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Assault on Narvik (2005) Board Game

ByMichail

Assault on Narvik is a wargame that simulates the Battle of Narvik during World War II. The battle took place in 1940 between the British Royal Navy and the German Kriegsmarine in the Norwegian port of Narvik. This battle was a significant naval engagement during the early stages of the war and had a lasting impact on the strategic balance in the region.

Game Components of Assault on Narvik

  • Map:** 11″ x 17″ full-color map
  • Counters:** 95 half-inch counters
  • Rules and Charts:** 10 pages of rules, 2 pages of charts and tables
  • Additional:** Includes a bonus mini-game, War in the Aegean, in Against the Odds Magazine #14.

    How To Setup Assault on Narvik

    To set up Assault on Narvik, players first need to lay out the 11″ x 17″ map, which depicts the terrain around Narvik. Next, they place the 95 half-inch counters on the map according to the initial deployment rules. Players must also familiarize themselves with the 10 pages of rules and the charts provided. The game begins around April 15th, 1940, after the Royal Navy’s destruction of the German destroyer flotilla and the arrival of Allied ground forces.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Dice Rolling, Hex-and-Counter, Simulation
  • Objective:** The Allied player must disrupt, disperse, and crush the German mountain troops holding Narvik, while the German player aims to maintain control and morale despite the challenging terrain and weather.
  • Key Features:** Fatigue Levels for units, formation integrity, air support (mostly Luftwaffe), limited intelligence, combined arms, and the possibility of an armistice or internment of German units in Sweden.

    Player Experience

    Playing Assault on Narvik is a complex and immersive experience, requiring strategic thinking and planning ahead. The game’s mechanics, such as the fatigue system, add a layer of realism, making it crucial for players to manage their units’ resources carefully. The game’s setting, with its inhospitable terrain and weather, further complicates the players’ decisions, making each move a challenging but rewarding experience.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** Faithfully recreates the historical events around Narvik in 1940.
  • Complex Mechanics:** Includes detailed rules and mechanics like fatigue levels and combined arms.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires careful planning and management of resources.
  • Components:** Comes with a large map and numerous counters, enhancing the gaming experience.

    Cons

  • Long Playtime:** The game takes approximately 240 minutes to play.
  • Complex Rules:** The 10 pages of rules can be daunting for new players.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for 1 to 2 players, limiting multiplayer interactions.

    Personal Thoughts on Assault on Narvik

    Assault on Narvik is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy simulating complex military operations and are willing to invest time in learning and playing the game. While it may not be the best choice for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those interested in World War II history and tactical strategy.

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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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