Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for those who love deep historical wargames and aren't intimidated by thick rulebooks.
Highlights
- Extremely detailed historical simulation
- Solid and familiar combat system
- Massive map with high immersion
- Faithful to Operation Market-Garden
Keep in mind
- Playtime can be exhausting
- High language dependency for rules
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're a military history buff who loves the pressure of strategic command, Holland '44 is exactly what you need. The game plunges you into the heart of Operation Market-Garden, the Allies' daring attempt to end WWII quickly through a combined ground and airborne assault in the Netherlands. The tension is high: as airborne divisions drop on September 17th, the Allied player must push ground forces forward as fast as possible to relieve their beleaguered troops and capture the critical bridge over the Rhine before the operation collapses.
The map is massive and detailed, spanning from the Belgian border to Arnhem, with a scale of 2 km per hex. The game doesn't shy away from realism, featuring specific rules for navigating the flat polder terrain, bridge building, and the complexities of river crossings. Most units are battalions, but you'll command everything from companies to brigades, requiring careful management of every asset.
Gameplay-wise, Holland '44 follows the classic 'I-go, U-go' flow, focusing on movement and combat. If you've played Ardennes '44 or Normandy '44, you'll feel right at home, as the system is virtually identical. Mechanics like ZOC Bonds, Determined Defense, and Traffic Markers return to ensure that logistics and the friction of war are felt. The second edition introduced significant improvements to the order of battle and rule adjustments to bring it in line with other modern 19xx titles. Get ready for long, intense sessions where every single decision can change the outcome of the campaign.
The map is massive and detailed, spanning from the Belgian border to Arnhem, with a scale of 2 km per hex. The game doesn't shy away from realism, featuring specific rules for navigating the flat polder terrain, bridge building, and the complexities of river crossings. Most units are battalions, but you'll command everything from companies to brigades, requiring careful management of every asset.
Gameplay-wise, Holland '44 follows the classic 'I-go, U-go' flow, focusing on movement and combat. If you've played Ardennes '44 or Normandy '44, you'll feel right at home, as the system is virtually identical. Mechanics like ZOC Bonds, Determined Defense, and Traffic Markers return to ensure that logistics and the friction of war are felt. The second edition introduced significant improvements to the order of battle and rule adjustments to bring it in line with other modern 19xx titles. Get ready for long, intense sessions where every single decision can change the outcome of the campaign.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Rules Breakdown: Holland 44 - Part 1
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Rules Breakdown: Holland 44 - Part 4
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Rules Breakdown: Holland 44 - Part 3
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Rules Breakdown: Holland 44 - Part 2
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Rules Breakdown: Holland 44 - Part 5
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Rules Breakdown: Holland 44 - Part 6
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GMT Holland 44 Playthrough 82nd at Nijmegen
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Learning to play - Going through the first turn with an experienced player
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GMT Holland 44 Playthrough Intro
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GMT Holland 44 Playthrough 1st Para Arnhem
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Reading the rules
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games, Chrononauts Games, Ediciones MasQueOca, NAC Wargames
Designer
Mark Simonitch
Artist
Antonis Karidis, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3,619owners
515wishlist
61want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game very long?
Yes, it's a marathon. A game can last anywhere from 4 to 15 hours, depending on the players' pace.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, there is high language dependency. You'll need a translation or a good grasp of English for the rulebook and player aids.
Is it hard to learn?
It has medium-high complexity. If you're familiar with the '44 series (like Ardennes '44), the curve is smooth. If you're new to the genre, expect some study time.
How many people can play?
The game is designed exclusively for 2 players.
What's in the box?
Two large maps, hundreds of counters, a 40-page rulebook, player aid cards, and dice.
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