All Bridges Burning is a board game that simulates the Finnish Civil War of
The game is set during a time of political turmoil in Finland, with the Reds (socialist revolutionaries) and the Whites (conservative government forces) battling for control. Players take on the roles of different factions and must navigate through the chaos of war to achieve their objectives.Game Components of All Bridges Burning: Red Revolt and White Guard in Finland, 1917-1918
Game Board: Depicts Finland with rail lines, towns, and key geographical features.Faction Cards: Asymmetric action menus for the Reds, White Senate, and Moderates.Event Cards: Historical events that influence gameplay, such as the November Revolution in Russia and the Declaration of Finnish Independence.Cubes and Tokens: Representing military units, political influence, and other game elements.Non-Player Cards: For solitaire and two-player modes, introducing randomness and unpredictability.Political Display: A semicircle representing the nation’s policy initiatives with boxes for Reds, Whites, and historical issues.Armored Trains, Cannons, and Artillery Pieces: Representing military capabilities of the White Senate faction.
How To Setup All Bridges Burning: Red Revolt and White Guard in Finland, 1917-1918
Setup involves placing the game board, distributing faction cards, setting up the Political Display, and initializing the non-player powers of Germany and Russia. Each faction has specific starting conditions and resources. The game components are designed to be compact and easy to manage, ensuring a smooth start to the game.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Asymmetric Factions: Reds aim to stage a working-class revolt and maintain control; White Senate forces seek to reassert control; Moderates fight for parliamentary democracy and political reform.Action Menus: Each faction has unique commands and special activities, such as the Reds solidifying civilian administration and the Whites enhancing military performance.Non-Player Powers: Germany and Russia provide military assistance, affecting gameplay dynamics.Political Engagement: Factions use Politics and Terror, as well as events, to influence the Political Display.Objective: All three factions must balance their goals with maintaining national sentiment conciliatory enough for a post-conflict settlement and national independence.
Player Experience
Playing **All Bridges Burning** is an immersive experience that combines deep historical context with engaging mechanics. The game is designed for three players, though it also includes solitaire and two-player variants. The asymmetric nature of the factions creates unique challenges and interactions, making each playthrough distinct. The inclusion of non-player cards adds a layer of unpredictability, simulating the fluid nature of historical events.
Pros
Historical Depth: The game provides extensive historical design notes and accurately recreates the Finnish Civil War period.Asymmetric Gameplay: Each faction has distinct objectives and playstyles, enhancing replayability.Dynamic Mechanics: The combination of action menus, event cards, and non-player powers ensures a dynamic and unpredictable experience.Solitaire Mode: The card-based bot system offers a challenging and varied solitaire experience.
Cons
Complexity: As with many games in the COIN Series, the rules and mechanics can be complex and overwhelming for new players.Learning Curve: The unique setup and gameplay mechanics require significant time to learn and master.Component Management: Managing the various cubes, tokens, and cards can be cumbersome.
Personal Thoughts on All Bridges Burning: Red Revolt and White Guard in Finland, 1917-1918
**All Bridges Burning** is ideal for fans of the COIN Series and those interested in historical wargames. It offers a unique blend of political and military strategy, making it a compelling choice for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and historically rich experience. The game’s design caters well to both veteran players of the series and new entrants, though the complexity may deter casual gamers. Overall, it is a brilliant addition to the COIN Series, offering a fresh and engaging take on the Finnish Civil War.
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