Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign (1980) Board Game

Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign is a board game that was released in 1980 and designed by Joseph M. Balkoski. The game is set during World War II and focuses on the Lorraine Campaign, a series of battles that took place in northeastern France in in 1980. Players take on the roles of either the Allied or Axis forces and must strategically maneuver their units to achieve victory.

Game Components of Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign

Map: A 22″ x 34″ hex grid map scaled at 4.2 km (2.6 mi) per hex.

Counters: 200 die-cut counters representing various units.

Rulebooks: An 8-page rule book containing standard rules for the “Victory in the West” series and a 4-page rule book specific to this game.

Additional Requirements: Players need to supply one 6-sided die for gameplay.

How To Setup Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign

To set up the game, players first lay out the hex grid map, which depicts the Lorraine region. Next, they place the die-cut counters on the map according to the initial deployment instructions provided in the game’s exclusive rules. The counters represent battalion to brigade-level units, and their strengths are randomly determined at the start of the game to simulate the “fog of war.” Each player receives their respective rulebooks, and the game is ready to begin once all components are correctly positioned.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Turn: Each turn represents one day.

Unit Strength: Units are rated for size and morale, with actual strengths determined by random chit draws.

Gameplay Sequence: Movement and combat phases alternate between players, with the active player not allowed to examine their opponent’s counters until an attack is declared.

Victory Conditions: The Americans aim to isolate specific hexes, occupy or pass through certain towns and villages, and remove German units from entrenched positions. The Germans win by preventing these objectives.

Scenarios: Two scenarios are available: a short scenario (12 turns) from November 8-19 and an extended scenario (24 turns) from November 8 to December 1.

Player Experience

**Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign** offers a challenging and immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts. The game’s operational scale and random unit strengths add a layer of realism and unpredictability. However, some players have noted that the strong defensive position of the German forces can make the game frustrating for the American player, particularly in the short scenario.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately simulates the Battle of Metz and the U.S. Third Army’s offensive in Lorraine.

Complexity: The medium complexity level makes it engaging but not overwhelming for most wargamers.

Solitaire Playability: High solitaire playability adds versatility.

Immersive: The random unit strengths and fog of war mechanics enhance gameplay realism.

Cons

Unbalanced Scenarios: The short scenario is often criticized for being unbalanced in favor of the Germans.

Defensive Gameplay: The German player has limited opportunities for counterattacks, which can make the game less engaging for them.

Rules Complexity: Some players find the weather rules irritating and complex.

Personal Thoughts on Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign

**Patton’s 3rd Army: The Lorraine Campaign** is ideal for wargamers interested in the operational aspects of World War II, particularly those fascinated by the U.S. Third Army’s campaigns. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its medium complexity and potential for unbalanced scenarios, it is a gem for those who appreciate historical accuracy and strategic depth. If you’re looking to delve into the intricacies of the Battle of Metz and the Lorraine Campaign, this game is a solid choice.

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