The Game of European Conflict MetaHistory 1 Metagaming (1981, $7.00)
Designed by Keith Gross
Players 2 or 3
Playing Time 1-5 hours
Period World War II, ETO
Scale Strategic
Turn 4 months
Map approximately 300 km
Unit army, fleet, air force

Components
1 5-3/4”x8-7/8” Meta Game box
1 17”x16¼” unmounted mapsheet
360 die-cut counters
1 24 page rulebook
3 army record sheets (attached in single perforated sheet)
1 six-sided die
All components except die in plastic bag.

Counter Manifest
116 yellow 64 black/yellow 57 green 27 black/red 64 black blanks 32 yellow blanks

Metagaming says:

“[A] grand-strategic level game of theatre operations in World War II ... [T]he map represents the European, Mediterranean, Baltic and Russian theatres ... Unit types include Infantry, Mechanized, Amphibious, Paratroop, Submarine, ASW, Bomber, Fighter, Air Defense, Missile and Atomic Bomb. Rules cover morale, production, technology, continued advance, winter, supply, sea movement, forts, lend lease and neutral countries. Hitler’s War represents a new concept in ‘monster’ games. The approach is playability at a level consistent with the major strategic factors. You can play out WWII in an afternoon with the variety of making strategic decisions. You aren’t bound by history, just reality.”

The reviewers say:

“[A] well thought out game, for the rules are arranged in a scenario sequence. First the players learn the basics and try Operation Barbarossa, which is followed by amphibious rules and fortifications for the next scenario, the Fall of Germany which naturally involves the D-Day Landings. After some brief political rules on neutrality, surrender, capital cities and the like, you can play the Basic Campaign Game ... Hitler’s War is a welcome, and refreshing, addition to the Metagaming range. It claims to aim at playability, and it certainly achieves this with most games lasting a few hours only. However whilst it plays well in both a solo and two player situation, it is at it’s best as a three player game.” Paul King in The Wargamer 18.

“The bigger-is-better group will ignore this little gem, but those of us who like to get beyond setting up a game will appreciate Hitler’s War. The complex and multi-faceted WWII in Europe has been distilled and we are left with a game that has the form and essence of that conflict in a compact format.” Omar DeWitt in Moves 59.

Comments:

At its best, Metagaming managed to pack a lot into a small package. Melee and Ogre/GEV are good examples. Hitler’s War is another. An incredible bang for the buck when released at $7, this great value was no more when AH put it out as a book case boxed game at more than twice the original price.

Collector’s Notes:

The AH re- release should be the player’s choice. The Metagaming version is probably only of interest to collectors. Boone lists low/ high/average prices of 3/18/8.55 at auction and 8/20/11.46 for sale.

Other MetaHistory games:

MetaHistory 2 - The Trojan War MetaHistory 3 - Command at Sea

H is For Capsule Reviews

Introduction
H-Hour
Hell Hath No Fury
Hero
Hitler’s War (Metagaming)
Hitler’s War (AH)
Hougoumont
Hyper Battle