World War I: 1914-1918

Decision Games (I), Hobby Japan, SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) · Board game · 1975

— Ludopedia 6.8 BGG 2 · best 2 180 min Weight 2.4/5

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— rating Ludopedia

6.8 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

If you're a classic wargame enthusiast looking for a World War I simulation that doesn't take a week to learn, "World War I: 1914-1918" is a great choice. It's straightforward, focused on land strategy, and perfect for those who enjoy the vibe of older games, with good replayability thanks to variable setup. It's a strategic dive into history without the component overload of modern games.

Highlights

Strategic WWI simulation
Focus on land combat
Replayability with variable setup
Ideal for classic wargamers

Keep in mind

Dated visuals
Two-player only
Abstract naval rules

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive the Great War with "World War I: 1914-1918"! This classic 1975 wargame takes you to the heart of the European conflict, simulating land battles from 1914 to 1918. Forget the complexities of modern games and dive into a more direct experience where strategy is key. With just 100 counters, the game focuses on the essence of war, allowing you to command armies and make crucial decisions for the fate of Europe. The influence of naval forces is abstractly represented, keeping the focus on land combat. The game unfolds in semi-annual turns, covering the five years of the conflict. One of the cool features is the "free deployment" option for setup, meaning each game can start differently, ensuring good replayability. If you're a fan of older wargames and are looking for a strategic simulation of World War I without getting lost in hundreds of components, this is your game. Oh, and a tip: the 2015 and later editions are quite different and have their own entry, so this one is for those who enjoy the original, more compact version!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

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Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

7 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players

2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Decision Games (I), Hobby Japan, SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.)

Designer Jim Dunnigan, Joseph Miranda

Artist David McElhannon, Redmond Aksel Simonsen

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,233owners

112wishlist

26want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

How many players can play World War I: 1914-1918?

This is a two-player exclusive game, perfect for an intense and focused strategic duel.

What is the average game length?

A full game of World War I: 1914-1918 typically takes around 180 minutes, or about 3 hours. It's a reasonable time to relive the Great War in an afternoon.

What is the complexity level of the rules?

The game is considered to have a medium complexity (BGG weight of 2.3731/5). It's more straightforward than many modern wargames but still offers strategic depth for genre enthusiasts.

Are there many components, or is the game more streamlined?

It's quite streamlined! With only about 100 counters, the game focuses on the essence of the simulation without overwhelming you with too many components. It's a more classic 70s design.

Is this game recommended for wargame beginners?

While it has a medium complexity, its more direct approach can be a good entry point for those looking to try historical wargames without being intimidated by overly dense rules.

Are there any differences between this edition and newer ones?

Yes, the 2015 and later editions are considerably different and have their own entry on BoardGameGeek. This version is the original 1975 release, which is more compact and focused.