Norway 1940 (2013) Board Game

Norway 1940 is a board game that simulates the German invasion of Norway during World War II. It allows players to take on the roles of either the German or Norwegian forces and recreate the strategic decisions and battles that took place during this pivotal moment in history. The game is designed to be historically accurate and offers players a chance to experience the challenges faced by both sides during this conflict.

Game Components of Norway 1940

Mapboard: A double-panel mapboard depicting Norway, with key charts and a striking map area.

Units: Cardboard units representing air, land, and naval forces, including Norwegian, British, French, and German forces.

Play Aids: Screens for secret force allocation with evocative scenes and symbolic images.

Air and Naval Rules: Detailed rules for air and naval phases, including specific missions and limitations.

Supply Phase Mechanics: Mechanics for supply checks, particularly relevant for German land units from Turn 7 onwards.

How To Setup Norway 1940

Setting up **Norway 1940** involves placing the Norwegian units, mostly land units with a few naval units in key ports like Narvik, Trondheim, and Bergen. The German fleet is set up at sea, transporting a mountain regiment and supplies. The game starts with the Naval Phase, followed by the Air Phase, and then the Land Phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Combined Arms: The game integrates all three military arms (air, land, and sea) with each playing a crucial role.

Naval Phase: Manages naval unit movements and engagements, with the German player transporting troops and supplies.

Air Phase: Involves air missions using Fighter, Bomber, and Recon aircraft, with additional Air Transport points for the German player.

Land Phase: Focuses on ground operations, with supply checks and logistics management.

Objective: The ultimate goal is to control key victory cities and manage resources effectively to achieve victory.

Player Experience

**Norway 1940** offers a complex yet engaging experience, with a high level of historical realism. Players must manage detailed rules and phases, but the game’s design ensures that each turn is filled with strategic decisions. The game is particularly challenging due to the many small points and exceptions in the rules, requiring frequent rule checking. However, this complexity also adds depth and replayability.

Pros

Historical Realism: The game provides a detailed and accurate portrayal of the 1940 Norwegian campaign.

Strategic Depth: Integrates air, land, and sea elements, offering a rich and varied gameplay experience.

High Production Quality: The game features a striking mapboard and high-quality play aids.

Replayability: The game’s complexity and multiple scenarios ensure high replay value.

Cons

Complex Rules: The numerous small details and exceptions in the rules can make the game challenging to learn and play without frequent rule checking.

Steep Learning Curve: The game is suited specifically to this campaign, so familiarity with the rules may not translate to other games.

Personal Thoughts on Norway 1940

**Norway 1940** is ideal for experienced wargamers who appreciate historical detail and complex strategic gameplay. The game’s depth and realism make it a great choice for those interested in the early World War II era and the unique challenges of the Norwegian campaign. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames due to its intricate rules and high level of complexity.

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