Cover of the game Wave of Terror

Wave of Terror

Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd. (国際通信社), XTR Corp · Board game · 1997
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
6.1 BoardGameGeek
Players
2 · best 2
Play Time
360 min
Weight
Weight 2.9/5
Year
Year 1997
Minimum age
Minimum age 14+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Wave of Terror is a feast for those who love heavy wargames and want to relive the Battle of the Bulge with historical precision. It is a dense experience, made for two strategists who don't mind spending hours analyzing every move on the map. If you are looking for a robust and challenging simulation, this title delivers exactly what it promises.

Highlights
  • Extremely detailed historical simulation
  • Very solid combat system
  • Abundant and immersive components
  • Award-winning design legacy
Keep in mind
  • Very long playtime
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires significant table space
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are a fan of military history and aren't afraid of a table full of components, Wave of Terror is a classic that deserves your attention. Set in the legendary 1944 Battle of the Bulge, this wargame pits two players against each other in a deep and detailed simulation. With a scale of 1.5 miles per hex and turns representing a full day of operations, the game captures the tension of the German offensive with impressive fidelity. We are talking about a true 'mini-monster' of the wargame genre: it features two large maps and 840 counters for you to manage. The complexity is rewarded by a dense tactical experience where every battalion movement counts. The turn sequence is well-structured, alternating German and Allied operations, followed by crucial artillery and recovery phases. The goal is clear: accumulate victory points by destroying enemy forces and maintaining control over strategic locations in cities. The game demands long-term planning and a sharp understanding of the terrain. This isn't a quick game for a casual afternoon; with a 360-minute duration, it is a serious commitment for those looking for an entire day of heavy strategy. A winner of the prestigious 1996 Charles S. Roberts award, it has established itself as a benchmark for those wishing to relive one of the most decisive moments of World War II. If you enjoy simulations where logistics and unit positioning are just as important as direct combat, Wave of Terror offers a challenge to match. It is the type of game that requires dedication, but delivers immense satisfaction when your strategic plan finally comes to fruition on the board after hours of tension.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Categories

Families

History: World War II (Battle of the Bulge) Magazine: Command Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd. (国際通信社), XTR Corp
Designer John Desch
Artist Beth Queman, Cherry Scollan, Chris Perello

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

420owners
13wishlist
4want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
Be prepared for the long haul: a full game takes about 360 minutes (6 hours).
How many players are needed?
It is strictly a 2-player game, perfect for an intense head-to-head duel.
Is it a very difficult game?
With a BGG weight of 2.875, it requires patience and dedication, being aimed more at experienced wargamers.
What comes in the box?
You will find 2 large maps and 840 unit counters, ensuring an epic-scale experience.
What is the main theme?
The game focuses on the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
How do you win the game?
Victory is achieved by accumulating points by eliminating enemy units and controlling strategic cities.

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