For serious war gamers (Diplomacy)

Member Name: SimonCook

Product:	Diplomacy
Date:	08/05/02 (153 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very strategic, Luck is not an element of the game

Disadvantages: Can take ages to finish

War has existed almost as long as man. From early caveman using flint weapons to the modern day bombers that kill remotely, war has grown almost into a sport.

During most wars, Generals like to have an overview of a particular battlefield (or even a whole continent) in which to plan strategy and trace the enemy’s movements. Such planning is essential for a successful campaign and can often be the difference between winning or losing a war.

Over the years this overview developed and grew and ‘normal’ people began to simulate battles and effectively try out their own strategies to see if they could win battles that seemingly are impossible to win.

This evolved into a whole gaming-world, which has elements of strategy, simulation and often pure fun. Most of these games were table top games, i.e. a whole table was used, mountains were built etc, and lead figures were placed to represent individual soldiers. Over the years many companies decided to design board games that had a similar feel to them.

Back in the eighties when I was an avid war gamer we used to play many different strategy games. We played many diverse games ranging from pure war games to strange sci-fi and fantasy games. Many of our favourites were war games, two in particular were played often; risk and diplomacy.

Whereas Risk was seen more as a family game, Diplomacy really was designed to cater for war gamers that didn’t have enough room, or simply didn’t have the time to read complex rules and regulations.

Diplomacy has simple rules but vast elements of strategy, diplomacy and backstabbing. The object is simple; conquer Europe! Diplomacy is a very complex game that tries to emulate the Second World War and the underlying diplomacy during these times.

<Overview>

The game is based in Europe during WWII. The board game is separated into regions (or spaces) that one army can occupy – some
of these regions contain cities. The number of armies is totally reliant on the number of cities you own, so guard these as best as you can.

Initially, up to eight players take on different countries in Europe and attempt to become the master of the land. With a combination of forward thinking, diplomacy and aggressiveness the best players will eventually grind out a victory.

<Playing the game>

There are two types of armies - standard army and ship. Armies can only be used on land, but can use a ship to move between continents. Each unit is equal - i.e. an army fighting a ship results in an even battle. This obviously isn't very realistic and doesn't take into account the different types of unit (i.e. armour, cavalry, infantry etc) or their relevant experience; however it serves as a fairly good 'unit' that makes the strategy and diplomacy elements far more important.

To attack you move one army into an opposing square; if your army is supported by more armies than the defender then the defender has to retreat (or is destroyed if there is no retreat square.). The combat is very simple and does not rely on any luck; it is purely based on skill and strategy.

All moves are written down and played simultaneously so this adds an element of surprise and really helps the best strategist.

The written orders become very important - if you neglect to say that one army is supporting another's offencive, then no matter how much you cry, there will be no support!

Quiet often you will be able to do surprise attacks that will have your enemy scrambling for defenses before it is too late.

At the end of a turn you count the number of armies and cities, if you have more armies than cities then you have to disband some of your armies – again this is done in the written orders so even this becomes part of the strategy.

<Diplomacy >

Diplomacy is the key to th
is game. In a multiplayer game you can form alliances with some of your opponents, and your armies can support theirs in battles (and their armies support yours.). This makes the game so much more interesting as messages are secretly passed between opposing elements. The fun comes when your 'ally' is expecting you to support his attack and you somehow forget to support him and accidentally invade his territory!

Be aware that none of the agreements you make with your ‘friends’ are binding; they can and often do turn against you and this can often end your offensive before it even starts. I try to only make minor incursions with allies and try to do major offensives on my own.

<Strategy>

There is a great deal of strategy involved in this game. Anticipating your opponent and allies is the key to being successful. Pure war gamers will love this game that has simultaneous orders and requires a large amount of tactics and thought!

The importance of support is key to this game, and although you often do not lose anything for a failed attack, you immediately ensure that your enemies know that you are being aggressive. It is therefore essential that you try and make your offensive moves very decisive.

<Overall >

Diplomacy is a good board game for devout war gamers. The use of hidden written orders and messages make this game more difficult to play and will not appeal to most gamers. This game can take weeks to play and is fun played in a 'play by mail' environment. This is not a party game as the turns are too complex and involved.

I do not think that many people will play this game as it is more of a pure war game and doesn't employ any luck. Pseudo war games like Risk will appeal to more of a mass audience.

It should also be pointed out that because there is no luck involved, you will find that most good players will normally win; this does often lead to pe
ople ganging up on this player and eliminating them quickly - thus making the game a little too 'nasty' at times!

Summary: