OVERLORD
SGS Overlord is a complete stand-alone game that covers the WW2 operations in Normandy, from June 6th, 1944 till the end of August, when the breakout and the battle should largely be over.The game covers the whole operation in Normandy, from D-Day onwards, using a system of 3-days turns.
As the German, you must hold the front for as long as you can, as every week you gain may increase the chances of survival of the Reich. As the Allies commander, you must make best use of the American, Canadian, British and French forces to first gain a solid foothold and then breakout from Normandy, towards Paris and the enemy’s heartland, in order to may be win the war by Xmas?
The Scenarios
The goal of the game is to recreate the different phases of the battle in Normandy, either in a complete grand campaign covering the whole actual duration, or in shorter scenarios of different duration set at various starting points, such as:
- Grand Campaign: The entire campaign, starting with the very first operations on June 6th, till the last days of August. This campaign scenario lasts 30 turns of 3 days (June 6th till September 3rd, 1944). [30 turns]
- Bocage: a shorter post-landing campaign, presenting the difficult fight in the Normandy bocage, from June 30th, till the last days of August. This short campaign scenario lasts 22 turns of 3 days (June 30th till September 3rd, 1944). [22 turns]
- Race for Cherbourg: Getting hold a deep-water fully-equiped port was essential for the pursuit of the campaign, and there was only one possible target: Cherbourg. Can the Allies reach it in time, or will the German defend it for long enough to create a logistical nightmare for the enemy?. This scenario lasts 4 weeks (6th to 26th June 1944). [7 turns]
- Operation Cobra: The scenario covers the famous operation that finally led the American forces under Patton and Bradley breakout from Normandy, after trashing the German front at Avranches. This scenario lasts 7 weeks (2nd July to 18th August 1944). [15 turns]
Depending on the game success and players' demands, we shall later add scenarios about the Battle of Caen or the Mortain/Falaise campaign.
Scale
The game scale is at the brigade or divisional level for land units of both sides, with smaller units (e.g. garrisons, local defenses…) being also present. Air units and naval support, only on the Allied side, is treated in groups.
Other items such as fortifications and supply units [wagons and depots] are also present in good numbers.
Balance
No side is specifically advantaged. Both are playable and enjoyable once you capture the essence of their specific strong points and weaknesses. Detailed scenario information sheets are here to help you get into the game.
One player represents the German forces (various land units of the Whermacht, the Luftwaffe or the Waffen SS), while the other commands an array of American, British, Canadian, Polish and French troops fighting for the Allies.
- The German have good quality troops and nothing in terms of air support, but they have some solid defensive positions and, above all, benefit from the defensive advantages of the terrain in Normandy, where marshes, woods, forest and, most of all the infamous ‘Bocage Normand’ all provide a strong protection. At some key moments, they will have local superiority and advantage and can put the Allies in very difficult situation.
- The Allied troops and their enormous air superiority must hold and seize key points early on, first and foremost uniting their beachheads and securing a safe supply source by holding a port. Then reinforcement and numbers will tell, except if the Germans skilfully manage to use the awful terrain and weather to their benefit.
Be extremely aware of the importance of both weather (which hampers air superiority) and supply (which will mostly affect the Allies). Both may contribute to make the campaign looking more like a war of position warfare like in wW1 than the fast and strong Blitzkrieg that could be expected.
Duration
Estimated Playtime: from 1h to many hours…
Favored Side: none.
Hardest to Play: Allies.
