This game has been around for almost two years, but for some reason, failed to get reviewed before. It is yet another example of a game published by an independent designer, and another redesign of the AFRIKA KORPS situation. Physically it consists of a mapsheet printed in black on a 23"x35" sheet of cream-colored, not-especially heavy paper, which also contains all the necessary charts and tables. The unit counters are not the normal die-cut type, but are on a 7" x 9" sheet of light card stock with perforated lines for separating the 1/2" square counters. The Allied counters are yellow, Italians yellow-green and German medium green. The rules are in a folder of four 8 1/2"x 11" pages.

The map covers the area from El Agheila to El Alamein, but the scale is such as to give a lot more hexes in any given area - more room to manuever. Unlike most other African Front games this one allows movement thru the Qatarra Depression, though at a reduced rate. A step reduction system is used, as in AFRICAN CAMPAIGN (AC), but the two games assign different strengths to most units, and this is the first game I've seen that provided counters for the Long Range Desert Group and the Special Air Service. It uses the same kind of supply system as AFRICA KORPS (AK). Like A.C., and unlike A.K., it starts with the British campaign against the Italians and provides for withdrawals, as well as reinforcements, as the game progresses.

Victory conditions are based strictly on losses. Unlike either A.K. or A.C., ROMMEL provides, in addition to the campaign game, four short games: "O'Connors's Gallop", Sep 40 - Jan 41; "Rommel's Romp", Mar 41 - Jun 41; "Crusader Rides Again", Nov 41 - Feb 42; and "Gazala Grind", May 42 - Jun 42.

Not being an expert on the desert war, and not having time to get to know these games really well, I can't say which is "better", AFRICAN CAMPAIGN or ROMMEL. I can point out that the quality of materials and graphics is considerably better in the former, but then it costs a lot more. As far as historical realism is concerned both are superior to AFRIKA KORPS. If you are a real desert-war buff you'll want both. The short games are one factor unique to ROMMEL. It sells for $5.50 and is available from Loren Sperry Games; 1014 N 4th Street; Sheboygan WI 53081.

Thumbnail Analysis Mini Reviews

Russian Campaign
The African Campaign
Manassas
Torgau
Narvik
Rommel: The Campaign for North Africa
GHQ Additions