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Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 is a wargame that covers the Western Front of World War I. It allows players to experience the challenges and strategies faced by the French and German forces during this critical period in history. The game’s design and mechanics aim to provide a realistic and immersive experience of the trench warfare tactics used during the conflict.

Game Components of Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

  • Hexagon Grid Map
  • Rulebook
  • Player Aid Cards
  • Counters representing units and markers
  • Dice

How To Setup Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

  • Place the hexagon grid map on a flat surface.
  • Each player selects a side to play (French or German).
  • Place the units and markers according to the setup instructions in the rulebook.
  • Each player receives their player aid cards and dice.
  • Follow the game’s sequence of play to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 is a strategic wargame that involves dice rolling, hexagon grid movement, and secret unit deployment. Players must use tactics and maneuver their units effectively to gain control of key areas on the map and achieve victory. The game objective is to simulate the historical events of the Western Front during World War I and to challenge players to make decisions that mirror those faced by military leaders at the time.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Immersive gameplay that recreates the challenges of trench warfare.
  • Strategic depth and decision-making opportunities.
  • Solo gameplay option for those looking for a challenge.

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new players.
  • Lengthy game duration may not be suitable for all players.
  • Limited replay value for some due to the historical specificity.

Personal Thoughts on Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 offers a detailed and historically accurate simulation of the Western Front during World War I. The gameplay mechanics provide a challenging and engaging experience for players who enjoy strategic wargames. The build quality of the components is top-notch, and the artwork adds to the immersive atmosphere of the game.

In terms of pricing and availability, Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 may be on the higher end for some players, but its value lies in the depth of gameplay and historical accuracy it offers. Players interested in World War I history and strategic wargames will find this game worth their time. However, those looking for quicker gameplay or more casual experiences may want to consider other options.

Overall, Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 is a solid choice for players interested in the World War I genre and are willing to invest time and effort into mastering its mechanics. It may not be suitable for everyone, but for those it caters to, it offers a rewarding and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

  • Game Board: Depicting the Western Front
  • Blocks: Representing units with hidden strengths
  • Air Squadron Counters: For aerial reconnaissance and dogfighting
  • Economic Points (EPs): For resource management and upgrades
  • Artillery and Supply Markers: To manage artillery and supply capacities
  • Eastern Front Track Markers: To simulate the two-front war
  • Dice: For resolving various game mechanics like attrition and aerial dogfighting
  • Scenario Books: Including introductory and historical scenarios

    How To Setup Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

    Setup involves placing blocks and markers according to the specific scenario being played. For the introductory scenario, the game starts with the German 1st and 2nd Armies already in Belgium, and the French Army ready to execute Plan XVII. Each scenario has specific setup instructions, including the placement of blocks, air squadrons, and economic points. The game simplifies the initial phases, especially for new players, by pre-accounting for the “Opening Move” and early turns.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Movement and Block Management: Players can split or combine blocks during the movement phase, and use “Deception” blocks to maintain fog of war.
  • Combat: Resolved through hidden block strengths and aerial reconnaissance to reveal enemy positions.
  • Economic Management: Players manage Economic Points to place new blocks, upgrade assets, and maintain supply and artillery capacities.
  • Attrition: Players endure losses based on a dice roll and attrition table, reflecting the harsh conditions of trench warfare.
  • Eastern Front: An abstracted system to model the resource drain on the Central Powers.
  • Game Objective: The objective is to control key territories and manage resources effectively to win the war.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918** is an immersive and strategic experience, requiring players to make tough decisions on resource allocation, block management, and combat tactics. The game’s complexity, especially in managing the economy and technological progression, adds depth to the gameplay. The introductory scenario helps new players learn the mechanics before diving into the full campaign, which can take around 7-8 hours to complete.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Offers a rich strategic experience with multiple layers of decision-making.
  • Historical Accuracy: Incorporates historical events and conditions, such as trench warfare and the Eastern Front.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the full campaign provide significant replay value.
  • Block System: The hidden block strengths add a layer of unpredictability and realism.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous systems and mechanics.
  • Combat Rules: Some players find the combat rules do not sufficiently penalize massed attacks or benefit defensive positions, which can be remedied with rules variants.
  • Length: The full campaign is time-consuming, lasting around 7-8 hours.

    Personal Thoughts on Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

    **Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and those interested in the strategic aspects of World War I. It offers a unique blend of historical accuracy, strategic depth, and innovative mechanics like the block system. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and time commitment. For those willing to invest the time, it provides a deeply engaging and educational gaming experience.

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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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