| | | | | |

No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942 (2011) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942

No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942 is a board game that focuses on the North African theater during World War II. Players take on the roles of Axis and Allied forces, battling for control of key territories in the desert. The game is designed to be historically accurate, capturing the challenges and strategies of warfare in this region during the early years of the war.

Game Components of No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942

  • Hexagon grid map of North Africa
  • Battle cards
  • Player aids
  • Dice
  • Rulebook

How To Setup No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942

  • Place the hexagon grid map on the table
  • Shuffle the battle cards and place them within reach of all players
  • Each player selects a side to play as (Axis or Allied)
  • Follow the setup instructions in the rulebook to place starting units on the map
  • Determine who goes first and begin the game

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942 is a campaign and battle card-driven wargame. Players use cards to move their units, conduct battles, and implement strategic maneuvers. Dice rolling is used to resolve combat and determine outcomes on the battlefield. The objective of the game is to control key territories and achieve strategic objectives based on historical events.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Engaging gameplay that captures the tension of the North African theater
  • Historical accuracy in terms of units, strategies, and events
  • Strategic depth with multiple paths to victory
  • Quick runtime of 50 minutes makes it easy to fit in a game session

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Limited replayability due to fixed scenarios
  • Some players may find the dice rolling element too luck-based

Personal Thoughts on No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942

No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942 is a solid wargame that offers a challenging and immersive experience for players interested in World War II history. The game’s components are well-made, and the attention to detail in capturing the nuances of the North African campaign is commendable. However, the game may not appeal to casual gamers due to its complexity and reliance on historical knowledge. Overall, No Retreat 2 is worth checking out for wargame enthusiasts looking for a deep and engaging strategic experience.

Game Components of No Retreat 2: The North African Front 1940-1942

  • Three 2-sided mounted maps
  • Two sheets of 88 2-sided square units (176 total)
  • 80 Event cards (55 for the main game, 25 for Crete)
  • One sheet of 112 2-sided round markers
  • Rulebook
  • Playbook
  • 10 Player Aid Cards
  • Two 6-sided dice
  • Living Rules and Living Playbook
  • Italian and Spanish rules
  • Sample cards and maps
  • Game Setup Sheet.

    How To Setup No Retreat 2: The Africa Front 1940-1942

    Setting up the game involves preparing the maps, distributing the units, and shuffling the Event cards. Players need to place the units on their respective starting positions marked on the maps, and each player receives a set of Event cards. The Supply Point markers are also set up to manage initiative and operations. The game setup is designed to be straightforward, with detailed instructions provided in the Rulebook and Playbook.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card-Assisted Gameplay: Uses Event cards to influence battles and strategy.
  • Dice Rolls: For resolving combat and other critical actions.
  • Supply Point System: Manages initiative, losses, and recovery of formations.
  • Mini-Maps: Five mini-maps for key battles and maneuvers.
  • Objective: Players aim to push their opponent out of the game by controlling key areas and managing resources effectively.
  • Scenarios: Includes six quick-playing scenarios, a Tournament Game, a Full-Fledged Campaign game, and two Bonus mini-games (“Invasion of Crete” and “Invasion of Malta”).

    Player Experience

    No Retreat 2 offers a rich and immersive experience, capturing the essence of the North African campaign with its dynamic gameplay. Players must balance resource management, strategic positioning, and tactical decisions to outmaneuver their opponent. The game is known for its narrative feel, recreating the historical battles and campaigns with a modern twist. The use of mini-maps and Supply Point markers adds a layer of complexity and realism, making each game unique and challenging.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates the North African campaign.
  • Dynamic Gameplay: Combines cards, dice, and strategic maneuvering.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios and mini-games ensure varied experiences.
  • High-Quality Components: Deluxe components of “Twilight Struggle Deluxe Edition” quality.
  • Engaging Mechanics: Supply Point system and Event cards add depth and strategy.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: Can be daunting for new players due to the extensive rulebook.
  • Long Setup and Playtime: Campaign games can take up to 4-5 hours, and setup requires careful preparation.
  • Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

    Personal Thoughts on No Retreat 2: The North African Front 1940-1942

    This game is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate the intricacies of World War II battles. It offers a deep and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and careful resource management. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it is a must-have for those who enjoy immersive and historically accurate wargames.

    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 *