Despite its historical setting, the game was designed for a balanced competition between sides, and therefore was not intended to be an accurate historical simulation.
In 2001,Axis & Allies:Europe won theOrigins Award forBest Historical Board Game of 2000.[1]
The game is designed to be played with 2–4 players, representing the nations of Germany, the U.S., Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, with the latter three nations composing theAllied forces. Both sides compete against each other using units for control of territories, which produce IPCs (Industrial Production Certificates) used to purchase more units.
Victory is achieved in a similar manner for both sides. The Allies (the Soviet, British, and American players) must occupy Germany for one turn, while maintaining possession of their respective home territories for that duration. The German player must occupy the territory of one of the three Allied nations for one turn, while maintaining possession of Germany. In the case that the Allies win and each Allied nation is controlled by a different player, then a winner may be decided between them by determining who had the greatest increase in IPC income from the starting point.
Each player may control and purchase the following units.
Infantry
Infantry are the cheapest unit to purchase, but are considerably weaker than other units. They are better at defending than attacking, and move slowly at one territory in one turn.
Artillery
Artillery units are slightly stronger than infantry, but are unique in that, when combined with an infantry unit in an attack, they improve the effectiveness of the infantry unit.
Armor
Armor units are considerably stronger than infantry and artillery. They are better at attacking than defending, and are capable of moving up to two territories in one turn.
Anti-aircraft
While unable to participate directly in combat, anti-aircraft units may be used to defend against enemy aircraft.
Bombers
Bombers are an expensive offensive unit, also capable of conducting a Strategic Bombing Raid against enemies.
Fighters
Fighters are an air unit effective at both offense and defense.
Battleships
Battleships are the strongest naval unit, with strong offense and defense. They take two hits to sink.
Aircraft Carriers
Aircraft Carriers are a decent defensive unit that provide a place for allied aircraft to land.
Destroyers
Destroyers are naval units with moderate offensive and defensive capabilities. They can negate the special abilities of submarines.
Submarines
Submarines are naval units capable of attacking prior to actual combat. They may also submerge to retreat from a battle.
Transport
Transports are naval units weak in combat, but capable of carrying land units.
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