Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden (1983) Board Game

Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden is a wargame that was released in 1983 by designer Ted Koller. The game is set during World War II and focuses on the famous Operation Market Garden, where Allied forces attempted to secure a series of bridges in the Netherlands in order to advance into Germany.

Game Components of Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden

Game board depicting the operational area around Arnhem, Nijmegen, and Eindhoven

Unit counters representing Allied and German forces

Maps and terrain overlays

Rulebook

Dice for resolving combat and other events

Various markers and charts for tracking supplies, casualties, and other game mechanics

How To Setup Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden

Setting up the game involves several steps:

Lay out the game board and terrain overlays to create the battlefield.

Deploy the unit counters according to the historical scenario or a custom setup.

Assign command and control markers to the respective units.

Prepare the supply and reinforcement schedules.

Determine the starting conditions and objectives for both the Allied and German forces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Hex-and-counter system: Units are represented by counters on a hexagonal grid.

Turn-based: Players take turns moving and engaging units.

Dice rolls: Used for resolving combat, morale checks, and supply issues.

Logistics management: Players must manage supplies and reinforcements.

Game Objective

The Allied player aims to secure key bridges over the Rhine River, while the German player seeks to defend these bridges and disrupt the Allied advance.

Player Experience

**Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden** offers a deep and challenging experience for wargamers. It requires strategic planning, tactical execution, and a good understanding of the historical context. Players must balance the need to advance quickly with the necessity of maintaining supply lines and managing casualties.

Pros

Historical accuracy: The game is meticulously researched and adheres closely to the events of Operation Market-Garden.

Complexity: It offers a rich and complex gameplay experience that appeals to experienced wargamers.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable setup ensure high replayability.

Educational value: Players gain a deep understanding of the military strategies and challenges faced during World War II.

Cons

Steep learning curve: The game’s rules and mechanics can be daunting for new players.

Time commitment: Games can be lengthy, requiring several hours to complete.

Component quality: Some players have noted that the components, especially the counters, can be flimsy.

Personal Thoughts on Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden

**Hell’s Highway: Operation Market Garden** is ideal for experienced wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed simulations of historical military operations. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and time requirements. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, it offers a rewarding and immersive experience that brings the intensity and strategic depth of Operation Market-Garden to life.

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