Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Celles: The Ardennes, December 23-27, 1944 is a fast moving simulation of the fighting at the high watermark of the German Ardennes offensive, AKA "The Battle of the Bulge".
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Read the full game description
Celles: The Ardennes, December 23-27, 1944 is a fast moving simulation of the fighting at the high watermark of the German Ardennes offensive, AKA "The Battle of the Bulge". The Germans are advancing towards the Meuse River and are running out of fuel and time to force a desperate crossing to achieve Hitler's goal of ultimate "Victory". The Allied forces are both trying to block the German advance and begin a counter-offensive to destroy the German Panzer Divisions. Alternating random activation by formation provides players with uncertainty and excitement. Each turn, players receive a varying number of activations (not all formations may move and some may move more than once!) to represent fuel shortages, aggressive generalship, command uncertainty, and piecemeal reinforcements that provides players with a rich historical feel. After units move, strengths are reduced to simulate fatigue and lack of defensive preparation. This is a game for players who love to counter-attack. Game Scale: Game Turn: 12 hours Hex: 1 mile / 1.61 kilometers Units: Company to Battalion Game Inventory: One 17 x 22" full color map One dual-side printed countersheet (88 5/8" counters) One 12-page Battles of the Bulge: Celles rulebook One dual-side printed cover sheet/player aide (Players will need to provide one 10-sided Die) Solitaire Playability: High Complexity Level: Medium Players: 2 or more Playing Time: 3 hours