Objective: Kiev (The Advance of Army Group South: June-August, 1941) (2010) Board Game

Objective: Kiev is a board game that simulates the advance of Army Group South during the critical months of June to August 1941 in World War II. Players take on the roles of German and Soviet forces as they fight for control of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Designed by Frank Chadwick and published by Banana Games in 2010, this wargame offers a strategic and historically accurate experience for 1 to 2 players.

Game Components of Objective: Kiev

Game board depicting the region of Ukraine and surrounding areas

Hexagonal terrain tiles

Counter units representing various military forces

Rulebook

Charts and tables for combat resolution and game tracking

Dice for resolving combat and other random events

How To Setup Objective: Kiev

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board and arrange the hexagonal terrain tiles to create the historical battlefield. Next, they place the counter units according to the initial deployment charts provided in the rulebook. Players must also set up the various charts and tables necessary for tracking game progress and resolving combat. The setup ensures that the game starts in a historically accurate context, mirroring the initial positions of Army Group South in June 1941.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hex-and-Counter System: Players move and engage units on a hexagonal grid, using counters to represent different military units.

Combat Resolution Tables: Combat is resolved using detailed tables and dice rolls to determine outcomes.

Terrain Effects: Different terrains affect unit movement and combat effectiveness.

Supply and Logistics: Players must manage supply lines to keep their units effective.

Objective: The German player aims to advance and capture key cities and objectives, while the Soviet player seeks to defend and delay the German advance.

Player Experience

Playing Objective: Kiev is a immersive experience for those interested in historical war games. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a good understanding of historical military tactics. Players need to balance resource management, unit placement, and timing of attacks to achieve their objectives. The game is particularly appealing to those who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay and have an interest in World War II history.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously designed to reflect the historical context of the German advance.

Deep Strategy: It offers a high level of strategic complexity, appealing to fans of hex-and-counter games.

Replayability: The combination of random events and variable setups ensures multiple playthroughs can have different outcomes.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can take several hours to complete, making it a significant time commitment.

Complexity: While appealing to some, the complexity can deter casual gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Objective: Kiev

Objective: Kiev is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who are passionate about historical war games. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy the hex-and-counter genre and are willing to invest the time to understand and master its complex mechanics. For players seeking a deep, strategic experience that delves into the intricacies of World War II, this game is a compelling choice. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to board games, due to its steep learning curve and lengthy gameplay.

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