Axis & Allies: WWI 1914

I've been a fan of the Axis & Allies series for a while now, and I was really excited to get my hands on Axis & Allies: WWI 1914. I've played a lot of the WWII variants, and I was curious to see how the game would translate to the Great War. The game definitely feels different. The rules are a bit more complex, and the combat system is designed to simulate the slow, grinding nature of trench warfare. It's a nice change of pace from the fast-paced battles of the WWII games, and I found it to be very engaging. I really enjoy the new mechanics for how planes and artillery are used, and I think the method for bringing neutrals into the war is a cool addition.

The game isn't without its flaws, though. A lot of reviewers have complained about the lack of pieces. I found that I did run out of infantry and artillery units several times, especially when playing with a large group. I also had to use chips from other Axis & Allies games to make up for the shortage. Honestly, for a game that costs around $100, I was pretty disappointed that it didn't come with enough pieces to play comfortably. I also found that the game can be quite long. I've played games that have gone over 10 hours, and while I'm not usually someone who minds a long game, it did start to feel a little tedious after a while. The rule for Switzerland is a little wonky too. It just feels like it's too easy to bring Switzerland into the war, and it seems to benefit the Allies more often than not.

Overall, I think Axis & Allies: WWI 1914 is a decent game, but it has some pretty significant flaws. I'd recommend waiting for a second edition, or looking for a good deal on the first edition if you are a big fan of the Axis & Allies series. If you don't mind playing with a few extra chips and pieces, it can be a fun and engaging game.