The World at War (1990) Board Game

The World at War is a strategic board game that was released in 1990, designed by William Kendrick and Frank W. Zenau. It is set during World War II and allows players to take on the roles of various world powers as they navigate the complexities of war. The game includes elements of economic management, wargaming, and area control.

Game Components of The World at War

Map: An expanded map with additional territories and sea zones, slightly larger than the classic Axis & Allies map but still manageable for most tables.

Playing Pieces: Over 200 plastic playing pieces.

Rules and Setup Charts: New rules, setup charts, and a technology chart to enhance gameplay.

Victory Conditions: Special victory conditions for each player, including the Russian player who has independent goals.

How To Setup The World at War

Setting up The World at War involves a detailed process, particularly in the pre-war phase. The game starts in 1939, with Germany at war with Britain but not yet with France or other European nations. Players must carefully place units according to specified setup hexes and charts. The setup can be time-consuming, especially for the German and Japanese players, who have to plan their initial blitzkriegs and campaigns against China, respectively.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Pre-War Phase: The game begins in 1939, with a lengthy pre-war phase where Germany and Japan make early moves while the Allied players wait for their turn to act.

Independent Russian Player: Russia has unique victory conditions and can intern Allied troops within its borders and go against China.

Technological Advancements: A technology chart allows players to research and implement various technological improvements.

Air and Ground Combat: Detailed air combat rules, including interception and ground support missions. Ground combat involves standard mechanics like supply, stacking, and zones of control.

Victory Conditions: Players aim to control key cities and territories to achieve their victory goals.

Player Experience

Playing The World at War can be a mixed bag. On one hand, the game offers a rich and detailed simulation of World War II, with complex strategies and diplomatic interactions. However, the lengthy pre-war phase can be tedious for Allied players, who may spend hours waiting for their turn to actively participate. The game’s mechanics, while ambitious, sometimes feel artificial and fail to integrate historical circumstances seamlessly into the gameplay.

Pros

Detailed Simulation: Offers a deep and complex simulation of World War II, including technological advancements and diplomatic interactions.

Expanded Map: The map includes additional territories and sea zones, enhancing the strategic depth.

Independent Russian Player: Adds a unique layer of strategy with Russia’s independent goals.

Cons

Long Setup and Pre-War Phase: The initial setup and pre-war phase are time-consuming and can be boring for Allied players.

Artificial Mechanics: Some game mechanics feel artificial and do not integrate historical circumstances well.

Complex Air Combat: While detailed, the air combat rules can be complex and difficult to manage.

Personal Thoughts on The World at War

The World at War is for enthusiasts of World War II strategy games who are willing to invest time and effort into a detailed and complex game. It is not suited for casual players due to its lengthy setup and gameplay. For those who enjoy the Axis & Allies series and are looking for an expanded and more strategic experience, The World at War can be a rewarding but challenging game. However, its flaws in integrating historical circumstances and the lengthy downtime for some players may detract from the overall experience.

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