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Africa Orientale (1989) Board Game

ByMichail

Africa Orientale is a wargame set during World War II, specifically focusing on the East African campaign between the British Empire and Italy. Released in 1989, the game was designed by Leslie Freeland and Larry Hoffman, with artwork by 3W (World Wide Wargames). It is a two-player game that is best played with two players, and has a runtime of around 120 minutes. The game falls under the wargame category and features dice rolling, hexagon grid, and simulation mechanics.

Game Components of Africa Orientale

  • Map:** A 34” x 22” map of the East African Theater of Operations
  • Counters:** 280 die-cut counters representing Ethiopian, Italian, and British forces
  • Rule/Scenario Booklet:** Includes rules and scenarios for the campaign
  • Player Aids & Ledgers:** Various aids for tracking game progress
  • Storage Bags:** Ziplock bags for counter storage

    How To Setup Africa Orientale

    To set up Africa Orientale, players must first lay out the map, which represents the Horn of Africa. Each player then deploys their forces according to the scenario being played, using the counters provided. The rule booklet guides the setup process, ensuring that all units are placed correctly and that the initial conditions of the campaign are accurately represented.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Map Movement:** Units move on a hexagonal grid, simulating the terrain and operational capabilities of the forces involved.
  • Combat Resolution:** Combat is resolved through rules that account for factors such as troop quality, terrain, and air support.
  • Supply and Logistics:** Players must manage supply lines and logistical support for their units.
  • Game Objective:** The objective is to control key regions and defeat the opposing forces, with the Italian forces aiming to maintain their East African territories and the British forces seeking to capture these territories.

    Player Experience

    Playing Africa Orientale can be a deeply immersive experience for those interested in World War II history and wargaming. The game requires careful strategic planning, as players must balance resource management with tactical decisions. The inclusion of detailed rules and scenarios ensures a high level of historical accuracy, making it appealing to history buffs and serious gamers.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** The game is praised for its detailed historical context and accuracy.
  • Deep Strategy:** It offers complex and challenging gameplay, appealing to experienced wargamers.
  • Comprehensive Components:** The game includes a large number of counters and detailed maps, enhancing the gaming experience.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game can be very complex, which may deter new players.
  • Setup Time:** Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the detailed nature of the components and rules.
  • Space Requirements:** The large map and numerous counters require a significant amount of space to set up and play.

    Personal Thoughts on Africa Orientale

    Africa Orientale is best suited for experienced wargamers who have a strong interest in World War II history, particularly the East African campaign. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and the time required to set up and play. However, for those who enjoy deep strategic games and are willing to invest the time, Africa Orientale offers a rich and rewarding 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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