Paths of Glory – Board Game Guys

Brief history and background information

Paths of Glory: The First World War, 1914–1918 is a strategy board wargame, designed by Ted Raicer and published by GMT Games in 1999. The game is played on a map of Europe and the Middle East as the game board, and it covers World War I from its outbreak to the 1918 Armistice, or based on the progress of the game, a hypothetical later ending of the war in early 1919, possibly due to exhaustion of Europe. The game provides an unparalleled possibility to experience World War I from its inception to the final days, replaying all major events.

Why the game is popular or significant

Paths of Glory is popular among wargamers due to its historical accuracy and deep gameplay mechanics. The game is a fantastic representation of the historical period and works to create a great table atmosphere that only a rich and deep war game like this can provide. It allows players to step into the shoes of the monarchs and marshals who triumphed and bungled from 1914 to 1918. The game has won several awards, including the Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre-World War II Boardgame in 2000.

Game Components

1 22” x 34” map1 countersheet (280 counters)1 deck of 110 cards2 player aid cards1 rulebook1 playbook

Game Setup

Place the map on a flat surface.Each player chooses a side to play: the Central Powers or the Entente.Each player takes the appropriate counters and cards.Place the starting units on the map as indicated in the rulebook.Shuffle the cards and deal them to each player.Determine the first player.

Gameplay Mechanics

Paths of Glory is a card-driven game, meaning that players use cards to activate units, conduct operations, and trigger events. The game includes a historical scenario that is used in competitive play. Based on ten years of conference and PBEM play, the scenario was designed to provide a balanced playing experience and provide incentives to pursue historical strategies. The game has a moderate entry barrier but could be really hard to master.

Game Objective

The objective of the game is to score victory points (VPs) by controlling key areas and achieving certain objectives.

Player Experience

Paths of Glory provides a deep and immersive experience for players who are interested in history and appreciate well-thought design. The game is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, which makes it a favorite among wargamers. The game can take anywhere from 6 to 14 hours to play, making it a significant time investment.

Buy Online

Paths of Glory can be purchased online from the GMT Games website.

Conclusion

Paths of Glory is a highly regarded wargame that provides an immersive and historically accurate experience of World War I. The game’s deep gameplay mechanics and attention to detail make it a favorite among wargamers. While the game has a moderate entry barrier, it can be challenging to master. The game is a significant time investment, but it is well worth it for those who enjoy deep and immersive gaming experiences.

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