Battle of the Bulge 1944 | Review and How to Play

[@JPFalcononor]

When this game was released, I had initially wondered why it was not part of the Holdfast series but as you mentioned it is, though with a number of changes. There is a bit more meat to this game however than a game like Holdfast Russia, such as counters instead of blocks and a different combat mechanic so it really could not be called “Holdfast Bulge”. Regarding the solitaire possibility, in a light game like this, since one side plays a more defensive stand, the Americans in this case, it makes solo play manageable. The player must win as the Germans and as long as you make logical moves for the Americans such as plugging gaps, sudden counterattack, and protecting key map assets, it should be a decent solo experience. At least that’s how it was with the Holdfast Russia, North Africa, and Korea games but maybe some of the changes in Bulge make it less so...

[@randyjackson7584]

This is a nice way to relax and play out the bulge, I got the reprint on sale for 60 dollars and I think its worth the price, I played enemy action ardennes in the past and spent 90% of the time trying to figure out if my move is legal and fumbling with the massive rule book. I can appreciate the simplicity of this and it does manage to stay interesting and make you think out your moves. I don't think its going to draw a bunch of new people to the hobby, but they really did create something special here for people that are looking for a lighter game.

[@dsenebrecht]

I have played this game several times. Here is why I like it. 1. You can finish a game in 2 hours. 2. You can easily teach it to non-wargamers. 3. The Allies do not know which scenario card the German player has chosen which makes this game endlessly re-playable. 4. As the German player, you actually have a chance to cross the Meuse. 5. The mechanics are simple. 6. The step system means you don't have to have big stacks of units. 7. It captures the flavor of the overall battle. Germans start with a bang but every effing turn more US units keep showing up and they quickly start forming blocks at the key road junctions.

[@aceshelman]

Solitaire suitability -- There isn't much in the way of hidden information in this game (assuming you're NOT playing with the "hidden" counters), so this game is as solo-friendly as most hex and counter games. I.e. Play both sides to the best of your ability. There is no solitaire AI or mode, so I agree it is odd that it's listed as 1-2 player. That's not a negative for me since I play 95% of my war-games solo and generally don't expect to see a solo mode. Thanks for the review, I like the game too, 8/10 seems about right! Oh, final thing, the 106th infantry unit is misprinted with an armored symbol on two of its four sides, but I uploaded a small graphical "fix" that can be printed on sticker paper and applied to the counter -- it's on BGG. :)

[@petethehawk5186]

I don’t think the MSRP on this is too terrible considering what companies are charging for most things these days. The components are top quality to be fair. The mounted board is gorgeous although I also would’ve appreciated a tone shift on the rough terrain. To get two full color rule books and a counter tray is also very nice. People sometimes equate a perceived value with replayability or depth. Compass charges like $139 for Combat! and that’s just paper maps and counters lol. Strict solo games like Lanzerath Ridge are around $60-70 and although pretty in looks how many times can you play that battle before you’re tired of it. I got my copy of 1944 Bulge in new condition off eBay for $56 and I’m pleased with it. Thank for the video sir!

[@Thegaminggang]

Thanks for giving a watch!

[@jamesx9767]

So they did a reprint of this game along with creating a new one, 1944 D-Day to the Rhine, same concept but playing the allied invasion of Normandy. I was excited because I couldn't get a copy of BotB and I thought that a D-Day game would be fun. So I pre-ordered it and hoped for the best. The most disappointing thing about this new game is that the developer didn't even include an RP track on the game board or even in the box. For $75 you would expect there to be a crucial component to the game included. The developer instead posted on BGG some flimsy excuse as to why it wasn't included and said there will be a file to print off of on the BGG page. So now I'm going to have to pay to get a color printing of the RP track and have it printed on some higher-quality paper as well. Needless to say, I am disappointed in it and my motivation to support Worthington publisher is greatly diminished. I'm glad you mentioned that $70 is a bit steep. However, if you are going to ask that much you should at least at the bare minimum include all the proper components to play the damn thing. Thanks for listening to this rant.

[@Thegaminggang]

Sorry to hear about your issues with Worthington. One of the reasons I stopped covering their games was the fact their pricing is far above what it should be - compare a Worthington title and a GMT title in the same price range - and the fact that they're games are, for the most part, don't blow the doors off. ~ Jeff

[@autocad3227]

Well, my older eyes need darker hex lines which nobody seems to do anymore