I've gotten a few comments saying I should get Advanced Third Reich. How well does it play solo compared to Third Reich? Solo playability is a big factor in getting new games.
This is the best statigic level game Avalon Hill ever put out. Its not for beginner's though. the game flow is fairly simple and the final outcomes are always wild.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 I thought the level of complexity was perfect. Broad in scope which allowed for strategic elements to influence play, allocating forces and resources among the different theaters, and focused enough to make it fun on a tactical level. I have played modern RTS type games in recent years. Not as fun, really. Once you have at least one pair of players fully versed in the rules, it really moves along well. We were intermediate level WWII buffs, which helped with the immersion.
My favorite wargame of all time. I put in 10k plus hours into this game in the USAF with my buddies. I would even sneak the rules into the nations most top secret facility to read them!
I played this game many times solo-it actually plays well solo. You have to play, to a large degree, like "two people", and at times , literally , change position to see the map from a different angle.
@@SK-lt1so That's how I play all my games solo for the most part. Each turn I put myself in the mind of their faction and see what that faction needs to do to try and meet it's objectives.
I used to play this game with my friends over summer break when I was in junior high & high school. Since we'd only play the game a couple hours at a time at two to three day intervals, it would typically take a week or so to finish. When one friend told his dad that he was still playing the same game after a week, he thought he was lying about it (no game could last that long). I ended up having to go over to his house and confirm the fact to his dad just to keep him out of trouble - lol! (his dad was quite strict).
Oh wow that's nice you had such a great time with it back in the day. Many people don't understand that some games are more complicated than Monopoly 😂 and take more than a day to complete lol. Thanks!
Yeah, there was no way I could play this in a couple of hours. It took me days! I also had to make a larger board. Stacking units on those little hexagons made it hard to quickly tell what you had in a given area.
@@johnstevenson9956 I think that's why Advanced Third Reich made a point to enlarge the hexes. It can definitely get cramped with the small hexes of the original.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 Oooh, I didn't know that. I also cheated a bit and squared off the hexes. It was almost impossible to move units in a crowded area without disturbing the surrounding units.
I still have a bunch of those games stuffed away in my garage. Been at least 30 years since I played them. Got dozens of the old Avalon Hill magazine, The General. I spent too many hours of my young adulthood on them all...heh.
Pull them out and play them. One great thing about the old Avalon Hill games is that they can be played solo fairly easily if you just play all sides fairly. Modern games are harder to solo with card based action and hidden information.
There was a time, a couple of us were playing, and a 3rd friend - a non-wargamer - stopped by and purused the manual while we played. After awhile, he set the manual down and told us it read 'like a college text'.
Never played this particular one. I always had ADVANCED THIRD REICH and EMPIRE OF THE RISING SUN. I used to have a whole group of "Historical Gamers" that met every Friday night at the local Comic Shop to play all kinds of Avalon Hill games, and THIRD REICH was always a favorite.
Try this version if you can find a cheap copy. I prefer it as the rules are a little simpler than Advanced TR although I would like to play the version where you can play Rising Sun and Third Reich together.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 LOTS of rule loopholes are closed or clarified. 1st edition is more like 'guidelines' as opposed to 'rules'. There are a set of map clarifications/changes as well.
@@orbitalair2103 Interesting. I'm not sure I can justify getting another edition of the game because I enjoy playing this, but I might have to play it sometime if I was at a convention or something.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 My friend, Ron, who introduced me the AH Games had 2nd edition. I bought 3rd edition. the biggest ma change that I remember was Suez went from a sea hex to a river hexside you could cross.
I agree with you. This game is the prefect balance; is has the right level of complexity to allow or interesting strategic decisions, yet the game can still be played in an evening. Though I will point out that the game is called "Rise and Decline of the Third Reich" and not "THE Rise and Decline of the Third Reich."
I have the third edition after my second edition wore out. I played both a lot in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. Advanced Third Reich was a bit much for most of my opponents and has had far less use like it's sister Rising Sun. I own SPI's competing treatments of WW2 PTO and ETO and found them lacking. Perhaps, World in Flames is the only game that could hold a candle to 3R, but elements of WIF irritated me at times. However, WIF does have the lead up of playing Days of Decision first while the 3R family lacked a prelude.
I tried Advanced 3R and also found it a little unnecessarily complicated. I missed the ease of 3R and the fun play. Haven't tried World in Flames though.
There was also a computer version around 1995,but apparently really buggy. There is also a third edition which has a better map and important rules clarifications. GMT republished it. I would prefer to see it as a computer version. I never played ERS
Hopefully I can at some point. I have quite a few games to make videos on still, plus film playthroughs of them. Thank you for the comment and suggestion!
@@tabletoptemplar2486 yeah thanks for the video I had no clue what I bought I honestly just liked the box and I’m interested in almost anything ww2. Seems like it could be a good game and I even think I have everything that it needs
Its best feature is the "what if" possibilities. In one game Germany invaded Spain after the defeat of France, and while it was thus occupied Russia invaded Turkey. Totally ahistorical! (Didn't work out well for the Soviets.)
Oh wow! Definitely bringing in the neutrals lol. That's one of the best things about this game is the "what if" options and being able to involve more nations than was historical. Most games that cover WW2 simply use the countries that actually fought and stay rigidly to history. Not a bad thing per se, but one that leaves a little to be desired by imaginative gamers.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 I agree. We found having Turkey's forces enter the game on the Axis side, does enough to disrupt the Soviet juggernaut, making the outcome less likely of an inexorable Allied victory.
@@mistermousterian For me I usually have Spain join the Axis since Germany and Italy helped Franco so much during the Spanish Civil War. Turkey would also be an interesting choice since they were Germany's ally in WW1.
i had a friend who would 'attrit' (all attrtion options') through turkey like nobody's business. one time, i got waylaid as the axis, and was remiss in dealing with that (basically didn't invade yugoslavia/greece with the axis), and he ended up attriting all the way through yugoslavia/greece! (well, maybe he did an offensive to get across the turkey/greek border.) i don't remember exactly how that went, except that greece/yugoslavia fell to the soviets, before barbarossa had even begun. he definitely would go for an attrition attack versus turkey at the start of the game. (1939 start) most games, he could build up the factors, conquer turkey, and get most of the units re-deployed, before any axis 'barbarossa' began. as axis, the same player was also very fond of italy attacking yugoslavia on turn 1. if he got the 'extra italian armaments' option chit, it was a bonus. one of the big variants for the axis could be 'vichy french axis minor ally'. sometimes, we would take 3 chits apiece. once, the axis got a) extra italian armaments, b) vichy french ally, and c) spanish minor ally. that was not a good game for the british.
It really irritates me when people use terms like "it was great for its time" or "in its day". Because what you are saying is that it sucks because the new stuff is oh so much better. Really? Does this game suck or not? What game should people be playing now, instead of this apparently obsolete cow to hear you talk about it?
@@errantknight-f2z That means that it was a great game in the 1970's, when I played the hell out of it. We didn't have personal computers yet, so, this was one of the most advanced games in its day. It can still be fun to play, if one is so inclined. For more complicated games of the genre, the computer games on the topic have far surpassed it in complexity and scope, After all, it's been almost 50 years since they came out with it.
Its a great game played it by myself many hours. At now I want to play the game on a team, I want on the allied team. Something that could be done with the game is use optics as a added edition to the board. And then a battery powered computer that has a optic based 🧲 that then connects in with the board and greatly enhances the game images and capabilities. Have a digital version of your game. The math is= 44y 1/4 59r 2/7 34z 23/34 Io decode
Yeah I'm sure down the road they will make each piece include a chip that can be used with an app to track its movement, etc. For now, I like playing board games without using electronics though but I'm sure in the future they will be integrated more.
I played this in the 70s but on re-visiting it all these years I was surprised at how bad it is by todays standards. Ugly map, bland counters and lots of fiddly rules that really little in the way of depth. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion but there are far better games both (board and computer) out there that simulate WW2 grand strategy better than this bloated dinosaur.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I've gotten a few comments saying I should get Advanced Third Reich. How well does it play solo compared to Third Reich? Solo playability is a big factor in getting new games.
Stick with Third Reich, but get the 4th edition rules and the third edition maps.
@aristotlewasnotafanofplato3661 Yeah I would probably enjoy all the "what if" scenarios that A3R has. The counter color changes would be nice as well.
This is the best statigic level game Avalon Hill ever put out. Its not for beginner's though. the game flow is fairly simple and the final outcomes are always wild.
Got this in '76. We played the hell out of it. Well balanced. Lot's of fun.
Oh wow a long time ago. How do you think it holds up today? I know a lot of people have gone on to Advanced 3rdR.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 I thought the level of complexity was perfect. Broad in scope which allowed for strategic elements to influence play, allocating forces and resources among the different theaters, and focused enough to make it fun on a tactical level. I have played modern RTS type games in recent years. Not as fun, really. Once you have at least one pair of players fully versed in the rules, it really moves along well. We were intermediate level WWII buffs, which helped with the immersion.
@@mistermousterian Very nice. Sounds like my assessment of the game as well. Not too simple or complex, just enough to have fun.
My favorite wargame of all time. I put in 10k plus hours into this game in the USAF with my buddies. I would even sneak the rules into the nations most top secret facility to read them!
Oh wow! I love the dedication to the hobby lol. Glad you didn't get caught.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 Don't tell no one!
I owned that game for 10 years and never played a single game. No willing opponents. I did enjoy the articles in the General magazine.
Have you tried on vassal? There are people that would play on there and still play it if you can't find anyone local. It also can be played solo.
I played this game many times solo-it actually plays well solo.
You have to play, to a large degree, like "two people", and at times , literally , change position to see the map from a different angle.
@@SK-lt1so That's how I play all my games solo for the most part. Each turn I put myself in the mind of their faction and see what that faction needs to do to try and meet it's objectives.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 Do you play in Rochester, NY - Buffalo Syracuse?
@@rayray7527 Sorry, I don't. Have you tried BGG?
I used to play this game with my friends over summer break when I was in junior high & high school. Since we'd only play the game a couple hours at a time at two to three day intervals, it would typically take a week or so to finish. When one friend told his dad that he was still playing the same game after a week, he thought he was lying about it (no game could last that long). I ended up having to go over to his house and confirm the fact to his dad just to keep him out of trouble - lol! (his dad was quite strict).
Oh wow that's nice you had such a great time with it back in the day. Many people don't understand that some games are more complicated than Monopoly 😂 and take more than a day to complete lol. Thanks!
Yeah, there was no way I could play this in a couple of hours. It took me days! I also had to make a larger board. Stacking units on those little hexagons made it hard to quickly tell what you had in a given area.
@@johnstevenson9956 I think that's why Advanced Third Reich made a point to enlarge the hexes. It can definitely get cramped with the small hexes of the original.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 Oooh, I didn't know that. I also cheated a bit and squared off the hexes. It was almost impossible to move units in a crowded area without disturbing the surrounding units.
@@johnstevenson9956 Yeah the map is larger as well.
I still have a bunch of those games stuffed away in my garage. Been at least 30 years since I played them. Got dozens of the old Avalon Hill magazine, The General. I spent too many hours of my young adulthood on them all...heh.
Pull them out and play them. One great thing about the old Avalon Hill games is that they can be played solo fairly easily if you just play all sides fairly. Modern games are harder to solo with card based action and hidden information.
@Thomas I’m right there with you.
There was a time, a couple of us were playing, and a 3rd friend - a non-wargamer - stopped by and purused the manual while we played. After awhile, he set the manual down and told us it read 'like a college text'.
It's a bit dry I'll admit, although I'm used to it with other games, especially Federation and Empire.
Never played this particular one. I always had ADVANCED THIRD REICH and EMPIRE OF THE RISING SUN. I used to have a whole group of "Historical Gamers" that met every Friday night at the local Comic Shop to play all kinds of Avalon Hill games, and THIRD REICH was always a favorite.
Try this version if you can find a cheap copy. I prefer it as the rules are a little simpler than Advanced TR although I would like to play the version where you can play Rising Sun and Third Reich together.
I've always played the campaign game and I have never had a game resolve in one evening.
I never had either. Most of my games are left set up for at least a few nights while I play it so I'm used to it.
This is a great game. It's worth looking for a 3rd Edition if you can find it, but even the first and second editions are great fun
Yeah I might think about doing that. What would you say is the biggest difference between the 1st and 3rd editions?
@@tabletoptemplar2486 LOTS of rule loopholes are closed or clarified. 1st edition is more like 'guidelines' as opposed to 'rules'. There are a set of map clarifications/changes as well.
@@orbitalair2103 Interesting. I'm not sure I can justify getting another edition of the game because I enjoy playing this, but I might have to play it sometime if I was at a convention or something.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 My friend, Ron, who introduced me the AH Games had 2nd edition. I bought 3rd edition. the biggest ma change that I remember was Suez went from a sea hex to a river hexside you could cross.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 My recollection is the American pieces shifted in the green direction and were no longer confusing with the USSR pieces.
I agree with you. This game is the prefect balance; is has the right level of complexity to allow or interesting strategic decisions, yet the game can still be played in an evening. Though I will point out that the game is called "Rise and Decline of the Third Reich" and not "THE Rise and Decline of the Third Reich."
Great game. Used to play with my brother in high school. Long games. Tough to find people to play otherwise.
Glad you enjoyed it. Have you tried playing on Vassal?
"This rule book has seen better days."
That is an awesome thing not a bad thing.
That's true lol. I appreciate it.
I have the third edition after my second edition wore out. I played both a lot in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. Advanced Third Reich was a bit much for most of my opponents and has had far less use like it's sister Rising Sun. I own SPI's competing treatments of WW2 PTO and ETO and found them lacking. Perhaps, World in Flames is the only game that could hold a candle to 3R, but elements of WIF irritated me at times. However, WIF does have the lead up of playing Days of Decision first while the 3R family lacked a prelude.
I tried Advanced 3R and also found it a little unnecessarily complicated. I missed the ease of 3R and the fun play. Haven't tried World in Flames though.
There was also a computer version around 1995,but apparently really buggy. There is also a third edition which has a better map and important rules clarifications. GMT republished it. I would prefer to see it as a computer version. I never played ERS
any chance for a how to play and playthrough? 🤓
Hopefully I can at some point. I have quite a few games to make videos on still, plus film playthroughs of them. Thank you for the comment and suggestion!
i love this game good luck finding people to play
Looking for A3R or 3R opponent
I just bought this for a quarter at goodwill lol
Oh wow, that's a great find!
@@tabletoptemplar2486 yeah thanks for the video I had no clue what I bought I honestly just liked the box and I’m interested in almost anything ww2. Seems like it could be a good game and I even think I have everything that it needs
@@AlanpittsS2a Is the game complete?
@@tabletoptemplar2486 it appears to be but I could be missing something I don’t know about
It is a really good game NOW, not just "for its time."
Its best feature is the "what if" possibilities. In one game Germany invaded Spain after the defeat of France, and while it was thus occupied Russia invaded Turkey. Totally ahistorical! (Didn't work out well for the Soviets.)
Oh wow! Definitely bringing in the neutrals lol. That's one of the best things about this game is the "what if" options and being able to involve more nations than was historical. Most games that cover WW2 simply use the countries that actually fought and stay rigidly to history. Not a bad thing per se, but one that leaves a little to be desired by imaginative gamers.
@@tabletoptemplar2486 I agree. We found having Turkey's forces enter the game on the Axis side, does enough to disrupt the Soviet juggernaut, making the outcome less likely of an inexorable Allied victory.
@@mistermousterian For me I usually have Spain join the Axis since Germany and Italy helped Franco so much during the Spanish Civil War. Turkey would also be an interesting choice since they were Germany's ally in WW1.
i had a friend who would 'attrit' (all attrtion options') through turkey like nobody's business.
one time, i got waylaid as the axis, and was remiss in dealing with that (basically didn't invade yugoslavia/greece with the axis), and he ended up attriting all the way through yugoslavia/greece! (well, maybe he did an offensive to get across the turkey/greek border.) i don't remember exactly how that went, except that greece/yugoslavia fell to the soviets, before barbarossa had even begun.
he definitely would go for an attrition attack versus turkey at the start of the game. (1939 start) most games, he could build up the factors, conquer turkey, and get most of the units re-deployed, before any axis 'barbarossa' began.
as axis, the same player was also very fond of italy attacking yugoslavia on turn 1. if he got the 'extra italian armaments' option chit, it was a bonus.
one of the big variants for the axis could be 'vichy french axis minor ally'. sometimes, we would take 3 chits apiece. once, the axis got a) extra italian armaments, b) vichy french ally, and c) spanish minor ally. that was not a good game for the british.
It was a great game in its day.
It still holds up pretty well for me. I enjoy these classic games.
It really irritates me when people use terms like "it was great for its time" or "in its day". Because what you are saying is that it sucks because the new stuff is oh so much better. Really? Does this game suck or not? What game should people be playing now, instead of this apparently obsolete cow to hear you talk about it?
@@errantknight-f2z That means that it was a great game in the 1970's, when I played the hell out of it. We didn't have personal computers yet, so, this was one of the most advanced games in its day. It can still be fun to play, if one is so inclined. For more complicated games of the genre, the computer games on the topic have far surpassed it in complexity and scope, After all, it's been almost 50 years since they came out with it.
This was the first war based board game I owned, long long ago. Ah memories.
Its because of this game that I always associate nazi units as black.
I'm glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane with my video!
The novel bring me here
Oh really? Hopefully you enjoyed the video all the same :)
@@tabletoptemplar2486 thanks alot it’s very helpful
@@ahmmalsayyad4713 You're welcome!
Us card should be on back of French card
Thank you! I had forgotten that while doing the video lol
That I don't know but I know a friend who does...I'll reply soon.
Ok thank you!
Play Advanced Third Reich. It's a much better game...
I'll have to try it out. I think the biggest draw of getting Advanced Third Reich is also playing Rising Sun as well.
BTW advance Third Reich sux don't get it...it should be called Advanced Die Rolling because you roll 6 dice at a time.. I have the game, pass......
I do want to be able to play the Global War with Rising Sun. Would it be possible to adapt Rising Sun to the original Third Reich?
Its a great game played it by myself many hours. At now I want to play the game on a team, I want on the allied team. Something that could be done with the game is use optics as a added edition to the board. And then a battery powered computer that has a optic based 🧲 that then connects in with the board and greatly enhances the game images and capabilities. Have a digital version of your game.
The math is=
44y 1/4
59r 2/7
34z 23/34
Io decode
Trying to catch people's eye and market some ideas hopefully.
Yeah I'm sure down the road they will make each piece include a chip that can be used with an app to track its movement, etc. For now, I like playing board games without using electronics though but I'm sure in the future they will be integrated more.
I played this in the 70s but on re-visiting it all these years I was surprised at how bad it is by todays standards. Ugly map, bland counters and lots of fiddly rules that really little in the way of depth. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion but there are far better games both (board and computer) out there that simulate WW2 grand strategy better than this bloated dinosaur.
@@John-k6f9k Would you say that Advanced Third Reich aged better than the original?