@questioneer
Well, everybody has their own personal preference of course. Anniversary Edition is one of my favorite games, just because it’s so simple. However, don’t be put away by the size and complexity of the House Rule Expansion that you might experience at first glance. I thought the same at first when I saw these rules for the first time - nah, this is way too complicated, I want something quick and easy! Until The Captain told me in a thread where I was complaining that the Eastern Front in G40 was a bit boring, that with their Expansion rules, the Eastern Front is one of the most interesting fronts.
After this, I was finally bold enough to give it a try, and oh boy - this game is one of the most fun Axis and Allies games ever! Of course, it takes some time to get used to the new rules. But after 2-3 games, the rules become much more natural to you, and complexity isn’t an issue at all.
- Each game is different
- There are a massive number of viable strategies possible for each nation
- Play Balance is excellent
- It has an awesome 1943 set-up that is super fun because of the same reasons above.
Thanks to all the new units and rules, all theaters of war are interesting - both on a tactical level as well as a strategic level. The Eastern Front is now one of the most intense battles ever. The War in the Pacific is exciting. Even the fight in the Atlantic is full of suspense. Only the best and most skillful commander will be able to claim victory - not the one that has the best dice rolls or that can bring the most stuff.
Once again, you can play whatever you like, but I wouldn’t stay away from the Expansion just because it looks overly complex. I can speak from experience that it’s not that bad, and the reward is immense.
I think I will never play OOB anymore, just because I can spend that time on a game that is 10 times as fun! :)