The actual buyers guide... end-all, be-all starts at 26:03 if you really just want to hear the recommendations on what to buy (and I heartily agree with everything Eric says in this video). Excellent video guys, you did a great job all the way through. I personally have the original "Classic" edition from the 1980s... the one I played the most... and currently have the new 1941 and 1942 Second Edition... but I can't really find anyone to play anymore... waiting for my kids to get a little older then I will school them.
My first experience with Axis and Allies was with the combined Europe and Pacific 1940 Second Edition maps in high school about six years ago. That was freaking awesome. We later adapted the map so that we could combine both WWI and WWII maps together. We ended up playing two games: a global WWI map that lasted 16 turns, and then we’d sign the Treaty of Versailles and then do WWII.
Stumbled on someone’s old collection of out of print Axis and Allies games for sale at half price books yesterday. I bought the original Europe version for $15, D-Day for $20, and Battle of the Bulge for $25. I was so happy because I never thought I’d get them
@@Germanguy6969 This one, they brought it back a while back, so you don't have to buy second hand. avalonhill.wizards.com/avalon-hill-axis-allies-anniversary-edition
Thanks! This video was exceedingly helpful. My kids are just getting to the point at which they can handle this level of strategy game and I was snowed in by the many A&A products on the market, in and out of print. I remember playing A&A at lunch time with some schoolmates, and later with college roommates (when else would you possibly have time for this level of constant gaming?). Again, much appreciated!
I've never played Axis & Allies but your guide led me to buy 1942 and 1940 Europe & Pacific. i figure i can do 1942 with people who have the stamina for 4-8 hour games and 1940 i can play with a few friends over the course of a week or two. Great video Eric.
Thank you for this video! I am trying to buy this for my son and had no clue what I was doing when I saw there were multiple versions. This video was so helpful!
There is a gaming store close to where I live right now. It has revised, Guadalcanal, 1942, and the two global 1940 games (first edition). After checking them out a few times, I became more and more interested in 1940. Thanks for the vid
Thank you for making this video! Lots of great info. I only played the original Gamemaster Edition way back in the day at a friend's house. I have been thinking about getting an edition or two but was completely in the dark about the differences between them.
Hey... what a fantastic updated video on the Axis & Allies games! BTW, I do have all of the AnA games incl. 50..and it's a keeper, a beautiful game box with so much attention to detail. Laters, Jon
LitosIsLit , yeah definitely on the expensive side. I’d say it’s worth it if you have a group of friends or family who like games like this, but if you don’t have many people to play with it’s probably not worth
The first time I played Axis and Allies was on Larry Harris' board, made from a world map that he had drawn the regions on. He was still shaking out the rules. My copy of the game is the NOVA games, with the cardboard unit counters having different shapes.
Nice info on the game. I just randomly picked up an unopened version of A&A 1941 for $3 at Goodwill, and I'm trying to look into it. I figured it couldn't hurt for $3 to give it a try. Looking forward to our first play.
I played og axis and allies many times in my teen years, it had the aa guns but none of the other units you listed as new in 1942 core edition. excellent overview for people considering getting one or more editions.
I have the original game, 1984 print, my brother and I would play 7/8 hours, log our game pieces/locations, then come back the next night and play another 6/8 hours before one of us started to tip the game to where we knew the other was going to win. There have been, in 32 years of playing, games that would go 3 or 4 segments of 7/8 hours a piece, yeah 30+ hours of play. I lost him several years ago now, the game has sat in storage for 6 years, I just got it out yesterday and almost sold it....but I couldn't. The upside is, my wife said she will learn the game and play with me. This will be fun.
Eric I just love your guide to A&A. Seen it four times now. Every time it pops up on UA-cam when searching something A&A, I can't help myself. I just love watching the passion and love you have for the game. I hope you are still playing it from time to time. Thanks for putting the video together it was so helpful. Keep up the good work. 👍
Used your video and the wikipedia article on the game series to make a mean excel spreadsheet guide to all the games, prices, gameplay, everything. Thank you!
17:10 when that gets folded the wrong way it breaks my soul. Had a friend do that to one of my brand new games and it ripped the board in half. Ugh, my heart goes out to you.
I’ve been wanting to introduce this game to my board gaming friends for years. Thankyou so much for pointing me in the right direction on where to start :D
I love my Spring 1941 Anniversary Edition. The little hobby kit boxes for each nation are great and and it feels almost as epic as 1940 global... without the multiple days it takes to play.
You forgot Spring 1942 (not to be confused with 1942 Second Edition). It came out after Anniversary Edition and tried to combine the Revised map with the Anniversary rules.
I've never seen your channel before, until this video. Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to make this video. It was very helpful & informative. I have the original version of Axis & Allies and just bought the 1942 2nd edition after listening to your advice. Thanks again!
Even playing them seperately is an epic experience. But one thing I don´t like is (and most players I have encountered) it is a bit chaotic - all the pieces on the board (even with using the chips) makes it so chaotic. You don´t see the borders, moking them from one region to another is a nightmare and it is really hard not to get lost in all of them (wchich army is in which region etc.) Maybe I am doing something wrong, but it is always like that.
Awesome video Eric. Your buddy is like my friends who can't quite understand your mission, but play along and make jokes about it. It is a passion and I hope your son plays often...mine, not so much. Everyone always cringes at the game time, but I have one friend that only plays A&A and one of us will just concede at a point around 4 hrs knowing that we're outmatched. After playing 100+ games you can tell who is going to win at a certain point.
I have an original A and A from 1990 I bought in College. I just got it out of the attic today and played a little for nostalgia. Still has all the pieces and the customer survey card. I am going to fill it out and send it in this weekend.
It's hard to resist when you see those game boards again, isn't it? if you liked the original, I don't think you'll be disappointed in the current 1942 version. It's the classic game, but a little better. Cheers!
Most definitely! I wanted to collect them all just because they had the A&A name. I am glad that I found your channel so that I know what I am getting with each game. I did have the expectation that the all of the games would have a similar game play as the original. I will definitely start with the 1942 games. My Brother and I had drawn a large global map on some plywood the size of our pool table. We wanted to simulate the "battle board" that you would see in old WWII movies. So, I am very excited about the 1942 games. Cheers!
19:55 If you can't dump 8 to 10 hours into Axis & Allies then you don't really want to play Axis & Allies. When my uncle and I would play we took an entire weekend.
Daniel Walker lol me too. But I played it 3ish times and now I got the hang of it. Quarantine brought me to these games. If my family wants to shut up and listen to me then it would be Short 1 hour long games
Was happy to find this video. I've been playing this game since the 80s and it is also my favourite board game of all-time and I have played a tonne of board games. I have the anniversary edition and had NO CLUE it was worth so much, it is still my favourite edition. I had custom dice made for it from Chessex with each nation's flag on the dice including Italy and China. Oh how I have to get the 1940 editions!!!
Hey just so you know they came out with a reprint of the Axis and Allies 50th anniversary edition. (The only way to tell the difference on the box is the 2008 edition has a "50" on the front and back, and the 2017 edition does NOT have a "50" on it.)
I'm late to this video, but I wanted to say it was really well done! If anyone is looking for a game there is an official video game called Axis & Allies 1942 Online that you could play solo or in multiplayer. (It came out after this video was made.) I also play a version of Pacific 1940 that I've adapted to play online through Roll20. You can find some of these versions of the game as mods for Tabletop Simulator. Interested folks can ping me for more info.
Man you may not believe it but this video was EXACTLY!!! what I was looking for. My group of buddies has spent three days on a single game of risk. We’ve branched in table top minis like 40k and I was debating switching to A&A minis.... but man you’ve sold me on either 1940 pacific and Europe or 1942 second edition. Overall thank you!
1914's ruleset is amazing! 1914 is my favorite. I have classic, anniversary, and 1914. 2 copies of each for pueces.. my favorites go: 1914, classic, then anniversary. I love classics simplicity.
Thank you guys, I came across the 1942 at a garage sale and boys it's a wonder game. I am just wandering whether to invest in the 1914 game. Your review help.
go to Canada I recently ( end of May) went to the Mall of Edmonton, while I was there for training with their military and I found the anniversary edition for about $150 Canadian
I grew up playing Axis and Allies. My boys just asked for Axis and Allies so I went to order a copy and was surprised by all the versions. Thanks so much for clearing this up so I know what to get. Im going to start them with 1942 Sexond edition. We game a lot so I can see us wanting the 2 1940 games because they look amazing!!
Have you played "Amerika" by Historical Board Gaming? If not, I **STRONGLY** recommend it. As you can guess, it deals with a fictional invasion of the United States by Germany on the Atlantic side and Japan on the Pacific Side following an assumed victory by the Axis powers everywhere else and the defeat of the U.S. navy. It's set in 1951, so the units are slightly upgraded, such as jet fighters across the board, heavy bombers for all powers, self-propelled AA guns, etc. Even so, they're the same size and flavor and fully compatible with all Axis & Allies games. The objective? The Axis powers are furiously trying to force the United States into signing a peace treaty prior to the U.S.A. developing the atomic bomb (it's assumed that the U.S.A. didn't successfully do so prior to this point). I own it and have played it several times. I'm convinced you'll absolutely love it.
Great video guys! I only got into A&A in 2009 when I bought the then new Spring 1942 edition. I admit I knew nothing about the game before I bought it. But knew it would be good. Unfortunately, I remember seeing Anniversary on the shelf next to Spring 1942, and I opted for the latter because it looked easier to begin with.... I had no idea at the time of the significance of anniversary... Man, I wish I picked it that day... Good thing it is getting a reprint then. Got my order in ;)
Seeing the fully set up 1940 Global game Second Edition set up (that is the new European and Pacific boards put together) makes me feel all tingly inside. This is easily my favorite board game of all time and I wish I could find someone as passionate as I am about this game who's willing to sit down from noon until midnight and play this game. Sadly no one else wants to sit for 12 hours for a single session of the single greatest board game of all time...I have no idea what's wrong with them.
I have been playing Axis & Allies with my dad for many many years, we have nearly all the versions that have been released. My favourite versions are Anniversary Edition, Global & 1914, I wasn't keen on Guadalcanal, it was to easy. I keep hoping they will do a new version of 1914, there is so much more they can do with that game. Did you ever get a copy of the Anniversary Edition, they did rerelease it a year or so ago?
I loved you video. My favorite parts where were Eric stressed over his games and folding the boards back up. I love seeing a kindred spirit. The part of the unpunched AA50 was classic.
My best friend has the A&A 1940 Europe/Pacific editions and after seeing this video I want to play it so bad! My friend and I have played A&A since high school (mid-1980's). Thanks for making this video!
I guess it’s the same child in me at age 58 (the part that still enjoys boardgaming) that couldn’t help but LOVE the boxtop fart noise @ 17:54 - I literally LOLled! 😆 Is that so wrong?.. ~⚔️KT⚔️
Back when the original version came out I bought it plus Shogun and Fortress America. I never knew about these, I played the original one to death. I remember in the 80's and 90's going to my local hobby shop and seeing polybag's of expanded rules and such with the Axis and Allies label on them. I never picked em up but always wondered what they were. Were they official expansions, unofficial or just some hobbyist putting them out. Anyone heard or know what I'm talking about? Thanks Eric for showing me the 1914 version as a beginning WWI buff I'm going to be looking into purchasing that in the near future.
Great video! My girlfriend got me 1942 Second Edition and I love it. I added Tech Development Rules and a few new units and it's AWESOME. Gonna get Pacific and Europe 1940 eventually.
I am so late into this game. Just started online two weeks ago and decided to check out the board game possibilities. Went on Amazon and purchased the 1940 Europe 2nd edition. I'll be playing mostly solo so I wanted a large board but not huge by adding Japan into the mix. My only question is: Can I use my Warhammer 40k for Germany ? I think it would help them a little :)
I currently own two version of axis and allies. The 1942 second edition, and the revised edition, which i bought at a neighbors garage sale in the wrappings for $8. Now I know it was a lucky find.
Anniversary edition is my favorite. I'm so happy I picked it up when it was released. It's one of my most cherished possessions. It is the best edition of A and A ever.
One of these days I'll suck it up and make the purchase. It does look like a great middle ground between the classic game and the mega Pacific + Europe version.
@@KabukiKid the biggest reason to get the Anniversary Edition, imo, is saving money on getting Italian troops here instead of 1940 Global. I have definitely looked at all the pieces on HBG, and if I got it as a Christmas present, yeah, I'd be thrilled, but it's still daunting to consider as a purchase for what you get. In my opinion, the Original, or 1941, or Zombies are much clearer snap-buys ''bang-for-your-bucks''. Original- mileage may vary. If you love nostalgia and history though, which, I mean come on, it's a history game, it makes sense. Technically if you want anything like a balanced game where there's any point at all being the German player, literally every single other edition ever is better. I need to double check, but I think if all Revised did was add more Sea Zones, that alone makes Revised the better choice if your intention is to honestly have fun with friends you plan to keep rather than sucker someone into playing a Solved-Game-Unwinnable Germany. lol.
Thank you for this video!!! Was looking to get into this game, and I just bought the 1941 version on Amazon based on your take that it's best for newbies. Awesome video!
The gods have heard your plea! Avalon Hill announced at Origins a few days ago that they are doing a reprint of A&A Anniversary Edition (due out in Fall 2017) Amazon already has a pre-order listing for it.
Great review of the whole A&A universe. Not sure if this point was brought up somewhere in the comments, but I'll mention it anyway. At around 21:20, you mention that AA guns were not in the original MB version. This is not the case. Otherwise, thanks! Oh, and maybe highlighting the different miniatures, but I realize that would have taken a tremendous effort.. Cheers!
Thanks for this! I haven’t played in over 20 years and was looking to buy one, but wasn’t sure which ones since so many have come along since the early 90’s
Great video, guys. Thanks so much for showing me how addicted I 'am to our wonderful hobby, as I own everything thing you highlighted in this A & A documentary, including 75%-80% of the A & A Miniatures-what happen there, Eric? (just call me Mr. Grognard.) Seriously, job well done! Kudos!! (Thanks to Young Grasshopper for pointing out this video series.)
Hey Eric! Great great review. One question though. I have only played the Revised edition. Other than board graphics, what other changes are there in the Second Edition that are not in the Revised Edition? Would you recommend my getting rid of the Revised in favor of the 2nd Edition?
From Eric - "The changes are not significant enough to justify a whole new purchase unless you're a regular player. There is some re-balancing of unit placement, and adjustments to strategic bombing and AA guns, but unless you're playing a LOT they are not a big enough deal to replace what you have. And, the Second Edition rules are available online, so you can incorporate the changes if you wish." axisallies.com/versions/aa-1942/
I have the 1942: Second Edition and I see they are doing a reprint of the Anniversary edition. Is that Anniversary edition the same game as the one I have, just with better/larger components? Or is it a different game? (trying to figure out if I should get it or not). I haven't had my copy hit the table yet but id spring for the anniversary edition if its different enough from what I have.
LeRoy, Eric here. The Anniversary Edition is significantly different than Spring 1942. In addition to the map being much larger, there are some new units and, most significantly, new countries (you can play as Italy in this edition). There are some changes to the rules as well, including something called "National Objectives." These are goals to accomplish that can impact how much money you take in. It's still pure Axis & Allies, it's not like re-learning a new game, but if you want a bigger, more advanced version that is a little easier to manage than the Global edition (Pacific + Europe combined), I'd give a thumbs up to springing for Anniversary. Happy gaming!
I have both the Europe and Pacific 1940 Games. I prefer them over the standard games due to them having more unit types and zones, as well as special rules such as Kamikazes, etc.
22:18 There are a more big/complicated version of this one, made by fan, named Global War 1936-1945 and its just really endless. www.historicalboardgaming.com/Global-War-1936-1945_c_575.html
I actually lucked out this past weekend at a local gaming convention and picked up the Revised edition *UNPUNCHED* - none of the counters punched out, all the unit pieces in the original bags...even the AA gun and industrial complex pieces still on the plastic tree - for only $10. Now there was some wear to the box, and a few of the perforations along the edges of the cards were punched, but other then that it looks like whomever bought it originally never got around to playing it. BTW, it actually came out in 2004, but that's still within the whole 90's "Super dark is super cool!" nonsense that I *really* hate. The rules seem a little confusing here and there, but I think that's because no one bothered to proof-read sections of the rules because they wanted to get it out into the game stores in time for the actual 20th anniversary. After reading the rules, one thing I do *NOT* like is how they changed weapons development. You buy your research dice as normal (5 IPU per die), but instead of rolling them and hoping for a '6', you choose which item you want on the list and *THEN* roll your dice, hoping to have *that* number show up on at least one of the dice.
Hey guys, great video. I am actually wondering if I should buy the Europe Edition, or rather wait for the reprint of anniversary edition which is announcend for October. What would you do?
If your primary interest is the European theater, then the Europe edition is a fine purchase to make right now. It's highly detailed and balanced and an excellent version of the game. The Anniversary reprint expands that to the whole globe, of course. As a result, you get the full scale of the war and a lot more decisions to make. However, the European theater itself is less detailed in that version, with fewer territories, strategy options, etc. in that specific part of the world (Board size, the Anniversary edition is slightly larger than the Europe edition, but not as large as the combined Europe & Pacific, aka Global.) The Europe standalone will remain the best way to play the European theater. I'd also say if you are already an A&A player and are just considering how you want to upgrade as a whole, wait for the Anniversary reprint. It's going to be a huge step up from the core 1942 game. Existing fans will LOVE it. It won't be as gigantic and complex as the Global Edition, i.e. Europe & Pacific editions combined, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Also, some of this depends on your room and your friends. You need a LOT of space to play the Global edition. Anniversary is more manageable. Both can accommodate a lot of players, but Anniversary is easier with just two people, and you can fit it onto a normal kitchen table. So again, wait for the Anniversary edition UNLESS your primary interest is Europe and/or you have a large group of friends and a lot of space to play. If it's the latter, Global is a big time and money investment, but it's will still be the ultimate edition of the game after Anniversary comes out, and getting Europe will get you halfway to Global. Don't know if that helps, but I hope it does! (Eric)
Helps a lot! Thank you for your fast and detailed answer. As I am an A&A Player already and want to upgrade I will follow your advice and wait. It's just two months :) Thanks again!
Did you get the anniversary addition? I bought one for $100 but returned it because it added Italy to the board and I thought that would ruin the game.
The actual buyers guide... end-all, be-all starts at 26:03 if you really just want to hear the recommendations on what to buy (and I heartily agree with everything Eric says in this video). Excellent video guys, you did a great job all the way through. I personally have the original "Classic" edition from the 1980s... the one I played the most... and currently have the new 1941 and 1942 Second Edition... but I can't really find anyone to play anymore... waiting for my kids to get a little older then I will school them.
Thank you!
I got D-Day for 13 dollars
I kinda feel out of place as I'm 14 and I live in england lol
@Harland Paeth you bots are everywhere these days
My first experience with Axis and Allies was with the combined Europe and Pacific 1940 Second Edition maps in high school about six years ago. That was freaking awesome. We later adapted the map so that we could combine both WWI and WWII maps together. We ended up playing two games: a global WWI map that lasted 16 turns, and then we’d sign the Treaty of Versailles and then do WWII.
wish my high school experience was something like that
You're part of the 0.01% of people who have found not only people willing to play Axis & Allies, but MULTIPLE versions of Axis & Allies.
This buyer's guide is tremendous. Don't buy any edition of any of these games, until you watch this video several times. Thanks guys!
Thanks! And thanks for watching :)
Stumbled on someone’s old collection of out of print Axis and Allies games for sale at half price books yesterday. I bought the original Europe version for $15, D-Day for $20, and Battle of the Bulge for $25. I was so happy because I never thought I’d get them
Wow! That's awesome!
The anniversary edition is my favorite, it is like a streamlined version of the global (Europe + Pacific) edition
Which one? 25 Years or 50 Year anniversary?
@@Germanguy6969 This one, they brought it back a while back, so you don't have to buy second hand.
avalonhill.wizards.com/avalon-hill-axis-allies-anniversary-edition
@@Germanguy6969 Die 50 Jahre Version
Thanks! This video was exceedingly helpful. My kids are just getting to the point at which they can handle this level of strategy game and I was snowed in by the many A&A products on the market, in and out of print. I remember playing A&A at lunch time with some schoolmates, and later with college roommates (when else would you possibly have time for this level of constant gaming?). Again, much appreciated!
I've never played Axis & Allies but your guide led me to buy 1942 and 1940 Europe & Pacific. i figure i can do 1942 with people who have the stamina for 4-8 hour games and 1940 i can play with a few friends over the course of a week or two. Great video Eric.
Our new video covers the 'A&A Anniversary Edition' - ua-cam.com/video/Sf1_9WtmntU/v-deo.html
whats the difference between the A&A 1942 and A&A Spring 1942 ?
Excellent Job guys!... definitely top shelf.
Thanks buddy! (As you can see, Eric gets very excited about showing off his collection)
Oh sweet! Thank you!
Young Grasshopper 52
Thank you for this video! I am trying to buy this for my son and had no clue what I was doing when I saw there were multiple versions. This video was so helpful!
You did an excellent job of summarizing all the versions, thank you!!! Only wish I had found this video earlier!
Thank you, and thanks for watching! :)
There is a gaming store close to where I live right now. It has revised, Guadalcanal, 1942, and the two global 1940 games (first edition). After checking them out a few times, I became more and more interested in 1940.
Thanks for the vid
Thank you for making this video! Lots of great info. I only played the original Gamemaster Edition way back in the day at a friend's house. I have been thinking about getting an edition or two but was completely in the dark about the differences between them.
Glad we could help. Thanks for watching!
The anniversary version is now being rereleased for 75$! Great videos I'm getting back into to A&A would love Europe and Pacific for global. Nice!
Hey... what a fantastic updated video on the Axis & Allies games! BTW, I do have all of the AnA games incl. 50..and it's a keeper, a beautiful game box with so much attention to detail.
Laters, Jon
I agree, 1914 edition is amazing
Taprman I rly want it but it’s way to expensive
LitosIsLit , yeah definitely on the expensive side. I’d say it’s worth it if you have a group of friends or family who like games like this, but if you don’t have many people to play with it’s probably not worth
The first time I played Axis and Allies was on Larry Harris' board, made from a world map that he had drawn the regions on. He was still shaking out the rules. My copy of the game is the NOVA games, with the cardboard unit counters having different shapes.
Nice info on the game. I just randomly picked up an unopened version of A&A 1941 for $3 at Goodwill, and I'm trying to look into it. I figured it couldn't hurt for $3 to give it a try. Looking forward to our first play.
Holy hell! What a great deal, even if it's missing a few pieces or the components are damaged.
I played og axis and allies many times in my teen years, it had the aa guns but none of the other units you listed as new in 1942 core edition. excellent overview for people considering getting one or more editions.
I have the original game, 1984 print, my brother and I would play 7/8 hours, log our game pieces/locations, then come back the next night and play another 6/8 hours before one of us started to tip the game to where we knew the other was going to win. There have been, in 32 years of playing, games that would go 3 or 4 segments of 7/8 hours a piece, yeah 30+ hours of play.
I lost him several years ago now, the game has sat in storage for 6 years, I just got it out yesterday and almost sold it....but I couldn't. The upside is, my wife said she will learn the game and play with me.
This will be fun.
Eric I just love your guide to A&A. Seen it four times now. Every time it pops up on UA-cam when searching something A&A, I can't help myself. I just love watching the passion and love you have for the game. I hope you are still playing it from time to time. Thanks for putting the video together it was so helpful. Keep up the good work. 👍
Glad you enjoy it!
Used your video and the wikipedia article on the game series to make a mean excel spreadsheet guide to all the games, prices, gameplay, everything. Thank you!
17:10 when that gets folded the wrong way it breaks my soul. Had a friend do that to one of my brand new games and it ripped the board in half. Ugh, my heart goes out to you.
I managed to get D-day for only $35 less than a year ago and I love it.
Thank you for putting this together, and showing the boards, and sharing your opinions. Very helpful. Really appreciate it.
I’ve been wanting to introduce this game to my board gaming friends for years. Thankyou so much for pointing me in the right direction on where to start :D
I love my Spring 1941 Anniversary Edition. The little hobby kit boxes for each nation are great and and it feels almost as epic as 1940 global... without the multiple days it takes to play.
You forgot Spring 1942 (not to be confused with 1942 Second Edition). It came out after Anniversary Edition and tried to combine the Revised map with the Anniversary rules.
oh i got confused because I was thinking my 1942 board isn't that big XD
I picked up on that too. My favorite version of the game is Spring 1942
I've never seen your channel before, until this video. Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to make this video. It was very helpful & informative. I have the original version of Axis & Allies and just bought the 1942 2nd edition after listening to your advice. Thanks again!
Thank, and thanks for watching!
Excellent guide. I play the classic one most but also have AAE and AAP. This guide gives me pretty good introduction to the new prints.
was always very intimidated by the scope of these games, but after playing twilight imperium and loving it, i was looking at giving these a shot
Great video! I love A&A and you did a great job showing them off and explaining each one. 1940 E+P looks amazing! :)
The combined version is enormous and is a truly EPIC experience. I highly recommend it - just be sure you have plenty of space and plenty of time!
Even playing them seperately is an epic experience. But one thing I don´t like is (and most players I have encountered) it is a bit chaotic - all the pieces on the board (even with using the chips) makes it so chaotic. You don´t see the borders, moking them from one region to another is a nightmare and it is really hard not to get lost in all of them (wchich army is in which region etc.)
Maybe I am doing something wrong, but it is always like that.
Awesome video Eric. Your buddy is like my friends who can't quite understand your mission, but play along and make jokes about it. It is a passion and I hope your son plays often...mine, not so much. Everyone always cringes at the game time, but I have one friend that only plays A&A and one of us will just concede at a point around 4 hrs knowing that we're outmatched. After playing 100+ games you can tell who is going to win at a certain point.
I have an original A and A from 1990 I bought in College. I just got it out of the attic today and played a little for nostalgia. Still has all the pieces and the customer survey card. I am going to fill it out and send it in this weekend.
LOL! Let us know if you hear back.
A local store close to where I live has a lot of those selling for 40 to 50 euros, even Guadalcanal.
Hi Eric - Thank you for putting this video together. I been bitten by the nostalgia bug and have been thinking about collecting the new game versions.
It's hard to resist when you see those game boards again, isn't it? if you liked the original, I don't think you'll be disappointed in the current 1942 version. It's the classic game, but a little better. Cheers!
Most definitely! I wanted to collect them all just because they had the A&A name. I am glad that I found your channel so that I know what I am getting with each game. I did have the expectation that the all of the games would have a similar game play as the original. I will definitely start with the 1942 games. My Brother and I had drawn a large global map on some plywood the size of our pool table. We wanted to simulate the "battle board" that you would see in old WWII movies. So, I am very excited about the 1942 games. Cheers!
Hey Eric they are re-releasing the Anniversary Edition in November of this year! You can pre-order on Amazon now and it's under 100 bucks. Get on it.
19:55 If you can't dump 8 to 10 hours into Axis & Allies then you don't really want to play Axis & Allies.
When my uncle and I would play we took an entire weekend.
Daniel Walker lol me too. But I played it 3ish times and now I got the hang of it. Quarantine brought me to these games. If my family wants to shut up and listen to me then it would be Short 1 hour long games
I play for weeks with my brother over facetime even though I always lose, as I'm not as experienced as him.
Was happy to find this video. I've been playing this game since the 80s and it is also my favourite board game of all-time and I have played a tonne of board games. I have the anniversary edition and had NO CLUE it was worth so much, it is still my favourite edition. I had custom dice made for it from Chessex with each nation's flag on the dice including Italy and China. Oh how I have to get the 1940 editions!!!
Hey just so you know they came out with a reprint of the Axis and Allies 50th anniversary edition. (The only way to tell the difference on the box is the 2008 edition has a "50" on the front and back, and the 2017 edition does NOT have a "50" on it.)
LOL me and my dad bought the last 2 as our first a&a games. was a hard learning curve
started off with europe 1940, already looking to get pacific, 2 weeks later haha massive learning curve but so worth while
I started with the original and revised.
I'm late to this video, but I wanted to say it was really well done! If anyone is looking for a game there is an official video game called Axis & Allies 1942 Online that you could play solo or in multiplayer. (It came out after this video was made.) I also play a version of Pacific 1940 that I've adapted to play online through Roll20. You can find some of these versions of the game as mods for Tabletop Simulator. Interested folks can ping me for more info.
Man you may not believe it but this video was EXACTLY!!! what I was looking for. My group of buddies has spent three days on a single game of risk. We’ve branched in table top minis like 40k and I was debating switching to A&A minis.... but man you’ve sold me on either 1940 pacific and Europe or 1942 second edition. Overall thank you!
Great to hear, and thanks for letting us know!
1914's ruleset is amazing! 1914 is my favorite. I have classic, anniversary, and 1914. 2 copies of each for pueces.. my favorites go: 1914, classic, then anniversary. I love classics simplicity.
This was an extremely helpful video. I had no idea what to buy but I love WW2 history and board games. Now I know where to start.
Thank you guys, I came across the 1942 at a garage sale and boys it's a wonder game. I am just wandering whether to invest in the 1914 game. Your review help.
go to Canada I recently ( end of May) went to the Mall of Edmonton, while I was there for training with their military and I found the anniversary edition for about $150 Canadian
Sweet!
I picked up a brand new 1942: Second Edition for £30.
I grew up playing Axis and Allies. My boys just asked for Axis and Allies so I went to order a copy and was surprised by all the versions. Thanks so much for clearing this up so I know what to get. Im going to start them with 1942 Sexond edition. We game a lot so I can see us wanting the 2 1940 games because they look amazing!!
Awesome! Have fun!
Have you played "Amerika" by Historical Board Gaming? If not, I **STRONGLY** recommend it. As you can guess, it deals with a fictional invasion of the United States by Germany on the Atlantic side and Japan on the Pacific Side following an assumed victory by the Axis powers everywhere else and the defeat of the U.S. navy. It's set in 1951, so the units are slightly upgraded, such as jet fighters across the board, heavy bombers for all powers, self-propelled AA guns, etc. Even so, they're the same size and flavor and fully compatible with all Axis & Allies games.
The objective? The Axis powers are furiously trying to force the United States into signing a peace treaty prior to the U.S.A. developing the atomic bomb (it's assumed that the U.S.A. didn't successfully do so prior to this point).
I own it and have played it several times. I'm convinced you'll absolutely love it.
Do you guys have any of the other games in the Mastergame Series like Shogun and Fortress America?
Eric has Shogun, but not Fortress America. (Thanks for watching!)
Great video guys!
I only got into A&A in 2009 when I bought the then new Spring 1942 edition. I admit I knew nothing about the game before I bought it.
But knew it would be good.
Unfortunately, I remember seeing Anniversary on the shelf next to Spring 1942, and I opted for the latter because it looked easier to begin with.... I had no idea at the time of the significance of anniversary... Man, I wish I picked it that day...
Good thing it is getting a reprint then. Got my order in ;)
Seeing the fully set up 1940 Global game Second Edition set up (that is the new European and Pacific boards put together) makes me feel all tingly inside. This is easily my favorite board game of all time and I wish I could find someone as passionate as I am about this game who's willing to sit down from noon until midnight and play this game. Sadly no one else wants to sit for 12 hours for a single session of the single greatest board game of all time...I have no idea what's wrong with them.
Me too. Any chance your Dutch?
I have been playing Axis & Allies with my dad for many many years, we have nearly all the versions that have been released. My favourite versions are Anniversary Edition, Global & 1914, I wasn't keen on Guadalcanal, it was to easy. I keep hoping they will do a new version of 1914, there is so much more they can do with that game. Did you ever get a copy of the Anniversary Edition, they did rerelease it a year or so ago?
Awesome to hear! And yes, Eric finally got a copy of the Anniversary Edition!! ( ua-cam.com/video/Sf1_9WtmntU/v-deo.html )
I’ve been watching you guys forever, and I’m surprised you don’t have over 10k subs, you guys deserve it, love your content
Thank you!
100% what I was looking for....so many version and you cleared it all up!!
Great to here! Thank you.
Great video - fun to watch and really informative! Would be fun to see you guys do a video on the Axis & Allies & Zombies edition.
Thank you! And once we get our hands on the Zombie Edition, we'll def make a video.
I incuded the need to maintain supply lines as well sub pens and oil producing regions.
I loved you video. My favorite parts where were Eric stressed over his games and folding the boards back up. I love seeing a kindred spirit. The part of the unpunched AA50 was classic.
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
I found a D-Day version at my local game store. I live in Canada though so it could possibly be different
You can only land at Juno and Sword beaches. You'll have to find some US buddies to play Utah and Omaha. 😉
Thank you for the buyer's guide. You were very helpful.
Thanks for watching. Glad we could help :)
My best friend has the A&A 1940 Europe/Pacific editions and after seeing this video I want to play it so bad! My friend and I have played A&A since high school (mid-1980's). Thanks for making this video!
Hope you get to play soon. And thanks for watching!
I guess it’s the same child in me at age 58 (the part that still enjoys boardgaming) that couldn’t help but LOVE the boxtop fart noise @ 17:54 - I literally LOLled! 😆
Is that so wrong?.. ~⚔️KT⚔️
I made my own 4 by 6 foot board and revised the rules to be a more realistic game.I drew railroads on the board and everything.
That's pretty awesome!
Back when the original version came out I bought it plus Shogun and Fortress America. I never knew about these, I played the original one to death. I remember in the 80's and 90's going to my local hobby shop and seeing polybag's of expanded rules and such with the Axis and Allies label on them. I never picked em up but always wondered what they were. Were they official expansions, unofficial or just some hobbyist putting them out. Anyone heard or know what I'm talking about? Thanks Eric for showing me the 1914 version as a beginning WWI buff I'm going to be looking into purchasing that in the near future.
Thank you for the excellent overview!
Great video! My girlfriend got me 1942 Second Edition and I love it. I added Tech Development Rules and a few new units and it's AWESOME. Gonna get Pacific and Europe 1940 eventually.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. (obviously your gf is pretty cool)
I am so late into this game. Just started online two weeks ago and decided to check out the board game possibilities. Went on Amazon and purchased the 1940 Europe 2nd edition. I'll be playing mostly solo so I wanted a large board but not huge by adding Japan into the mix. My only question is: Can I use my Warhammer 40k for Germany ? I think it would help them a little :)
I currently own two version of axis and allies. The 1942 second edition, and the revised edition, which i bought at a neighbors garage sale in the wrappings for $8. Now I know it was a lucky find.
Real lucky. That's Awesome!
Thanks really helped me a lot! it makes me want to buy the 1941 edition instead of the 1914 edition :D
Anniversary edition is my favorite. I'm so happy I picked it up when it was released. It's one of my most cherished possessions. It is the best edition of A and A ever.
One of these days I'll suck it up and make the purchase. It does look like a great middle ground between the classic game and the mega Pacific + Europe version.
If you didn't already get it, the Anniversary Edition is back in print, as you likely already know. ;-) Scoop it up while you can!
@@KabukiKid the biggest reason to get the Anniversary Edition, imo, is saving money on getting Italian troops here instead of 1940 Global. I have definitely looked at all the pieces on HBG, and if I got it as a Christmas present, yeah, I'd be thrilled, but it's still daunting to consider as a purchase for what you get. In my opinion, the Original, or 1941, or Zombies are much clearer snap-buys ''bang-for-your-bucks''.
Original- mileage may vary. If you love nostalgia and history though, which, I mean come on, it's a history game, it makes sense. Technically if you want anything like a balanced game where there's any point at all being the German player, literally every single other edition ever is better. I need to double check, but I think if all Revised did was add more Sea Zones, that alone makes Revised the better choice if your intention is to honestly have fun with friends you plan to keep rather than sucker someone into playing a Solved-Game-Unwinnable Germany. lol.
@@KabukiKid there's no way around it: there's no truly cheap way to add French and Italian units to a collection. there just actually isn't. sadface.
Excellent video! Really comprehensive, please keep doing this type of videos.
So I have an Axis and Allies set, and I think it’s 1942, but the map and the box are different from any of the ones you guys showed
Thank you for this video!!! Was looking to get into this game, and I just bought the 1941 version on Amazon based on your take that it's best for newbies. Awesome video!
I just bought the anniversary edition on Amazon for $70. I think it's still available if you wanted to complete your collection
Awesome you were able to get one. Eric got one as well! ua-cam.com/video/Sf1_9WtmntU/v-deo.html
A&A 1914 is really fun! I really want to try the combined A&A boardgame with my playgroup
Let us know how it goes - and thanks for watching!
25:21 i bet he would hit you if had seen lol
I (Tig) was a lucky man that day.
The gods have heard your plea! Avalon Hill announced at Origins a few days ago that they are doing a reprint of A&A Anniversary Edition (due out in Fall 2017) Amazon already has a pre-order listing for it.
WooHoo!!!
Is there an "Eric Reaction Video"?
We can only hope
the face the guy on the left made every time the game is out of print is spot on.
Fantastic guys! Keep rolling those dice! Thanks for sharing.
Great review of the whole A&A universe. Not sure if this point was brought up somewhere in the comments, but I'll mention it anyway. At around 21:20, you mention that AA guns were not in the original MB version. This is not the case. Otherwise, thanks! Oh, and maybe highlighting the different miniatures, but I realize that would have taken a tremendous effort.. Cheers!
Great video... but what about the xeno games expansion? It launched a lot of the newer rules like destroyers and artillery... personally love it.
We will have to check it out!
Thanks for this! I haven’t played in over 20 years and was looking to buy one, but wasn’t sure which ones since so many have come along since the early 90’s
A fantastic video guys and very helpful.
Thanks Mark. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for watching!
Nerd Out With Me you can get a anniversary edition reprint in November
Great video, guys. Thanks so much for showing me how addicted I 'am to our wonderful hobby, as I own everything thing you highlighted in this A & A documentary, including 75%-80% of the A & A Miniatures-what happen there, Eric?
(just call me Mr. Grognard.)
Seriously, job well done! Kudos!!
(Thanks to Young Grasshopper for pointing out this video series.)
Hey Eric! Great great review. One question though. I have only played the Revised edition. Other than board graphics, what other changes are there in the Second Edition that are not in the Revised Edition? Would you recommend my getting rid of the Revised in favor of the 2nd Edition?
Hey Hank - Tossed it to Eric. Hit you back when he responds - (Tig)
From Eric - "The changes are not significant enough to justify a whole new purchase unless you're a regular player. There is some re-balancing of unit placement, and adjustments to strategic bombing and AA guns, but unless you're playing a LOT they are not a big enough deal to replace what you have. And, the Second Edition rules are available online, so you can incorporate the changes if you wish."
axisallies.com/versions/aa-1942/
Thank you.
I have the 1942: Second Edition and I see they are doing a reprint of the Anniversary edition. Is that Anniversary edition the same game as the one I have, just with better/larger components? Or is it a different game? (trying to figure out if I should get it or not). I haven't had my copy hit the table yet but id spring for the anniversary edition if its different enough from what I have.
LeRoy,
Eric here. The Anniversary Edition is significantly different than Spring 1942. In addition to the map being much larger, there are some new units and, most significantly, new countries (you can play as Italy in this edition). There are some changes to the rules as well, including something called "National Objectives." These are goals to accomplish that can impact how much money you take in. It's still pure Axis & Allies, it's not like re-learning a new game, but if you want a bigger, more advanced version that is a little easier to manage than the Global edition (Pacific + Europe combined), I'd give a thumbs up to springing for Anniversary. Happy gaming!
Thanks Eric!!!
I have 11 and I also have annavsery edition and the computer iron blitz version
I have both the Europe and Pacific 1940 Games. I prefer them over the standard games due to them having more unit types and zones, as well as special rules such as Kamikazes, etc.
Hi. Bet you have the anniversary edition now as its been reprinted. I have it bought and ready for christmas. Cant wait. .
Awesome video, the info I needed to decide which copy to buy, thanks guys.
Very useful video! Thanks guys.
Great game! But they should put the ideology side and make a Stalingrad version... How do you make a WWII game and ignore the greatest battle?!
22:18 There are a more big/complicated version of this one, made by fan, named Global War 1936-1945 and its just really endless. www.historicalboardgaming.com/Global-War-1936-1945_c_575.html
I actually lucked out this past weekend at a local gaming convention and picked up the Revised edition *UNPUNCHED* - none of the counters punched out, all the unit pieces in the original bags...even the AA gun and industrial complex pieces still on the plastic tree - for only $10. Now there was some wear to the box, and a few of the perforations along the edges of the cards were punched, but other then that it looks like whomever bought it originally never got around to playing it.
BTW, it actually came out in 2004, but that's still within the whole 90's "Super dark is super cool!" nonsense that I *really* hate. The rules seem a little confusing here and there, but I think that's because no one bothered to proof-read sections of the rules because they wanted to get it out into the game stores in time for the actual 20th anniversary.
After reading the rules, one thing I do *NOT* like is how they changed weapons development. You buy your research dice as normal (5 IPU per die), but instead of rolling them and hoping for a '6', you choose which item you want on the list and *THEN* roll your dice, hoping to have *that* number show up on at least one of the dice.
Hey guys, great video. I am actually wondering if I should buy the Europe Edition, or rather wait for the reprint of anniversary edition which is announcend for October. What would you do?
If your primary interest is the European theater, then the Europe edition is a fine purchase to make right now. It's highly detailed and balanced and an excellent version of the game. The Anniversary reprint expands that to the whole globe, of course. As a result, you get the full scale of the war and a lot more decisions to make.
However, the European theater itself is less detailed in that version, with fewer territories, strategy options, etc. in that specific part of the world (Board size, the Anniversary edition is slightly larger than the Europe edition, but not as large as the combined Europe & Pacific, aka Global.) The Europe standalone will remain the best way to play the European theater.
I'd also say if you are already an A&A player and are just considering how you want to upgrade as a whole, wait for the Anniversary reprint. It's going to be a huge step up from the core 1942 game. Existing fans will LOVE it. It won't be as gigantic and complex as the Global Edition, i.e. Europe & Pacific editions combined, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Also, some of this depends on your room and your friends. You need a LOT of space to play the Global edition. Anniversary is more manageable. Both can accommodate a lot of players, but Anniversary is easier with just
two people, and you can fit it onto a normal kitchen table.
So again, wait for the Anniversary edition UNLESS your primary interest is Europe and/or you have a large group of friends and a lot of space to play. If it's the latter, Global is a big time and money investment, but it's will still be the ultimate edition of the game after Anniversary comes out, and getting Europe will get you halfway to Global.
Don't know if that helps, but I hope it does! (Eric)
Helps a lot! Thank you for your fast and detailed answer. As I am an A&A Player already and want to upgrade I will follow your advice and wait. It's just two months :)
Thanks again!
Did you get the anniversary addition? I bought one for $100 but returned it because it added Italy to the board and I thought that would ruin the game.
Have you ever tried the 1940 global with the zombie mod?
Not yet, but dying too!
You can get the axis and allies 1941 anniversary edition in the Netherlands for €70 or $80.
Is there a video on the 1942 1st edition?
We never got around to doing a video for 1942. But maybe we should do it!