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Devil’s Den (1980) Board Game

ByMichail

Devil’s Den is a board game released in 1980 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It is a wargame set during the American Civil War, focusing on the Battle of Gettysburg. The game was designed by David G. Martin and Leonard Millman, with artwork done by Larry Catalano, Charles Kibler, and George I. Parrish, Jr.

Game Components of Devil’s Den

  • 22″ x 34″ paper hex grid map of the ground between Little Round Top and Big Round Top, scaled at 30 yards per hex.
  • 400 die-cut counters.
  • Rule book.
  • Study folder.
  • Player aid charts.
  • Two 6-sided dice.

    How To Setup Devil’s Den

    Setting up Devil’s Den involves unpacking and organizing the various components. Start by laying out the hex grid map, which represents the terrain between Little Round Top and Big Round Top. Next, sort and place the 400 die-cut counters according to the scenario being played. Each scenario has specific setup instructions detailed in the rule book and study folder. Ensure the player aid charts are within easy reach, and have the two 6-sided dice ready for gameplay.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category:** American Civil War Wargame.
  • Mechanics:** Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Simulation.
  • Objective:** Players take on the roles of Confederate and Union forces, aiming to control the strategic Devil’s Den terrain feature. The game includes several scenarios, including the Confederate assault on Little Round Top.

    Player Experience

    Devil’s Den offers a detailed and immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts. The game is designed for 2 players and can take up to 360 minutes to complete, reflecting the complexity and depth of the historical battle. Players must strategically maneuver their units, manage resources, and make tactical decisions to achieve victory.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** The game is meticulously designed to simulate the actual battles of the American Civil War.
  • Depth and Complexity:** Ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy detailed wargames with multiple scenarios.
  • Replayability:** Several scenarios and detailed rules offer high replay value.

    Cons

  • Lengthy Gameplay:** The game can be quite long, taking up to 360 minutes to complete.
  • Complexity:** The game’s rules and setup can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Slow Pace:** The game’s pace is slower compared to other wargames due to the number of counters and markers in play.

    Personal Thoughts on Devil’s Den

    Devil’s Den is a game tailored for serious wargame enthusiasts and history buffs. It requires a significant investment of time and effort to understand and play, but it rewards players with a deeply immersive and historically accurate experience. If you’re looking for a game that captures the intricacies of the American Civil War and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, Devil’s Den is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay.

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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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