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El Alamein (2010) Board Game

ByMichail

El Alamein is a board game that was released in 2010, designed by Atsuo Yoshizawa. It is set during World War II and focuses on the famous Battle of El Alamein that took place in North Africa. The game allows players to take on the roles of commanders leading their forces in a strategic battle for victory.

Game Components of El Alamein

  • Supply cards**
  • Strategy cards**
  • Army cards**
  • Support cards**
  • Event cards**
  • City cards**
  • Victory cards**
  • Italian Infantry Regiment cards**
  • Motorized Transport cards**
  • Panzer Regiment cards**

    How To Setup El Alamein

    To set up the game, separate and place the Supply, Strategy, Army, Support, Event, City, and Victory cards into their own individual piles. The City cards should be sorted by their City number and placed in a pile with the smallest number on top. Each player starts with 6 Motorized Transport cards and 2 Italian Infantry Regiment cards, which are shuffled together to form their starting deck. Each player draws the top 4 cards of their deck to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure: Each player’s turn consists of four phases – Starting Phase, Tactics, Reinforcement, and Cleanup.
  • Combat Mechanics: Players attack cities by revealing Event cards equal to the city’s garrison value and resolving their effects. The player must match or exceed the city’s defense value to conquer it.
  • British Counterattack: If certain Event cards are revealed or if the El Alamein card is defeated, a British Counterattack occurs, where players must intercept the counterattacking forces.
  • Victory Points: Players gain Victory cards by conquering cities, and the game ends when Alexandria is conquered or no more Victory Point cards are available. The player with the most Victory Points wins.

    Player Experience

    Players immerse themselves in a fictional anime-styled World War II scenario, battling through Africa to conquer Alexandria. The game features scantily clad anime girls as characters, which may appeal to fans of anime and manga. The gameplay involves strategic deck building and tactical decision-making to overcome the British defenses and other players.

    Pros

  • Unique Artwork: The anime-styled characters add a distinctive and eye-catching element to the game.
  • Strategic Depth: The game offers complex deck-building and combat mechanics.
  • Compatibility: It can be played standalone or integrated with **Barbarossa** for a different experience.
  • Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable setup ensure high replayability.

    Cons

  • Niche Theme: The anime-style artwork and WW2 setting may not appeal to all players.
  • Complex Rules: The game has detailed rules, especially regarding combat and counterattacks, which can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Component Quality: Initial feedback mentioned that the card stock quality was not final during the Kickstarter phase.

    Personal Thoughts on El Alamein

    **El Alamein** is ideal for fans of deck-building games, anime, and World War II themes. It offers a rich and challenging experience, making it suitable for experienced gamers looking to expand their deck-building skills. However, the unique artwork and complex rules might limit its appeal to a broader audience. If you enjoyed **Barbarossa** or are looking for a game with a blend of strategy and anime flair, **El Alamein** is definitely worth checking out.

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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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