Axis & Allies 1941

  Simplified Classic Wargame

Joseph F of Oreogn, 5/23/2013

I've been playing Axis & Allies for about 15 years and they've released probably 12 different versions. This latest 1941 version is a supposedly streamlined, shorter, friendlier version. It is affordable, but I think it falls a bit short.
Germany and Japan (Axis powers) have had a bit of an edge in most versions, but they seem unstoppable in this game. They balance at the beginning of the game seems a bit off, and its very hard for the Allies to catch up in the first couple turns. Japan just marches into Moscow (which seems a bit odd).
The pieces also have a couple issues. For starters, there isn't enough pieces to actually set up the game! Not an issue through most of the game as armies get consolidated, but that's just dumb that you can't even set up the game properly with the pieces provided. In all recent editions of Axis & Allies, each nation has their own sculpts. Russian tanks look different than American, British and Japanese. That's cool. In an effort to make it more affordable, there are only two sets of sculpts here; one set for the Axis and one for the Allies. Not a huge deal if you aren't familiar with the equipment different nations used, but it drives me crazy to see German Tiger I's fighting for the Japanese in China.
Pros: Plays faster than previous versions (mostly because the Axis are overpowered and will crush the allies quickly), rules are a little easier to learn, and it costs a lot less than the current Axis & Allies 1942 Second Edition ($65 I think).
I would recommend finding Axis & Allies 1942 first edition, which is out of print, but still around. It retails for $35 (vs. $30 here), and is more balanced, has better pieces, and barely costs any more.