Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62

Colonial Twilight is a truly captivating game that plunges you into the complexities of the French-Algerian War. As a seasoned COIN series fan, I was immediately drawn to the game's two-player focus, a welcome addition to the series. The map is stunning and the gameplay, despite the intricate mechanics, is remarkably smooth.

The game masterfully captures the conflict's nuances. As the FLN, you'll strive for popular support and independence, while the French government faces the monumental task of suppressing the insurgency while maintaining control. Each action, from military maneuvers to political maneuvering, carries significant weight. You'll find yourself constantly strategizing, adapting, and pushing your limits.

I particularly enjoyed the solitaire mode, which is surprisingly robust thanks to the well-designed FLN bot AI. The game isn't for the faint of heart, though. It can be frustrating at times as you find yourself constantly battling to keep up with the escalating conflict. The included player aids could be more comprehensive, but you can easily find excellent resources online to compensate.

Colonial Twilight is a must-have for COIN series fans and those looking for a challenging and immersive historical wargame. It's a testament to the series' ability to provide complex and engaging experiences, and I highly recommend it to any serious wargamer.