Afrika Korps: The Desert War – Platoon Level Combat in World War II: A Panzer Grenadier Game (2002) Board Game

Afrika Korps: The Desert War is a wargame that simulates platoon-level combat during World War II in North Africa. Players take on the roles of the British 8th Army or the German Afrika Korps, fighting for control of strategic locations in the harsh desert environment. The game was released in 2002 and is designed by Peggy Gordon and Terry Moore Strickland, with artwork by Avalanche Press Ltd.

Game Components of Afrika Korps: The Desert War – Platoon Level Combat in World War II: A Panzer Grenadier Game

Hexagon grid map depicting the desert terrain

Unit counters representing infantry, tanks, and artillery

Dice for resolving combat and other actions

Rulebook with detailed instructions and historical background

How To Setup Afrika Korps: The Desert War – Platoon Level Combat in World War II: A Panzer Grenadier Game

Place the hexagon grid map on the playing surface.

Each player selects their faction (British or German) and places their units on the map.

Randomly determine the starting player.

Follow the setup instructions for any scenario being played.

Begin the game by taking turns moving and attacking with your units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The gameplay of Afrika Korps revolves around tactical movement, combat, and capturing key objectives. Players must strategically deploy their units, use terrain to their advantage, and make calculated decisions to outmaneuver their opponent. The objective is to secure victory points by controlling key locations on the map or eliminating enemy units.

Player Experience

Pros:

Historical accuracy and detailed rules for World War II combat

Strategic depth and replayability with different scenarios

Hexagon grid map provides a unique tactical challenge

Secret unit deployment adds an element of surprise and deception

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Rules can be complex and overwhelming

Limited player interaction outside of combat

Lack of variability in unit abilities and strategies

Personal Thoughts on Afrika Korps: The Desert War – Platoon Level Combat in World War II: A Panzer Grenadier Game

Afrika Korps: The Desert War offers a deep dive into the tactical challenges faced by the British and German forces in the North African campaign. The attention to historical detail and the strategic depth of the game make it a compelling choice for wargame enthusiasts. However, the complexity of the rules may be off-putting for casual gamers or those new to the genre. Overall, Afrika Korps is a solid choice for players looking for a challenging and immersive World War II wargaming experience.

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