To the Far Shore (1994)

This is an evolution of the Westwar series first introduced by Vanguard Games with Pas de Calais. Other games using a similar system are Tide of Fortune and the Italian Campaign series (Sicily, Salerno, Anzio and Med War). To The Far Shore features the Allied invasion at Normandy, Operation Cobra, and the Falaise Pocket. Scale is 1-2 days/turn (variable because of the Impulse system), 3 km/hex. Units are regiments/brigades. The game has 2 22"x34" maps, 500 counters. The heart of the system is the Operations phase where players alternate activating formations (divisions) which execute Orders (Assault, Advance, Maneuver etc.). Players bid for Initiative and there are possibilities for the Reaction player to foil the initiative player's moves by having units react and do spoiling attacks. Losses can be applied to the HQ of a formation, not only directly to units. Low counter density, high maneuver. Medium-high complexity.