War in Europe (1976) Board Game

War in Europe is a classic board game that was released in in 1976. Designed by Jim Dunnigan and published by Hobby Japan, this game is set during World War II and is known for its detailed economic, political, and military elements. With a runtime of 360 minutes and designed for 2-3 players, War in Europe offers a complex and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of War in Europe

Number of Players: 2+ (multiplayer teams).

Components: 3200 counters, seven unmounted 22″ x 32″ game mapsheets, a 56-page rules booklet, scenario book, two Track/Chart sheets, and two dice.

Map Scale: Divisions, Corps, abstracted air points, Axis naval points, and inherent Allied Naval capability.

Designers: James F. Dunnigan, Irad B. Hardy, Redmond A. Simonsen, Tom Walczyk, Edward Curran, and Steve Bettum.

How To Setup War in Europe

Setting up **War in Europe** involves a significant amount of time and space due to its complexity. Players need to organize and place thousands of counters on the maps, which represent various military units and resources. The game includes multiple mapsheets that cover Western Front, East Front, North Africa, the Middle East, and the far north. Each player must set up their respective forces according to the scenario or campaign chosen, ensuring that all counters and maps are correctly aligned and ready for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to 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.

Turn Structure: Each turn represents one week, with a production cycle every four turns (13 lunar cycles in a year).

Game Mechanics: Players manage production schedules, declare war on neutral nations, and control various military units. Naval and air power are abstracted as points rather than on-map units.

Number of Game Turns: 296 player turns for the full game.

Player Experience

**War in Europe** is renowned for its complexity and depth, making it a favorite among serious wargamers. The game demands extensive time and space, often requiring a magnetic table or wall display to manage the thousands of counters. Despite the challenges in setup and play, the game offers a highly immersive experience, especially in team formats. Players need to coordinate strategies, manage resources, and make critical decisions that impact the outcome of the war.

Pros

Faithful Simulation: The game provides a detailed and realistic simulation of World War II in Europe.

Replayability: With multiple scenarios and campaigns, the game offers high replayability, allowing players to explore different strategies and outcomes.

Deep Strategy: The game requires complex strategic thinking and planning, making it appealing to experienced wargamers.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires a significant amount of time and space to set up, which can be daunting for many players.

Steep Learning Curve: The rules and mechanics are complex, making it challenging for new players to learn and master.

Glitches in Digital Version: The computer version of the game has been noted to have glitches and quirks that can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on War in Europe

**War in Europe** is tailored for dedicated wargamers who appreciate intricate gameplay and historical accuracy. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and the time commitment required. For those who enjoy deep strategic planning and managing detailed military operations, this game offers an unparalleled experience. However, it is essential to be prepared for the significant setup time and the potential for rules complexities and glitches in the digital version.

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