The Great War board game is a historical wargame that aims to recreate the battles of World War I. Designed by Richard Borg and published by PSC Games in 2015, this game offers players the opportunity to experience the tactics and strategies used in one of the most significant conflicts in modern history.
Game Components of The Great War
Command Deck: Contains Section cards and Tactics cards that drive the game’s activation and special circumstances.Combat Deck: Introduces Combat cards that add a new layer to the game, allowing for more strategic combat decisions.Figures and Units: Includes infantry, machine gun units, and mortar units. Notably, machine guns have a range of one hex more than infantry and benefit from cross-fire mechanics.Reserve Artillery Tokens: Off-board tokens representing artillery power, which is paid for with HQ tokens.Artillery Template: A chunky piece used to determine artillery fire.HQ Counters: Essential for managing Reserve Artillery and other special actions.Board: Double-sided, featuring various battlefields typical of World War I trench warfare.Victory Medals: Used to track progress and determine the winner of each scenario.
How To Setup The Great War
Setup involves preparing the board with the appropriate scenery and units for the chosen scenario. Each scenario has specific rules for deployment, Command and Combat card distribution, and the allocation of HQ counters and Reserve Artillery tokens. The rulebook, which is 52 pages long, includes detailed setup instructions for each of the 16 scenarios, along with explanations of terrain, Command, Tactics, and Combat cards.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Command and Combat Cards: Players use Command cards to activate units and Tactics cards for special actions. Combat cards enhance combat resolution.Unit Activation: Units are activated based on the Command cards played, with Tactics cards allowing for additional flexibility.Combat Resolution: Combats are resolved using Combat cards, which can be played in conjunction with Command cards.Reserve Artillery: Managed using off-board tokens and HQ counters, adding a strategic layer to artillery use.Victory Medals: The objective is to earn Victory medals by killing enemy units or capturing geographical objectives. The first player to reach the scenario’s specified number of Victory medals wins.
Player Experience
The Great War offers a medium-complexity wargaming experience, particularly suited for fans of the C&C system. The game is designed for two players, although fan-made variants allow for solo play and combinations of scenarios for up to four players. Scenarios typically last around 1.5 hours, with larger scenarios involving more strategic choices and longer gameplay. The game’s design effectively simulates the trench warfare of World War I, including the use of machine guns and artillery in a historically accurate manner.
Pros
Historical Accuracy: The game captures the essence of World War I trench warfare, including the use of machine guns and artillery.Strategic Depth: Combines Command and Combat cards to offer a rich strategic experience.Component Quality: High-quality components, including the artillery template and Reserve Artillery tokens.Expansions: Expansions like the French Army Expansion add new scenarios and gameplay mechanics, keeping the game fresh.
Cons
Initial Complexity: The first game may involve frequent rule checks due to the unique mechanics and extensive ruleset.Limited On-Board Artillery: Artillery is managed off-board, which might be a departure from some players’ expectations.
Personal Thoughts on The Great War
The Great War is ideal for fans of the Command and Colors system and wargamers interested in World War I. The game’s medium complexity and historically accurate mechanics make it a great option for those looking for a strategic and immersive experience. Despite an initial learning curve, the game becomes easier to play and remember after a few sessions. It is a must-have for anyone interested in the C&C system and World War I history.
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