The Great Crisis of Frederick II (2020) Board Game

The Great Crisis of Frederick II board game is set during the 18th century in Europe, focusing on the conflicts and strategies of the Age of Reason. Players take on the roles of powerful leaders and generals, navigating the political landscape and engaging in military campaigns to secure their dominance. Designed by Patrick Gebhardt, this game offers a deep dive into the historical events of the time, allowing players to experience the challenges and triumphs of this tumultuous period.

Game Components of The Great Crisis of Frederick II

One rulebook (16 pages)

One mounted map

198 large unit counters / 360 counters total

32 tactics cards

Four six-sided dice

Various chits and counters with pre-rounded corners

How To Setup The Great Crisis of Frederick II

Setup involves placing the mounted map on the playing surface and distributing the unit counters, tactics cards, and dice accordingly. The rulebook includes a two-page spread of the map to guide players in setting up the counters correctly. Players need to be careful when removing counters from the cardboard sprue to avoid damage.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Lines of Communication: Keeping lines of communication open is vital; isolated forces are penalized with reduced movement and halved dice rolls.

Resource Points: City or Resource Forts serve as resource points; controlling these is crucial for victory.

Victory Conditions:
– Prussia wins if it survives until the end of the game or controls 16 or more resource points after Elizabeth of Russia’s death.
– Austria wins if Frederick is removed from the game, or Prussia has only eight resource points, or nine if Austria controls Berlin.

Battle Mechanics: Battles and sieges occur off-board, with troops lined up and resolved using dice rolls, similar to a game with a separate battle board.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of the Prussian and Austrian alliances, each with unique challenges. The Prussian player must navigate multiple invasions, akin to General Lee at Antietam, while managing limited resources. The Austrian player, with overwhelming strength, must capitalize on Prussian mistakes to succeed. The game demands strategic thinking and adaptability, particularly in maintaining lines of communication and resource control.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game offers a detailed and immersive experience of the Seven Years’ War.

Strategic Complexity: Players must balance resource management, unit movement, and battle tactics.

Component Quality: Well-designed counters, tactics cards, and the mounted map enhance gameplay.

Dynamic Victory Conditions: Multiple paths to victory keep the game engaging and unpredictable.

Cons

Counter Removal: Counters are sometimes difficult to remove from the cardboard sprue without damaging them.

Limited Reinforcements: The Prussian player must be cautious with limited resources and avoid excessive losses.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics, while rewarding, can be challenging for new players to grasp.

Personal Thoughts on The Great Crisis of Frederick II

This game is ideal for fans of historical war games and those who enjoy complex strategic gameplay. It requires a good understanding of military tactics and resource management, making it more suited for experienced gamers. However, the historical context and engaging mechanics make it a compelling choice for anyone interested in the Seven Years’ War and the challenges faced by Frederick II.

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