41.0
rating
Ludopedia
8.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Historical wargame fans will love it: North Africa '41 is a deep dive into the Western Desert campaign, with rich strategy and meaningful details.
Highlights
- Impressive historical detail
- Engaging combat system
- Challenging supply management
- Beautiful functional map
Keep in mind
- Complex for beginners
- Games can be long
- Requires translation for non-English speakers
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About the game
What you do in a play session
North Africa '41 drops you right into the sands of the Western Desert during WWII, where you'll command either Axis or Allied forces in the struggle for control of Africa. The game recreates the 1941 campaign, from Rommel's first offensive to Operation Crusader, with a level of detail that'll make any military history buff drool. Each hex represents 8 miles, and each turn equals half a month, split into impulses of a few days. You'll manage supplies, troop quality, tanks, artillery, and even the dreaded German 88mm gun. The Move-Fight-Supply system, tested in other games of the series, ensures smooth gameplay despite all the strategic depth. And don't worry, there are even rules for the famous Desert Rats!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games
Designer
Mark Simonitch
Artist
Antonis Karidis, Mark Simonitch
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,670owners
246wishlist
38want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game take?
Depends on the scenario: from 3h for shorter ones up to 12h for the full campaign. Worth every minute though!
Do I need to be a wargame expert to play?
Not necessarily, but some hex-and-counter experience helps. The rulebook is clear, but complexity is medium/high.
Can it be played solo?
It's designed for 2 players, but with some adaptations (and a bit of creativity), sure!
Does it need translation?
Yes, some cards and tables are in English. The community often shares homemade translations.
How does it compare to other WWII wargames?
The focus on the African theater and unique supply/combat system make this one stand out.
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