Advanced Third Reich is a classic wargame set during World War II and was first released in in 1992. Designed by Charles Kibler and published by The Avalon Hill Game Co, it is a simulation-style game that allows players to recreate historical events and battles from the war.
Game Components of Advanced Third Reich
Maps: Hex-based maps representing the European Theater of Operations.Unit Counters: Military units, including ground, air, and naval forces.Resource Points: Represented by BRPs (Basic Resource Points), which are crucial for economic and military activities.Country Cards: Used for various events and strategies.Table Cards: For tracking and resolving different game mechanics.Rulebook: Extensive, with over a hundred pages of detailed rules and scenarios.
How To Setup Advanced Third Reich
Setting up Advanced Third Reich involves several steps:
Lay out the hex-based maps of the European Theater.Distribute unit counters according to the scenario’s order of battle.Allocate BRPs and other resources based on the country’s economic production.Shuffle and deal Country Cards to the respective players.Place Table Cards and other tracking mechanisms on the board.
The setup is intricate and requires careful attention to the initial disposition of forces and resources.Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Resource Management: Players manage BRPs to produce units, conduct research, and engage in economic activities.Diplomatic Interactions: Reasonable diplomatic model allowing for alliances and negotiations.Military Actions: Hex-based movement and combat, including naval and air operations.Convoy and Raider Mechanics: Management of convoys and U-boat raids to disrupt enemy supply lines.Strategic Bombing: Strategic bombers can attack enemy resources and industrial areas.Game Objective: The Axis must achieve specific victory conditions, while the Allies aim to prevent these and ultimately defeat the Axis powers.
Player Experience
Advanced Third Reich is known for its complexity and depth, making it a favorite among hardcore wargame enthusiasts. The game demands meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and a strong grasp of the intricate rules. Players appreciate the detailed modeling of historical aspects, such as convoy operations and strategic bombing, which adds to the game’s realism.
Pros
Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex strategic experience.Historical Accuracy: Faithful recreation of World War II scenarios and mechanics.Resource Management: Engaging economic and resource management system.Diplomatic Model: Reasonable diplomatic interactions add a layer of realism.Active Community: Still popular among email players and has a dedicated fan base.
Cons
Complex Rules: The rulebook is over a hundred pages long, which can be daunting.Setup Time: The game requires a significant amount of time to set up.Learning Curve: Steep learning curve due to the complexity of the game mechanics.Hasbro’s Computer Version: The computer adaptation by Hasbro was criticized for bugs and poor AI.
Personal Thoughts on Advanced Third Reich
Advanced Third Reich is tailored for experienced wargamers and strategy enthusiasts who enjoy deep, complex games. It is not a game for casual players due to its intricate rules and lengthy setup. However, for those who immerse themselves in the game, it offers a highly rewarding and realistic World War II strategy experience. If you’re looking for a challenging and historically accurate wargame, Advanced Third Reich is an excellent choice.
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