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

“The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43” is a wargame that was released in in 1979. Designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.), this game is set during World War II and focuses on the North African campaign between 1940 and 1943.

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

Hexagon Grid map of North Africa

Counters representing military units

Rulebook

How To Setup The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43

Place the Hexagon Grid map on the table.

Each player selects a side to play (Axis or Allies).

Place counters representing military units on the map according to the setup instructions in the rulebook.

Follow the rules for determining turn order.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take on the role of military commanders leading their forces in the North African theater of WWII. The objective is to strategically plan and execute military operations to defeat the opposing side.

Player Experience

Pros:

Detailed simulation of the North African campaign

Strategic depth and complexity

Historical accuracy in terms of units, terrain, and events

Cons:

Extremely long playing time (up to 60,000 minutes)

Requires a large group of players (8-10)

Steep learning curve for new players

Personal Thoughts on The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43

“The Campaign for North Africa: The Desert War 1940-43” is a game that appeals to hardcore wargamers who enjoy historical accuracy and deep strategic gameplay. However, the game’s extreme length and complexity may be off-putting to casual gamers. The build quality is solid, reflecting the game’s vintage status. Pricing and availability for new copies can be high due to the game’s rarity, but used copies may be more affordable. Alternatives to this game include other WWII-themed wargames with shorter playing times and simpler mechanics. Overall, whether this game is worth your time depends on your interest in detailed military simulations and willingness to invest the time and effort required to play it. Casual gamers may want to skip this one in favor of more accessible options.

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