If you can't do anything with the war board games Axis and Allies and Memoire 44 because the historical events of the Second World War are taking place, you could be better advised with the board game The First World War from Phalanx Games. The game is one of the modern classics and has been on the market since 2004, but it is still one of the recommendations in the field of strategic board games.
The First World War - A strategic board game
Although war is anything but a game, the settings related to the "great wars of mankind" are still perfect for spending a few entertaining hours with friends despite the serious background. The First World War plays a very special strategic role, because never before have tactical battles merged so much with the means of modern, technically supported warfare. This constellation is also what makes the board game The First World War so special.
The first World War Can be played with two, three or four players. Depending on the composition of the game round, the individual players take on different factions. With two players, the parties “Central Powers” and “Entente” are available. With three players, the division takes place between "Entente", "Germany" and "German Allies". In a 4-player battle, the alliance is further divided into eastern and western allies. Even geopolitically things get down to business in this board game. The board game meticulously reproduces the historical background. I wouldn't describe The First World War as an educational game, but anyone who can relate to the setting will be surprised at some of the historical accuracy.
The equipment can convince. For around 35 euros, players get a full package consisting of: 1 game board, 96 army tokens, 46 city markers, 30 combat markers, 1 game round marker, 1 move marker, 4 victory point markers, 8 game order markers , 4 surrender markers, 1 Treaty of Brest-Litovsk marker, 2 special dice, 1 player support sheet, 1 rulebook.
As soon as the game box has reached your home command post, you are well equipped for the front line.
So tear open the box, unpack the game material and put it ready and off you go. The first decision is approaching even before the first move is made: You have to choose whether you want to post your troops freely or use the historical structure. Great for anyone who likes tough history facts!
The board itself is divided into three separate sections with a total of 11 front lines. What seems irritating at first glance, turns out to be an ideal solution for overview and tactics on closer inspection. Incidentally, although tactics play a major role, the board game also comes without dice throwing The first World War not from. Every field commander needs a bit of luck. But if you look at the current G36 lucky lottery, luck seems to play a role on every battlefield.
Cities (indicated by squares) that can and should be found on the maps should be conquered. You can recognize supply depots by a circle. Depots cannot be conquered. The order is as follows: If a player wins a battle round on a front line, he conquers the next available city. If all cities are already occupied and only non-conquerable depots are available, the losing player receives a so-called surrender point. For the sake of game balance, however, you can only receive one of these points per round.
Tactical depth is not only achieved through army units, but also through the use of deception units, so-called dummies. So it is wonderful to bluff in this World War II board game. Fights are decided in the classic way by throwing the dice: the higher number of points wins the battle.
At the beginning of each game round, the replenishment comes. This depends, who would have thought it, on the supply cities, so that these points automatically gain strategic importance.
This excerpt from the rules sounds complex, but is much easier to understand when the game board is spread out in front of you. In the end, the rules are not that extensive, so that even beginners in strategy get their money's worth. This conflict game is a bit different with each game, so long-term motivation is provided and the well-made game material gives a high-quality impression and can withstand stubborn barrages. I would have liked a little more written history, but after all, there are books for that.
In the end there is the board game of war The first World War the ideal introductory title to the subject of strategic board games. And those who can't get enough and trust themselves with more difficult titles will still buy Axis and Allies after!
