Norway 1940 is a board game that simulates the events of World War II in Norway, specifically focusing on the German invasion of the country in in 2018. Players take on the roles of various factions involved in the conflict, such as the Norwegian defenders and the invading German forces.
Game Components of Norway 1940
Mapboard: A double-panel mapboard featuring key charts and a striking map area of Norway.Counters and Markers: A fine range of units and markers in two sizes, including land, air, and naval units. The die-cutting is first-rate, with every counter pressing out of the counter sheets perfectly.Play Aids: Screens for secret force allocation with reinforcement schedules and displays for Naval Combat and Transports points.Air and Naval Units: Includes British, French, Polish, and German naval and air units, such as the HMS Vindictive, German Type II U-boats, Blackburn Skuas, and early Ju88 heavy fighters.
How To Setup Norway 1940
To set up the game, players must allocate their forces secretly using the provided play aids. This involves placing naval and land units on the map according to the reinforcement schedules and task force displays. The game also requires setting up the various charts and tables that track supply, weather, and other critical elements of the game.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Phases: The game is structured into five phases per turn: Weather Phase, Supply Phase, Naval Phase, Air Phase, and Land Phase.Unit Types: Land, air, and naval units each have distinct roles and rules. For example, bombers can attack fleets, bomb land units, or provide land support.Scenarios: Includes three operational scenarios (Operation WESERÜBUNG, Operation SICKLE, and Operation JUNO) and a 1940 Campaign scenario that allows players to refight the entire 10-week campaign.Game Objective: Players aim to achieve strategic objectives such as invading Norway, defending against invasion, or interfering with the opponent’s operations. The ultimate goal is to control key areas and successfully execute their campaign plans.
Player Experience
**Norway 1940** offers a comprehensive and detailed gaming experience, with all three military arms playing significant roles. The game is intriguing, especially for those interested in the nuances of air, sea, and land warfare during World War II. However, the rules are dense and require frequent checking, making the learning curve steep.
Pros
Detailed Mechanics: Includes detailed rules for naval, air, and land operations, making the game highly realistic.Historical Accuracy: Reflects unique conditions of the Norwegian campaign, such as Scandinavian neutrality and faulty German torpedoes.High Production Quality: The game components, including the mapboard and counters, are of high quality and visually appealing.Multiple Scenarios: Offers various scenarios to play, providing replayability and different strategic challenges.
Cons
Complex Rules: The rules are extensive and complex, requiring frequent reference and a significant learning curve.Information Overload: The play aids and displays, while functional, can be confusing due to the amount of information they convey.
Personal Thoughts on Norway 1940
**Norway 1940** is ideal for experienced wargamers who appreciate detailed and historically accurate simulations of military operations. It is particularly suited for those interested in the early years of World War II and the specific challenges of the Norwegian campaign. However, it may not be the best choice for new players due to its complex rules and steep learning curve. For those willing to invest the time, **Norway 1940** offers a rich and immersive gaming experience that captures the essence of a critical and often overlooked chapter in World War II history.
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