2021 · Relative Range
Blitzkrieg Deluxe is a "generic" World War 2 era wargame that pits two fictional nations against each other over a fictional land mass represented by a huge 34 by 55 inch map. The game is easy to learn with the rules clocking in at under sixeteen pages, but difficult to master as the options available to each player are numerous. Do you mass your assault at the enemy's borders, or do you employ naval forces to invade through a tenuous beachhead? How best to utilize your air forces to disrupt your enemy's economy and halt their advance into your territory?
In addition to the huge map that is presented in easy-to-print tiles at both letter- and tabloid-sizes, the game includes over 500 markers on four sheets, four setup cards, and a double-sided player's aid card containing all of the game charts for quick reference.
This game is a redesign of the original Blitzkrieg game published by The Avalon Hill Game Company in 1968. The project started initially as an effort to create a new, updated, and far more pleasing map on which to play the original game. This effort snowballed into creating an updated set of game pieces, including the addition of markers needed to indicate control and industrial conditions never included in the original publication. Of course, this also required the creation of new game charts to match. It wasn't too long before the rules were tackled as well.
While working through the rules and copious errata for the original game, it seemed appropriate to rewrite the rules as well. Given enhancements in game play since 1968, these rules have been completely overhauled and enhanced with new mechanics and combat result charts to inject more excitement than the original design. The "basic game" has been stripped out and the rules reorganized to follow the sequence of play. The concepts of "initiative" (allowing for the possibility of double-turns by a player) and "straining" (allowing an attacker to push harder to gain better results, but at a risk of losses) have been introduced. The game also includes a random game-end mechanic, allowing a side more or less time to complete its conquest. Additionally, the original combat results (attrition) chart has been completely redesigned to allow for more realistic outcomes.
In a nutshell, Blitzkrieg Deluxe is not your daddy's (or granddaddy's) Blitzkrieg! As a player you have the option to play the game with the original rules as written using the updated map and markers, or you can "upgrade" to the new rules.
Blitz on!
