D-Day (1961)
Anecdote
A legendary creation by Tom Shaw for Avalon Hill, D-Day reconstructs the Western European campaign from June 1944 to May 1945, from the landings to the German surrender. The strategic-scale hex-and-counter system is built around corps and armies on a map covering France, the Benelux countries, and western Germany. Two players take command of the Allies and the Wehrmacht in a game lasting roughly eight to twelve hours. The learning curve is moderate, thanks to a clear rulebook in the best Avalon Hill tradition. The title belongs to Avalon Hill's first wave alongside Tactics II, Stalingrad, and Gettysburg. The original components are understated but of solid quality for the period. D-Day achieved considerable success, making it one of the most widely played wargames of the 1960s and 1970s. The title went through several successive editions, including a revised version in 1991. The title's influence on the definition of the modern strategic wargame on the European theatre is immense. It inspired several generations of designers, including Mark Simonitch in his '44–'45 series. The community remained loyal to the title for six decades, filling the internet with campaign accounts and variants. A French translation appeared and remains sought after by collectors. The title appears in every wargaming hall of fame. For enthusiasts of wargaming history, D-Day is an absolute classic, marking the golden age of Avalon Hill wargames. It embodies the maturity of an American school of wargaming in the 1960s. It continues to serve today as a reference for anyone seeking to understand the origins of the modern strategic wargame. With this title, Avalon Hill confirmed its status as the founding publisher of a genre that continues to thrive today.
Popularity & reception
Awards — Charles S. Roberts Award - Hall of Fame · Origins Award - Hall of Fame
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