Crossing The Line: Aachen 1944

Fit

Teach 2.3

Teaching signal

Replay 4.0

High replayability

Interaction 3.8

Highly interactive

Scaling 4.0

Scales well

Strategy 4.5

Deep strategy

Control 3.5

More strategic control

Table feel

Moderate level of direct and strategic confrontation with frequent interaction, but limited emphasis on cooperation.

Replay value

Crossing the Line: Aachen 1944 has a high replayability score due to its variability in gameboard, expansions available, strategic depth, scalability, and moderate easiness to learn. The game offers different experiences each time it is played, with multiple paths to victory and variable setups. The presence of expansions adds new content and gameplay elements, enhancing the replay value. The game provides deep strategic possibilities and allows players to improve their strategies over time. It adapts well to different player counts without compromising its appeal or balance. Although it may take some time to learn, the overall replayability score is quite high, indicating a fresh and engaging experience with each playthrough.

Luck profile

Crossing the Line: Aachen 1944 has a moderate level of luck influence. Random elements, such as dice rolls or card draws, have a notable but not exclusive impact on the game outcome. However, players have substantial ability to mitigate randomness through strategic decisions and planning. The game outcome is primarily determined by player strategy and decisions, with luck playing a minor role.

Overview

The Game Crossing the Line – Aachen 1944 is an operational level simulation of the Battle for Aachen, which took place from September 12th to October 21st, 1944. The game is intended for two players but is also suitable for solitaire and team play. The game is played in a semi-interactive way, as only one Division of the active player is activated to conduct actions at the same time and the inactive player sometimes can have one of his Divisions react to specific threats and interrupt the enemy's actions. The Situation While Operation Market Garden was in the final stage of preparation, Lieutenant general Hodges led the leading elements of the First Army towards the Westwall fortified line south of Aachen. If successful, he might have the opportunity to drive through the fortified line, crossing the Roer River and perhaps reaching the Rhine River. Components coming in the game box: • One rulebook • One scenario booklet including four scenarios and extensive historical notes • One 22”x34” map sheet • 360 extra large counters of which 160 are combat units • Four Player aid charts • Setup charts • Reinforcement & Withdrawals charts The Scale (from the Rulebook): • A hex represents 1.2km of terrain from side to side. • Each turn represents a period of two to eight days. • Combat units are mostly battalions. 2nd Edition 2022: Game Contents, One rulebook. One mounted map. 448 extra large counters. Four double-sided player aids. Two double-sides Setup- and Reinforcements & Withdrawals displays. One solitaire play track sheet. Two 10-sided dice.

Mechanism

5

Action Points Dice Rolling Grid Movement Hexagon Grid Simulation

Family

3

Cities: Aachen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) Country: Germany Digital Implementations: VASSAL

Type

1

Wargames

Media