France 1944: The Allied Crusade in Europe – Designer Signature Edition (2020) Board Game

France 1944: The Allied Crusade in Europe – Designer Signature Edition is a board game that allows players to experience the Allied campaign in Normandy and beyond during World War II. Designed by Mark Mahaffey, this game focuses on the strategic decisions and tactical maneuvers made by both sides during this critical period of the war.

Game Components of France 1944: The Allied Crusade in Europe – Designer Signature Edition

Mounted Map: A 22″ x 33″ high-quality map.

Normandy Map: A smaller map with large hexes for the initial campaign scenario.

Counters: Two sheets of 0.65” rounded counters, including 260 playing pieces (15 HQ pieces, 100 combat units, and 145 informational markers).

Player Aid Cards: Two double-sided player aid cards and setup/reinforcement displays for both Allied and German forces.

Dice: Four 6-sided dice, including two custom combat dice.

Rules Booklet: A 24-page full-color rules booklet with large, easy-to-read type and illustrations.

Playbook: A 20-page playbook with examples of play, scenario setups, and designer’s notes.

How To Setup France 1944: The Allied Crusade in Europe – Designer Signature Edition

Setup involves placing the mounted map and arranging the counters according to the specific scenario. The game includes detailed setup instructions in the playbook, which covers the initial deployment of Allied and German units. The Allied forces are positioned following the D-Day invasions, while the German forces are set up to reflect their historical dispositions. The Normandy map is used for the initial campaign scenario, ensuring manageable hex sizes given the congestion of the bridgehead.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

HQ Activation System: Mark Herman’s innovative HQ activation/reaction system, where supply is used to activate HQs, allowing for dynamic battle management.

Monthly Turns: The game is structured into monthly turns, capturing the strategic and operational aspects of the campaign.

Combat System: A streamlined combat system, replacing the original CRT with a new Combat Matrix designed to simplify and enhance gameplay.

Map Scale: 20 miles (32 kilometers) per hex, with unit scales at the army-level HQs, infantry corps, and armored divisions.

Objective: The Allied objective is to break out from Normandy and advance towards the German frontier, while the German objective is to delay and hinder the Allied advance.

Player Experience

**France 1944: The Allied Crusade in Europe – Designer Signature Edition** offers a highly interactive and engaging experience. The game is designed to be quick to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing for both new and veteran wargamers. The low counter density after the initial breakout from Normandy keeps the game fresh and manageable. The mechanics ensure both players are involved throughout, maintaining a high level of simultaneity in actions.

Pros

High Production Values: The game features a high-quality mounted map, sturdy rules booklet, and well-designed counters.

Streamlined Combat System: The new Combat Matrix simplifies combat results, enhancing gameplay flow.

Solitaire Suitability: Highly suitable for solitaire play due to the lack of hidden information.

Historical Accuracy: The game closely follows historical events, making it a great choice for history enthusiasts.

Cons

Complexity: With a complexity rating of 6 out of 10, it may be overwhelming for complete beginners.

Weight and Space: The game, particularly the mounted map, requires significant storage and playing space.

Personal Thoughts on France 1944: The Allied Crusade in Europe – Designer Signature Edition

This game is ideal for wargaming enthusiasts who appreciate historical accuracy and strategic depth. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy the HQ activation system and are looking for a game that balances simplicity with strategic complexity. The Designer Signature Edition is a must-have for fans of Mark Herman’s designs and those who appreciate the meticulous production quality offered by Compass Games. Whether you’re a seasoned wargamer or looking to delve into the genre, **France 1944** offers an engaging and rewarding experience.

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