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The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West (1971) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West is a historical wargame that was released in in 1971. Designed by Jim Dunnigan and published by The Avalon Hill Game Co, the game allows players to simulate the German invasion of France during World War II. The game is played by two players and has a runtime of approximately 180 minutes. It is categorized as a wargame focusing on the events of World War II.

Game Components of The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

  • Game board featuring a hexagon grid
  • Game pieces representing military units
  • Combat Results Table
  • Dice for resolving combat
  • Rulebook outlining gameplay mechanics

How To Setup The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

  • Place the game board on a flat surface.
  • Each player chooses a side to play as – either the Germans or the Allies.
  • Set up the military units according to the scenario being played.
  • Review the Combat Results Table and familiarize yourself with the dice rolling mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The objective of the game is to either capture Paris as the Germans or defend France as the Allies. Players take turns moving their military units across the board, engaging in combat, and strategically positioning their forces to gain an advantage over their opponent.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Historical accuracy in depicting the events of the German Blitzkrieg in France.
  • Strategic gameplay that requires players to think tactically.
  • Replayability due to different scenarios and outcomes.

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new players.
  • Lengthy runtime may not be suitable for all players.
  • Components may appear dated compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West offers a deep dive into the historical events of World War II. While the game may not appeal to casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it provides a rich gaming experience for history enthusiasts and wargame fans. The build quality of the game may not match modern standards, but the gameplay mechanics and strategic depth make it a worthwhile addition to any wargame collection.

In terms of pricing and availability, The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West can be found in both new and used markets. As an alternative, players may also consider similar wargames that focus on World War II conflicts for a different gaming experience. Overall, this game is worth the time investment for those interested in historical wargaming, but may not be suited for casual players or those looking for a quick gaming session.

Game Components of The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

  • Map: 22″ x 24″ paper hex grid map (SPI version) or a 3-section mounted map (Avalon Hill version), scaled at 12.5 km (7.75 mi) per hex.
  • Counters: 224 die-cut counters.
  • Rules: Map-folded rules sheet (SPI version) or included in the box (Avalon Hill version).
  • Charts and Aids: Various charts and player aids.
  • Dice: A six-sided die included in the Avalon Hill boxed edition.

    How To Setup The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

    To set up the game, players need to place the map on a flat surface, deploy the counters according to the scenario instructions, and familiarize themselves with the rules and charts. The game includes a historical scenario and several non-historical “what if?” scenarios, each with its own setup instructions.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn System: Alternating “I Go, You Go” system, with each turn representing two days of game time.
  • Gameplay: One player controls the Allied defenders, while the other controls the German invaders.
  • Objective: The German player aims to overwhelm French and British defenses, while the Allied player seeks to defend against the German blitzkrieg.
  • Scenarios: Includes a historical scenario (“The Idiot’s Game”) and several balanced “what if?” scenarios.

    Player Experience

    Playing The Game of France, 1940 can be a challenging and strategic experience, particularly for the Allied player. The game’s design often results in a historical German victory, which can be frustrating for the French player. However, the inclusion of alternative scenarios helps balance the gameplay.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Simulates the real-world Battle of France with detailed mechanics.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios offer different gameplay experiences.
  • Complexity: Provides a deep and complex strategy for those who enjoy detailed wargames.

    Cons

  • Balance Issues: The historical scenario is heavily biased towards a German victory, which can be unappealing to the French player.
  • Complex Rules: The game is noted for having quite difficult rules and a large, complex Combat Results Table.
  • Historical Inaccuracies: Some players have pointed out inaccuracies, such as the omission of a historical German mechanized unit and issues with supply and air power rules.

    Personal Thoughts on The Game of France, 1940: German Blitzkrieg in the West

    This game is for enthusiasts of historical wargames who appreciate detailed simulations and complex strategies. While it may not appeal to casual players due to its complexity and balance issues, it remains a significant piece in the history of board wargaming. For those willing to delve into the intricacies, it offers a unique and challenging experience that can be rewarding, especially when exploring the alternative scenarios.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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