Memoir '44 Base Game

This review is for the MEMOIR '44 base game also known as the core game.MEMOIR '44 is my favorite game of all time. Now let's find out why. MEMOIR '44 is a historically accurate World War II game that features the award-winning Command and Colors Card system. For those readers out of the loop, the Command and Colors system is a wargaming engine that is very practical, easy to understand and easy to teach to new players. The basic elements to the mechanics or engine of this game is a deck of COMMAND Cards (think military orders), which can be classified into SECTION Cards and TACTICS cards, and a set of special dice known as BATTLE DICE. In the Command and Colors System the battlefield is divided into a CENTER section, LEFT flank, and RIGHT flank. Section cards are used to allow the ordering of military unit(s) occupying one or more sections. For example, a LEFT section card will allow you to issue orders (move, battle) to units that find themselves on the LEFT section of the battlefield (the game board) and so on. On the other hand, TACTICS cards are not limited to any section of the battlefield and in general are treated and feel like special cards. Examples of the TACTICS cards include the coveted BEHIND ENEMY LINES card, the AIR POWER card, ARMOR ASSAULT card etc... the latter allows you to issue orders to up to four (4) tank units anywhere on the battlefield and if attacking in Close Assault, the tank units roll with an extra battle die. I would say that is pretty powerful right there... I can hear the revving of the diesel and gasoline engines and the tank tracks rolling over the French countryside in 1944. With the mechanics of the game explained, the MEMOIR '44 base game here provides you with a very clear set of instructions and SEVENTEEN (17) different scenarios to try out your Arm-Chair General skills. SIXTEEN (16) of said scenarios are standard and require what you have in the box. The SEVENTEENTH (17th) scenario is called OMAHA BEACH - OVERLORD VERSION. Overlord here simply means you will require a second copy of the base game to be able to set up and properly play this scenario.What's in the box?1 double-sided Battlefield board map144 Axis and Allies Army Pieces including INFANTRY, ARMOR (TANKS), ARTILLERY36 Obstacles including BARBED WIRE, CZECH HEDGEHOGS (ANTI TANK OBSTACLE), SANDBAGS44 Terrain Tiles including FORESTS, HEDGEROWS, RIVERS, HILLS, VILLAGES, ETC...60 Command Cards (MILITARY ORDERS)9 Summary Cards (CHEAT SHEETS)8 Battle Dice (SPECIAL DICE)2 Card Holders1 Rules & Scenario BookletAfter becoming addicted to MEMOIR '44, you can expand your gaming experience with the following expansions to the MEMOIR '44 base game:1) BREAKTHROUGH: This expansion offers deeper maps and a more in-depth experience of MEMOIR '442) WINTER WARS: This expansion brings the BREAKTHROUGH deck to the battlefield. This is what I call the third-generation set of COMMAND cards.3) The Army packs: These expansions include EASTERN FRONT, MEDITERRANEAN THEATER, PACIFIC THEATER4) SPECIAL OPERATIONS expansion packs: These really do bring MEMOIR '44 to a new level. You can lay a minefield to stop a column of enemy tanks from overrunning your position, drop your paratroopers deep beyond the front line for a surprise attack, request close air support before sending in your tanks and infantry into heavily defended territory, and send field medics to evacuate weakened units from the battlefield.To conclude, I highly recommend purchasing this game. For the price, what you get inside this box is worth its weight in gold. This is an amazing game focusing on the Second World War and using a fantastic and brilliant game system. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Title says it all. This is a good bridge of tactical play laying somewhere between Axis and Allies and Tide of Iron. You can learn it in about 15 minutes. Games can last between 20 minutes to 60+, depending on size and player speed.The rectangular, double sided (beach on one side, green field on the other) hex-board is divided into 3 sections, modified with hex tile pieces that have certain effects on movement and attack/defense, and you draw cards to for a hand that allows you to perform actions with units in specific sectors, or to perform specialized attacks with on and off-table units. The scenario book is loaded with setups, and its not hard to create your own balanced scenarios by simply approximating one army to the other in terms of unit number and type, and using the map tiles to place obstacles and features where needed.Conflict is resolved by rolling dice, with certain symbols on the dice determining hits, misses, and what type of unit it can damage. There is a fair amount of uncertainty in this game, just like real battle, as your options depend heavily on the cards you draw from your attack deck, and of course rolling dice is random-ish, but there is structure to the probabilities these dice provide. It's not impossible to formulate a strategy, and its actually fun to be forced to work with what you've got.This is a pretty sanitized version of war, no gore, no profanity. Wouldn't shy away from playing with kids who are interested.a second set can be purchased for playing large games by placing boards end to end. These are called overlord scenarios and as of this review, they have made the rules for playing this mode available online.I've had a lot of fun playing this one, and I really enjoy it with the 'New Flight Plan' expansion, but it's solid on its own merit.

I just received this game yesterday and at first glance it is beautiful. From the art work to the miniatures to the cards are all done right and made to last. I have yet to play it but I am sure I will enjoy the game play. Where this game falls short for me, and I have seen one other comment like it, is when I went to set up the first scenario I realized I didn't have enough terrain counters to make the two rivers and the lake and to have 4 town/villages. Along with terrain tiles they did not add enough hedgehogs to each army to set up either side. I flipped through the book and found maybe 2 or 3 scenarios that can be completed based on the terrain tiles that come with the game. I am currently (as I type this I am flipping back and forth with the DOW forum) on the DOW forum attempting to find out why this is and what I apparently need to purchase next (a little pissed about that as I purchased the game, $50 and now possibly another $30) should be. This is the reason it is getting the 3 stars...if DOW doesnt have a good fix for this or a good explanation as to why I have to use Ally equipment on the Axis side or why I have to pretend there is a river running through the board I will be returning this expecting a full refund. I would take this as a buyer beware review. I feel I do an extensive amount of research before I purchase a game but I apparently failed on this one.**UPDATE**So after jumping on the DOW forums and asking around and one nasty email to DOW I have concluded that their instructions do not state that certain tiles can be used as other tiles listed in the instructions...So after getting off work and sitting down again to set up a scenario I found all the tiles are there to do the majority of the scenarios in the book. I did find out from the forum the equipment pieces are not army specific, even though they are grey and green, so I will be hitting the green ones with a coat of grey primer. I am changing my review from a 3 to a 5 (would have done a 4.5 because I have not actually played a game yet). Purchase this game! If you have kids it will be a great educational tool to teach about the accomplishments of arguably the greatest generation in our countries history. DOW really knocked it out of the park!

Memoir '44 is a masterful blend of historical accuracy, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay that offers an exceptional World War II board gaming experience. It's a sort of cross-over wargame/boardgame which fans of either genre should enjoy.1. Historical Immersion:Memoir '44 does an excellent job of recreating key battles of World War II. The scenarios are well-researched and based on actual historical events, which adds a rich layer of authenticity to the game. History buffs will appreciate the attention to detail and the opportunity to replay significant moments from the war.2. Accessible yet Deep Mechanics:The game’s rules are straightforward and easy to learn, making it accessible for new players while still providing enough strategic depth to keep seasoned gamers engaged. The command card system is ingenious, requiring players to make tactical decisions and manage their resources effectively. The balance between simplicity and complexity is perfectly struck.3. High-Quality Components:Days of Wonder has outdone themselves with the quality of the game’s components. The miniatures, including tanks, soldiers, and artillery, are detailed and durable. The double-sided game board and beautifully illustrated terrain tiles enhance the visual appeal and overall immersion of the game.4. Engaging Scenarios:With numerous scenarios included in the base game and many more available through expansions, Memoir '44 offers endless replayability. Each scenario presents unique challenges and strategic considerations, ensuring that every game feels fresh and exciting. The variety of scenarios also allows players to experience different aspects of World War II combat.5. Strategic Depth and Replayability:The game’s combination of card-driven commands and dice-based combat results in a highly strategic experience with a touch of luck. Players must adapt to the ever-changing battlefield conditions and make critical decisions that will impact the outcome of the game. The variability in scenarios and the unpredictable nature of battles provide immense replayability. Awesome number of expansions available.6. Solo and Multiplayer Options:While Memoir '44 shines as a two-player game, it also accommodates solo play and multiplayer scenarios with ease. The game’s design allows for cooperative and competitive play, making it a versatile addition to any board game collection. The Overlord expansion even enables epic battles with multiple players on each side.7. Educational Value:In addition to being an entertaining game, Memoir '44 serves as an excellent educational tool. Players learn about historical events, military strategies, and the complexities of warfare. The game encourages critical thinking and strategic planning, making it a valuable resource for both casual and educational settings.Summary:Memoir '44 is a standout board game (or introductory wargame) that offers a thrilling and immersive World War II experience. Its combination of historical accuracy, strategic depth, and high-quality components makes it a must-have for any board game enthusiast. Whether you’re a history buff, a strategy game lover, or simply looking for an engaging and educational game, Memoir '44 delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended!

Memoir '44 is an nice entry level war game. All of the pieces are constructed nicely. The board is nice and thick with a matte finish. The only thing I wasn't in love with was the dice. The corners are sharp and not rounded. I found someone on the bay selling loose dice from the Operation Overlord expansion, which are wooden with rounded corners, and they are much more suitable for wooden tabletops.Overall the game is a joy to play. It is a good thing the game comes with plenty of scenarios because nearly all the expansions are out of print, which is a shame. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to tryout tabletop war gaming and/or if you have younger ones you'd like to include in your tabletop adventures.Special note: I'd like to personally thank the Amazon employee who packed my game. Because of your lack of caring and having absolutely no sense of pride in your work, the corner of the box was slightly damaged, crumpling part of the game tray on the inside.Memoir '44 - 5 stars.Amazon packaging - 0 stars.

I really enjoy WW2 games. From super complex paper chit and map games to roll the dice battle games like War At Sea. I cringed to buy this at first because it's Days of Wonder, which makes me think of smallworld, which makes me think of light-hearted party games. Those have their place, but not in a WW2 setting. (Though DoW does make Five Tribes, which is a great strategy game). Plus, the art on the box... yikes. Is it for 12 year olds?So, took the dive anyway. It's actually pretty enjoyable. A scenario can be played after learning in an hour. The quality of the board and the terrain tiles really impressed me. It's always frustrating when a terrain tile doesn't fully fit on a hex, then an entire row of the tiles being a little off and sliding around millimeter by millimeter drives me crazy. But the die cuts on my copy were perfect. I've honestly never seen anything like it. Great work there. The models were unexpected to me, you get tons of them. I'd put the model quality at a B+ or A-. Fairly historically accurate, but the finishing in mass quantity was a little rough.Gameplay is simple and it keeps the action moving forward. There's not a long wait for each player to take a turn. Sometimes you get beat by your own command cards leaving you with very little to do, but I enjoy some variation and randomness to the games I play. If you don't like randomness and just enjoy pure strategy, you probably won't like this game. The art on the command cards btw... awful. Like the art chosen for the box cover. Bad pick imo.The rules are fairly easy to comprehend quickly and the command cards that you use every turn to take your action are simple to understand. All in all, pretty much what I was hoping for in it as a 2 player war game. Not too long, not too rough to set up, and strategy is deceptively important. I was also impressed that even though historically in some of the scenarios one side was obviously supposed to win, they did a good job of giving both sides an opportunity for victory so one player doesn't have to sarcastically feel like 'Oh great, this is going to be a FUN hour...' when the sides are decided.Good buy, slightly more expensive than I prefer for the play time it's going to get, but it'll be a good one to whip out on game night when that one buddy is there early and we know the other one arrives an hour late.

Fun WWII themed board game. The board setup, turn order and hand limits are all based on the scenario that you chose to play. Movement is driven by maneuver cards and combat is dice driven with some modifiers for terrain. Game play takes about 30 to 45 minutes per round, once you know the rules. Players are supposed to switch sides for the second round so that each person player the Allies and the Axis.I gave it high marks for education because the scenarios are based on actual battles. Each scenario has a quick, but accurate, summary of what lead up to this battle in the war and what each side was trying to do. If you are a historian you may find a 2 paragraph summary of WWII somewhat lacking, but this is a board game so it gets 5 stars.Bottom line my kids like playing it. And I like playing it with them. And the summaries of the battles have lead to some good questions from my 11 year old.One thing to note, since movement is card driven hand management is very important. This can be frustrating to younger players. My 9 year old was somewhat irritated at first that he couldn't move whatever he wanted, but after a couple of games he got the idea.The components are nice. The miniatures are small but well detailed. The board is heavy and durable. The cards are really thick and laminated. This game will last for thousands of plays.OK, so buy the game.

Great game lot of fun good quality

Fantastic game, especially such an old one, it still holds up. Simple enough you can start playing fairly quickly, yet with enough depth and scenarios, including user made (and your own if you feel like creating them), that you won't get bored anytime soon. Highly recommend.

El juego es sencillo y cumple con la fantasía de dirigir un ejercito, que era lo que buscaba para no invertir en war games que no tengo con quien jugar

Great game to introduce new players to wargames. Lots of scenarios so replay value is very high.

Awesome game

I held off from buying this game for about 6 months. On the one hand I really wanted to check it out, but on the other I'd heard a bunch of negative reviews that criticised it as being too random and lacking much strategy. Not that I'm an avid war-gamer or anything, but the idea of requiring the right cards to make your moves seemed limiting.Thankfully after trying it myself, those worries have been put aside.The first thing I noticed was how nice the box is. It's a hefty package with great evocative artwork and a glossy magazine finish. Opening it up revealed the same level of quality throughout from the excellently written rulebook to the large board and many miniatures. Even the insert is really well designed, the whole thing feels like it was lovingly put together.Speaking of that rulebook, it really is one of the best ones I've read in recent memory. Logically and methodically laid out, the rules are explained very easily in the most concise way possible. It's easy to flip through it for reference too whilst the included cards provide some reminders of the basic troop and terrain rules.Each turn you'll be selecting an order from one of your available action cards, enabling you to move units from a certain area of the board or perform a special action that may do a number of interesting things. This system actually works very well as it drastically speeds up the game, reducing the potential for analysis paralysis. It also ties into the game thematically, with certain sides given a bonus in hand size to represent superior infrastructure of the army during the specific historical scenario. What's more, it makes it feel a bit more like issuing orders in a war rather than playing a game - as you often have to make the best of a bad situation or respond to unfortunate twists and turns. It can occasionally be frustrating when you have a hand full of useless cards or your opponent gets a hand full of powerful cards, but this rarely damages the game itself.Another thing I wasn't sure about before buying was the dice and their icons. The idea at a glance that you needed to roll the symbol of a man on in order to hit infantry seemed a little silly and childish. Of course it wasn't until I played that I realised, it should have been obvious, that this is exactly the same as rolling dice with numbers on - the difference is that this system avoids you having to look up multiple stat sheets to correspond different unit types to required dice rolls. What they've done is condensed tons of information, that in another game might be a nightmare, into the dice themselves. This is a really clever little touch.The game itself is a lot more involved than I had thought. Whilst it's true you can only pick from a number of action cards, these still enable you choices in which units you select and what you do with them. The dice can occasionally be a bit cruel, but no more so than any other dice based strategy game (ie most of them!). Most importantly, this rarely feels like a game that's super-competitive and it's quick and easy nature means you won't get frustrated when things don't go your way. Whilst you'll still of course be trying to win, I've always enjoyed each game and not been that bothered if I've lost.The rulebook comes with a bunch of different scenarios that are designed to recreate historical battles, complete with background text for each one. There are also a huge amount of downloadable scenarios, as well as multiple expansions that can add variety to gameplay. There's plenty of content here to keep you going though, so this can be a game that you'll be playing for quite some time.I think Memoir is a great game and I'm glad I finally pulled the trigger on it. Whilst there are reviews out there that call it random and light, what they fail to emphasise is that this is a quick and fun board game, not chess or a heavy war-game. It has plenty of depth for what it sets out to achieve and it does so in great style. I actually find myself quite immersed in the battles and it makes me feel like a commander doing my best to turn the tides or war without giving me the headache-inducing burden of making the perfect strategy. This is an easy game to learn, easy to play and runs in under an hour making it very accessible.All round I think it's a great game and if you're interested then you should give it a try without being too influenced by any of the negative reviews.