Europe Engulfed
Today three of us got together for a game of Europe Engulfed. If you like games like Axis & Allies then you will probably like this one. The game is a little more in-depth than A&A and it does take quite a bit longer, but the one year of history that we played was fun and involved. If you like historical strategic simulation games, then this is one to check out. There are some down sides:
While the game itself is not really a heavy one (compared to other WWII simulations), it can take a long time to play. I would estimate an all day session for experienced players to finish the war. There can also be a LOT of dice rolling, but this can be greatly reduced if you use the optional rule with the CRT. And although the rules are very straight forward, you will have to look up some of the finer rules unless you have a photographic memory.
All-in-all, this is a fine game that I look forward to playing again. Mark and Jose are excellent opponents who are always welcome at my gaming table.
Game Lesson: The Germans have to be aggressive when they invade Russia. Take out the Soviets without mercy and as quickly as possible. Better to take risks than to play it safe (within reason of course). Supply in North Africa will kill you. Strategic Warfare is a money pit, but if you neglect it you will die.
Here is a really cool video with the classic Al Stewart song “Roads to Moscow” – a song about the war in Russia set to footage of the computer game Red Orchestra. Well worth watching and listening.
Embed
posted by Carlos @ 6:50 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Well, my embed did not work. Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnrLmwGVSDM
Good video Carlos, made from Medal of Honor game footage?
First time I play the germans in Europe Engulfed and I think I definitely had the wrong strategy. Was too concerned with building my forcepool and missed my chance to keep the russians reeling after the initial encirclement in the baltics. At the very least I should have broken the central river line and engaged the ladoga swamps to put pressure on Leningrad.
Russia is definitely a tough nut to crack, though, very hard to hurt their economy and they can easily make supply a nightmare. Both you and Mark played very well and by the time I resumed my offensive in spring of 42, it was too late.
Hope we get a chance to try it again in the future.
WHen playing EastFront, the German will usually spend most of his resources on HQ points. This allows him to keep driving the Russians, even if he cannot replace his step losses as quickly as he would like.
Perhaps this game Germany should take a similar startegy. Use and replace your Special Actions during the first few turns to drive the Russians as far and as hard as possible before the mud and snow. Then perhaps you can take them out quickly. We will need to try again.
BTW, the video footage is not from Medal of Honor, but a similar game called Red Orchestra. It is devoted to the Russian Front.
I really enjoyed my first game of EE. The game strikes a good balance between substance and playability.
In our game the Russians seemed poised to take Paris by the end of '43. I do believe the outcome would have been far different and closer to historical had the Germans not halted after siezing the border territories. My Russian forces were in disarray and would have had great difficulty fending off further German advances. I can't comment about North Africa or BoB, but I do believe germany must focus on the Russian problem as the war is won or lost in Russia.
Wow,....I really would love to play this game.
Now, I have tentatively planned a game of Asia Engulfed Friday of next week in a local south Houston convention. I'll post something here after the fact.
Rob, it was a really good game. The three of us who played are already seeing what it will take to get a 1939 game on the table - perhaps as early as this next week. Jose already has his copy of AE and I am expecting mine anytime now. We are planning to break it in hopefully before the end of January.
If you are lucky enough to play this next week, please post it.
EE sounds like a great game. Someday I hope to play, but not before I get EF.
I'll be interested to hear about AE. I'm fascinated by carrier battles in the Pac.
From a pure game standpoint, however, the strategic situation in the Pacific is problematic.
I'd really like to see a block game version of the campaign for Guadalcanal or even the whole Solomon's campaign.
Ted, I will make it a point to invite you to the next session. BTW, EF is always a welcome game for me. Mark and I played not too long ago.
I have been thinking more and more about our game this past weekend. While I thought it was really fun and involved, I may want to try EE in a two player game next time. There may be times during the game where the Allies are fending off the Axis while the Russian just sits there and does little. On the flip side, while the Germans and the Russians are killing each other on the Eastern Front, there may be a little going on in Africa and some strategic warfare, but this is tame in comparison to the Eastern Front. Of course the Axis never get a rest. We will need to ponder this question.
Jose, how are those AE rules coming along?
Ted, EE and EF share a lot of the same mechanics which is nice. A bit like switching between Italian and Spanish.
Carlos, you bring up and interesting question regarding optimum number of players.
I really don't see why the same player can't play the Russians and Western Allies. It may depend on how intense of a game you want. Downtime can be a good thing when playing a long game as it allows for snack breaks etc. I wonder if there is a practical way to split Germany up into two players--ie. two competing commanders?
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