Afrika Korps
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Afrika Korps (1964)

ByMichail

Afrika Korps

Afrika Korps is a board wargame that simulates the North Africa Campaign during World War II. It was designed by Charles S. Roberts and published by Avalon Hill in 1964. The game has been re-released several times, with updated components and revised rules.

Why is Afrika Korps Popular?

Afrika Korps is considered one of the most popular wargames in the United States. It is known for being comparatively straightforward and easy to learn. However, some players have criticized the game for its lack of historical accuracy. Despite this, the game remains popular and enjoyable for many players.

Game Components of Afrika Korps

  • Map: A two-piece 44″ x 14″ mounted hex grid map of North Africa, scaled at 10 mi (16 km) per hex.
  • Counters: 108 die-cut counters.
  • Rules: Rules booklet.
  • Setup Cards: Starting Setup and Order of Battle card.
  • Time Record Chart**.
  • Dice: Six-sided die.

    How To Setup Afrika Korps

    Setting up Afrika Korps involves placing the map, deploying the counters according to the Starting Setup and Order of Battle card, and preparing the Time Record Chart. The game starts with the historical setup of the North Africa Campaign, reflecting the positions and forces of the Allies and Axis at the outset.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure: Uses the standard alternating “I Go, You Go” system, with each turn representing two weeks of in-game time.
  • Supply Mechanics: Units require supply counters to attack, emphasizing the variability of Afrika Korps’ supply and reinforcements.
  • Rommel Rule: Units moving with the Rommel counter can move further than normal.
  • Objective: The Allied player aims to defeat the Axis forces, while the Axis player seeks to capture key territories and maintain supply lines.
  • Units: Military units range from regiment to division size.

    Player Experience

    Afrika Korps is known for its engaging and relatively straightforward gameplay, making it accessible to new players. However, it has been noted for several historical inaccuracies and balance issues, which were addressed in subsequent editions. The game requires strategic planning, particularly in managing supply lines, which adds a layer of realism to the gameplay.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: The game mechanics are straightforward and easy to understand.
  • Historical Theme: It focuses exclusively on the North Africa Campaign, offering a unique perspective on WWII.
  • Engaging Gameplay: The game is well-balanced and fast-moving, with a significant emphasis on supply management.
  • Popular Amongst Wargamers: It was a bestseller for Avalon Hill, with over 100,000 units sold between 1964 and 1980.

    Cons

  • Historical Inaccuracies: The game has been criticized for its lack of historical realism.
  • Luck-Dependent: The outcome can be heavily influenced by dice rolls, particularly for weather and German reinforcement/resupply.
  • Limited Scenarios: The game only includes the historical scenario with no optional rules or scenarios.

    Personal Thoughts on Afrika Korps

    Afrika Korps is ideal for those interested in historical wargames, particularly those focusing on World War II. It’s a great introduction for beginners due to its straightforward mechanics but still offers depth for experienced players. However, those seeking high historical accuracy may find some aspects of the game disappointing. Overall, it remains a classic and enjoyable game in the wargaming genre.

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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