The War: Europe 1939-1945 (2012) Board Game

The War: Europe 1939-1945 is a historical wargame that allows players to recreate the events of World War II in Europe. Designed by Mark Mahaffey and published by Compass Games in 2012, this game is a detailed and comprehensive simulation of the conflict that engulfed the continent from 1939 to 1945.

Game Components of The War: Europe 1939-1945

Maps: 2

Counters: 9 full sheets of 5/8” counters

Cards: Approximately 20 full color 8.5″ x 11″ cards for displays, tracks, reminders, tables, charts, and worksheets

Rules Booklet: 1

Scenario Booklet: 1

Variant Cards: 1 deck

Dice: 2

Box: 1 full color box and lid, 3” deep.

How To Setup The War: Europe 1939-1945

Setting up the game involves laying out the maps, organizing the counters, and preparing the card decks. Players need to select the scenario they wish to play and follow the specific setup instructions provided in the scenario booklet. The game includes detailed rules and scenario setups to ensure a smooth start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategic level WWII game

Mechanics: Includes card play for U-Boat War, Strategic Bombing, Espionage, and naval warfare; optional card use for added bluff and surprise elements

Game Objective: Players aim to win the war by controlling key territories and resources, with multiple scenarios offering different strategic challenges

Player Count: Up to five players can play, representing Italy, Germany, France, the U.S., Britain, and the USSR

Solitaire Suitability: Good, with short scenarios teaching the basics and playable as stand-alone games.

Player Experience

**The War: Europe 1939-1945** offers a deep and engaging experience for WWII strategy game enthusiasts. The game is highly complex, with a playing time of around 50 hours for the full campaign and 1.5 hours or more for individual scenarios. The intuitive combat systems and varied scenarios ensure that no two games are alike, even for experienced players.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and optional card play ensure varied gameplay.

Detailed Scenarios: Includes 12 scenarios covering different aspects of WWII, such as Poland 1939, Barbarossa 1941, and D-Day to VE Day 1944-45.

Solitaire Friendly: Suitable for solo play, which is rare in games of this complexity.

Historical Depth: Addresses detailed what-if scenarios and historical strategies, appealing to military and naval history buffs.

Cons

High Complexity: Rated 8 out of 10 in complexity, which may be daunting for new players.

Long Playing Time: The full campaign can take up to 50 hours to complete.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires significant time to master the rules and mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on The War: Europe 1939-1945

**The War: Europe 1939-1945** is designed for hardcore WWII strategy game enthusiasts and those who appreciate deep, complex gameplay. It is ideal for players who enjoy exploring historical what-if scenarios and are looking for a game that offers both realism and playability. While it may not be the best choice for new players due to its high complexity, it is a rewarding challenge for those willing to invest the time to learn and master it.

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