Combat Commander: Europe is a wargame that was designed by Chad Jensen and published by GMT Games in in 2006. It is set during World War II and allows players to take on the roles of various military commanders as they strategize and battle it out on the hexagon grid.
Game Components of Combat Commander: Europe
Maps: 12 historical maps with a 10×15 hexgrid, each hex representing approximately 100 feet (30 meters) of distance.Units: Represented as single Leaders, 5-man Teams, or 10-man Squads. Radios and larger weapons are depicted with their own counters.Fate Cards: Each nation has its own deck of Fate cards, which include Orders, Actions, and Events. These cards drive the gameplay and introduce elements of chaos and uncertainty.Objective Chits: Used to measure victory conditions, such as occupying objectives, destroying enemy units, and exiting friendly units off the opponent’s board edge.
How To Setup Combat Commander: Europe
Setting up Combat Commander: Europe involves preparing the mapboard, distributing units according to the scenario, and shuffling the Fate card decks. Players choose their sides, with one playing as the Axis (Germany) and the other as the Allies (America or Russia). The game includes detailed setup instructions, and each scenario has specific rules for unit placement and objectives.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Card-Driven Mechanics: Players use Fate cards to activate units, execute orders, and perform actions. Each card can represent various military functions such as Fire, Move, Advance, Recover, Rout, and Artillery.Variable Phase Order: The game is divided into measures of Game Time, each consisting of a variable number of Player Turns. There is no strict sequence of play.Events and Actions: Random Events and player-initiated Actions can occur at any time, adding unpredictability to the game.Game Objective: Players aim to achieve victory by occupying objectives, destroying enemy units, and exiting friendly units off the opponent’s board edge.
Player Experience
Playing Combat Commander: Europe is a deeply immersive experience that simulates the chaos and uncertainty of battlefield combat. The game’s card-driven mechanics create a fog of war, where players must adapt to random Events and the cards in their hand. This dynamic system rewards strategic thinking and adaptability, making each game unique and engaging.
Pros
High Replayability: The game includes a random scenario generator, offering almost unlimited variations in map configurations, combat situations, and force structures.Immersive Experience: The combination of card-driven mechanics and random Events creates a dramatic and cinematic gameplay experience.Detailed Simulation: Units, weapons, and terrain are meticulously represented, providing a realistic simulation of infantry combat.Expansions and Additional Content: Numerous expansions and additional scenarios are available, adding more depth and variety to the game.
Cons
Long Playtime: Games can last between 60 to 180 minutes, requiring a significant time commitment.Complexity: While the rules are clear, the game’s mechanisms can be complex and overwhelming for new players.Limited Realism in Certain Aspects: Some players may find the command and control mechanics and the modeling of morale and suppression to be less realistic compared to other wargames.
Personal Thoughts on Combat Commander: Europe
Combat Commander: Europe is ideal for those who enjoy tactical wargames and are looking for a game that combines strategy with unpredictability. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the historical context of World War II and the intricacies of infantry combat. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick or highly realistic simulation of all battlefield aspects, it offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that remains relevant even years after its release.
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