| | | | | |

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

ByMichail

Highway to the Reich: Operation Market-Garden 17-26 September 1944 is a board game that simulates the famous World War II operation where Allied forces attempted to secure a series of bridges in the Netherlands to create a pathway into Germany. This operation, led by British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, was ultimately unsuccessful, but it remains a significant event in military history.

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

  • Maps:** Four 22″ x 34″ paper hex grid maps, joined end to end to create a 22″ x 136″ map, scaled to 600 meters per hex.
  • Counters:** 2,400 counters detailing infantry companies, tank troops, artillery batteries, and more.
  • Rule Book:** 32-page rule book (second edition) with various charts and player aids.
  • Additional Components:** German off-map movement display, German formation display, Allied formation display, turn record tracks, and dice.

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

    Setting up the game involves laying out the four large maps, which cover the area from the front along the Meuse-Escaut Canal to the Arnhem Highway Bridge. Players must place the thousands of counters representing the various units, and prepare the necessary charts and player aids. The setup is extensive due to the game’s grand scale, requiring careful attention to ensure all units and components are correctly positioned.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Objective:** The Allies aim to capture and hold a 70-kilometer stretch of highway and key bridges to establish a bridgehead over the Rhine River, while the Germans aim to prevent this and defend their territory.
  • Mechanics:**
  • Area-Impulse:** Players take turns in phases, with each phase allowing for specific actions such as movement and combat.
  • Hex-and-Counter:** The game uses a hex grid map and counters to represent units and their movements.
  • Fire Power and Morale:** The game focuses on the interaction between fire power and morale, influencing unit capabilities and outcomes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective (Detailed List)

  • Command Communications Phase:** Players manage unit communications and prepare for actions.
  • Maneuver Phase:** Units execute movements, attacks, and other actions.
  • Barrage and Fire Attacks:** Units engage in preliminary barrages and fire attacks before close combat.
  • Close Action:** Tanks or assault troops engage in close combat.
  • Morale and Fire Power:** These variables affect unit capabilities and combat outcomes.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Highway to the Reich** is an immersive and challenging experience, especially given its grand tactical scale. The game demands strategic planning, tactical execution, and meticulous management of units, supply lines, and morale. Players must balance offensive and defensive strategies, often playing against the clock to achieve their objectives. The game’s complexity and depth make it appealing to serious wargamers but may be daunting for casual players.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** The game provides a detailed and accurate representation of Operation Market Garden.
  • Deep Strategy:** Offers a high level of strategic and tactical complexity.
  • Realistic Mechanics:** The focus on fire power and morale adds a layer of realism to the gameplay.
  • Replayability:** Multiple scenarios and a campaign game provide extensive replay value.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game is extremely complex, with thousands of counters and detailed rules, which can be overwhelming.
  • Time-Consuming:** The game can last hundreds of hours, especially the full campaign game.
  • Learning Curve:** Steep learning curve due to the intricate mechanics and rules.
  • Space Requirement:** The large maps and numerous counters require significant space to set up.

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

    **Highway to the Reich** is undoubtedly a game for the dedicated and experienced wargamer. It offers an unparalleled level of detail and historical accuracy, making it a treasure for those who relish the intricacies of tactical warfare. However, its complexity and time requirements mean it is not suited for casual gamers or those new to wargaming. For those willing to invest the time and effort, it provides a rich and rewarding gaming experience that closely replicates the challenges and strategies of one of World War II’s most pivotal operations.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *