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!

[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.

[robfranken]

Both games combined a the holy grail for 2 players!

[douglaspearson]

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.

[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.

[agrayday]

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

[CaptainFritz]

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)

[danielfrappier]

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

[TrickySteve]

45 seconds in there is a bomber on an aircraft

[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 :)

[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 :)

[Serger]

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

[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!

[wbkkplanespotter]

First time playing it very complicated

[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

[herrmatash]

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?

[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.

[keithpalmer]

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.

[carstenwagner]

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!

[tylerhagel]

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 But it is a rabbit hole to go So many to paint. Ha ha ha ha.

[hairydongle]

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.