The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43 (1979)

Brief History and Background Information of The Campaign for North Africa

The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43 is a highly complex and detailed board game published in 1979 by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI). It is known for its extreme complexity and attention to detail in simulating the North African campaign of World War II.

• Designer: Richard Berg
• Players: 2-10 players
• Playing Time: Estimated 1,500 hours for a full campaign
• Scale: Each hex represents 10 miles, each turn represents 1/2 week

The game is infamous for its intricate rules and massive scope, making it one of the most complex board games ever created.

Why is The Campaign for North Africa Popular?

While The Campaign for North Africa is often cited more as a curiosity than a widely played game, it holds a significant place in board gaming history:

• Benchmark for Complexity: Often used as a reference point for extremely detailed wargames
• Influence: Inspired discussions about the balance between realism and playability in game design
• Cult Status: Achieved legendary status among wargaming enthusiasts
• Collector’s Item: Original copies are highly sought after by collectors

Despite its limited playability, the game remains a testament to the potential depth and detail possible in board game simulations of historical conflicts.

Game Components of The Campaign for North Africa

The Campaign for North Africa is renowned for its unprecedented level of detail:

• Rule Book: Over 190 pages long
• Map: 10 feet wide when fully assembled
• Counters: Over 1,800 cardboard pieces
• Supply Management: Includes tracking individual water rations for troops
• Unique Rules: Italian troops require additional water for pasta cooking

The game’s complexity extends to simulating various aspects of warfare, including logistics, air operations, and even the psychological state of troops.

Game Setup of The Campaign for North Africa

The game starts with two players, but ideally ten players, each filling out what is essentially the general staff of each opposing side. Players assume the roles of Commander-In-Chief, Logistics Commander, Rear Area Commander, Air Commander, and Front-line Commander for both Axis and Allies.

Gameplay Mechanics of The Campaign for North Africa

The Campaign for North Africa features an intricate set of mechanics that simulate various aspects of warfare:

• Turn Structure: Each turn represents half a week of real time, with players alternating actions.
• Movement: Units move across a hex-based map, with terrain affecting movement rates.
• Combat: Resolved through a complex system of attack and defense strengths, modified by terrain, supply, and air support.
• Supply Management: Players must track fuel, ammunition, and water for each unit. Italian troops require extra water for pasta.
• Air Operations: Includes detailed rules for air combat, bombing missions, and reconnaissance.
• Logistics: Players manage supply lines, ports, and transportation networks.
• Weather: Affects movement, combat, and air operations.
• Morale and Fatigue: Units can become demoralized or exhausted, affecting their performance.

The game’s complexity extends to simulating various aspects of warfare, including logistics, air operations, and even the psychological state of troops, making it one of the most detailed board game simulations ever created.

Game Objective of The Campaign for North Africa

The primary objective of The Campaign for North Africa is to simulate the historical conflict between the Axis and Allied powers in North Africa during World War II. Players aim to:

• Control Territory: Capture and hold key strategic locations across the North African theater.
• Disrupt Supply Lines: Cut off enemy supply routes while maintaining your own logistical network.
• Destroy Enemy Forces: Engage and defeat opposing military units through strategic maneuvers and combat.
• Manage Resources: Efficiently allocate limited supplies, including fuel, ammunition, and water, to sustain military operations.
• Achieve Historical Goals: Accomplish specific objectives based on the historical campaign, such as capturing ports, airfields, and cities.

The ultimate goal is to outmaneuver your opponent both militarily and logistically, replicating or altering the course of the North African campaign. Victory is typically determined by controlling key objectives and maintaining a superior position at the end of the simulated period.

Player Experience

The Campaign for North Africa is a unique and challenging experience for players due to its length and complexity. The game requires a significant time commitment and a deep understanding of logistics and supply management. Players must work together as a team to manage the various aspects of the campaign and achieve their strategic objectives.

Pros:

• Unparalleled Realism: Provides an incredibly detailed simulation of the North African campaign.
• Educational Value: Offers deep insights into the complexities of military logistics and strategy.
• Collaborative Experience: Supports up to 10 players, encouraging teamwork and shared decision-making.
• Historical Immersion: Allows players to explore alternate historical outcomes through their decisions.

Cons:

• Time Commitment: The estimated 1,500-hour playtime is prohibitive for most players.
• Complexity Overload: The intricate rules can be overwhelming and may detract from enjoyment.
• Limited Accessibility: The game’s complexity makes it unsuitable for casual players or those new to wargaming.
• Physical Demands: Requires significant table space and organization to manage all components.

Personal Thoughts

The Campaign for North Africa is a fascinating example of how far game design can be pushed in the pursuit of historical accuracy and detail. While its extreme complexity makes it impractical for most players, it offers several interesting points for reflection:

• Realism vs. Playability: The game showcases the ultimate trade-off between simulation accuracy and gameplay accessibility. It raises questions about the purpose of games and whether such extreme detail enhances or detracts from the gaming experience.
• Educational Value: Despite its limited playability, the game serves as an incredible educational tool, offering insights into the logistical challenges of desert warfare that might not be apparent in more streamlined games.
• Design Philosophy: It represents a unique approach to game design where completeness and accuracy were prioritized above all else, including market appeal. This dedication to a vision, regardless of commercial viability, is both admirable and thought-provoking.
• Legacy and Influence: While few have played it in its entirety, its existence has influenced game design discussions and served as a benchmark for complexity in wargaming for decades.

Ultimately, The Campaign for North Africa stands as a monument to the depths of detail possible in board game design, even if it may have crossed the line of practical playability for most enthusiasts.

Game Components of The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43