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Beneath the Med: Regia Marina at Sea 1940-1943 (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Beneath the Med: Regia Marina at Sea 1940-1943 is a board game that focuses on the naval warfare in the Mediterranean during World War II. Players take on the role of either the Italian Regia Marina or the British Royal Navy, engaging in historical scenarios and missions from this pivotal time in history.

Game Components of Beneath the Med: Regia Marina at Sea 1940-1943

  • 10 Italian submarine classes** represented, including Acciaio, Adua, Cagni, Calvi, Foca, Glauco, Liuzzi, Marcello, Marconi, and Perla classes.
  • 9 different Patrol Assignments**, such as Atlantic, Brazilian Coast, Caribbean, Eastern, Central and Western Mediterranean, Singapore, Spanish Coast, and West African Coast.
  • 480 named shipping targets**, including freighters, tankers, and American ships, each uniquely identified with their historical counterparts.
  • Special Mission cards** for Commando Team Delivery, Supply Delivery, Human Torpedo attack, and Minelaying.
  • Submarine damage tracking** for flooding, hull, torpedo doors, periscope, fuel tanks, crew injury, engines, hydrophones, AA gun(s), deck gun, and batteries.
  • Crew Advancement and Commander Promotion** system, including Italian and German decorations.

    How To Setup Beneath the Med: Regia Marina at Sea 1940-1943

    Setting up the game involves selecting your submarine class and patrol assignment. You will need to organize the various game components, including the submarine status sheet, patrol assignment card, and the shipping target cards. The setup is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in the historical narrative of commanding an Italian submarine during WWII.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Command an Italian submarine: Players take command of one of the many Italian submarine classes from 1940 until the armistice in September 1943.
  • Complete patrols: Successfully complete patrols in various zones, adapting to the shifting war scenario.
  • Destroy Allied shipping: Mission objectives include destroying as much Allied shipping and capital ships as possible.
  • Survive: The game is challenging, with thick Allied air cover and problematic fire control systems of the Italian boats.
  • Special missions: Undertake missions such as mine-laying, commando delivery, and harbor penetration.
  • Combat encounters: Engage in combat with individual ships, convoys, enemy submarines, and aircraft.
  • Day and night engagements: Manage both daytime and nighttime operations.
  • Crew advancement: Advance your crew and earn promotions and decorations.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Beneath the Med** offers a brisk yet intensive gaming experience, forcing players to make numerous critical decisions. The game provides a highly immersive historical narrative, accurately profiling the major Italian submarine classes and their patrols during WWII. Players must navigate the challenges of surviving under heavy Allied air cover and managing the limitations of Italian submarines.

    Pros

  • High replayability: The game offers very high replayability due to the variety of submarine classes, patrol assignments, and random historical events.
  • Historical accuracy: The game is meticulously detailed, providing an authentic experience of commanding an Italian submarine during WWII.
  • Complex gameplay: Engaging mechanics that include submarine damage tracking, crew advancement, and special missions.
  • Solitaire and multi-player options: The game can be played solo or with multiple players using the tournament rules.

    Cons

  • Steep learning curve: The game’s complexity can make it challenging for new players to learn.
  • Time commitment: Each game session can last between two to three hours.
  • Limited accessibility: The game’s focus on historical accuracy and tactical depth may make it less appealing to casual gamers.

    Personal Thoughts on Beneath the Med: Regia Marina at Sea 1940-1943

    **Beneath the Med** is ideal for wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed, tactical-level gameplay. The game’s complexity and historical accuracy make it a great choice for those interested in the naval aspects of WWII, particularly the Italian submarine campaign. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted 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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