Rob's Review - Axis & Allies: Anniversary Edition

Rob takes a look at reviews this massive Anniversary Edition of Axis & Allies
----- Axis & Allies Description -----
The year is 1941. The Axis war machine appears invincible. The Balkans have fallen. Pearl Harbor has been attacked, and Rommel has the British on the run in North Africa.

At this explosive point in history, the Axis & Allies: Anniversary Edition challenges you and your opponents to decide the outcome of World War II. As one of the world powers struggling for supremacy in 1941, you must spearhead your country's military drive. As a leader of one of the great powers, you must be a brilliant military strategist. Plan your attacks, move your forces into embattled territories, and resolve the conflicts.

The economic destiny of your nation is also at stake. Buy and develop advanced technology from your stockpile of production certificates - an income based on your own natural resources and successful territorial expansion.

If you are a brilliant military strategist and a prudent economist, you will lead your nation to victory. The Anniversary Edition places the military and economic destiny of the globe in your hands.

This edition includes an all-new, huge 24" x 46" game board, new cruiser units, and the debut of Italy as the third Axis nation.

[KabukiKid]

Easily the best version of A&A straight out of the box... it refines the rules... added Italy as a playable power... added playable Chinese units... fixed Weapons Research.... includes cruisers, destroyers, and ground artillery... Transports can no longer simply act as cannon fodder in naval combats... Battleships are tougher (also cheaper!) and more significant... Industrial bombing is fixed... the map is fixed to alter how some areas play out, which avoids some old standard conflicts... (the impassable deserts and mountains is a cool touch)... the sculpts are mostly all unique to each nation to give them nicer flavor... Plastic AA guns and Industrial complexes are back! Money (IPCs) is included again, too... the second printing incorporates FAQ and errata into the updated rulebook. This game is just a huge step up from what it used to be. Anniversary is better than the current standard A&A 1942 game, so this truly is the best global version of the game in one box. I know some people do the huge Global 1940 game (technically considered a variant) by combining Europe '40 and Pacific '40 to get a huge global game with even more options, but that game is also nearly impossible to finish in a session (and nearly impossible to fit on any tables in your house!), so if you want a global game with a more reasonable length and just the right amount of accessibility, go for this one, definitely.

[TheSultan]

i bought a copy of this shortly after christmas came by and had some money in my pocket saw it on ebay for under 100$ but it was not the original but the other edition but one of my favorites to play

[DrunkinChaps]

Fantastic game. I love Axis and Allies. Have you played the 1940 France or Pacific Versions?

[sergeantrock]

Dang! now i have to get Axis & Allies Anniversary edition.

[farpointgamingdirect]

Of you think the anniversary edition is big, try the new A&A Europe 1940 and Pacific 1940. You can put the maps together and dwarf the anniversary edition. Plus France, China, and ANZAC are playable.

[shawnmitkowski]

LOL, I thought you were going to paint it for me