General Orders: World War II (2023) Board Game

General Orders: World War II is a board game that takes players back to the tumultuous times of World War II. Designed by Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson, the game is set to be released in 2023 by Osprey Games. With a focus on historical accuracy and strategic gameplay, General Orders: World War II immerses players in the challenges and decisions faced by military commanders during this pivotal period in history.

Game Components of General Orders: World War II

Hexagonal commander tokens

Wooden troop tokens

Operations Deck cards

Double-sided main game board

Separate action board

Bonus tiles

Rulebook

Defense dice

How To Setup General Orders: World War II

Setting up *General Orders: World War II* involves placing the main board and the action board. Players receive their commander tokens and troop tokens. Bonus tiles are distributed along the middle parallel of the board, providing small bonuses to the players controlling those spaces. Each player starts with a set of operations cards and establishes their headquarters on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players take turns placing their commander tokens on action spaces on the board to perform various actions.

Action Selection: Actions include firing artillery, advancing units, adding reinforcements, and drawing operations cards.

Supply Lines: Troops must have an unbroken line of controlled regions back to their HQ to move.

Combat Resolution: Combat is triggered when both sides have units in the same space, resolved by rolling dice and removing tokens.

Operations Cards: Cards modify available actions, providing offensive or defensive bonuses.

Game Objective: The game ends when one player captures the opponent’s HQ or after four rounds, with victory going to the player controlling the most valuable territories.

Player Experience

Playing *General Orders: World War II* is a tightly wound experience where every decision counts. The game is divided into four rounds, each allowing players to take only four actions. This constraint makes each placement crucial, as players must balance advancing troops, reinforcing positions, and drawing cards to gain advantages. The game’s design ensures that it ends at an exciting climax, often with one player making a decisive move in the final round.

Pros

Tight Game Design: The game ends at exactly the right moment, avoiding drawn-out gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

Portability: The game comes in a compact box, making it easy to take anywhere.

Variety: The double-sided board and operations cards provide a high replay value.

Cons

Limited Actions: Players have only four actions per round, which can feel restrictive.

Luck Factor: While manageable, dice rolls and card draws can introduce elements of luck.

Initial Learning Curve: Understanding the importance of supply lines and action timing can take a few plays.

Personal Thoughts on General Orders: World War II

*General Orders: World War II* is ideal for fans of worker-placement games and light wargames, particularly those looking for a two-player experience. It’s a great choice for players who enjoy strategic gameplay condensed into a short, intense session. The game’s compact size and easy-to-learn rules make it an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate the blend of tactical decisions and strategic planning.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.