Axis & Allies: WWI 1914 (2013) Board Game

Axis & Allies: WWI 1914 is a board game that was released in in 2013. It is a wargame set during World War I, allowing players to take on the roles of the major powers involved in the conflict. The game features a detailed map of Europe and the Middle East, along with plastic miniatures representing infantry, artillery, tanks, and more.

Game Components of Axis & Allies: WWI 1914

Game Boards: 2 boards for an extensive play area.

National Storage Boxes: 8 boxes for each major power.

General Storage Box: For miscellaneous components.

Battle Board: For resolving battles.

Rulebook: Updated with official errata.

Dice: 36 dice for resolving combat and other actions.

National Control Markers: 120 markers (15 for each power).

Chips: 190 chips for tracking resources and units.

Plastic Miniatures: Over 400 miniatures, including infantry, artillery, tanks, fighters, battleships, cruisers, submarines, and transports.

How To Setup Axis & Allies: WWI 1914

Setting up the game involves placing the boards, distributing the initial units and control markers according to the setup chart in the rulebook, and ensuring each player has the correct amount of IPCs (Industrial Production Credits). Players divide the major powers among themselves, with recommendations for specific distributions depending on the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-8 players.

Playing Time: 4-6 hours.

Game Category: Strategy, Board Wargame.

Unit Types: Infantry, Artillery, Tanks, Fighters, Battleships, Cruisers, Submarines, Transports.

Combat Mechanics: Single round of dice rolling, with combined arms and air superiority affecting attack and defense values.

Territory Control: Gain territories to increase IPCs, which fund new units and movements.

Victory Conditions: Central Powers win by capturing two Allied capitals (including London or Paris), while Allies win by capturing Berlin and one other Central Powers capital.

United States Neutrality: The U.S. enters the war at the beginning of round 4 unless attacked earlier.

Russian Revolution: Optional rule where Russia can be removed from the game under certain conditions.

Player Experience

Playing **Axis & Allies: WWI 1914** is a deeply strategic experience that captures the essence of World War I’s trench warfare and industrial-scale conflict. Players must manage resources, coordinate attacks, and maintain a delicate balance of power. The game is known for its complex yet streamlined gameplay, with each battle involving only one round of dice rolling, reflecting the stagnant nature of WWI battles.

Pros

Historical Context: Set in the WWI era, adding a unique historical twist to the Axis & Allies series.

Strategic Depth: Complex strategy involving combined arms, air superiority, and resource management.

Visual Appeal: Over 400 plastic miniatures and a large, detailed board enhance the gaming experience.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player interactions ensure high replayability.

Cons

Lengthy Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming and intricate.

Complex Rules: New players may find the rules and setup challenging to learn.

Component Issues: Some players have noted issues with the number of infantry and chips available at the start of the game.

Glare on Board: Reflections on the board can cause confusion with chip colors.

Personal Thoughts on Axis & Allies: WWI 1914

**Axis & Allies: WWI 1914** is tailored for fans of historical strategy games and those who enjoy the Axis & Allies series. It is ideal for players who appreciate complex gameplay, strategic planning, and a bit of historical context. While it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity, it is a must-have for veterans of the series and anyone looking to dive into a detailed and engaging World War I strategy game. The updated Renegade Limited Edition addresses some of the initial issues, making it a solid choice for both new and experienced players.

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