Hair Brained Games Review - Downfall Conquest of the Third Reich (GMT)

NOTE: Heads up for viewers, A viewer comment (removed for containing standards violations) noted that in a couple places in the video I juxtapose the world 'American' where 'Allies' or 'Western' forces in their entirety is the more apropos designation in that regard. The video will be updated to include post-process annotations where applicable.

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A sweeping epic World War II wargame for two players? Downfall pits Western against Soviet in this game where each player controls both an Allied *and* Axis power as they vie for control and position by the end of the war.

[pitferret]

Thank you for your kind words about Chad's game! We worked on this for about ten years before he fell ill and I was blessed to get John to finish it up for us. It was a tremendous amount of work for both of them and I believe those efforts paid off. ~ Kai

[losttribe]

Just wanted to say that I really enjoy your reviews. Good work.

[Deltium]

Thank you for covering this game; it looks great !

[knsfritz]

I set this bad boy up and was amazed as well. This game looks damn good. Thanks for filling in the high level overview to get me past set up! Now I just have to find someone to take the plunge with me!

[kinganzelak]

Oof, the writing in your last segment is insanely good (or if you're literally just freewheelin' that's absurdly good). Thanks for covering this one. Convinced me to get it.

[jbthor]

“Second table game”
Very apt phrase that makes sense for us wargamers. Thanks for the detailed review sir

[Fetalis]

Standing ovation, sir 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 for your final thoughts. This is the first time I watch a review of yours. Two immediate consequences: 1) subscribed to your channel. 2) ordered the game. Deep analysis and great sense of humor.

[cwcsquared]

OKW was all fronts, not only East front.

[larrymcintire]

By the way, I LOVE your sense of humor!

[davidclifford]

Excellent review. Can't wait to get my copy. I hope it solos well.

[jonrydne]

Great video - fast and packed with info! (But I think that order chits are moved DOWN to fill the blank space on the orders track when you play one, and the new one is placed at the top!)

[PMMagro]

Looks like an interesting mix of wargame and eurogame. I like the mechanics with initiative, events, weather etc.
Good that it has shorter scenarios too, looks like one need to step into the full lenght game (or play solo forever...)

[larrymcintire]

Just saw this and good timing because of GMT sale! Think I will get it ! Really nice review....appreciate your this excellent video review!

[Tombonzo]

Was just looking at Joel Toppen’s posts over on FB, asked him about Solitaire play. I searched for a review of this game and lo and behold, you had done one. Most excellent. I had a chance to pick this up at GMT West Weekend (And British Way) and foolishly did not. Brit Way sold out 1st day of sale!! And so did Pericles. I wanted both. Now I’m getting SpaceCorp and it’s expansion Ventures. My local friend got Downfall at GMT west, so I’ll play his copy.

I saw your reply about solitaire play. Thanks for the detailed explanation, because that’s what I asked Joel essentially.

Great review, Tim

[smilingbadger]

I got this for Christmas and we start the campaign today. I am Soviet and OKW. I am thinking of using Operation Uranius to attack the Romainian/German garrision with the elite and the other mech south of there. Advance with the elite. Leave the other in place so I don't get surrounded. Then with Stalingrad surrounded with Zoc attack with HQ card I think keeping it snow for armour bonus and hopefully 6th army goes away. I like how units are removed from the game. Chad sure made a great game here. I miss him alot. I was a playtester/proof reader and a friend. We played many hours of his games testing them and enjoying them. He even gave me a counter in Combat Commander as the American battlefield promotion. RIP Chad.

[jameycribbs]

Super helpful! I'm playing this tomorrow and your video gave me enough of an understanding to be able to just jump into it!

[FalkFlak]

this game seems to offer everything I expect from a wargame but 8-12 hour sessions doesnt fit into my life anymore and of no one I'm playing with.
I think that shrinks the target audience massively. What an odd choice to make it such a behemoth.

[rogerflack]

stick your hand behind the counter and it will focus on it.

[smilingbadger]

You should really check your set up before starting. A lot of the Soviet units start as Mech and you had them on the infantry side. This really limits your options for the first turns.