1914 is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1968 that simulates the first few months of World War I on the Western Front.

Description

1914 is a two-player corps-level simulation of the first few weeks of World War I on the Western Front. With a mounted hex grid game map, almost 400 double-sided die-cut counters, a mobilization chart pad for secret deployment, and various charts and instructions including a Battle Manual, the game was considered highly complex. The result was Jutland, published by Avalon Hill in 1967. The following year, Avalon Hill published another Dunnigan game, 1914. The game sold well, but due to concerns about its complexity, and fearful the game would discourage new players from buying more products, Avalon Hill discontinued the game in 1973. Two years later, Turnbull reiterated that this was "the first game whose complexity is innate" and noted that "The game has few admirers, and quite an array of critics." Although he felt "the game can be an excellent simulation and a fine game for those with patience", he also agreed with critics of the game about "the awkward play mechanics." He concluded "1914 is certainly not for the faint-hearted."

In Avalon Hill's own company history, 1914 was characterized as <blockquote>a sales success. Unfortunately, it was a lousy game. The mapboard, though innovative for its day, was an unplayable monstrosity and the rules suffered from being incomplete. Perhaps it was too good a simulation in reflecting the trench warfare of World War One because it sure wasn't much fun to play. Convinced that it was losing [Avalon Hill] long range customers, the game was discontinued despite continuing relatively strong sales.</blockquote>

Reviews

  • Panzerfaust #56

References

  • Web-grognard entry on 1914