Customer Reviews

Axis and Allies Battle of The Bulge

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hasbro/Avalon Hill has finally produced a game on this significant battle and much in line with the movie from 1966, this version features the rationing of supplies as a key part of the game. There are no Germans dressed as MP's, and the road signs do lead to Malmedy! The method of German victory is to acquire more territory than the actual historical results. The Allied player need only prevent the German conditions of victory. Game mechanics are slow, plodding and very hex concentrated with lots of tedious steps for each hex. In fact it may bore the average player. The dice roll situation is pure insanity! Especially when you have a lot of units in a hex and you have to roll twice, once for hits and another to see where they landed. This version therefore is recommended only for veteran grognards. Allied air power, which appears half- way through the battle were surprisingly ineffective. The initiative is important, as it can make a difference in the way a battle will pan out. However, with regard to Air activity, it is better for the Germans to place their aircraft after the allies, to keep them from destroying entire tank groups. You can offset this possible devestation by having artillery around but it seems that planes won't turn the tide before the Germans get their "24". If you are good at defense then the Allied army is for you. You can prevent Tank blitzkrieg's if you use your troops properly. One really interesting thing about this game is the surprising situations that can arise in individual hexes. You may get chances as a German to actually capture supplies (Colonel Hessler would be proud!) and sudden openings can appear that will let your tanks roll to the areas where the point values are for winning the game. The game is 8 turns long only, but don't let that fool you.It will take hours to play. Like Henry Fonda, play your hunches because like his character in the movie, you will know everything about the battlefield from your Bird's eye view. In the early part of the game, some Major Wolenski situations may result (the role played by Charles Bronson). As a General you will have to request your troops to hold positions, to cover your withdrawl against advancing German Panzers. Overall, it is OK but not fluid and only for the wargaming veteran.

Having been a Avalon Hill gamer from way back, I was looking forward to this game. My son and I have really enjoyed Guadalcanal, but this game is a trudge. The whole game revolves around supply and moving trucks around. Boring. We gave up.

The mechanics of this game are nothing like the other Axis and Allies games. The game replays the battle of the bulge and depending upon how the first turn or two goes can give a surprising amount of variation to the game. Combat mechanics are very interesting. There is a lot of die rolling but it isn't too bad. Very fun war game but it is geared more towards the war gamer than the casual any gamer type.

Michael Ziegler's review proves to be most helpful and accurate for this game. Unlike other Axis and Allies games, this one is too tedious and too anal to be fun. Adjusting for the "front line markers" each turn is a pain, supply situation is handled very awkwardly and the game play is rather predictable after the first turn. Like Mr Ziegler, I thought that the supply rules were pretty bad and there are simpler ways of handled this thing then what the designers came up with. It does destroy the fluidity of the game and hamper the playability. As a wargame simulation, I have definitely played better without the cute tank and soldier figures from the earlier days of wargaming like Avalon Hill's Battle of the Bulge (2nd Version) or even SPI's Battle for the Ardennes or their simple Bulge game (if any of you guys are old gamers, you will know these titles). Of all the battles fought in the Europe during World War II, Battle of the Bulge is not exactly most ideal gaming situation for A&A format although the name is most recognizable so I am sure that had something to do with it. Kasserine Pass 1943 would have been a better gaming battle.

I have played this game three times, and have never enjoyed it once. The first turns take too long as the game sets up a string of opposing sides to start. After the mindless die-rolling, it turns into a game of supplies and reinforcements.

Not for amateur or first-time players. I found, without a sound strategy, the Allies are overrun too easily.

The pieces look nice, board looks neat, but clustered at the beginning. The rules had to be referred back to constantly, since none of the gameplay was very intuitive.

This game is by no means for beginners. It will take the truly dedicated Axis & Allies fan time to sort through the operation of the game.

Have not played the game yet....was not thrilled with the condition it was in on arrival...the the plastic wrap that seals the game was ripped and it appeared to have been opened at some point . it is a christmas gift so no one has usedit yet...But we had been away and i felt it was too lATE to complain as it was 2 weeks before we opened the package. Gloria carter

Rules are rather confusing, but the game is fun to play and the quality is good. We have at least 3 other Axis and Allies games and enjoy them all. This one is good if you want a shorter game time.

My husband and my brother are both big Axis & Allies fans and they both really enjoyed this.

Great game for kids 11 and up. my son and his friends love it. They are learning geography and history while they play!