The Fog of War is a board game that was released in in 2016. It is a strategic wargame set during World War II, where players take on the roles of military commanders trying to outwit and outmaneuver their opponents. Designed by William Bricker and published by Stronghold Games, the game has received praise for its unique blend of bluffing, hand management, and secret unit deployment mechanics.
Game Components of The Fog of War
Deck of cards: Representing the army, navy, and other assets of the Axis and Allied forces.Map: Showing 28 land and sea provinces.Operation wheel: Used for planning and timing operations.Province cards: Indicate the targets of operations.Force cards: Used for attacks and defenses.Production points: For buying additional cards or replacing eliminated ones.Basic supply system components: To trace controlled territories back to home provinces.
How To Setup The Fog of War
To set up the game, players start by shuffling and dealing their respective decks of cards. Each player places their operation wheel and map within reach. The Axis player begins with their full Force Pool, while the Allies gradually gain better cards as the war progresses. Players must also determine the initial defensive positions by placing cards face down on the map.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Card-based forces: Players use cards to represent their military assets.Operation planning: Players create operations by placing cards on their operation wheel, including the target province and the forces involved.Intelligence gathering and bluffing: Operations are planned in advance, with some cards visible only to the player, allowing for intelligence gathering and bluffing.Combat resolution: Combat is resolved by comparing the strengths of the attacker and defender; if the attacker has double the defender’s strength, they win. Otherwise, it’s a Quagmire, where both sides lose half their cards.Deck as timer: The game year ends when both players go through their entire decks, and Winter starts when one player draws their last card.Supply system: Players must trace a path of controlled territories back to one of their home provinces to attack a province.Production points: Players can buy additional cards or buy back eliminated cards at the end of each year.
Player Experience
The Fog of War immerses players in the strategic and intellectual aspects of World War II, making them feel like supreme commanders. The game is heavy on resource management, intelligence, and bluffing, requiring players to make significant decisions about where to allocate resources and how to deceive their opponent. It is not a traditional wargame, focusing instead on the mental and strategic aspects of warfare.
Pros
Strategic depth: Players feel like they are making high-level decisions similar to those made by historical figures like Eisenhower or Hitler.Intelligence and bluffing: The game’s mechanics allow for intricate intelligence gathering and bluffing, adding a layer of complexity and realism.Simple combat resolution: Combat is resolved quickly by comparing card strengths.Dynamic gameplay: The use of decks as timers and the ability to buy cards secretly add to the game’s dynamic nature.
Cons
Small board and components: Some players find the board and card sizes too small, making the game look cluttered.Steep learning curve for some: While the core mechanics are simple, the game has fiddly rules that might confuse new players.Long playtime: Games can last around two hours, which can be exhausting due to the intense mental engagement required.
Personal Thoughts on The Fog of War
The Fog of War is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong focus on planning, intelligence, and psychological warfare. It is particularly appealing to wargamers and those interested in World War II history. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more traditional wargaming experience with physical units on a map. Despite some drawbacks with component size and playtime, the game offers a unique and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and clever planning.
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.
