France ’40 (2013) Board Game

France ’40 is a board game that simulates the historical events of World War II, specifically focusing on the German invasion of France in in 2013. Players take on the roles of either the Axis (Germany) or the Allies (France and its allies) in a strategic battle for control over France.

Game Components of France ’40

Maps: Two separate full-size maps for the games “Sickle Cut” and “Dynamo”.

Game Pieces: Shared pieces for both games, including divisions, brigades, regiments, and battalions.

Rules: Common rules for both games with special rules for armor, air support, and morale.

Countersheets: Multiple countersheets with various units and markers.

Player Aid Cards: Includes setup cards, PACs, and other resources.

How To Setup France ’40

Setting up the game involves preparing the map specific to either “Sickle Cut” or “Dynamo,” placing the appropriate units and counters, and organizing the player aid cards and rules. Each game has its unique starting conditions and unit placements. For “Sickle Cut,” the game begins on May 13th, 1940, with the German army at the Meuse River, while “Dynamo” starts on May 24th, focusing on the British withdrawal to Dunkirk.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Scale: 1 day per turn.

Map Scale: 4 miles per hex.

Units: Divisions, brigades, regiments, and battalions.

Players: 2 players.

Objective:
– In “Sickle Cut,” the Germans aim to cross the Meuse River and advance across the map, while the Allies must defend and prevent a breakout.
– In “Dynamo,” the British must reach and hold the Dunkirk perimeter for eight days to facilitate evacuation, while the Germans try to cut off their retreat.

Player Experience

**France ’40** offers a deeply immersive experience, particularly for fans of historical wargames. The game is known for its engaging scenarios and the importance of strategic planning, especially in managing armor, air support, and morale. Players must balance resources and make timely decisions to achieve their objectives, which adds a high level of realism and tension.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously researched and accurate to the historical events it depicts.

Replayability: Two distinct scenarios with updated rules and new units enhance replay value.

Strategic Depth: Complex game mechanics requiring careful planning and execution.

Cons

Complexity: The game’s rules and setup can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Commitment: Games can take up to 240 minutes to complete.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires a significant amount of time to learn and master the game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on France ’40

**France ’40** is ideal for experienced wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay. The game’s focus on the pivotal moments of the Battle of France makes it a compelling choice for those interested in World War II history. However, due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game players.

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