One Year On, Axis & Allies 1942 Online is in better shape, but can't escape the table-top game's legacy issues

Axis & Allies is a classic. Originally published by Nova Game Designs in 1981, and taken up by Milton Bradley in 1984, it would go on to become one of the most successful and long-lived board wargames of all time. There's a reason for that, of course. Axis & Allies was a breakthrough game. It lived in that twilight zone between traditional hex and chit wargames and the more 'kid-friendly' Risk. Then, as part of the Game Master's series under Milton Bradley in the 1980s, Axis & Allies massively outperformed the other four big box games leading to its continued production.

Over the years this game has received around 20 releases, new versions, and spin offs. It is a pillar of the wargaming industry... which makes it a bit awkward for me to mention that I really can't stand it.

It's not Axis & Allies' fault. It's a perfectly serviceable wargame. But in the 36 years since its release so many other games fill the same void without the 18-hour play time and super swingy dice. I exaggerate, of course, but this is definitely an all-day affair if you try to get it out on the table. This makes it ideal for a digital adaptation and I'm glad that we get a new iteration every few years.

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