I have aa50 (two copies) and Italy is my favorite addition. That said, I will still buy and play AA42. AA42 will have it’s own set up, and be a unique A&A game in its own right. It will be its own puzzle with its own strategies and solutions. Why wouldn’t I want to play it?
AA50 is currently new, exciting, and all the rage. Once it’s been out for a while and played many many times, the novelty of a fresh set up will become more alluring.
Heck, one of these days I’m going to bite the bullet and shell out for the original Axis & Allies by Nova Games! I don’t imagine it will be as good as AA50 - or even the old Gamemaster series version - but I’ll still want to check it out and I bet I’ll enjoy it.
And $35.00 is almost worth it just the box.
Happy gaming all!
-Luke