In 1914, Offensive à outrance realistically covers the battles fought in Belgium, France, and Germany during the first months of World War I. Historically, Germany attacked through Belgium and northern France, attempting to achieve a quick victory and avoid a long and costly two-front war.

The first weeks of the war led to a series of German victories that brought them to the outskirts of Paris. There, in early September, the French counterattacked at the Marne River, forcing the Germans into a brief retreat. Subsequently, when the Allied counteroffensive stalled at the Aisne River, the opponents unsuccessfully tried to outflank each other in the so-called “Race to the Sea.” The campaign period ended in exhaustion and stalemate at the Battle of Ypres.

1914, Offensive à outrance is a carefully researched model that explores this fascinating set of campaigns with accurate battle layout and detailed game map. The map covers the entire war area from the English Channel to the Swiss Border. The game system used is a simplified variation of 1914, Twilight in the East, modified to speed up gameplay while maintaining focus on those aspects of the war that made the early stages of World War I so unique.

The Grand Campaign scenario covers the period from the fall of Liege on August 16 to the exhaustion at Ypres in mid-November. Two shorter scenarios are also provided, the Battle for Lorraine (a learning scenario) and From the Marne to Stalemate.

1914, Offensive à outrance is a “Monster Game” designed with the goal that the majority of the game can be completed by four dedicated players within a five-day Expo. The 24-page rulebook is concise, well-written, and organized. The game is engaging and offers great insights into one of the most significant campaigns of the 20th century.

• Seven and 1/2 full-color 1/2" counter sheets
• Three full-color map sheets
• Four army organizational chart sheets
• Four identical player aid cards
• Rulebook
• Scenario book
• Game turn record card
• Four 6-sided dice