Liberty Roads

Graphics shown here are not final, but from playtest version.

LIBERTY ROADS is an historical simulation retracing the campaign of France, from June 6th, 1944, D-Day, to March 1945.

The map covers the whole theatre of operations, from Brest to the Rhur, and from Rotterdam to Toulon. The scale is 1 hexagon for 20 km.

Counters represent divisions of both sides which took part in the campaign.

Big Red One

Front

Back

Complexity level is gradual, from "beginner" to "experienced", using a system of rules with three levels of complexity, so to allow progressive learning.

Basic rules (the first level) allow players to discover the simple concepts of the game system. The system emphasises the difference between the organisation of both armies. Allied armies benefit from superior numbers of military forces and better logistical support, while the German forces rely on their elite troops and tactical superiority.

The Basic rules are ideal for wargame initiation and allow for play of the entire campaign beginning the day after D-Day.

The Standard rules are the core of the game and include all the campaign specificities.

Specifically, a peculiar consideration was given to landing rules. The system retained offers great flexibility for the allied player to choose his landing beaches, since almost all hexagons may the be subject of an amphibious assault. Moreover, landing is not resolved on a single dice roll, but is carried out via original and playful mechanics.

All the main facets of the campaign are considered:

• Fortitude operation,
• Airborne operations,
• The French Resistance,
• Importance of harbours,
• Patton / Montgomery rivalry,
• Hitler’s influence on operations,
• Kampfgruppen formation,
• And many more …

And last, the Advanced rules will allow grognards to simulate events that are often ignored in most wargames covering this subject:

• Use of V2,
• German training divisions,
• Detailed simulation of the Resistance actions.

These Advanced rules will be presented via optional modules, independent from each other, allowing the players to achieve the desired level of simulation.

Title: LIBERTY ROADS – Les Voies de la Liberté

Authors : Yves LE QUELLEC / Nicolas RIDENT

Subject : Campaign of France June 1944 – March 1945.

Scales : one hex = 20 km ; 1 counter = 1 division.

Components:

• One map (84cm × 84 cm),
• 420 counters (1/2"),
• One rules booklet,
• Game aid,
• Two 6-side dice

Complexity: low to moderate