Axis & Allies (A&A) was first released by Milton Bradley in the late 80's as part of a 3 game series, but sadly this is the only game to survive to the present day. A&A is an attractive game that recreates the tension and conflict of World War II. Each player can choose to control an Axis power (Germany or Japan) or one of the Allies (Russia, Great Britain and America) in a bid to re-write the history of the 20th Century. The game itself is very well presented, offering nice colour, a large game board and over 360 miniatures. Each country starts the game with a detailed set-up chart showing which units begin in which territories and waterways. This helps to create a somewhat authentic snapshot of how the powers of the time had positioned their forces by 1939. Once complete the game gets underway and each country maintains a pre-set turn order. This is also important as it helps to maintain the gaming balance - the weak Russians get the first chance to reinforce before the mighty Germans embark on their first Blitzkrieg, whilst the rich Americans take some time to enter the war and mobilise their forces. Each player's turn consists of a series of steps including Technology Development, Purchasing New Units, Combat, Friendly Movement, Deployment of New Units and Resource Collection. Of course it is the combat element that drives this game. A&A provides each country with 10 different unit types ranging from the humble Infantryman up to the feared Bomber. Each of these units have differing costs, attack ratings and defence ratings. So players must really give some thought to the units they require for their current situation. Indeed each country will find itself with different needs, wants and of course limitations. Subs can embark on special sneak attacks as they attempt to sink battleships and troop transports whilst bombers can be used on bombing raids to cripple the enemy's economy. Anti-aircraft fire is always present as the enemy sends yet another wave over your skies and battleships can support land-based units by engaging in Amphibious Assaults. The game can be ended by either a Global Domination or an Economic Victory. The later requires the acquisition of a set number of industrial points and these are gained by controlling different territories.

Axis & Allies is a great game if you like the genre or this style (miniatures\combat driven) of game. The units are in plentiful supply, the die rolling is non-stop and the game allows for a multitude of strategic options. The balance of play is spot on and this makes for a fun experience with almost any country. Indeed the 5 powers do require very different approaches and tactics and this lends A&A much of its re-playablity. The game also gives the players a real sense of the military command room as they overlook the global map and assess the latest repercussions of their success and failures in the many theatres of war. Although A&A didn't win any major awards it certainly deserved to. Its recent brothers A&A: Europe and A&A: Pacific both won Best Historical Simulation at the Origins Awards. Both of these games have the A&A experience and rule set at their heart but they focus on those individual theatres of the war. Personally I like the grand nature of the original.