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The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945 (2013) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information

The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945 is a board game that allows players to recreate the major events of World War II in Europe. Designed by Danny Holte, Rodger B. MacGowan, and Mark Simonitch, this wargame offers a simulation of the strategic decisions made by the military leaders during the war. Published by GMT Games in 2013, it has become a popular choice for those interested in historical wargames.

Game Components of The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945

  • Hexagon Grid board
  • Counters representing military units
  • Combat Results Table
  • Rulebook
  • Dice

How To Setup The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945

  • Place the board in the center of the table.
  • Distribute the military unit counters to each player.
  • Set up the Combat Results Table within reach.
  • Follow the rules for determining the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take on the roles of military leaders during World War II, making strategic decisions and engaging in combat with the goal of achieving victory. The game uses a hexagon grid for movement and combat, with outcomes determined by a Ratio / Combat Results Table.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Offers a deep and immersive historical experience.
  • Strategic decision-making is crucial for success.
  • Allows for replayability with different outcomes each time.

Cons:

  • Lengthy playing time may not be suitable for all players.
  • Complex rules may require time to learn and master.
  • Limited player interaction compared to other board games.

Personal Thoughts on The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945

The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945 is a comprehensive wargame that appeals to history buffs and strategy enthusiasts. The game’s build quality is solid, with detailed components that enhance the immersion factor. However, the game’s long playing time and complex rules may deter casual gamers. Additionally, the availability of both new and used copies can vary, affecting pricing. Alternatives like Axis & Allies offer a more streamlined experience for those looking for a quicker gameplay. Overall, The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945 is worth considering for players interested in a detailed and historically accurate wargame experience. However, those looking for a more casual or fast-paced game may want to skip it.

Game Components of The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945

  • Game Map: A detailed map of Europe with a scale of 60 miles per hex.
  • Counters: Representing Corps and Armies.
  • Tech Tracks: For tracking technological advancements.
  • Diplomacy Chart: To manage diplomatic relations.
  • CRT (Combat Results Table): For resolving battles.
  • Turn Record Track: To keep track of game progress.
  • Living Rules and FAQ: Updated rules and clarifications.

    How To Setup The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945

    Setting up the game involves placing the game map, distributing the counters according to the initial setup charts, and preparing the various tracks and charts. The setup is detailed, with each player taking on the role of a major power (like Germany, the United Kingdom, or the Soviet Union), ensuring that all units and resources are correctly positioned as of September 1939.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Time Scale: 1.5 months per turn.
  • Unit Scale: Corps and Armies.
  • Game Objective: Players aim to achieve historical or alternative outcomes by managing military campaigns, economic resources, and diplomatic relations.
  • Turn Structure: Turns are divided into phases, including economic, military, and diplomatic actions.
  • Open-Ended System: Allows players to explore historical scenarios and “what if” situations.

    Player Experience

    The game offers a deep and immersive experience, with playtime varying but typically lasting a weekend for the campaign game. The game is designed to be highly replayable, with each campaign game rarely playing the same way twice. Players must balance military strategy, economic management, and diplomatic maneuvers, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Detailed order of battle and meticulously researched economic and diplomatic systems.
  • Replayability: High replay value due to the open-ended system and variable setup.
  • Depth and Complexity: Offers a comprehensive and challenging gameplay experience.
  • Scenarios: Includes a campaign game and two shorter scenarios.

    Cons

  • Setup Time: Initial setup can be time-consuming and complex.
  • Learning Curve: Requires a significant investment of time to learn the rules and mechanics.
  • Game Length: Campaign games can be quite long, spanning several days.

    Personal Thoughts on The Supreme Commander: World War II in Europe, 1939-1945

    This game is ideal for experienced wargamers and those with a deep interest in World War II history. It offers a rich and detailed simulation of the European Theater, allowing players to delve into strategic and operational-level decision-making. While it may be daunting for new players due to its complexity, it is a rewarding experience for those who enjoy deep, immersive wargaming.

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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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