Atlantic Chase: The Kriegsmarine vs. the Home Fleet, 1939-42
Anecdote
An original creation by Jerry White for GMT Games, Atlantic Chase reconstructs the naval war in the Atlantic from 1939 to 1942 with a radically original system. Rather than depicting the exact positions of ships, the game uses a probabilistic track system that captures the uncertainty of the naval fog of war. Two players command the Kriegsmarine and the Home Fleet and attempt to carry out their strategic missions. A game lasts approximately three to five hours and delivers a psychological tension unique in the hobby. The learning curve is demanding, but the title amply rewards the investment. White drew on the works of Stephen Roskill, John Winton, and Bernard Edwards to build a remarkably faithful simulation. GMT's production is very strong, with a superbly drafted map and a rich scenario booklet. Atlantic Chase was hailed as one of the most innovative naval wargames of the decade, if not of the genre's entire history. Its critical reception was exceptional, earning several major awards including a Charles S. Roberts Award. The title's influence on modern fog-of-war modelling is significant, with several designers now citing it as a reference. The community is very active, feeding Vassal and BGG with variants and scenarios. No French translation exists, but the material remains accessible to experienced French speakers. For naval wargame enthusiasts, Atlantic Chase is a revelation. The title represents the pinnacle of contemporary innovation in wargaming, proving that entirely new systems can still emerge. Jerry White establishes himself with this first major title as a designer to watch. The system is destined to be adapted to other naval theatres, a sign of its lasting reach.
Popularity & reception
Distinctions — Charles S. Roberts Award - Best WWII Boardgame (2021) · International Gamers Award - Historical Simulation (2022) · Golden Geek - Best Innovative Game nomination (2021) · BGG Top 100 Wargames
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