Guns of August : World War 1 1914-1918 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're interested in a WWI strategic level PC game, your choice is simple, as there is only one: Guns of August.

Guns of August does not abuse it's monopoly. While it pays heed to the "slogfest" nature of trench warfare, it avoids static game play.Infantry, cavalry, and artillery units of 6-7 nations at a time lurch across a compact, axial map of Europe from the French Atlantic coast to western Russia.The game is either single or two player, as there is no multi-player option. Email play is possible. Each player directs their units in an order phase, and then movement and combat are resolved simultaneously.

The Entente and Central power players are responsible for all the countries in their respective coalitions.This means deciding research, diplomacy, builds, and naval planning for, at times, 5-6 countries.This has been one criticism directed against the game, but in reality, decision making for the smaller countries is relatively brief.

A unique aspect of the game is the use of headquarter units that carry a number of "activations".Activation points are required for offensive actions.They require resources to build, and the limitation on their numbers means you have to choose where you will carry out offensives carefully.Without enough headquarters or activation points, offensives will stall, like Ludendorff's offensive of 1918.

The result is you concentrate artillery, infantry, and cavalry for offensives, much as occurred in reality in WWI. But there will be large areas of the "front lines" that are relatively peaceful.Artillery units can be used without activation points, and they will continue to blast away all over the map, slowly eroding your front line units.

The Central Powers have the heavier burden to carry to victory. The enormous army of Russia is pressing from the east, and once America enters the war, the Western Front gives way faster and faster.

Complaints: Italy and Russia arguably have an "ahistorical", excessive influence on the game.Air and naval power are abstract, and if your hoping to see biplanes fly across the sky, you won't here.The manual doesn't explain game concepts well-you'll have to play 2-3 times to develop an understanding of game play.

A very reasonable, thoughtful presentation of WWI strategy that will appeal predominately to the strategy/history grognard.

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Product Description:
Guns of August puts players in command of waging World War I at a grand strategic scale from Paris to Baghdad. The entire Western, Eastern, Italian and Balkan fronts are included as are the three fronts of the Ottoman Empire. Production, Combat, Diplomacy, Research, Trenches, Fog of war - Land, Sea and Air combat are all included! Use land units like infantry corps complete with separate artillery units to precisely directing barrages on the enemy's line. As time goes on, players must deal with changing combat situations like the introduction of the Stosstruppen and even mighty tanks charging though lines to break though the stalemate! Guns of August fully supports a robust AI to fight against as well as full support for play by email. Step back in time to the early 20th Century and hear the Guns of August!Game Features Includes all of the important theaters of WWI Historical problems of breaking a strong line of trenches are reflected realistically. Includes the historical technologies used to defeat trench system such as poison gas, tanks, assault troops and powerful artillery barrages The use of HQs realistically recreate the logistical problem of keeping offensives running- use your HQs correctly or the attack will run out of steam! Naval system is strategic emphasizing control of areas and protection of supply and trade routes. ... and many more!

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