Review Detail
Fun game that tells a great story
Rating
5.0
Combat Commander: Europe is one of my absolute favorite games. It is not only fun but cards combined with game play make for a great story.
Is it the most realistic treatment of WWII. Perhaps not. But I don't care--even if I am a professional historian who has dabbled in military history -- in both publications and as a fellow at West Point. I can play this with my pre-teen son and have a blast---quite a bit of complexity without hurting the brain. The introductory game is a great way to learn the game---it is basically a walk-through of the game with a "stacked" deck. One walkthrough game and we were ready to go.
Rarely do the games last for more than 2 hours but the yelling and screaming that can go on during the game makes it seem like far less. Once you get the hang of it, the game moves quickly.
The lack of vehicles don't bother me in the least...again, perhaps because my primary concern isn't simulation.
That said, some critiques decry the lack of control because of cards...being unable to move, etc. Or the chaos and wild swings of fortune that can occur. All I can say is that having ready accounts of military history from many different eras, the one constant on a battlefield is chaos and irrationality. War is not always logical or clear with perfect information and intelligence....something gamers don't often remember.
Without a doubt, this game has theme and narrative more than any other wargame that I've ever played! I can't recommend it enough.
Is it the most realistic treatment of WWII. Perhaps not. But I don't care--even if I am a professional historian who has dabbled in military history -- in both publications and as a fellow at West Point. I can play this with my pre-teen son and have a blast---quite a bit of complexity without hurting the brain. The introductory game is a great way to learn the game---it is basically a walk-through of the game with a "stacked" deck. One walkthrough game and we were ready to go.
Rarely do the games last for more than 2 hours but the yelling and screaming that can go on during the game makes it seem like far less. Once you get the hang of it, the game moves quickly.
The lack of vehicles don't bother me in the least...again, perhaps because my primary concern isn't simulation.
That said, some critiques decry the lack of control because of cards...being unable to move, etc. Or the chaos and wild swings of fortune that can occur. All I can say is that having ready accounts of military history from many different eras, the one constant on a battlefield is chaos and irrationality. War is not always logical or clear with perfect information and intelligence....something gamers don't often remember.
Without a doubt, this game has theme and narrative more than any other wargame that I've ever played! I can't recommend it enough.
M
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