Memoir '44

10/10
I hate to give out two 10's in a row for fear of diluting my praise, but Memoir '44 deserves it. I have been searching for a WWII-themed board game that even my non-WWII obsessed family and friends would consider playing with me. Axis & Allies is too much of a time commitment, Europe Engulfed is out of the question, but Memoir '44, with its 30-60 minute play time, fits the bill perfectly.

The rules can be explained in about 10 minutes, yet there is significant tactical depth thanks to the combination of card-based play, dynamic double-sided hex-based map, and a constantly growing online library of scenarios. While I have only played one of these scenarios, which takes place on Pegasus Bridge (over the Caen Canal in Normandy during the late hours of June 5, 1944,) even this introductory set-up is fine-tuned and well-balanced, with the German forces dug-in and out-numbered against British units of Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. I can't wait to try out the other scenarios, and with the short play-time and engaging dynamics I shouldn't have too much trouble finding an opponent. Brilliant.