Global War 1939 (2011) Board Game

Global War 1939 is a board game that was released in 2011 by King Tiger Game Design. The game is set during World War II and allows players to take on the roles of different nations as they fight for dominance on the global stage. With a focus on economic and political strategy, players must navigate through the complexities of war and diplomacy to come out victorious.

Game Components of Global War 1939

Map: A large, high-quality vinyl map measuring 35″ x 72″ or 47″ x 96″, featuring expanded territories for Europe, Japan, and Britain.

Game Pieces: Includes various units such as infantry, naval, and aircraft, as well as markers for resources and events.

Rule Set: A stand-alone rule set that eliminates the need for Airfields and Naval Ports, making it a self-contained guide.

Additional Materials: Recommended to have a copy of Axis & Allies Europe & Pacific 1940 for additional pieces.

How To Setup Global War 1939

Setting up Global War 1939 involves laying out the large map, distributing the game pieces according to the initial setup rules, and organizing the various factions and their starting positions. The game includes several new factions beyond the traditional Axis and Allies lineup, such as the UK Far East Command, Russia & Communist China, and Vichy France. The setup process can be intricate due to the detailed nature of the game, but it is designed to be methodical and clear.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Grand Strategy: Players manage entire armies, navies, and air forces across multiple theatres of war.

Resource Management: Managing resources is crucial for sustaining military operations and preventing negative political and military events.

Turn-Based: The game is played over a series of turns, each representing a period of time during World War II.

Objective: The primary objective for the Allied player is to defeat the Axis powers by controlling key territories and winning decisive battles, while the Axis powers aim to expand their territory and resist Allied advances.

Event Management: The game includes historical events and morale systems that can significantly impact gameplay, such as carrier battles, economic wars, and the development of the nuclear bomb.

Player Experience

Global War 1939 offers a deeply immersive and strategic experience, allowing players to recreate the entirety of World War II. The game requires careful planning, resource management, and tactical decisions. Players must balance military campaigns with economic and political strategies, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s scope is vast, covering multiple fronts and historical events, which can make each playthrough unique and engaging.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game includes a wide range of historical events and factions, providing a rich and authentic World War II experience.

Strategic Complexity: Offers deep strategic gameplay that challenges players to manage resources, armies, and political events.

High-Quality Components: The map and game pieces are of high quality, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Replayability: With multiple factions and events, the game offers high replayability.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and complex due to the detailed nature of the game.

Space Requirements: The large map requires significant space to play.

Additional Costs: Players may need to purchase additional pieces from other games to fully utilize all aspects of Global War 1939.

Personal Thoughts on Global War 1939

Global War 1939 is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy grand strategic games. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and the time required to set up and play. However, for those who relish the challenge of managing vast armies and resources, and who are interested in a detailed historical simulation, Global War 1939 offers an unparalleled gaming experience.

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