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Breakout & Pursuit: The Battle for France, 1944 (1972) Board Game

ByMichail

Breakout & Pursuit: The Battle for France, 1944 is a wargame that was released in in 1972. Designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and featuring artwork by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.), the game focuses on the battles that took place during World War II in France in 1944. Players take on the roles of military commanders, making strategic decisions to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.

Game Components of Breakout & Pursuit: The Battle for France, 1944

  • 255 counters** representing divisions, brigades, and battlegroups for both Allied and German forces.
  • Accordion-fold game rules** with clear instructions and minimal errata.
  • Turn Record/Reinforcement Track and Scenario Instruction Sheet**.
  • Historical Setup Sheets** for both Allies and Germans.
  • Alternative scenarios** including eight hypothetical scenarios for varied gameplay.

    How To Setup Breakout & Pursuit: The Battle for France, 1944

    Setting up the game involves placing starting units according to the Historical Setup Sheets provided. The game includes two main scenarios: “Breakout” and “Pursuit,” which can be combined into a 16-turn campaign game. The Breakout scenario focuses on the Allied attempt to breach German defenses near St. Lo, while the Pursuit scenario involves the German player delaying the Allied advance across France. Initial placement is crucial, and the setup for the Breakout scenario is particularly recommended for new players due to its relative simplicity and short duration of nine game turns.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Two-player game: One player controls the German forces, and the other controls the Allied forces.
  • Movement and Combat System: Derived from SPI’s *Kursk: Operation Zitadelle*, the game features phases of movement, combat, and additional armored unit movement.
  • Logistical Focus: Emphasis on supply issues, with units having different supply states (supplied, unsupplied) that affect their strength and movement.
  • Victory Points: Awarded for destroying enemy units, capturing key cities, and for Germans, when Allies initiate air drop cycles. The game ends when supplied Allied units breach the Rhine River.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Breakout & Pursuit** can be a complex and challenging experience, particularly due to the dense unit placement in the Normandy area and the critical logistical management required. The game requires strategic thinking and careful planning, especially for the Allied player who must manage supply chains effectively to maintain the offensive. Despite its challenges, the game offers a realistic and engaging simulation of the historical events.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: The game closely simulates the historical breakout and pursuit phases of the campaign.
  • Variety in Scenarios: Includes multiple historical and hypothetical scenarios, allowing for varied gameplay experiences.
  • Realistic Mechanics: Incorporates realistic logistical challenges and supply management, making the game feel immersive and strategic.

    Cons

  • Unit Density: The Normandy area can be very crowded with units, making it physically challenging to manage.
  • Balance Issues: Some reviewers found the game to be unbalanced in favor of the Allies, which can make the game less engaging for the German player.
  • Complex Setup: Initial setup, especially for the Breakout scenario, can be intricate and time-consuming.

    Personal Thoughts on Breakout & Pursuit: The Battle for France, 1944

    **Breakout & Pursuit** is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in the specifics of World War II military campaigns. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who enjoy complex strategy and logistical challenges. However, due to its complexity and potential balance issues, it may not be the best introduction for new players to the world of wargaming. Despite these considerations, the game offers a rich and engaging experience for those who appreciate detailed historical simulations and strategic gameplay.

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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

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