Box cover for the "Axis & Allies" board game depicting various military figures, planes, tanks, and ships from World War II, with a strategic map in the background, under the GameMaster Series logo and game information for 2-5 players, ages 12 to adult.
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Axis & Allies (1981)

ByMichail

Axis & Allies

Axis & Allies is a series of World War II strategy board games that simulate the war. The game was designed by Larry Harris in the late 1970s and was initially published in 1981 under the company name of Nova Game Designs. The game was republished by the Milton Bradley Company in 1984 as part of the Gamemaster Series of board games. The game has since been published in many versions, with the latest being Axis & Allies & Zombies, released in 2018.

Why is Axis & Allies Popular?

Axis & Allies is popular because it is a classic strategy board game that simulates World War II. The game is significant because it is one of the most popular and enduring war board games ever created. It has been enjoyed by generations of board game players and has inspired many other games.

Game Components of Axis & Allies

  • Game Board: A global map set in the spring of 1942, wrapping around from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.
  • Player Pieces: Various military units, including infantry, tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels.
  • Industrial Production Certificates (IPCs): In-game currency representing a million hours of labor.
  • Dice: Six dice for resolving combat.
  • National Production and Weapons Development Boards**.
  • Attack and Defend Boards**.
  • Setup Charts**.

    How To Setup Axis & Allies

    Setting up the game involves placing the board, distributing player pieces according to the initial setup charts, and allocating IPCs. Each player starts with their respective territories and units. The game begins with the Axis powers (Germany and Japan) and then alternates between the Allies (United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union).

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Resource Management: Players use IPCs to buy or improve units, conduct research, and repair structures.
  • Combat: Resolved using dice rolls, where the number rolled must be less than or equal to the defense rating to score a hit.
  • Movement: Players declare moves that result in combat and non-combat movements.
  • Game Objective: Control enough land to achieve an economic or military victory, ensuring your capital is not captured and your side achieves the desired victory conditions.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Axis & Allies** is a strategic marathon, not a sprint. Games can last anywhere from three to four hours, engaging players in a complex web of resource management, unit deployments, and tactical battles. The game demands careful planning and execution, making it appealing to history enthusiasts and strategy aficionados.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Offers complex gameplay with many layers of strategy.
  • Historical Context: Immerses players in the geopolitical landscape of WWII.
  • Replayability: High replay value due to the various strategies and outcomes.
  • Community: Active player community with numerous forums and resources.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve: Can be intimidating for new players due to the extensive rules.
  • Game Length: Games are long, requiring a significant time commitment.
  • Complexity: Numerous rules and exceptions can make the game cumbersome to learn and play.

    Personal Thoughts on Axis & Allies

    **Axis & Allies** is perfect for those who intersect at the crossroads of history and board gaming. If you enjoy war games, strategic planning, and delving into the intricacies of WWII, this game is a must-play. However, for those who prefer quicker, simpler games, **Axis & Allies** might be too complex and time-consuming. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to engage in a rich, strategic experience that simulates the grand scale of World War II.

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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