Highway to the Reich: Operation Market-Garden 17-26 September 1944 (1977)

Highway to the Reich

Highway to the Reich is a grand tactical monster board wargame that simulates the World War II Allied operation known as Operation Market Garden. The game was published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1976 and designed by Jay Nelson and Irad B. Hardy, with cartography and artistic design by Redmond A. Simonsen. The game simulates the over 35,000 Allies dropped from the skies of Holland to take and hold a crucial stretch of highway with its bridges. The game was released in a large box by SPI in January 1976. Players immediately found many problems with the rules, and SPI first issued several sets of errata, but finally hired Eric Goldberg to completely rewrite the rules. This second edition of the rulebook was released in July 1977, and was offered free to anyone who had already purchased the first edition of the game.

Why is Highway to the Reich Popular?

Highway to the Reich is significant because it is a tactical simulation of the largest airborne operation in history. The game is popular among wargamers because of its historical accuracy and complexity. The game is also known for offering the player a choice of either the standard “digging in” rule, or retaining its mobility and combat values at the cost of even more damage, which is considered “superbly realistic and yet operates so simply”.

Game Components of Highway to the Reich: Operation Market-Garden 17-26 September 1944

Mapboard: Depicting the region of the Netherlands where Operation Market Garden took place.

Counters: Representing various military units, including airborne troops, armor, and infantry.

Rules Booklet: Detailed instructions on game setup, mechanics, and objectives.

Player Aids: Charts and tables for tracking supply, movement, and combat.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and other random events.

Scenario Cards: Providing historical context and specific mission objectives.

How To Setup Highway to the Reich: Operation Market-Garden 17-26 September 1944

To set up the game, players first lay out the mapboard, which is divided into hexagonal areas representing different terrain types. Next, they place the counter units according to the scenario specifications, ensuring that airborne units are positioned in their designated drop zones. Players also need to set up the supply lines and initial marching orders for the ground forces. The rules booklet provides a step-by-step guide to ensure all components are correctly placed before starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Turns are divided into phases for movement, combat, and supply management.

Unit Movement: Units move through hexes, with different terrains affecting movement rates.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using dice rolls and combat tables.

Supply Management: Units must stay within supply lines to maintain effectiveness.

Objective: The primary objective for the Allied player is to secure key bridges and establish a corridor from Eindhoven to Arnhem, while the German player aims to defend these objectives and disrupt the Allied advance.

Player Experience

**Highway to the Reich** offers a challenging and immersive experience, particularly for fans of historical wargames. Players need to balance strategic planning with tactical execution, managing resources and units carefully to achieve their objectives. The game requires a good understanding of the historical context and the military tactics employed during Operation Market Garden.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously researched, providing a realistic portrayal of the operation.

Complexity: Offers a deep and engaging gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable setup ensure high replay value.

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

Cons

Complex Rules: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its detailed rules and mechanics.

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

Outdated Components: The 1977 edition may have outdated graphics and components compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Highway to the Reich: Operation Market-Garden 17-26 September 1944

**Highway to the Reich** is ideal for experienced wargamers and those with a keen interest in World War II history. It requires a significant investment of time and effort to master, but offers a highly rewarding experience for those willing to delve into its complexities. For new players, it might be daunting, but for veterans of wargaming, it provides a rich and challenging simulation of one of the most pivotal operations of the war.

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