Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 is a historical simulation game developed by U.S. Gold and released in 1991. The game allows up to two players to take on the roles of army commanders for either the Axis or Allied forces during World War II. The game emphasizes the military aspects of the war and leaves diplomacy to the politicians.

The game is played on a map of Europe and North Africa, which is divided into a grid of provinces. Each province has a terrain type, such as mountains, forests, or plains, which affects the movement and combat abilities of units. Units are represented by counters, which have different strengths and weaknesses depending on their type.

Players take turns moving their units around the map and engaging in combat with enemy units. Combat is resolved using a die roll, with the attacker having a bonus if they have a numerical advantage or are attacking from a more favorable terrain type.

The game includes a wide variety of units, including infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully consider how to use their units in order to achieve victory.

In addition to the standard combat units, the game also includes a number of special units, such as paratroopers, engineers, and spies. These units can be used to carry out special missions, such as capturing enemy provinces or sabotaging enemy supply lines.

The game also includes a number of historical scenarios, which allow players to recreate some of the most famous battles of World War II. These scenarios range from small-scale skirmishes to large-scale campaigns, and they offer a variety of challenges for players of all skill levels.

Gameplay

Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 is a turn-based strategy game. Players take turns moving their units around the map and engaging in combat with enemy units. The game is played on a hex grid, and each hex represents a different type of terrain. The terrain type affects the movement and combat abilities of units.

Units can move one hex per turn, and they can attack any enemy unit that is adjacent to them. Combat is resolved using a die roll, with the attacker having a bonus if they have a numerical advantage or are attacking from a more favorable terrain type.

Units can also be used to capture enemy provinces. To capture a province, a player must move a unit into the province and then defeat any enemy units that are present. Once a province has been captured, the player will receive a victory point.

The game ends when one player has captured enough victory points to win. The number of victory points required to win varies depending on the scenario being played.

Historical accuracy

Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 is a historically accurate game. The game’s map is based on the actual map of Europe during World War II, and the units and scenarios are all based on real-world events.

The game also includes a number of historical events, such as the invasion of Poland, the Battle of Britain, and the D-Day landings. These events can have a significant impact on the course of the game, and players must be aware of them in order to make informed decisions.

Reception

Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 was well-received by critics. The game was praised for its historical accuracy, its challenging gameplay, and its replayability. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 is considered to be one of the best strategy games of all time. The game has been praised for its historical accuracy, its challenging gameplay, and its replayability. The game has also been influential in the development of other strategy games, such as the Total War series.

Conclusion

Operation Europe: Path to Victory 1939-45 is a classic strategy game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s historical accuracy, challenging gameplay, and replayability make it a must-play for any fan of strategy games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More