Memoir 44

	Rating	Grade (1-10)
	Graphic Presentation	9
	Rules	9
	Playability	9
	Replay Value	9
	Overall Rating	9,0

PRO	Very attractive graphic presentation, fast and dynamic impulse system, easy gameplay even for unexperienced players
CONTRA	Plastic miniatures tend to bend sometimes

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Memoir'44
Review #1
written by: Andreas Ludwig

Graphic Presentation When Memoir '44 was published, many people were enthusiastic about the game's components - and it's true, the game looks great! It is sold in a square box, full of nicely done litte miniatures, a double-sided mounted map, some symbol dice and a deck of command cards. Other than the hard plastic Axis & Allies figures, the Memoir '44 miniatures consist of soft plastic which makes them more durable and flexible. Nothing can break off, a bended gun can simple be put back in position. The only criticism which prevents me from giving a "10" rating is the fact that the figures are not overly clean, their silhouette is somewhat blurred (which, of course, is caused by the soft plastic). The cards are of a very good quality, as well as the map with their large hex overlays (which are easy to punch out of their frames). Days of Wonder did a great job here.

Rules The rulebook consists of 35 colored pages with many illustrations, printed on high quality glossy paper. The rules extend over 16 sides, the remaining sides are filled with a multiplayer variant and 17 scenarios. The rules are very well thought-out and allow an immediate jump into the game without encountering any problems - even for people who never met a wargame before.

Playability On the first glance, Memoir equals A&A, but in fact it is quite different from this game. The gameplay is fast, turns are very short, and the impulse system is very interactive for both players - downtime is reduced to zero. A scenario can be played in 30-90 minutes. The command card system, already known from Battle Cry, works great and allows some tactical decisions on how to use the card hand best in a given situation. On the other hand it causes a Fog of War, which causes a thrilling gameplay. Some debates deal with play balance and some players complain about a pro-Allies balance, which may be true, but I couldn't prove this empirically so far. Some scenarios tend to be very pro-Allied, but on the other hand there are definite pro-Axis scenarios, too. Days of Wonder recommends "rematches", meaning that a winner is judged only after 2 games of the same scenario by switching sides in the second game. The winner is the player with the most total medals (victory in Memoir'44 means to win a given number of medals, either by conquering specific spots on the map and / or by eliminating enemy units). If the balance should be a true problem, this wouldn't be a satisfying solution, though, because one player will always have to play the loser's faction - the typical "Playing the Underdog". Experience showed that the first scenarios were quite tough for the Axis, but for example the Sword Beach scenario was a real challenge for the Allies. I won't speak of a massive balance problem here, I just mention this aspect because it is a common topic in discussion forums.

Replay Value High, because the game offers scenarios (Normandy, Pegasus Bridge, Ardennes...) and presents very different scenes and events. Besides the 17 scenarios offered in the box, more scenarios are released (even official ones). There will be enough material in the future to have an entertaining game experience. The cards which determine the players' options, change and introduce a random effect which prevents that one game equals the next game.

Creativity Maybe not very innovative because it is an enhanced Battle Cry-engine - but it turned out well!

Simulation Value Low, but this isn't very surprising. Memoir '44 is a Fun Wargame, but - in contrast to A&A - it answers to this label. Simulation isn't possible in this game system and mechancis, but the game doesn't want to be a simulation anyway.

Solitaire Factor Not recommended because of the use of command cards. Their surprise effect that won't work when played solitaire.

Can be compared to Battle Cry uses the same mechanics.

Short Review
I'm always sceptical when a game is hyped, but in this case I must admit that Memoir'44 is really great fun. I find everything I expect from a fun wargame, a lite wargame: quick and uncomplicated gameplay, nice design, useful and good rules, cool scenarios. Memoir'44 is my first choice when playing an easy WWII miniatures game - it definitely beats Axis & Allies.

The possibility of playing so-called "Overloard scenarios" - larger scenarios with more players, connecting 2 or more boards, is a very cool multiplayer variant and great for FTF games with some friends.

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Memoir'44 Review #1	written by: Andreas Ludwig
Graphic Presentation	When Memoir '44 was published, many people were enthusiastic about the game's components - and it's true, the game looks great! It is sold in a square box, full of nicely done litte miniatures, a double-sided mounted map, some symbol dice and a deck of command cards. Other than the hard plastic Axis & Allies figures, the Memoir '44 miniatures consist of soft plastic which makes them more durable and flexible. Nothing can break off, a bended gun can simple be put back in position. The only criticism which prevents me from giving a "10" rating is the fact that the figures are not overly clean, their silhouette is somewhat blurred (which, of course, is caused by the soft plastic). The cards are of a very good quality, as well as the map with their large hex overlays (which are easy to punch out of their frames). Days of Wonder did a great job here.
Rules	The rulebook consists of 35 colored pages with many illustrations, printed on high quality glossy paper. The rules extend over 16 sides, the remaining sides are filled with a multiplayer variant and 17 scenarios. The rules are very well thought-out and allow an immediate jump into the game without encountering any problems - even for people who never met a wargame before.
Playability	On the first glance, Memoir equals A&A, but in fact it is quite different from this game. The gameplay is fast, turns are very short, and the impulse system is very interactive for both players - downtime is reduced to zero. A scenario can be played in 30-90 minutes. The command card system, already known from Battle Cry, works great and allows some tactical decisions on how to use the card hand best in a given situation. On the other hand it causes a Fog of War, which causes a thrilling gameplay. Some debates deal with play balance and some players complain about a pro-Allies balance, which may be true, but I couldn't prove this empirically so far. Some scenarios tend to be very pro-Allied, but on the other hand there are definite pro-Axis scenarios, too. Days of Wonder recommends "rematches", meaning that a winner is judged only after 2 games of the same scenario by switching sides in the second game. The winner is the player with the most total medals (victory in Memoir'44 means to win a given number of medals, either by conquering specific spots on the map and / or by eliminating enemy units). If the balance should be a true problem, this wouldn't be a satisfying solution, though, because one player will always have to play the loser's faction - the typical "Playing the Underdog". Experience showed that the first scenarios were quite tough for the Axis, but for example the Sword Beach scenario was a real challenge for the Allies. I won't speak of a massive balance problem here, I just mention this aspect because it is a common topic in discussion forums.
Replay Value	High, because the game offers scenarios (Normandy, Pegasus Bridge, Ardennes...) and presents very different scenes and events. Besides the 17 scenarios offered in the box, more scenarios are released (even official ones). There will be enough material in the future to have an entertaining game experience. The cards which determine the players' options, change and introduce a random effect which prevents that one game equals the next game.
Creativity	Maybe not very innovative because it is an enhanced Battle Cry-engine - but it turned out well!
Simulation Value	Low, but this isn't very surprising. Memoir '44 is a Fun Wargame, but - in contrast to A&A - it answers to this label. Simulation isn't possible in this game system and mechancis, but the game doesn't want to be a simulation anyway.
Solitaire Factor	Not recommended because of the use of command cards. Their surprise effect that won't work when played solitaire.
Can be compared to	Battle Cry uses the same mechanics.
Short Review	I'm always sceptical when a game is hyped, but in this case I must admit that Memoir'44 is really great fun. I find everything I expect from a fun wargame, a lite wargame: quick and uncomplicated gameplay, nice design, useful and good rules, cool scenarios. Memoir'44 is my first choice when playing an easy WWII miniatures game - it definitely beats Axis & Allies. The possibility of playing so-called "Overloard scenarios" - larger scenarios with more players, connecting 2 or more boards, is a very cool multiplayer variant and great for FTF games with some friends.