What is it!?
Axis & Allies 1941 is a World War 2 strategy board game. It’s a blend of military action and resource management with a mounted board and plastic models. 2-5 players compete for the winning victory conditions via dice rolling combat. Playable nations are Russia, Germany, British Commonwealth, Japan and the United States. It’s commonly played with one player playing the Allies and the other the Axis. Don’t think that 3 versus 2 nations is unfair…the game is balanced regardless of the amount of nations. This 1941 edition of Axis &Allies is standalone and fairly basic compared to other editions. To call it a ‘starter’ base game is probably a little misleading as it has everything you need to play the game, but other additions add extra rules, models and higher quality components.
Historical Backdrop
Yep…you guessed it…it’s set in 1941. World War 2 war machines are in full flow in several theatres. Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of Russia appears imminent with the latter undermanned and underprepared. Japan ponders on how to deal with the US embargo stifling it’s expansionist designs. After 2 years of preparation, the British Commonwealth steps up to more active and ambitious ways of taking down the Reich and securing it’s overseas interests. The United States, booming with production and national fervour, seems inches away from hammering it’s anvil. All it needs is a spark and a courageous leader.
I should note, although the setting is in the actual historical context, by no means are you chained to repeat the past. There’s a plethora of ‘what ifs’. What if Japan hunted US aircraft carriers with patience and precision? And what if the US couldn’t side-line the Pacific conflict and decided that defeating Hirohito and his expansionist generals was a greater priority than the liberation of Europe? What if Russia decided on a pre-emptive strike on the German border? Axis &Allies 1941 is an open, fun and accessible board game with plenty of options.
What is the objective?
Conquest. Pure and simple. Victory conditions can vary on preference but ultimately you aim to invade enemy heartlands and conquer capital cities and production centres.
Game or simulation?
Game. At the strategic level, decision-making is paramount. Where to attack, when to attack, and with what to attack requires skill, calculation and a degree of risk-taking!
What’re the components like?
Basic but good enough. If you want a more luxurious set, consider getting latter editions of the game, but Axis & Allies 1941 is still pretty decent. The board is mounted, models strong and unlikely to snap, and the rulebook is in full colour.
How long does a typical game last?
2 hours. Highly dependant on style of play however, you could spend half or double this if players are so inclined.
“It’s not another dice rolling fest, is it!?”
Well, there are dice, and luck will play a big part, however strategies such as using infantry to bear the brunt of losses, targeting weaker areas with fast-moving tanks, amphibious assaults, coordinated combats with land, sea and air forces all add to the skill:luck ratio in favour of skill. That said, the fortunes of war can undo the best of players so the randomness of some rolls might keep you on your toes.
“Can I combine this with other editions?”
No. Well technically you could with models and homerules but ultimately this is a standalone game. If you buy a latter edition, this one will likely collect dust unless you’re introducing a newbie to the game. So yeah, it does have an ‘introductory’ feel.
