Guns of the Askari (2012) Board Game

Guns of the Askari is a wargame set during World War I in East Africa. Players take on the roles of commanders leading military forces in a strategic battle for control of the region.

Game Components of Guns of the Askari

Map: A 22”x 34” map depicting East Africa at a scale of about 30 miles/hex, with different colored backgrounds for German, British, Portuguese, and Belgian territories.

Counters: 280 1/2” counters representing various units.

Player’s Aid Charts (PACs): Two charts to assist players during the game.

Rules: A comprehensive set of rules.

Dice: A six-sided die (not included with the game).

How To Setup Guns of the Askari

Setting up the game involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the initial setup rules, and preparing the Player’s Aid Charts. Players must ensure that units are correctly positioned on the map based on the historical context and the specific scenario being played. For example, British units entering along the east edge use naval transport, while those entering along the west edge must enter into Rhodesia. Portuguese East Africa’s involvement also dictates specific entry points for some units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Roles: One player controls the Entente forces, while the other controls the German forces.

Turn Structure: The game involves impulses with various phases such as movement, combat, and reinforcement.

Combat Mechanics: Includes morale checks, suppression, casualty reduction, and different types of fire (machine gun, quick fire, and rifle fire).

Naval Operations: Includes naval movement, interception, and battles.

Reinforcements: Entente reinforcements enter the game based on a reinforcement table and specific map edge rules.

Victory Conditions: The game is won based on control of key territories and the fulfillment of specific victory conditions outlined in the scenarios.

Player Experience

**Guns of the Askari** offers a detailed and immersive experience for fans of historical wargames. The game requires strategic planning, especially in managing reinforcements, naval operations, and the complex combat mechanics. Players need to balance resource management with tactical decisions to achieve their objectives. The game’s focus on the lesser-known East African campaign adds a unique twist to the typical World War I setting.

Pros

Historical Depth: Provides a thorough and accurate representation of the East African campaign.

Complex Mechanics: Offers a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.

Scenarios: Includes multiple scenarios, offering varied gameplay experiences.

Components: High-quality map and counters enhance the overall experience.

Cons

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

Time Commitment: Games can be lengthy due to the complexity and depth of the mechanics.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Personal Thoughts on Guns of the Askari

**Guns of the Askari** is ideal for experienced wargamers and history enthusiasts who are looking for a detailed and challenging game. It is not a game for casual players due to its complex rules and lengthy gameplay sessions. The game’s unique setting and historical accuracy make it a standout in the wargaming genre, but it requires a significant investment of time and effort to fully appreciate.

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