Churchill
Churchill review
Churchill is a fascinating game that captures the political maneuvering and grand strategy of World War II's Allied leaders. While it's not a traditional wargame, the game does have a wargame component that simulates the major theaters of war in a streamlined way. But the heart of the game lies in the conferences. You play as either Churchill, Roosevelt, or Stalin, and you'll be battling it out with your allies over the strategic direction of the war and the shape of the postwar world.
The game plays out over a series of conferences where you play historical staff cards to gain influence on various issues. These issues are things like production priorities, directed offensives, political activity, and even the development of the atomic bomb. You'll need to carefully manage your cards and your relationships with your allies to gain an advantage. The game is very well themed, and it really brings the personalities of the historical figures to life. I especially liked the way the game simulates the risks and rewards of the political maneuvering of the time.
One of the things that really sets Churchill apart is its unique victory conditions. You can win by gaining the most victory points, but you can also win by controlling certain regions on the map or by having the most influence over the post-war world. This makes for a very strategic and unpredictable game where no two games will play out the same.
The game is also very well-designed. The components are high quality and the rules are clear and easy to follow. While there is a steep learning curve, once you get the hang of the game, it plays very smoothly. I found myself really getting into the game, and I spent hours strategizing and planning my moves. I highly recommend Churchill to anyone who is interested in history, politics, or strategy games. This is a unique and engaging game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing.