@Hobbes:
Hello
You can get the .pdf of the Classic rulebook from the official WOTC site:
http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules/axis.pdf
You should definitely upgrade from Classic to a newer version. I’ve bought Classic in 1997, Revised in 2003, AA50 in 2008, AA42 and AAP40 in 2009 and just bought AAE40. Classic was fun but I’ve stopped playing it when I got Revised. Then I got AA42 and I stopped playing Revised.
In regards to getting 42 or AAE&AAP40:
- AA42 is a lot less expensive (some people on the US have reported getting it for under 30$)
- Both AAE&AAP40 cost in total some 180$
- AA42 is better for new players to get used to the basic rules. AAE/P have a lot of specific rules.
- AA42 map sucks. Fortunately you can download Imperious Leader’s AA42 and have it printed.
- AA42 plays faster. AAE/P are slower and more complex.
Agreed, I have 42’ and teach kids I work with at the Youth Center how to play (13-17 year olds). Very easy to learn and play that one. However the board is small and intial setup makes the board really crowded, esp. Germany.
With AAE&P40 you get a freakin EPIC map, which is why I’ve invested the money into those. You can buy the new pieces on Ebay 5-8$ per nation. Then as Hobbes suggested maybe download and print one of IL’s maps (printing will costs vary but from what I’ve saw 50-100$ should cover it.)
I guess it all comes down to how much money you want to spend, how often the game(s) will be used etc.