TDG: Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 - Second Edition

Germany is back - and this time, it's personal! Join Cody as he does some recon on this latest iteration of the classic wargame from Renegade Game Studios. Will it declare fun on your tabletop? Or will its offensive just bog down on game night? Let's watch!
BGG: boardgamegeek....
Cody Carlson, PhD: / @codycarlsonph.d.5591
Facebook: / thediscriminatinggamer
Twitter: / codyk76
Galaxy of Games: galaxyof.games/

[@RayPhay]

Cody was being really nice here. He absolutely murdered me in this game. That being said I still had a really fun time learning how to play. There were a few rules that I misunderstood at first and that also did not help. However I really enjoyed this game and I can really see why so many people really like the Axis & Allies series.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game!

[@robertmoffitt1336]

It's a fun game to play, and easy to pick up on with just a few plays, strategy wise, that is.

[@robfranken2158]

Both games combined a the holy grail for 2 players!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I’ve heard that.

[@smmikeman]

It is! I’ve had several games with both combined it’s awesome! Let’s just say pack your pajamas if your go to play this at a friends house. My cousin went to college and his dorm was 5 minutes from my house. We would set it up in the garage and play a round or two. Then leave it there pick it up a few days or a week later. I’m not sure I would want more than 2 players with the global game… but I’ve had a crazy one where I had Japanese fighters land in Africa and I forget them 3 turns in a row. It’s a LOT to keep track of playing either side….. but man is it EPIC!

[@agrayday7816]

is it correct that this renegade games version is not different than the AH/wizards/Hasbro 1940 2E version?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I believe they’ve included some of the errata in the rules, but other than that I think it’s the same.

[@CaptainFritz28]

Thanks for memtioning which you liked better of the two. It helped me make a decision on that matter. (It also helps that Pacific is cheaper by about 20 bucks :D)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Both great games, but gun to my head, I prefer Pacific. Thanks.

[@douglaspearson4853]

Does the original A&A have a palace any more or is it just too long? I think and you touched on it I would like the Pacific a little better because of the Naval action. I think in this reguard with the bigger area it might be better then A&A original.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Palace?

[@CaptainFritz28]

​@TheDiscriminatingGamer I think he means Pacific?

[@samuel1289]

He meant place

[@pignouftetra]

I came across a game on BGG called Global War 1936 which combine A&A Europe and Pacific. It is a long game that you kind of have to build yourself, looks pretty epic tho.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yeah. Sounds awesome.

[@Serger989]

I have the Europe and Pacific games to make the Global version along with War Room and the latter is definitely far superior... However, I'd still love to see you review the Global version of A&A just to see you tackle that experience especially since you've mentioned that A&A was your gateway for your interest in WW2 history. The 2 games usually go on sale multiple times a year so they can be a great bargain for the amount of content and it's just an overall good yet simple war game with a ton of depth. I also have to agree with you on preferring the Pacific version... I always try to build up a massive navy, there's just something awesome about having tons of Battleships and Carriers roaming uncontested in the high seas haha

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. I don't know that Global is in the cards for me anytime soon. Sounds like fun, but finding the time and people - don't see it happening. Although I have no doubt it would be a great time.

[@KabukiKid]

I prefer playing with five players, if possible. I can appreciate the argument for playing two-player, but I like the discussion and working out things as a team. If you don't like downtime, yeah, you might not be happy. Personally, I never let it bother me because I am entertained simply watching everything unfold even when it isn't my turn. Always a fun game. :-) Oh... and yeah, not having physical money is lame. I know they are saving a few bucks not including IPC notes, but it is just lame. I actually sprung for IPC poker chips that someone made and sold online. It was a pricey solution, but I just wanted to have the deluxe treatment when playing the game. lol They really made everything better... even better than using paper money.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

If I want the team game experience, I prefer War Room. Still, I do love this one two player.

[@TrickySteve]

45 seconds in there is a bomber on an aircraft carrier?????

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Tactical bomber, yes. Not a strategic bomber.

[@TrickySteve]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Dude love the vids. Getting a new axis and allies game soon.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@TrickySteve Fantastic. Great series of games. I was just playing North Africa tonight.

[@TrickySteve]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I am thinking of getting 1940 Europe Second edition. Is that a good idea?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@TrickySteve It’s a good game. I think I like Pacific a little better. Love the naval stuff.

[@keithpalmer4547]

I have just about all the A&A games. They are never leaving my collection. The recent anniversary reprint is the best overall for sure. The A&A zombie game is surprisingly fun as well. Like you said in previous review these are best as 2 player games to avoid down time. I do hope they actually reprint the Bulge or Guadalcanal this year.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Guadalcanal is coming. Hopefully the Bulge will soon follow.

[@georgeathanasellis7083]

Which anniversary edition was reprinted recently?!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@georgeathanasellis7083 The Anniversary Edition was last reprinted about five or six years ago.

[@mre7515]

FYI Anniversary Edition is also about to get a new reprint from Renegade Games... available for pre-order now on their website

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Pretty cool. @@mre7515

[@danielfrappier3378]

This brought back fond memories. Any other games besides A&A that have similar mechanics ?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Glenn Drover's The American Civil War, Napoleon in Europe, and Conquest of Empire were all quite similar. There are a number of variations on AA out there as well.

[@danielfrappier3378]

Thank You Very Much.

[@Rookblunder]

So I got the game started and was hoping someone can answer my question concerning Flight and spaces. So the scenario is Germany is going to attack UK with all its Planes. When I look at the map(1940 Europe 2nd edition) planes in Western Germany would play one space to hit UK. Is my assumption correct ? The borders seem to show that Holland and UK share the same border spacing. Edit: ok so I found it. First Holland is one space, the water is one space and UK would be the 3rd space. It would of been 2 spaces if it was an island surrounded by the same space/water designation. I'm surprised in the map design that they didn't increase UK size a bit. Really hard to put stuff on there :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Best bet is to check with the forum on BGG.

[@Rookblunder]

Just ordered this game after playing online. Only started playing last week but I get this itch to play the physical game board :) Will be playing solo so that is why I am going for the 1940 second edition instead of 1942. I come from playing Warhammer 40K and 30K. So I'm wondering if I'll want to paint all the Planes and stuff :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I'm not a painter, but I think it would make a beautiful game.

[@carstenwagner3355]

Would you make a video of Historical Board Gaming's "Global War"? I think this would be the next step for every A&A-Gamer. Regarding A&A 1940, may it be Europe, Pacific or Global, I have played all of them extensivley. Most of the action will happen in the "core regions". The fact that the map has been enlarged, in comparison to the edition published in the early 2000, it doesn't matter. The thing is, when you have played a lot of 1940-Global-games, you will find out that the game becomes somehow "static". There is really one way with the Axis to go, and if you fail during the first and /or second turn as the Axis, you will lose. "Global War" is different. A comment about "Global War" from HBG I have read said, that it relates to A&A like A&A relates to Risk. If you have played "Global War" once, you will not make the step back to A&A 1940 Global. I have bought it, and I am working through the rules right now. It is the far better game. For all you WW2-Board-Game-Maniacs. Get it!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

No plans to make that video right now, maybe down the line.

[@tylerhagel3624]

There are some great looking cash IPC bills that Historical Board Gaming makes.... Great solution to the IPC tracking. I too have the HBG Global War (second edition).... My only issue is just the time to play the game because it is massive.... Both physically and in rules... I like the Axis and Allies for the sake you can get through a game in an adternoon and evening. Oh and I went a little insane and started painting my Axis and Allies minis.... It really enhances the board..... But it is a rabbit hole to go down.......... So many to paint. Ha ha ha ha.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks for the tip!

[@DarthJokerFett]

Great review Cody! How would you rank the different versions of Axis & Allies from favorite to least favorite? I’m considering getting this one due to its more tight focus on the European theater. Happy Holidays!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

That’s a good question. I’d have to think about it.

[@eatingweevils]

Axis and Allies Europe is one of those games I've never played . Just wondering does the gameplay portray the Atlantic War lifeline to Britain? Can you recommend a similar game what does

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yes. There is convoys and you boats. You might like Atlantic Chase.

[@eatingweevils]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I'm bit surprised after watching Axis & Allies tutorial on another channel that's uboat can't be targeted by planes . Surely this rule can't be right? Seems a odd rule when air seek and destory played a part in war in the Atlantic

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@eatingweevils They can be targeted with a destroyer is present. It represents the subs ability to dive.

[@eatingweevils]

Thanks Going to dip my toe by buying Axis and Allies 1942 digital version as a taster to see I like the game before splashing out on the proper boardgame

[@wbkkplanespotter4333]

First time playing it very complicated

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@wbkkplanespotter4333 I don’t think so, but I’ve been playing AA for years. Hope you figure it all out.

[@wbkkplanespotter4333]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer ohh btw may Ik which one is the starting point for each country

[@herrmatash3116]

Hey TDG, What's your favourite A&A? I have the Anniversary Edition and am thinking of buying the Europe 1940. Is it a different gaming experience?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yes. They are different. I always liked Anniversary, and I'm looking forward to playing the new reprint from Renegade. AA Guadalcanal is a lot of fun. Looking forward to North Africa. I don't which is my favorite. Gun to my head, I'd probably say Pacific - love the naval battles.

[@herrmatash3116]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I am wavering between A&A 1914, A&A 1940 Europe or A&A Anniversary. Which one would you recommend of this three?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@herrmatash3116 Probably anniversary.

[@thegorb2653]

I've played the games for a long time now, played Europe by itself (which I prefer both over the Pacific and the global) and Its great for the casual gamer. But I thinks its fallen victim to not having mechanics which make it more interesting. It comes down to just moving men around a map, without any real historical accuracy or basis. I think triumph and tragedy does this better, it's well rounded there's more than combat their diplomacy and research (which aa does have it's just weirdly used) and it's anyone's game. AA just becomes the axis inevitable march on Moscow, hell I think the fan editions of AA do a much better role bloodbath and others add some great mechanics. Larry Harris has done some great games and he has here I just think the beer and pretzels type of wargames are slowly falling by the wayside while euros and mechanic rich games are on their way up. In saying this I'm interested to see what renegade can do in the upcoming North Africa game to spice things up.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I too am looking forward to North Africa. Thanks.

[@hairydongle8054]

I also played the original A&A to death and now the 2 second edition versions, which I also enjoy. Just like you I also use game money instead of the track. I have also played half a game of both Europe and Pacific combined...it was a slog, but fun. My only gripe is the bad board design of the Europe version, there is literally not enough room to deploy all the units in central Europe and yet vast expanses of the board - Africa and South America with nothing really happening and no units. These areas could have been reduced in size and Europe enlarged just for ease of play.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. Thanks!

[@againsttheleftandright4065]

Why is Iran "pro-Allies"? Iran was invaded without a declaration of war by the USSR and Great Britain. There's a lot of things on these maps that doesn't make much sense.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

The "pro-Allies" status does not reflect the will of the indigenous people, bur rather it's political alignment at the time.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

Global is awesome, but very time consuming.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I'll bet.

[@warroompainstate2661]

My god man! HERESY! Dice tower? Really? Larry Harris requires all dice to be rolled in the game box cover or use your war room slurpy cup dice roller. Iam tempted to un sub from this channel. 😎😎🔥

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha!

[@danielmarlett1421]

Honestly I come for the dad jokes. Are you a dad or just a faux Pa?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha!