I saw a guy spend ages setting this game up at a gaming event, and then nobody showed up to play and he had to put it all back in the box. Felt so bad.
I loved this game as a kid. Snow days were spent with friends playing all day. But nostalgia only takes you so far. It will stay on my collection, but mostly for the memories. David Thompson and DVG games make amazing world war 2 games that are more streamlined and strategic.
I played the original Axis and Allies (back when there was only one version of the game) dozens of times throughout my preteens. My uncles and cousins would each play a country during holiday gatherings. One time I was the US and actually survived the Pearl Harbor attack with my entire navy intact, but still walked away due to terrible luck later on. This game has the illusion of strategy because you can choose to buy different unit types, but I've seen way too many battles turn based purely on bad dice rolls and then it becomes a slog. If the Allied invasions of Germany or Japan fail, then it takes too many turns to build up another coordinated invasion. The Axis powers also can't really march on Britain or the US, so you just wind up playing out little impotent skirmishes until it's time for everyone to go home. What. Fun. You can play a game of Risk in the time it takes to set up Axis and Allies, so play Risk instead.
Can’t speak for the Anniversary Edition, but I have many fond memories playing Axis and Allies back in my University days. Granted that was two decades ago and there wasn’t the diversity of board games back then that there’s is now. That said have you tried Star Wars Rebellion? Gives me a similar feel but immersed in the timeline of Episode 4 though Episode 6. Still a long play time, but builds and incredible narrative. And really a joy if you are a Star Wars fanboy.
Not the anniversary version but, back in high school in the 90s 3-4 of us would get together, It was a planned all nighter. when the person who owned the game was hosting, he would have the game all setup. Otherwise we would all set up our own nations. Set up took a long time, but we all had fun
I feel like this game is great if you just play it a couple times. U find that one board game buddy and u just play it a few times. I know a lot of you will think this takes to long but trust me it is worth it. Another tip i have is to skip the cities. Just play untill the other player surrenders and that will be when he realizes he cant win anymore because then the game becomes less about taking certain places and more about strategy.
I admit it'd be nice to see the naval ships be more defined in the rules, but tbh cruisers are bigger, destroyers have the flat back. Nation colors are pretty clear so that's nice. I admit it can get cramped in Europe at the beginning of the game but regular players will use their units and free up a lot of space too. Rules could definitely get rewritten. The biggest thing you mention is the core of combat: the dice roll. And while the game is a bit of chance, statistically you start to learn what a 'safe' move looks like, specific openers, etc. Strategy definitely wins out and only on the risky/unlikely plays will you see chance give you an extra opportunity. That being said, it's rarely the thing that lets you win a given combat encounter. If you're curious what I mean, watch Board Game Nation's world championship games to see how regular and expected gameplay becomes when you start to understand the win percentages. Otherwise, great review and this is a wonderful game that keeps on giving the more you play. Very excited for the Anniversary Edition reprints this year!
I love this game but its not tenable as an evenings light entertainment for a few friends. I recently bought the 1941 version which was supposed to be Axis and Allies light, junior, kiddies etc and it was nothing of the sort. It was brilliant fun and definitely a case of less is more sometimes. I got my brother to play who has a PHD and it appeared to be no kind of insult to his intelligence I can assure you. We sat up till 02.30 absolutley rivetted!
The rules amount to everything intuitively doing what it is meant to do - infantry are cheap and plod, tanks hit hard and are fast etc - that is what makes the game so great 🙂
Hey, I'm thinking of buying another A&A in addition to my Anniversary Version. I'm wavering between Europe 2nd and 1914, which game would you recommend? How are the playing times for both? You have any experience with it!? Thanks for your reply.
Growing up in the 80's we used to play this game every year at Christmas time. This really takes me back, but I won't be buying this game as the setup was Hell!
Agreed on the convoluted nature of the rules. I have the very simple, basic version and reading the rule book makes me want to pull my hair out. Ugh. It's sad because it looks fun and deep but too much is too much. Maybe I'll get to it someday, who know?
Reluctantly, I would not buy this game nowadays for the reasons you have set out. Still I have fond memories of playing original A and A many years ago. The good memories are mainly social rather than gameplay. Also the Europe and D-day versions are more manageable. Quartermaster General is a better WWII in a box, but lacks the grandeur that tickles people’s toy-playing desires. And as for War Room...
@@BoardGameBollocks i was at a game night at our local FLGS when that uboat game came out and one of the regulars who attends spent a lot of money on that submarine game and started to set it up, i played several games and left for the night and the poor guy was still trying to put it together
@@BoardGameBollocks hahaha this is true I looked at this game a few years back and almost went into shock at ALL the different types and subtypes and SIZES of the game - gave up in the end lol
That’s why I went with this one. Apparently it’s the definitive version or at least I thought it was. Now I’ve read you can combine the pacific set and one other for a game bigger than this one but tbh why the would you??? 😂
shogun aka samurai swords aka yakuza or something... is a better game than axis and allies. same company i believe. same style but all around better game play. also i have modded my shogun game to make it a bit more complex.
The research thing is very bad design. It's not worth the time, pain, money, or effort. Very dumb. My girlfriend and I do it differently. We roll a 12 sided die, and we choose what we want. What the income is, is the amount of rolls we get. Afterwards, if we want extra, then we pay
I saw a guy spend ages setting this game up at a gaming event, and then nobody showed up to play and he had to put it all back in the box. Felt so bad.
That’s actually quite funny after the pain and suffering I experienced playing this over the past couple of weeks.
It's always a struggle finding players for any Axis and Allies game.
@sheltoniousmaximus6117 no one wants to be Italy
I loved this game as a kid. Snow days were spent with friends playing all day. But nostalgia only takes you so far. It will stay on my collection, but mostly for the memories. David Thompson and DVG games make amazing world war 2 games that are more streamlined and strategic.
That takes me back! We used to play that back in the late 80s/early 90s. Start on a Saturday and finish up Sunday afternoon!
Bit of a barrier to play for me. As I get older I have less and less time for these types of games
I played the original Axis and Allies (back when there was only one version of the game) dozens of times throughout my preteens. My uncles and cousins would each play a country during holiday gatherings. One time I was the US and actually survived the Pearl Harbor attack with my entire navy intact, but still walked away due to terrible luck later on. This game has the illusion of strategy because you can choose to buy different unit types, but I've seen way too many battles turn based purely on bad dice rolls and then it becomes a slog. If the Allied invasions of Germany or Japan fail, then it takes too many turns to build up another coordinated invasion. The Axis powers also can't really march on Britain or the US, so you just wind up playing out little impotent skirmishes until it's time for everyone to go home. What. Fun. You can play a game of Risk in the time it takes to set up Axis and Allies, so play Risk instead.
Can’t speak for the Anniversary Edition, but I have many fond memories playing Axis and Allies back in my University days. Granted that was two decades ago and there wasn’t the diversity of board games back then that there’s is now.
That said have you tried Star Wars Rebellion? Gives me a similar feel but immersed in the timeline of Episode 4 though Episode 6. Still a long play time, but builds and incredible narrative. And really a joy if you are a Star Wars fanboy.
Not played rebellion. 2 player games are difficult to get to the table here.
Not the anniversary version but, back in high school in the 90s 3-4 of us would get together, It was a planned all nighter. when the person who owned the game was hosting, he would have the game all setup. Otherwise we would all set up our own nations.
Set up took a long time, but we all had fun
I feel like this game is great if you just play it a couple times. U find that one board game buddy and u just play it a few times. I know a lot of you will think this takes to long but trust me it is worth it. Another tip i have is to skip the cities. Just play untill the other player surrenders and that will be when he realizes he cant win anymore because then the game becomes less about taking certain places and more about strategy.
Taking those certain places forces you to be strategical about how you are gonna defend your cities and how you are gonna defend your cities
I admit it'd be nice to see the naval ships be more defined in the rules, but tbh cruisers are bigger, destroyers have the flat back. Nation colors are pretty clear so that's nice. I admit it can get cramped in Europe at the beginning of the game but regular players will use their units and free up a lot of space too. Rules could definitely get rewritten.
The biggest thing you mention is the core of combat: the dice roll. And while the game is a bit of chance, statistically you start to learn what a 'safe' move looks like, specific openers, etc. Strategy definitely wins out and only on the risky/unlikely plays will you see chance give you an extra opportunity. That being said, it's rarely the thing that lets you win a given combat encounter. If you're curious what I mean, watch Board Game Nation's world championship games to see how regular and expected gameplay becomes when you start to understand the win percentages.
Otherwise, great review and this is a wonderful game that keeps on giving the more you play. Very excited for the Anniversary Edition reprints this year!
I love this game but its not tenable as an evenings light entertainment for a few friends. I recently bought the 1941 version which was supposed to be Axis and Allies light, junior, kiddies etc and it was nothing of the sort. It was brilliant fun and definitely a case of less is more sometimes. I got my brother to play who has a PHD and it appeared to be no kind of insult to his intelligence I can assure you. We sat up till 02.30 absolutley rivetted!
The rules amount to everything intuitively doing what it is meant to do - infantry are cheap and plod, tanks hit hard and are fast etc - that is what makes the game so great 🙂
Thanks for this honest review. So hard to find anyone making honest board game reviews with an opinion
It’s a shame isn’t it?
That's me sticking with Memoir 44 I think Fella.
I own almost every Edition and this is my favorite one. (havn't played Zombies yet)
Good job mate!
Cheers
Steve
Hey,
I'm thinking of buying another A&A in addition to my Anniversary Version. I'm wavering between Europe 2nd and 1914, which game would you recommend? How are the playing times for both? You have any experience with it!? Thanks for your reply.
Dunno mate. This is the only one we have.
Nice video! Thank you!
Growing up in the 80's we used to play this game every year at Christmas time. This really takes me back, but I won't be buying this game as the setup was Hell!
That’s probably the biggest drawback with the game...reminds me of War of the Ring in terms of setup dysphoria.
Woz that a deposit u asked me to leave,???? Thanks 👍
My opinion - Anniversary is said to be more balanced but I just find it too long. 1942 2nd Edition is fine for me.
Agreed on the convoluted nature of the rules. I have the very simple, basic version and reading the rule book makes me want to pull my hair out. Ugh. It's sad because it looks fun and deep but too much is too much. Maybe I'll get to it someday, who know?
Reluctantly, I would not buy this game nowadays for the reasons you have set out. Still I have fond memories of playing original A and A many years ago. The good memories are mainly social rather than gameplay. Also the Europe and D-day versions are more manageable.
Quartermaster General is a better WWII in a box, but lacks the grandeur that tickles people’s toy-playing desires. And as for War Room...
I looked at War Room...it’s coming back to KS this year.
Santa came through for ya! nice! I have the stripped down 1941 version but havent played it.(cant talk my gaming partner, aka wifey, into it)
My wife would never play this....ever.
@@BoardGameBollocks lol
Did you every play that German u-boat game from a year or two ago?
No. That one sank without trace...
@@BoardGameBollocks i was at a game night at our local FLGS when that uboat game came out and one of the regulars who attends spent a lot of money on that submarine game and started to set it up, i played several games and left for the night and the poor guy was still trying to put it together
The KS was a big success but I decided not to as it looked to complex and 3D games don’t tend to work too well
As ever BGB thank you.
Is there not a “lite” version of the game out there or was I just dreaming lol
There’s a million iterations of it. I remember reading the Zombies version is the easiest to play and is the cheapest.
@@BoardGameBollocks hahaha this is true I looked at this game a few years back and almost went into shock at ALL the different types and subtypes and SIZES of the game - gave up in the end lol
That’s why I went with this one. Apparently it’s the definitive version or at least I thought it was. Now I’ve read you can combine the pacific set and one other for a game bigger than this one but tbh why the would you??? 😂
@@BoardGameBollocks why not just play risk
1941, look for it. But you need to buy some pieces, game is cheap, and WOTC, dont put all the necesarios, to play well. You need like 10 extra pieces.
If you think Axis and Allies is complex, check out A World at War 😂
shogun aka samurai swords aka yakuza or something... is a better game than axis and allies. same company i believe. same style but all around better game play. also i have modded my shogun game to make it a bit more complex.
Fortress America is the other one in the series
The research thing is very bad design. It's not worth the time, pain, money, or effort. Very dumb. My girlfriend and I do it differently. We roll a 12 sided die, and we choose what we want. What the income is, is the amount of rolls we get. Afterwards, if we want extra, then we pay