Clash of the Ardennes (2022) Board Game

Clash of the Ardennes is a two-player wargame set during World War II, specifically focusing on the Battle of the Bulge in in 2022. Designed by Elwin Klappe and Steve Woudenberg, this game challenges players to strategically outmaneuver their opponent in a fast-paced and intense gameplay experience.

Game Components of Clash of the Ardennes

Wooden tiles: Representing troops of various ranks and sizes, including Infantry, Tanks, Anti-Tank Mines, and a General.

Jigsaw frame: Depicting the Ardennes region of Belgium, which serves as the game board.

Objective Cards: Each player has a secret Objective Card that outlines their goals.

Action Points (APs): Used for deploying and manipulating troops.

How To Setup Clash of the Ardennes

To set up the game, players start by placing the jigsaw frame on the table, which represents the snowy and wooded terrain of the Ardennes. Each player receives a set of wooden tiles and a secret Objective Card. The objective cards define the specific goals, such as capturing and dominating certain “Streets” within the frame. Players then prepare their troops for deployment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Tile Placement: Players use action points (APs) to place units in any street within the frame.
– Place any unit in any street: 1 AP
– Move a rear unit to the front of the street: 2 APs
– Retreat a leading unit to the supply: 2 APs
– Retreat a blocked leading unit to the supply: 3 APs

Clashes: When units from both sides meet in the same street, a clash occurs, resolved in a Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock manner.

Special Units: Each player has four special unit tiles that can be powerful but can only have one on the battlefield at a time.

Game Objective:

Each player aims to achieve their secret objective by capturing and dominating specific “Streets” within the frame.

Player Experience

Clash of the Ardennes is a game of strategic cat-and-mouse, where players must outwit each other to achieve their objectives. The game is set in a hauntingly beautiful snowy Belgian forest, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Players must carefully manage their action points and the deployment of their troops to block their opponent’s advances while pursuing their own goals.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a deep strategic experience with the combination of tile placement and clash resolutions.

Immersive Theme: The wooden tiles and jigsaw frame create a visually appealing and thematic setup.

Quick Games: Games are relatively short, making it easy to fit multiple sessions into a single evening.

Simpleyet Complex Mechanics: The mechanics are easy to learn but challenging to master.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only 2 players.

Abstract Nature: While the theme is strong, the gameplay mechanics are somewhat abstract, which might not appeal to everyone.

Special Unit Limitation: The restriction on special units can sometimes feel limiting.

Personal Thoughts on Clash of the Ardennes

Clash of the Ardennes is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those who appreciate a good game of cat-and-mouse. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy games like Memoir ’44, Hive, and Santorini. The game’s thematic setting and beautiful wooden components make it a standout in any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with a larger player count or more straightforward mechanics.

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