Overlord (1973) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Overlord is a wargame designed by John Hill and published by Conflict Games in in 1973. It is set during World War II and focuses on strategic combat between the Axis and Allied forces. The game uses hexagon grid maps and dice rolling mechanics to simulate battles on the Western Front.

Game Components of Overlord

Map: 20″ x 23″ paper hex grid map scaled at 5 km (3 mi) per hex

Counters: 304 die-cut counters

Rulebook: 4-page rulebook

Errata: Errata sheet

Charts and Aids: Various charts and player aids

How To Setup Overlord

To set up **Overlord**, players need to lay out the large hex grid map representing the Normandy area. The 304 counters are placed according to the initial deployment rules, with the Allied forces positioned on the beachhead and the German forces in defensive positions. Each player receives the relevant rulebook, errata, and charts. The game is ready to start once all components are correctly placed and understood.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay System: Alternating “I Go, You Go” system where German and Allied players take turns in sequence (German Movement, German Combat, Allied Movement, Allied Combat)

Air and Naval Support: Allied player can use air points to aid attacks or hinder German road travel. Naval bombardment can support attacks or defense within a certain distance of the beachhead.

Game Objective:

Allies: Must exit nine divisions from the east side of the board by the end of Turn 28.

Germans: Must prevent the Allies from achieving this objective.

Player Experience

Playing **Overlord** offers a deep dive into the strategic and tactical challenges faced during the Normandy invasion. The game is praised for its simplicity, making it accessible to new wargamers while still incorporating complex elements like air and naval support. The game’s design ensures that the battle unfolds realistically, with the Germans having strong defensive positions early on, but the Allies having the eventual upper hand.

Pros

Simple Rules: Easy to learn, even for newcomers to board wargaming.

Historical Accuracy: The game follows the actual fighting of the Normandy invasion closely.

Engaging Mechanics: Use of air and naval support adds depth to the gameplay.

Balanced Turns: Alternating turns keep the game engaging and strategic.

Cons

Imbalanced Victory Conditions: Some reviewers noted that the game is slightly imbalanced in favor of the Allies.

Long Game Length: The game consists of 28 turns, which can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Overlord

**Overlord** is ideal for those interested in historical wargames and the Normandy invasion. It is a great introduction for newcomers due to its simple rules, yet it still offers enough complexity to keep experienced wargamers engaged. However, players should be prepared for a longer game session, and the slight imbalance in favor of the Allies might affect the replay value for those seeking a perfectly balanced game. Overall, **Overlord** is a classic that provides a compelling and educational experience for anyone interested in World War II strategy.

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