FAB: The Bulge (2008) Board Game

FAB: The Bulge is a wargame that focuses on the Battle of the Bulge, which was a major German offensive campaign launched through the Ardennes region during World War II. The game allows players to take on the roles of either the Axis or Allied forces and strategically plan their moves to outwit their opponent.

Game Components of FAB: The Bulge

75 Wooden blocks with die-cut labels

228 die-cut 9/16″ counters

Full color “Getting Started” card

22×34″ Deluxe Cardboard Map

Rules booklet

Play booklet

2 Player Aid Cards

Four 10-sided dice

FAB Series Rules

Bulge Playbook

FAQ

eBook versions of Series Rules

Final Game Map

FAB Study #1 and #2 PDFs

Sample Unit Blocks

Cyberboard gamebox and VASSAL Module

P500 Bonus Scenario (Cold Shoulder).

How To Setup FAB: The Bulge

To set up the game, players first prepare the map by placing the appropriate terrain and objective markers. Then, they assign and place the division and brigade level units, represented by the wooden blocks, on their respective starting positions. The die-cut counters for assets and events are also shuffled and prepared according to the scenario rules. The setup ensures that the historical context and military dispositions are accurately replicated for the battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Block Wargaming: Units are represented by wooden blocks with step-losses indicated by rotating the blocks.

Troop Quality: Pips on the blocks are color-coded to represent troop quality, which can change during the game.

Assets and Events: Die-cut counters represent engineers, artillery, armor, and other units, as well as random events like divisional replacements and air strikes.

Special Actions: Allow players to make flexible and strategic decisions, such as seizing initiative or interfering with enemy movements.

Game Objective: Players aim to achieve historical objectives, such as the German goal of capturing key strategic locations or the Allied goal of defending against the German offensive.

Player Experience

Playing **FAB: The Bulge** offers a tense and dynamic experience, with players making bold decisions in a historically accurate setting. The game is designed to be completed in one evening, despite its large-scale battle simulation. The block system and special actions create a sense of the “fog of war,” where players must balance strategic planning with adaptability to changing circumstances.

Pros

Intuitive Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates the Battle of the Bulge.

Dynamic Gameplay: Special actions and random events add unpredictability.

Component Quality: High-quality wooden blocks and die-cut counters.

Versatile: Part of a series designed to simulate battles in various 20th-century theaters.

Cons

Complexity: While intuitive, the game can be complex for new wargamers.

Setup Time: Requires some time to set up the map and units.

Space Requirements: The large map and numerous components need significant playing space.

Personal Thoughts on FAB: The Bulge

**FAB: The Bulge** is ideal for wargamers who enjoy strategic depth without the complexity of overly detailed rules. It is suited for players who appreciate historical accuracy and the dynamics of large-scale battles. New players may find the initial setup and rules somewhat daunting, but the game’s intuitive mechanics make it rewarding once learned. This game is a great choice for those looking to experience the thrill of commanding divisions and brigades in one of World War II’s most pivotal battles.

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