Although I had heard of the AXIS AND ALLIES board game, I had never played it or owned a copy ... until now.
I happened to be in a branch of WHSmith, and as I walked past one of the displays I saw a copy of the AXIS AND ALLIES: SPRING 1942 board game and picked it up. I then realised that the box was very slightly damaged (it looked as if it had been dropped, and the corner had a small dent in it) and that its price had been reduced as a result. It took only a couple of seconds thought before I decided to buy it.
Having got the board game home, I opened it and was pleased with what I found inside. The playing pieces are quite passable – especially most of the ship models – and they alone would have made the purchase of this game worthwhile. In fact, I can see myself writing some naval wargames rules just so that I can use the ship models. The map board also has potential uses, and all-in-all I think that I got myself a bargain.
I happened to be in a branch of WHSmith, and as I walked past one of the displays I saw a copy of the AXIS AND ALLIES: SPRING 1942 board game and picked it up. I then realised that the box was very slightly damaged (it looked as if it had been dropped, and the corner had a small dent in it) and that its price had been reduced as a result. It took only a couple of seconds thought before I decided to buy it.
Having got the board game home, I opened it and was pleased with what I found inside. The playing pieces are quite passable – especially most of the ship models – and they alone would have made the purchase of this game worthwhile. In fact, I can see myself writing some naval wargames rules just so that I can use the ship models. The map board also has potential uses, and all-in-all I think that I got myself a bargain.
Well done Bob. I remember playing A&A some years ago - it's not a bad game. There are also Pacifoc and D-Day versions. The components are very usefl for other things. In a box of stuff I recently picked up is what may be a full set of components for A&A (minus the box) - perhaps we could compare inventories so I can check if mine is indeed complete?
ReplyDeleteTim Gow,
ReplyDeleteI had heard good things about the game, and seeing it on sale made it a bargain that I could just not turn down.
I will try to put a list of the bits together and email it to you so that you can see if you have a full set of components.
All the best,
Bob
You're obviously a January Sales expert ;)
ReplyDeleteGeordie an Exiled FoG,
ReplyDeleteNo, just lucky sometimes.
My wife is the real 'sales' expert!
All the best,
Bob
I bought a copy of the D-Day version a couple of years ago in similar circumstances (TK Max I think!). The game looks fascinating but I've still never played it!
ReplyDeleteIan
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteLots of uses for those playing pieces methinks - perhaps your travel wargame using the chess board?
I would love see the contents list as well if that is OK?
There are also Guadalcanal and Bulge versions as well.
All the best,
DC
Stryker,
ReplyDeleteI bought a copy of the 'Bulge' game in TK Maxx a couple of years ago ... and had forgotten that I had until you mentioned your purchase!
I intend to see what I have done with it later today!
All the best,
Bob
David Crook,
ReplyDeleteA similar thought had crossed my mind, although the naval playing pieces may be a bit too large for my travelling wargame concept.
I will try to make a list of the playing pieces available via my blog as soon as I can.
All the best,
Bob
Bob,
ReplyDeleteYour latest piece reminds me that years ago at Chestnut Lodge we tried playing A&A in kriegsspiel style, using two boards and an umpire. Good fun, and interesting, but somewhat ahistorical - a mighty Japanese tank army landed on the west coast of Canada and stormed across the prairies!
Arthur
Arthur1815,
ReplyDeleteAn interesting concept!
An ahistorical result is not necessarily a bad one, especially if the choices made by each side are rational and fit within the parameters of the game's design ... although I must admit this sounds more than a little fantastic!
All the best,
Bob
Bob,
ReplyDeleteAn entirely rational choice - in game terms - based upon two ideas:
1. the game rules allow it, and
2. no one will expect the Imperial Japanese Tank Blitzkrieg! [and they didn't!]
Banzai!
More seriously, playing a conventional family boardgame via a 'closed' umpire-controlled system certainly makes for a dramatic change and a real challenge.
Arthur
Bob - I just checked, it was the Bulge game that I bought as well (not the D-Day one). Must get it out and have another look!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Ian
Arthur1815,
ReplyDeleteWell they always tell you to expect the unexpected!
The idea of playing a normal board game at arms length via an umpire sounds interesting. Perhaps it is an experiment we should try at COW someday?
All the best,
Bob
Stryker,
ReplyDeleteI managed to find my copy of the 'Bulge' game about twenty minutes ago, but other than a quick check inside, I have not had a serious look at it as yet (I have some lesson preparation to do first).
All the best,
Bob