COMBAT COMMANDER EUROPE.

Combat Commander Europe.

With the wife and kids away this weekend I had the opportunity to partake in some gaming. I had traded Conflict of Heroes for Combat Commander a number of months ago and decided it would be the best candidate for a solo learning game. Combat Command Europe is a card-driven board game covering tactical infantry combat in the European Theatre of World War II. One player takes the role of the Axis (Germany) while another player commands the Allies (America or Russia). These two players then take turns playing one or more “Fate” cards from their hands in order to activate his units on the map board for various military functions. 

The rulebook for CC:E is colourful and clearly presented. One of the best I have read. It contains an extended example of play with sections on all actions and events that may come up on the cards. The components are a mix bag for me. The six double-sided maps are made of paper. I use a piece of plexiglass to cover the map while playing the game. The unit chits are small and a tad fiddly. The cards are sturdy, clear and simple to understand. 

It took me a little while to get my head around the firing procedures, fire power and weapons rules.  I don't normally play solo but this introductory game has left me wanting to delve deeper into the depths. A lot of the reviewers have highlight the games strongest point as its ability to deliver a wonderful narrative with the down side being that it is quite random and chaotic. It is also likely that to get the most out of this game will require multiple plays and a commitment to spending some time getting to know the game. If I am to make this time commitment as with all games it will depend on how it goes down with my regular gaming crew. If like "Strike of the Eagle" (a game I very much like) it fails to get traction and take, then it may be hard to justify keeping a game that will sit on the shelf and not get played. 

I plan to take CCE along to the next club night and see if I can hook a fellow grognard or two.