September 3 2002: This game is out!!
Questions about this upcoming expansion? Ask Eric in thrasher's Axis and Allies Forum (A&A Expansions) |
World War
II in the West
A hex-based Axis and Allies
Expansion
Introduction
World War II in the West is an off-shoot of Axis and Allies, designed by Eric Grenier (myself). The game is set in 1939 Europe and North Africa, beginning with the German invasion of Poland and the British and French declaration of war on Germany.
The Map
The map stretches from Morocco to Iraq, and from northern Norway to the northern Libyan coast. The map is not area based, but hex based, which allows for more tactics and much more complex and varied strategies. Each hex represents approximately 100 kilometres from north to south and 150 kilometres from east to west. Rivers, mountains, forests, and swamps are all represented on the map, each affecting unit defense and attack.
- click here for an image of the map -
The Playing Pieces
Pieces used in this game are the original Axis and Allies pieces. Axis and Allies
Europe, Europe at War, and World at War pieces also fit in with the game. Having a
combination of these sets work best. It is suggested that an extra set or two is ordered
from Hasbro, and this is very inexpensive. Infantry units represent 2 divisions each,
while armoured units represent one armoured division each. Therefore, the starting armies
are approximately equal to their historical counterparts. New pieces include artillery and
light cruisers, and there are several new abilities for units. Each hex can hold one type
of unit, which allows 'fronts' to be created, with the infantry in the front lines, the
artillery in support, and the tanks massed in the rear for the offensive.
Only one type of unit may occupy one hex, and up to eight of them. For example, on the
Russian front, the German's front line hexes will be infantry, then behind them maybe some
artillery, and then behind those the armour.
GamePlay
Gameplay is very different. It uses a system derived from the wargame WWII:European Theatre of Operations, in which the turn flows between sides, and nations alternate in carrying out offensives. The turns themselves represent either one month or two weeks, and at certain turns, such as the December 1941 turn, special events occur. In attacks, air units must first vie for control of the skies, defending land units are permitted to retreat, and naval units may attempt to evade their pursuers.
I hope to release this game sometime in the 2002. The price is not set as of yet, but I am looking at around 40 Canadian dollars. In the game you will receive the map, some player aid charts, a manual, and possibly control markers. You will always be able to contact me directly through email if you have any rule problems. These types of feedback will aid me in the release of a second edition manual which I will send out free-of-charge to the original buyers of World War II in the West.
Following the release of World War II in the West if interest is shown, I am expecting to release an 'Expansion Pack' to World War II in the West, which will feature two sister games to World War II in the West, which are World War I in Europe and World War II in the East, the latter being the Pacific Theatre.
If you have any questions concerning this game, please email me at lgrenier@hawk.igs.net. Also, you can visit my website at www.expage.com/gren. I will post some information on the game once the game is ready for release.