The year is 1944.  Forces are converging on the areas bordering Germany, Belgium and France.  While Allied forces are slowly making their way east, Adolf Hitler is priming the German army for one giant offensive push.  Armoured tanks with the support of infantry and artillery fire from the west break through into Belgium, separating the US and British Armies and turning the war; Well, that is the way Hitler planned.  With the Battle of the Bulge on iOS, you have the opportunity to accomplish this or to play on the Allied or Axis side playing against Monty/Patton or Von Rundstedt or Dietrich.
 

 

On the surface, Battle of the Bulge shares a lot of similarities with that other popular game of military domination, Risk.  Bulge has more subtlety though, making it slightly less inaccessible at first but just as rewarding, if not more, when mastered.  When the game starts, Axis forces start off to the east while Allied forces are to the North and the West.  The shorter campaign has the Axis trying reach the River Meuse while still maintaining supply, with the Allies preventing this.  The longer campaign envelops the shorter campaign with an overall objective to wipe each other out!

 

 

There is a lot to like in Bulge.  Each of the days leverage the historical context ensuring that each day feels individual.  For example, on the first day, the Axis attacked before dawn, taking the Allies by surprise.  This allows the Axis to have 3 turns before an Allied response.  Each attack will also have a combat bonus.  Allied infantry were not prepared, as they thought they were patrolling a “sleepy” sector and hence can’t move on the first day.  Also on each day, a complete pictorial snapshot is presented giving a concise view on that actual day’s events.
 

 

 

The sides are well balanced and each game feels as strategic as a good ol’ chess game.  Should I attack now but have my supply cut off?  Or should I stay, utilising the defensive advantage of cities and the nearby artillery?  For a modern warfare game, Bulge sacrifices rule complexity for accessibility.  This means it can be mastered after a few games.  Some may argue for a greater depth and richness in the rules, enabling greater rewards when one finally master the game.  I tend to agree although this may have resulted in a lot of "hands up in air frustration”. Despite this, Bulge is still rewarding, surprisingly educational and a barrel-load of fun.