Desert War (1989) Board Game

Desert War is a two-player wargame that was released in in 1989. It is set during World War II and focuses on the North African campaign between the Axis and Allied forces. The game is designed by Jeff Holt, Charles Kibler, and Dale Scheaffer, with artwork by The Avalon Hill Game Co and Wizards of the Coast.

Game Components of Desert War

Game Board: Represents the desert terrain, likely with hexagonal grids for tactical movement.

Counters: Used to represent various military units and resources.

Rulebook: Detailed rules for setup, movement, and combat.

Dice: For resolving combat and determining initiative.

How To Setup Desert War

Setting up **Desert War** involves placing the game board, distributing the counters according to the scenario rules, and each player preparing their military units. The setup is crucial as it sets the stage for the operational strategies that will unfold during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Players take turns in phases, with each phase involving movement, combat, and resolving actions.

Initiative: Determined by dice rolls, which affects the order of unit movements and actions.

Combat Resolution: Involves calculating attack and defense ratios, modified by terrain and supporting units, and resolving with dice rolls.

Game Objective: The objective is to achieve specific victory conditions, typically involving the control of key territories or the elimination of enemy units.

Player Experience

Playing **Desert War** immerses players in a strategic and tactical environment, requiring careful planning and execution. The game demands attention to detail in unit placement, resource management, and adaptability to changing circumstances on the battlefield. It is a game that appeals to those who enjoy complex, operational-level wargaming.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Historical Context: Provides a realistic portrayal of desert warfare, making it appealing to history buffs and wargamers.

Replayability: Different scenarios and variable setups ensure high replayability.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s rules and mechanics can be daunting for new players.

Time-Consuming: Games can be lengthy, requiring several hours to complete.

Complex Setup: The setup process can be intricate and time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Desert War

**Desert War** is ideal for experienced wargamers who appreciate detailed, operational-level combat simulations. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and the time commitment required. For those who enjoy deep strategy and historical accuracy, **Desert War** offers a rewarding and challenging experience. However, it may not be the best introduction to wargaming for new players.

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