Up Front (1983) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Up Front is a card-based wargame that was first released in 1983 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. Designed by Courtney F. Allen, the game is set during World War II and focuses on tactical combat between small groups of soldiers. With its unique mechanics and strategic gameplay, Up Front has gained a cult following among wargaming enthusiasts.

Game Components of Up Front

Personality Cards: Depict individual soldiers, including their name, rank, and weapons.

Action Cards: Include terrain, movement, fire, conceal, and smoke cards that drive the game’s action.

Counters: Represent groups of soldiers, vehicles, and equipment. Optional counter substitute cards are also available.

Expansions: “Banzai” and “Desert War” add Japanese, British, French, and Italian forces, along with new terrain and rules.

How To Setup Up Front

To set up **Up Front**, players first select a scenario, which defines the objective and the forces involved. Each player arranges their Personality Cards into groups, denoted by letters, and these groups are lined up facing each other. The Action Deck is shuffled and dealt to the players. The game does not use a traditional board; instead, terrain and locations are revealed through the cards played during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card-Driven Gameplay: Actions are driven by cards, including Move, Fire, Conceal, and Smoke.

Terrain Cards: Reveal and alter the battlefield as the game progresses.

Group and Individual Actions: Players can issue actions to entire groups or individual soldiers.

Variable Player Powers: Each nationality has unique rules, hand sizes, and discard abilities.

Objective

Players aim to achieve scenario-specific objectives, such as advancing a fixed distance, finding cover, or inflicting enough losses to cause the opponent’s squad to break.

Player Experience

**Up Front** offers a deeply immersive and realistic experience of man-to-man combat in World War II. The game’s card-driven mechanics simulate the fog of war and the unpredictability of combat, where terrain and enemy positions are revealed as the game unfolds. Players must manage resources and risk, using their units’ unique capabilities to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s design ensures that no two games are the same, providing almost infinite replayability.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Uses cards to simulate terrain and combat, offering a unique wargaming experience.

High Replayability: Different nationalities, scenarios, and card draws ensure varied gameplay.

Realistic Feel: Captures the tension and uncertainty of real combat.

Simple to Learn, Complex to Master: The rules can be complex, but the game is rewarding once mastered.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The rules and exceptions can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Factor: While minimal, the draw of cards can introduce some luck into the game.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game and understanding the various rules and nationalities can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Up Front

**Up Front** is a masterpiece for fans of wargames and tactical combat. It is designed for those who appreciate strategic depth and the realistic simulation of combat. The game’s unique mechanics make it stand out from traditional wargames, offering a first-person perspective that feels more immersive. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a must-have for serious wargamers and those looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

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