 | Axis & Allies Release Date 2005 Publisher Wizards of the Coast (US) Designer Larry Harris Players 2 - 5 Brand Axis & Allies |
1942 was an awkward time for pacifists, but a pretty good year to examine for designers of war gaming on a grand scale. Players assume the roles of one of the five leading protagonists - Germany, Japan, England (huzzah!), the Soviet Union, and of course the USA. These powers are ideally suited to different gaming styles, meaning there's something for everyone. If you like to be in the global spotlight, Germany is the place to start. Then again, it really is you versus the world. With millions of troops available, the Soviet campaign is all about trudging doggedly through mud, snow, and unpronounceable parts of Europe. The UK is spread perilously thin, Japan is ready to rule the waves, while the US player needs patience early in the game if they are to prevail. Hundreds of plastic miniatures represent all the strategic assets you can think of, and plenty you can't. Whether it's by land, sea, or air, this is your chance to shape the world anew.
Axis & Allies is a fantastic game. Somewhere on the spectrum between Risk and Advanced Squad Leader, it's easy enough that family gamers and non-gaming warbuffs can pick it up and enjoy their first game, but complex enough to give veteran gamers lots of options to explore.
Greg Smorey is one of those people who could be termed Gen Con 'lifers' - in his case, he's been involved with Axis & Allies gaming at Gen Con for the last eighteen years. That's a lot of Luftwaffe. We had the chance to talk with Greg about the games, and the people who play them.
