Sideshow: The Campaign for German East Africa 1914-1918 (1990) Board Game

Sideshow: The Campaign for German East Africa 1914-1918 is a historical wargame that simulates the military campaigns in German East Africa during World War I. The game focuses on the struggles between German forces and British, Belgian, and Portuguese forces in the region. Players take on the roles of military commanders and must strategically plan their movements and engagements to achieve victory.

Game Components

Map: A 22″x34″ map of the region, scaled at 16 miles per hex.

Counters: 200 counters representing various units and elements.

Rules: 14 pages of rules outlining the gameplay mechanics.

Scale: Each hex on the map represents 16 miles.

How To Setup

Setting up **Sideshow** involves placing the large map board, which depicts the terrain of German East Africa, and distributing the counters according to the initial setup rules. Players must ensure that all units, including German Schutztruppe and Allied forces, are correctly positioned as per the scenario being played. The rules provide a detailed guide on how to lay out the components to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Wargame, Historical.

Mechanics: Area Movement, Hex-and-Counter.

Objective: The German player aims to harass and delay the Allied forces, while the Allied player seeks to capture or eliminate the German units.

German Player: Scores Victory Points for tying down Allied units, cutting the Uganda Railway line, and retreating off the south edge of the map.

Allied Player: Deducts points from the German player for eliminating German units and achieves a bonus for capturing all German units before the game end.

Victory Conditions: The German player wins with at least 200 Victory Points; the Allied player wins if the German player’s points are 0 or less. Any score in between results in a draw.

Player Experience

**Sideshow** offers a challenging and immersive experience, particularly for fans of historical wargames. The game simulates the asymmetric warfare of the time, with the German player employing guerrilla tactics to evade and disrupt the larger Allied forces. This dynamic creates a unique play experience where strategy and resource management are crucial for both sides.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game closely follows the historical events and challenges of the campaign.

Challenging Gameplay: Requires strategic thinking and adaptation, especially for the German player.

Detailed Rules: Provides a comprehensive set of rules that simulate the complexities of the conflict.

Engaging Mechanics: The hex-and-counter system and area movement mechanics make the game engaging and interactive.

Cons

Complexity: The rules can be dense and complex, which may deter new players.

Component Quality: Some players might find the component quality, such as the map and counters, to be less polished compared to other games.

Steep Learning Curve: Understanding the game mechanics and victory conditions can take time.

Personal Thoughts on Sideshow: The Campaign for German East Africa 1914-1918

This game is ideal for enthusiasts of historical wargames and those interested in the lesser-known theaters of World War I. It offers a unique blend of strategy and historical accuracy, making it a compelling choice for players looking to explore beyond the more popular fronts of the war. However, due to its complexity and detailed rules, it may not be the best fit for casual or new players.

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