World in Flames (1985) – Board Game Guys

World in Flames

World in Flames is a board wargame designed by Harry Rowland and released in 1985 by the Australian Design Group. It is currently in its 8th edition, with each new edition featuring changes to the rules, maps, and counters provided with the game. The game is a complex simulation of World War II, from the outbreak of the conflict in 1939 through to its end in 1945. Players each control the major nations involved, managing both the military tactics of their troops across the globe and the background production, diplomacy, and political maneuvers of their homeland.

Why is World in Flames Popular?

World in Flames is a significant game because of its complexity and scope. It is a grand strategy game that allows players to make strategic decisions that decide the fate of nations. The game is also popular because of its historical accuracy and attention to detail. It covers both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations during World War II, and simulates each branch of service in detail.

Game Components of World in Flames

Maps: 5 hard-mounted maps, including four main maps (850mm x 574mm) and three mini-maps (420mm x 297mm), totaling 2.3279 square meters.

Counters: 4900 counters, representing various military units, resources, and other game elements.

Rule Books: 2 full-color rule books, 192 pages of rules, 22 campaigns, and players’ & designer’s notes.

Additional Components: Hard-mounted turn record chart, production circle, and task-force display.

How To Setup World in Flames

Setting up **World in Flames** is an intricate process due to its extensive components. It typically takes between 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the campaign and the players’ familiarity with the game. Players need to lay out the maps, organize the counters, and read through the relevant rules and scenarios before starting the game. The setup involves placing units on the map, setting up the economic and production systems, and determining the initial diplomatic and military positions of the major powers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Combat Types: Land, air, and naval combat, with rules that allow these different types to influence each other.

Resource Management: Players must manage their economy, production, and unit deployment to support their military efforts.

Diplomacy: Negotiations and alliances between major powers are crucial, allowing players to coordinate strategies and resources.

Fog of War: Naval units can be hidden on the Task Force display, adding an element of uncertainty to naval combat.

Objective: The ultimate goal is to guide your nation through the Second World War, managing all aspects of the conflict to emerge victorious.

Player Experience

Playing **World in Flames** is a deeply immersive experience that requires significant time and strategic thinking. Games can last anywhere from 20 to 180 hours, depending on the campaign and complexity of the rules used. Players must balance short-term needs with long-term strategies, making decisions on unit production, diplomacy, and combat tactics. The game demands a high level of engagement and planning, making it a true hobby in a box.

Pros

Detailed Historical Simulation: Offers an extremely detailed and accurate simulation of World War II on a global scale.

Deep Strategy: Requires complex strategic thinking and planning.

High Replayability: With numerous scenarios and the ability to make different choices each game, it offers unlimited fun and replayability.

Community Engagement: Developed with input from tens of thousands of gamers, fostering a strong community around the game.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rules are extensive and can be overwhelming for new players.

Time-Consuming: Setup and gameplay can take a significant amount of time.

Expensive: The game, especially the Collector’s Edition, is quite costly.

Personal Thoughts on World in Flames

**World in Flames** is for serious strategy game enthusiasts who are passionate about World War II and are willing to invest the time and effort required to master the game. It is not a casual game but rather a commitment to a rich and complex gaming experience. If you are a fan of grand strategy and have the patience to delve into its intricate mechanics, **World in Flames** is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and challenging games available.

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