8.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you love miniatures and want to relive trench warfare tension, The Great War is your next game.
Highlights
- Engaging tactics
- Smart command cards
- High realism level
- Short playtime
- Accessible to beginners
Keep in mind
- Requires cards and dice
- Scale varies
- Two-player only
- Moderate complexity
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
The Great War is a miniature wargame that recreates the most iconic battles of World War I using Richard Borg's Command & Colours system. In each scenario, players command trench armies, adjusting scale to fit the historical context—from an entire company to a small platoon crossing the line. The core of the game revolves around command cards that dictate movement, create a fog of war, and require players to plan their moves in advance. Battle dice resolve combat quickly, while combat cards add suspense and demand coordination at the right moment. The hexagonal grid provides realistic and strategic terrain, allowing fire, cover, and advance tactics to be applied faithfully to the historical setting. The game takes about 60 minutes, ideal for quick matches yet deep enough for war fans to savor every decision. Components include high‑quality miniatures, a set of command and combat cards, six‑sided dice, and a modular hexagonal board. Although designed for two players, the system can be expanded with future supplements introducing tanks, aircraft, and armies from other nations. If you love war, miniatures, or simply want to experience a historical scenario in a compact format, The Great War offers an engaging and strategic experience. Additionally, the game features a command‑card system that simulates battlefield decisions, forcing players to weigh the risk of advancing versus holding position. The fog‑of‑war mechanic prevents opponents from seeing exact unit locations, creating tension and requiring reliance on limited information. The variety of scenarios allows exploration of different war phases, from 1914 conflicts to 1918 battles, each with unique terrain and logistical challenges. The balance between rule simplicity and strategic depth makes The Great War accessible to beginners yet appealing to veterans seeking a more realistic war experience.
Gallery
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
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
PSC Games, Maldito Games, Nuts! Publishing
Designer
Richard Borg
Artist
Peter Dennis
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,056owners
646wishlist
140want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
The game is designed for two players, providing a balanced experience between two armies.
How long does a game last?
Each match lasts about 60 minutes, ideal for those looking for a quick yet strategically deep game.
What is the complexity level?
The complexity is moderate; the rules are accessible to beginners but require strategic planning.
What components are included?
High‑quality miniatures, command and combat cards, six‑sided dice, and a modular hexagonal board.
Who is this game for?
Ideal for war enthusiasts, miniature fans, and those who want to experience historical scenarios in a compact format.
How does unit scaling work?
Scale varies by scenario; in some, a unit represents an entire company, while in others it represents a small platoon.
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