Triumph & Tragedy: European Balance of Power 1936-1945
- Designer Craig Besinque
- Publisher GMT Games
- Illustration Charles Kibler , Rodger B. MacGowan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You command one of three great powers competing for European supremacy between 1936 and 1945. The game features diplomatic, economic, technological, and military aspects. It uses Area Majority, Hand Management, and Campaign Card mechanics to simulate the tension between peace and war. You can win through economic dominance, technological advancement (the A-bomb), or military conquest by capturing enemy capitals. Military strength is hidden using block units until conflict arises.
Who Is This Game For?
This is a complex strategy game for 2 to 3 players aged 12 and up. With about 360 minutes of playing time, it demands patience and strategic thinking. It suits players experienced with grand strategy and wargame mechanics rather than casual or family gamers.
How It Works
Triumph & Tragedy uses Area Majority/Influence and Area Movement with block units to represent military presence and control. Hand Management lets you play action and investment cards to develop your economy and technology. Campaign and Battle Card Driven mechanics, along with dice rolling, resolve combat outcomes. Movement Points regulate troop movement across a large Eurasian and American map.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Craig Besinque in 2015, the game was a finalist for The Golden Elephant Award and nominated for Golden Geek Best Wargame. It uniquely combines grand strategy with block wargame components and multi-use cards, offering deep thematic engagement with Europe's political balance before and during WWII.
Awards
2015
- 2015 The Golden Elephant Award — Finalist
Pro
- Deep grand strategy mechanics with Area Majority and Hand Management
- Innovative block wargame components for hidden military strength
- Historically grounded setting with political and economic simulation
- 2015 nominee for Golden Geek Best Wargame
Contra
- Very long playtime (about 6 hours)
- High complexity, not suited for casual players
- No solo mode included
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game focuses on the geopolitical situation in Europe and surrounding regions from 1936 to 1945, highlighting the competing great powers of the West, Soviet Union, and Axis within the WWII context.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the interactions between economy, technology, and military before playing.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Triumph & Tragedy is designed for 2 to 3 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 360 minutes, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players familiar with grand strategy and wargame mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines block wargame components with multi-use cards and a deep political simulation of pre-war Europe.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Area Majority/Influence, Hand Management, and block wargame components defines its uniqueness.
Fazit
Triumph & Tragedy is recommended for experienced strategists who enjoy historical grand strategy and block wargames. The long playtime and complexity require patience and skill.
