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?
"WWII Commander, Volume One: Battle of the Bulge" is the first in a series of fast-playing area-based wargames on key campaigns of the Second World War.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Area Movement
Move pieces between connected regions rather than along individual spaces.
Movement Points
Spend a movement allowance across spaces with different costs.
Dice Rolling
Roll dice to introduce uncertainty into actions, production, movement, or resolution.
Scenario Campaign
Play linked or standalone scenarios with their own setup, objectives, and consequences.
Combat Results Table
Compare opposing strength as a ratio, then consult a table to resolve combat.
Simulation
Model a real or imagined system through detailed cause-and-effect rules.
Read the full game description
"WWII Commander, Volume One: Battle of the Bulge" is the first in a series of fast-playing area-based wargames on key campaigns of the Second World War. Battle of the Bulge is a two-player wargame of the German offensive against the Western Allies in December 1944, designed by renowned wargame designer John H. Butterfield and based on his original boardgame design that was later released in digital format by Shenandoah Studios, an imprint of Slitherine UL Ltd. The simple elegance and high player-interaction of the WWII Commander games recreates the tension of key battles of the Second World War. The overall game system is easy to learn and makes a great introduction to war games, but mastering its tactics and strategy is a true challenge as the players take turns deciding which units to activate on either attack or defense. As the German player, you must make big gains and be as aggressive as possible while you hold the numerical advantage without over-committing your units, over-extending supply lines or falling prone to fuel shortages. As the Allied player, you must first withstand the initial German surprise attack and coordinate effective holding actions while defending key geographic objectives as you muster your arriving forces for counterattacks. The package features premium components throughout; from the mounted game board and oversized units, to the activation cubes and wooden control discs, sure to appeal to war gamers and euro gamers alike. The rules are simple, game play is fast and furious and can be completed in a single sitting, and victory may be achieved by either side at different stages of the game. Product Information: Complexity: 4 out of 10 Solitaire Suitability: 7 out of 10 (no hidden units) Time Scale: 1 day, composed of multiple alternating player turns Map Scale: abstract areas approx. 15 miles across Unit Scale: Divisions Players: one to two, best with two Playing Time: 45 minute intro scenario, 3 hour campaign Components: Mounted 25 x 22 inch map 140 over-sized 3/4" counters Rules booklet German Order of Battle Appearance Display Allied Order of Battle Appearance Display Two player Aid cards 50 Activation cubes 40 wooden German control discs Seven 10-sided dice Box and Lid —description from the publisher