Axis and Allies Best Version: The one you must buy

[@Emanon...]

Anniversary Edition. It's the sweet spot between epicness and actually being able to finish a game 😉

[@2orLess]

I couldn't have put it better myself. 👏

[@genie7172]

Ordered the Renegaid games Anniversary edition. Can’t wait ! 👍

[@christophneuschaeffer7489]

Absolutely correct. And you even get two games in one, because players can either start in 1941 for a longer game or in spring 1942 for a shorter game - the latter being the starting point from A&A Classic. I prefer to start the Anniversary Edition in 1941with Operation Barbarossa and Pearl Harbor - the two events in 1941 that turned regional conflicts into World War II. The Anniversary Edition can also be upgraded with units and rules from Global 1940 or be spiced up with some house rules (which I did both) if you really want a deep dive into this game. I have been playing Axis & Allies for nearly thirty years, starting with Classic and ending up with a few games from Historical Board Gamings 1936 war game, where you start with the Spanish Civil War. It never gets old, just I do.

[@Sinister703]

What an excellent review and summary of each game. My faves are 1914, Anniversary, and 1942 2nd edition.

[@2orLess]

Thank you: you've hit the nail on the head there, they are great versions. I often go to '42 2nd ed' when trying out new house rules.

[@PJA264]

I recently bought the new edition of Guadalcanal and have been completely hooked ever since. It's right up my alley as a PTO obsessive.

[@2orLess]

@PJA264 It's certainly a version that as soon as you finish, you want to go again. How are you handling the optional Advantages? I find them great for changing-up the game.

[@PJA264]

@@2orLess I've only played with them once but so far they're really neat. The "good logistics" one seems a little OP, though. If the US player plays turn 1 correctly he can sweep up the entire eastern half of the board on the first turn and then use good logistics to build three airfields within the next turn or two. The IJA player has a really hard time recovering from that.

[@2orLess]

​@@PJA264 Yeah, the Good Logistics token is great for the U.S. player. Fortunately where the rules encourage mixing and matching them, you can always give Japan an additional token as balance. But I quite like mixing all 16 together, pulling 4 or 5 in total and going with it, regardless of who gets how many. 🍻

[@kylevogelgesang3825]

My mom bought this for me back when I was a wee lad for $30 Canadian. I'm 46 now and I STILL have the 2nd "Original".

[@2orLess]

I hope it comes out from time to time. 😁

[@kylevogelgesang3825]

@@2orLess once or twice a year my brother and his wife and I will run a weekend game. and just as a little side note mom bought him Shogun.

[@2orLess]

@@kylevogelgesang3825 For sure she knew she was making memories. 👍

[@CorporalClegg]

Awesome mini review of each A&A game! I watched the whole thing whilst painting some of my pieces 😁 I don't own every version so this was really interesting for me, and it's a super handy guide for people wanting to get into the game. Your channel deserves more views!

[@2orLess]

Thank you. There is so much to like about these games.

[@inwyrdn3691]

Glad to finally hear some love for AA: Revised! My absolutely favorite version and I too love the board! The board definitely has some detractors but for a person who has some mild issues differentiating colors, the stark and sharp contrast helps me a TON.

[@2orLess]

For sure it's a hidden gem.

[@gowensbach2998]

I am 66. Recently retired and moved to a place where I finally have a large game table, so Im busting out my Axis and Allies! I have 5 versions, and have never played them (except the classic version). Being an old dude, It will take meca while. I enjoyed your video, thanks!

[@mikedearing6352]

I recall some early A&A expansions from the early 90's, table tactics, Mad Max, gamers paradise, we'd have a ton of technology developments agreed upon before the game starts, mostly new unit types, but everyone gets a free technology every turn, no $$, we'd make a chart for each players technology choices, #2-12, rolling 2 dice and see what you got. About 20 games were played with 4 of us and the games went very well. Now I'm figuring just pick out a technology, no randomness. Some technology isn't added for a few turns, if the game last too long, add more devastating technologies...ie..3 dice bombers..bombing damages paid directly to the attacking player (game ending ..atomic?)

[@2orLess]

@gowensbach2998 Thanks for your comment. I'm sure the wait will be worth it. Over the years, I've grown to enjoy the slower pace of these games... either that or I've grown used to my pottering. 🤭

[@2orLess]

@@mikedearing6352 I have some Table tactics pieces as well as some Xeno stuff. Adds a nice variance once in a while.

[@gowensbach2998]

I used to play a whole game in one day...now Im lucky to play one round. I did appreciate you addressing that, which is why I responded. It's ok, but Im glad I reduced my collection. Game collection divided by time=?

[@2orLess]

@@gowensbach2998 There are times I wish I had the.... 🤔 sense(?) to reduce my collection - but try as I might, it keeps growing. 😵‍💫

[@tholmes2169]

Had most of these at some point in time. The only ones I kept was the MB original version and 1914. 1914 is just so much fun, my brother and I had a lot of fun with it.

[@2orLess]

This was a pleasant trip down memory lane for you, then. 😁 No time like the present to set-up and go again. 🍺

[@peterixon8708]

This was an excellent and comprehensive review; so good I immediately bought the 1940 versions you profiled at the 45 minute mark. Your advice on other editions was also really helpful. So helpful, I am now seeking the 1941 version that I want. As a happy retiree who has plenty of time to play, plus the funds to buy things, thanks so much.

[@2orLess]

Gosh, thank you. I'm glad it has helped you find (or perhaps rekindle) your interest. Let me know how you get on. If you want any help there is plenty of A & A chat here facebook.com/groups/284219041598621 😁

[@peterixon8708]

Thanks @@2orLess

[@ChrisS-fh7zt]

Got an original MB 2nd edition (blue box) and I think I only paid $20 USD back in 1986 for it. What I liked most about it is the styrofoam trays to hold the plastic units in. Which kept everything organized and out of each other way. I also have a WW I A& A and only played it twice and I just can not believe what it is going for now as I paid about $25 after Christmas sale as originally it was about a $45 USD game back in 2015 in the United States.

[@2orLess]

You got a good purchase with the 1914--no time like the present to resurrect your interest, dig it out--it's calling you. 😉 From what I remember of back in the day, everything came in styrofoam trays. 🍺

[@ChrisS-fh7zt]

@@2orLess Yes but right now I'm heavy into Warlord Games, Bolt Action but I did do a regular Axis and Allies game with 4 others so a full game about 8 months ago with a slight allied victory Germany fell but Japan just was able to withstand every amphibious assault put against it with the very deep infantry reserves it was able to purchase. And that was 6 hours long. This is why the US, UK, and Japan probably have some of the strongest positions as you need to have a strong navy in order to even invade them in the original rules and maps.

[@2orLess]

@ChrisS-fh7zt I hear what you are saying - invasion is all in the planning, especially in the larger versions. My haste is often my downfall. 🤐

[@mikedearing6352]

I've got the A&A 1940 global, very pretty boxes for each players pieces and the Styrofoam trays are a perfect fit inside the players boxes

[@RonSommar]

My most epic memories are linked to the classical version- so it’s likely natural I favor this. I always and until today have problems with all other as I see just minor differences (beside maps...) spending money on wargames I prefer to go for totally other interpretations of ww2 as world in flames (epic but spanning an entire bachelor plus master in economics) or the excellent rise and decline of the 3rd Reich.

[@2orLess]

Rise and Decline of the 3rd Reich, has cost me a number of weekends, great game. I’ve not tried WiF but have heard many good things. Yeah, you have to go to the largest versions for the complexity to make a major difference.

[@genie7172]

Always enjoyed Rise and Decline of the Third Reich. Great game!

[@genie7172]

Great review! Thank you for sharing. Just ordered Renegaid games Axis and Allies anniversary edition. Can’t wait to play.

[@2orLess]

Good choice. 👍 If you're not already signed up, this facebook group has 7k members always ready to natter... see you there. facebook.com/groups/284219041598621

[@varovaro1967]

And the answer is get them all!

[@2orLess]

Correct! I'll drink to that. 🫖🍵🍵

[@AdamH75]

Well done overview! I own all WWII based versions (except that rare Nova one) and find I can't part with them as I like having access to every sculpt/version of the pieces. Since acquiring D-Day and being a Canadian, I've always used those lighter pea coloured pieces (starting ones and any newly built units) in other versions as Canadians...to see how far we make it. :)

[@2orLess]

Thanks. It's nice to meet a fellow addict. 🤣 Know what you mean with the Canadian; they played and important part back then. 👊🤛

[@danfish300]

I have played most of these, and my fave by far is 1914. Flavourful and well balanced....won with both sides. Always have great stories, and decisions on one side of the world affect the other!

[@2orLess]

1914 has a way of creating legendary moments - especially during those dice rolls that need two hands. 😮😎

[@MrSnaetch]

I also like the game very much. But to be fair: it is not balanced after all.

[@danfish300]

@@MrSnaetch I have had both sides win. I found that if someone makes a decision one way it can really swing the game. Had a British player decide to ignore the Middle East in one game to focus on Germany but the gamble did not pay off, swung the whole game. A few examples like that.

[@handelsimperium3506]

@@danfish300 It is actually well known among highly skilled players that 1914 is extremely unbalanced. Actually most versions of A & A are; this is why very good players hardly play A & A without bidding for sides.

[@danfish300]

@@handelsimperium3506 interesting. I have played a lot of it and we have had all kinds of results. Imbalanced to which side?

[@Colin-bowser]

1940 global is in my opinion perfect. I have a large family of cousins and friends that like playing it

[@2orLess]

It certainly hits the mark when you want a full-on experience without a game getting too rule heavy. 🍻

[@eslima70]

Great review😮

[@2orLess]

Thank you. Glad you liked it. :)

[@Diabolik771]

I have many versions. D-Day is strange, you just end up with a pile of dead units and the board becomes empty, very unrealistic. The 1984 what most call original version is probably the best place to start. It takes many plays to grow tired of it and is cheap to get second hand. 1940's Europe and Pacific feels like a proper accurate WWII game with the inclusion of Italy, Anzac and Chinese. A better map than the original, more types of units. It's really good that China is more than 2 territories. The 1940's have the most complexity which I like. If you want to play a short game, just play ETO or PTO alone, they are fun.

[@richardkramer1542]

Dude, was it freezing in your room??? How many layers of clothing do you wear?? 😂😂😂 Thanks for the video. Enjoyed it!!! 🎉🎉

[@2orLess]

Glad you liked the video and lol, I'm always over-dressed, I don't sense heat very well. Sandals, socks and thermal long-johns in the height of summer for me. 🤣

[@jw4172]

Funnest version: Classic Quick filler: 1941 Only have one: Anniversary Worst: Zombies No real place anymore: Revised Something Different: 1914 Pro Level: Global

[@2orLess]

@2orLess 0 seconds ago Thank you for adding to the conversation. 🍺It's the child in me that loves, and thus defends Zombies despite its nuances ('nuances' is me being polite ).🤣

[@HossBlacksilver]

I've been recently thinking that I'd like to see A&A Korea. I've got the "original", Europe, Pacific, Normandy and Battle of the Bulge.

[@DJCamYank]

Good video. Thankfully, have all of those except the true limited release, original (rare and expensive), Battle of the Bulge (need to get it), Zombies (don’t care), and North Africa (ordered).

[@2orLess]

Cheers my friend. 🍻 Keep digging in those thrift shops and garage sales, BotB is super-cool. 😎

[@haroldmorgan7381]

Bought two (2) A&A Variant games off EBAY - OPERATION SEA LION ( Germans invade 1940) & A BRIDGE TOO FAR (Arnhem 1944) - Operation Sea Lion is very much like the D-Day edition with beach invasions against Brit beaches (blockhouses) and having to capture 3 cities (Plymouth, Dover, and London ) in 10 turns with LONDON being two areas separated by the Thames River - German Paras/Air-landing troops, Amphib Tanks, German/Brit airpower included - We';ve played the A Bridge Too Far version with 30 Corp tanks getting up to Arnhem A-Turn-Too-Late as the Germans tanks wiped out the Brit Paras the turn before. Lots of Allied Airpower effects German moves !

[@2orLess]

Nice: 😎I've wanted to pick-up a Sealion type game for a while, but I'm yet to blag one at the right price. I do have, and rate, the area/impulse game Storm over Arnhem - takes a bit of thinking about to work the the numbers in your favour but I've yet to find a definitive winning strategy, which can only be good for replay-ability.🍻

[@simoblues]

Found myself approaching the Axis and Allies franchise recently. I'm glad I found this very well-made, explicative video. Thanks for all the insight into the different versions of the game. If you don't mind, I would like to ask a question: I myself am a WW2 history buff, but my friends aren't as into it as I might be. Fair enough, but still, I had the intention to try and drag some of 'em into a game. Which of the many titles would you recommend that might be appealing in terms of time and content to non-dedicated people? Sorry for the long question, and I want to excuse myself for the possible spelling and grammar errors. Have a nice one and stay frosty, Ciao! from Italy :)

[@2orLess]

Thanks for your comments. Great question, hard to answer. 😁 I’d recommend you think of 3 categories: If you want to draw your friends into the general field of Axis and Allies perhaps think of the campaign game, D-day, and maybe A&A& Zombies. Zombies is always fun to non-war gamers. 💀 If you’re intending to play games more traditional but not too heavy, you won’t go too far wrong the original Europe and Pacific titles. But if you feel you can generate a more challenging intent from your group, then Anniversary or 1942 2nd edition are games that are a not too intimidating or too long to reach a conclusion. For more advice hit me up here or ask away on a Facebook group I recommend. facebook.com/groups/284219041598621 Hope it helps.🍻

[@simoblues]

​@@2orLess Thanks a lot for the swift reply, really appreciated, and thanks again for the insight and the valuable information. I'm grateful to learn that there's a healthy and loving community surrounding the Axis and Allies titles. I'll see if my friends could be interested in playing the games, but I too was thinking about a "smaller" theater, such as in the Pacific or Europe. Anyway, I can't thank you enough for the video and the comment. Have a wonderful life, cheers!

[@2orLess]

@@simoblues It was my pleasure. 😊

[@mikedearing6352]

Classic A&A is always a good easy start, good 2-4 player, even 5. The original Europe is a great 2-3 player..or 4. The original Pacific a fun 2-3 player, more amphibious invasions and sea battles, kinda has a set amount of turns too. I just had my first Global 40' game and it's really nice, kind of a beast, more rules and time, it's certainly a bit more strategy than any A&A game I've seen

[@Vorpal_Wit]

A&A:1914 is still my favorite.

[@2orLess]

You have good taste. 🍾🍷

[@charliedoom]

Great vid!

[@2orLess]

Thank you, I hope it's of help. 🤓

[@charliedoom]

@@2orLess It was very helpful -- have been thinking about getting 1942 2nd Edition, but may reconsider for the Milton Bradley Classic edition because it's a simpler faster game which would be easier to get my friends into.

[@2orLess]

@@charliedoom Classic is a good place to start and they come up regularly on the 2nd hand market.🍻

[@e-4airman124]

thanks very interesting

[@2orLess]

Thanks for saying so.

[@rokassan]

I’ve got North Africa on preorder as well. Just got Guadalcanal. Got in two games with my older son…I won both barely. Japan cut that lifeline between Australia and the US.😬

[@2orLess]

As North Africa's release nears, I'm on tenterhooks. 🤐

[@rokassan]

@@2orLessme too. I’m looking forward to seeing how they handle the game mechanics. They did well with Guadalcanal. It’s similar to basic A&A, but it’s got many different mechanics. Not crazy about that dice box though. Mine is wonky and the dice don’t settle into the slot cleanly.

[@2orLess]

@@rokassan Renegade have pre-release a version of the North Africa rules, but I'm yet to read through them. Have you seen my video giving an alternate to the Guadalcanal Battle Box? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pILLiZucfdyXjpI

[@rokassan]

@@2orLessI am going to watch your video now.

[@interalf6730]

I have 7 people in my household so we normally play 1940.

[@2orLess]

Privileged position, not only a ready made crew but set-up time must be cut down to minutes; rather than the hour+ it takes me. 😎

[@whoknows4965]

Please do make a video about the battle box for Guadalcanal, because it seems they are keeping it for the reprint coming out.

[@2orLess]

I'll see what I can do. 🔨🗞📎🤔💡😎

[@stevepowell6503]

What is your opinion of "War Room"?

[@2orLess]

I've not had the pleasure of playing it. It looks awesome--I've read many good things about it--I am very tempted. But... I have so many games so little time. 🤔Your mention of it has me thinking again. 😆

[@mikedearing6352]

I think the South Pole belongs in the middle of the board, war room inspired me for a flat earth map, it's 4'x4' and players sit in the north pole, all four corners point north.

[@TheAbraxasvirus]

What’s your advice for someone that doesn’t own any versions and wants to buy a copy in the UK?

[@2orLess]

Fortunately, the U.K. 2nd hand market has plenty to offer, nearly all versions are available, plus a number of retailers offering the newer and the re-released versions. As for which suits you, think about your budget, the time you have to play and the space you have available (whether you can leave a game set-up for a number of days or if you must soon break it down). Also consider the group you’re intending to introduce the game to and/or, if you’re looking at solo play, how complex you want the game to be. If this answer has nudged you in some kind of direction and you want more info, don’t hesitate to ask. 😁

[@TheAbraxasvirus]

@@2orLess thanks, I definitely like the look of 1914, but I stumbled across axis and allies as my girlfriend and I were looking for a ww2 board game. What’s your recommendation for the WW2 setting?

[@2orLess]

@@TheAbraxasvirus 1914 is a great game provided you’re okay with the often static battle lines. For a WW2 game, you won’t go too far wrong with the Anniversary edition, or slightly cheaper, the 1942 2nd edition. I’d also think about the Revised edition (which will have to come from the 2nd hand market). The revised has a good balance between speed of play and variability with its optional rules. Good Luck with it.

[@chillydawgg4354]

Did anyone ever finish a game of A&A

[@2orLess]

Much depends upon the player's commitment and the version: but some games go the distance others are 'called' early.

[@mikedearing6352]

Economic victories are very common in the classic editions, the 1984 rule book even has an individual winner chart, I think it's a gambling call, each player must add $1 for each starting IPC,.. Russia must bet $24 to start the game, Germany $32, so the whole pot is $147, if you end the game at $10, that's what you get back from "the pot". If you have zero income, you lost it all.

[@Daniel-Strain]

Sure. I have been playing since the 1980s and I can't ever remember not finishing a game. But it takes a group with a real long-game playing culture. I go to some houses and see people breaking out a board game while all kinds of other things are going on, sort of like it's beer pong or something. They are getting up, going to do other things in between etc. It's definitely not fit for that kind of setting.

[@Marinealver]

The one with the NUKES obviously.

[@malikshabazz2065]

great stuff!

[@2orLess]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@jamesdevereaux5188]

Just picked up a copy of the original A&A pacific secondhand (the standalone version) Any chance you’d mind sharing how many national markers came with each country originally? I feel like I may be missing some. Can’t seem to find this info anywhere. Thanks!

[@2orLess]

Quick approximate check... Japan have 40 roundels, U.K. and U.S. have 16 each and China 8. Importantly the U.K. also have 2 Union Flag and 2 darker-blue/red roundels for the Production charts.

[@Rudmin]

I’ve got to say Axis and Allies Online is the best version because I have been able to play 100X more games online than I have in person.

[@2orLess]

I can’t argue with the numbers, finding your way to enjoy it is what counts.😎 For me its the tactility of plastic over pixel.🍺

[@daviovann]

At the end of the video, what game do you have hanging on the wall?

[@2orLess]

It's Somme 1918 Bloody Spring. An interesting battle system where a tactical co-coordination roll modifies the combat roll giving at times, what feels, a nice balance between military brilliance 🤨 and military balls-ups. 😲 That with some head-scratching to make best use of Artillery support gives you plenty of bang for you bucks. The only downside is a slightly awkward rule book. 🥸

[@davidburchalewski9145]

Has anyone viewed the game board for Axis and Allies : North Africa???

[@2orLess]

Nothing is out yet apart from speculation. 🤔 I'm expecting my copy in August (2024)... waiting with bated breath. 😳

[@mikedearing6352]

Go to "The Hilltop Pillbox"