cards:** Used to introduce randomness in battles
  • Calendar Cards:** Each describing a period from July 1914 to December 1918 and applying specific effects to the game
  • Military Capacity Units (MCU):** Used for resource management
  • National Military Capacity Chart (NMCC):** For tracking MCU collection
  • Money:** Thick cardboard money tokens
  • Player Aids:** Printed on cheap stock but clear in instructions
  • Hexagonal Game Board:** Featuring a map of Serbia and surrounding areas

    How To Setup March on the Drina

    To set up the game, each player selects a power to control (Serbia, Germany, Austro-Hungary, or Bulgaria). The game uses a “Fog of War” mechanic where players place their units on a mini map without knowledge of the opponent’s placements. After all units are placed, the main game board is populated according to these secret deployments. The calendar is set to the first period, and each player starts with their initial resources and units.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Order:** Austro-Hungary, Germany, Serbia, Bulgaria
  • Unit Movement:** Units move based on their move points and can engage in battles if they enter an enemy-occupied space.
  • Battles:** Resolved using a mathematical equation involving the unit’s attack/defense values, health, and a luck card.
  • Victory Conditions:** Central powers win by occupying all Serbian cities and holding them for one round. Serbia wins by liberating all its cities and holding them for one round. If neither side achieves this by the end of 14 rounds, the side controlling the most Serbian cities wins.
  • Calendar System:** Each round represents a historical period, with calendar cards introducing specific effects and events.
  • Reinforcements:** Players can buy additional units and reinforce existing ones based on the calendar and their general’s abilities.

    Player Experience

    **March on the Drina** is described as an approachable war game, more complex than Risk but not overly complicated. The game is designed to be educational, teaching players about the Serbian campaigns during World War I. The simplicity of the turn structure and the use of calendar cards to track historical events make it easy to learn and play. However, the luck cards can introduce significant randomness, making battles somewhat unpredictable.

    Pros

  • Educational Value:** Teaches about the Serbian campaigns in World War I.
  • Simple yet Engaging Mechanics:** Easy to learn and play, with a streamlined system.
  • Historical Integration:** Calendar cards provide historical context and events.
  • Variable Setup:** “Fog of War” mechanic ensures different starting conditions each game.
  • Introductory War Game:** Great for new players to the genre.

    Cons

  • Luck Cards:** Can make battles feel random and less skill-based.
  • Component Quality:** Some components, like the rule book and player aids, are of poor quality.
  • Health Markers:** Plain black magnets can be difficult to count.
  • Limited Depth for Grognards:** May lack complexity for experienced wargame players.

    Personal Thoughts on March on the Drina

    **March on the Drina** is an excellent choice for those looking to step into the world of war games or for anyone interested in World War I history. It is particularly suited for new players due to its simple and easy-to-learn mechanics. However, experienced wargame enthusiasts might find it too light and random due to the luck cards. The game’s educational aspect and unique historical focus make it a valuable addition to any board game collection, especially for those keen on historical themes.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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