An aged board game cover titled "WAR IN EUROPE" with abstract geometric shapes in red, black, and white colors, featuring text that reads "A Special Super-sized Historical Simulation Game," "The War in the West Extension Kit," and "September 1939," along with the SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) logo at the bottom left. The cover shows signs of wear and tear, with tape on the edges.
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War in Europe (1976)

ByMichail

War in Europe

“War in Europe” is a grand strategic board wargame published by Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in 1976. The game aims to simulate the entirety of the European theatre of World War II from 1939 to 1945. It is one of the largest wargames ever produced, featuring:
– 4000 counters
– Four rulebooks
– Nine maps that, when placed together, cover an area of 38.5 ft² (3.6 m²)The game is nominally a three-player game (Allied, Axis, Soviet), but each side can be represented by teams of players. SPI estimated that the full game would take at least 180 hours.

Why is War in Europe Popular?

“War in Europe” is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:
– It is a “monster” board wargame, which means it is a large-scale game that covers a wide range of military operations and strategies.
– The game is historically accurate and provides players with a realistic experience of the complexities of World War II in Europe.
– It has inspired numerous articles, variants, and game replays, showcasing its impact on the wargaming community.

Game Components of War in Europe

  • 3200 counters** (eight full-size counter sheets)
  • Seven unmounted 22″ x 32″ game mapsheets**
  • 56-page rules booklet**
  • Scenario book**
  • Two different Track/Chart sheets**
  • Two dice**

    How To Setup War in Europe

    Setting up War in Europe is a meticulous process due to its complexity and the large number of components. Players need to arrange the maps, place the counters according to the scenario or campaign they are playing, and set up the tracking sheets for production, supply, and other game mechanics. The game comes with detailed rules and setup instructions to guide players through this process.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Division-level units: Divisions, Corps, abstracted air points, Axis naval points, and inherent Allied Naval capability.
  • Production cycles: Every 4 turns (13 lunar cycles in a year).
  • Time scale: 1 week per turn.
  • Map scale: 159×133 hex map of Europe and North Africa.
  • Naval and air power: Abstracted as points rather than on-map units.
  • Game Objective:
    – Players control the ground, air, sea, and strategic forces of the Axis, Allied, and Soviet powers to recreate or alter the events of World War II in Europe.
    – The goal is to achieve victory by controlling key territories, managing resources, and executing strategic decisions.

    Player Experience

    Playing War in Europe is a deeply immersive and complex experience, often described as a “monster game” due to its extensive scope and detailed mechanics. The game requires significant time and space, with the full campaign spanning 296 player turns. It is ideal for dedicated wargamers who enjoy strategic depth and historical accuracy. Team play is common, as it allows multiple players to handle different aspects of the war effort.

    Pros

  • Historical accuracy: Detailed representation of World War II in Europe, including the Western Front, East Front, North Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Strategic depth: Complex gameplay mechanics that require careful planning and resource management.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios and campaigns offer a high level of replayability.
  • Faithfulness to the original: The computer version by Decision Games is praised for its faithfulness to the original board game.

    Cons

  • Complex setup: The game requires a significant amount of time and space to set up.
  • Steep learning curve: The rules and mechanics are complex, which can be daunting for new players.
  • Glitches in computer version: Some players have reported glitches and quirks in the computer adaptation.

    Personal Thoughts on War in Europe

    War in Europe is for the serious and dedicated wargamer who appreciates historical detail and complex strategy. It is not a game for casual players due to its intricate mechanics and the substantial time commitment required. However, for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay and are willing to invest the time, War in Europe offers a rewarding and immersive experience that closely simulates the strategic challenges of World War II in Europe.

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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