Balance of Powers (2015) Board Game

Balance of Powers is a board game designed by Mark Mahaffey and released in in 2015. It is a wargame set during World War I, where players take on the roles of various countries and fight for dominance on the battlefield.

Game Components of Balance of Powers

Maps: Three large maps (North Europe, South Europe, and Ottoman) and a small map, along with a Sea Chart.

Counters: Approximately 900 counters, including units, markers, and resource points.

Rulebook: A 64-page rulebook that includes rules and scenarios.

Player Aids: Two player aid cards, a General Records Track, and dice.

Other Components: Box and lid set, and various markers for ruins, rail control, and more.

How To Setup Balance of Powers

Setting up Balance of Powers involves several steps. First, players need to organize the maps, ensuring they are aligned correctly to depict the entire European and Ottoman theaters. Next, the counters are sorted and placed according to their respective starting positions as outlined in the scenario being played. The rulebook provides detailed setup instructions for each scenario, which range from single-season games to the four-year grand campaign. Players also need to set up the resource tracks and other player aids to keep track of progress throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Diplomacy System: A haggle-based diplomacy mechanism allows players to engage in land-swap politics or use a simpler neutral entry system with random elements.

Economic System: Industrial production is simplified to avoid excessive math while still reflecting the cost of losses.

Combat Mechanics: Land combat involves mobile stacks and trench warfare with counter-attack mechanisms. Air and naval combat use a roll-to-hit system.

Resource Management: Players manage Resource Points (RP) and Africa Points (AP), which can be reduced by various factors like air raids, submarine warfare, and demoralization.

Objective: Victory is determined by control of terrain or accumulated demoralization of the opposing forces.

Player Experience

Playing Balance of Powers is an immersive experience that recreates the complexities and dilemmas of World War I. The game starts with grand sweeping offensives but eventually evolves into a war of attrition as units entrench. The inclusion of a Sea Chart allows for global naval operations, and the air combat system simulates historical dogfights and battles. The game is highly replayable due to its innovative July Crisis mechanism, which allows for different starting scenarios each time the game is played.

Pros

High Replayability: The game offers multiple scenarios and a dynamic start mechanism, ensuring each playthrough is unique.

Detailed Mechanics: It includes comprehensive systems for diplomacy, economics, land, air, and naval combat.

Historical Depth: It covers aspects of World War I often overlooked, such as global naval operations and non-European theaters.

Cons

Complex Rulebook: The 64-page rulebook can be challenging to navigate, although it is considered manageable with effort.

Long Playing Time: The game can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours to complete, depending on the scenario.

Component Maintenance: The counters can become puckered over time, and some markers may be hard to read.

Personal Thoughts on Balance of Powers

Balance of Powers is ideal for dedicated wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed and complex gameplay. Despite its moderately difficult rulebook, the game offers a rich and engaging experience that faithfully recreates the strategic and tactical challenges of World War I. It is best suited for players who enjoy deep strategic thinking and are willing to invest time in learning the game mechanics. For those who persevere, Balance of Powers provides a highly rewarding and immersive gaming experience.

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