Risk vs Axis & Allies

[Quarterman 1st MRB]

Hey guys, I aventually would like to own both board games. I've only played risk, and I was wondering if anyone has ever played axis vs allies. There is a few versions of that board game out, and I'm wondering which is better. Saw one version for 100$ Canadian so I want to do a little research before buying.

Please list any pros and cons about both games if you have them ( and version of axis vs allies that your rating).

Thanks guys.

[Kirkendall 1st MRB]

Although both games are strategy games and both games are very entertaining, I'd probably have to give my recommendation to Axis & Allies. However I think it really depends more on who you're playing with. I've always enjoyed Axis & Allies because (the original) is a good 5 player game, and I've got three brothers with similar interests, plus a reservoir of friends who I can rotate through. In Risk, every unit you have is basically just numbers. So, 1 infantry is 1 infantry, 1 cavalry is 5 infantry, and 1 cannon is 10 infantry. That's just basically how they break down. In Axis & Allies there are a bunch of different units that different players will invest in. For example, the U.S. usually doesn't build a lot of infantry until later. Instead of, "You get X many soldiers this round" You get more creative control as to how you will win WW2. You'll have "industrial points" basically monopoly money based on your territory and you will buy things from infantry to battleships to bombers.

I like Axis & Allies more personally, but I've always loved in-depth board games. Settlers of Catan, Carcasonne, the Game of Thrones Board Game (2nd ed) are all great games. The Game of thrones board game is one of the more complex ones to get started with that you'll play. Anyways, I digress.

If you want something more in-depth to go with, play Axis & Allies. If you want a more casual game that's still a load of fun go with Risk. I've found that Risk is a bit better especially if you don't have a full roster. The most enjoyable games of Axis & Allies are when you have a full roster. People can sub in and play multiple factions, but that gets tedious. In the original Axis & Allies you'll have 5 nations, the US, UK, Germany, USSR, and Japan. (Sorry Canada you aren't important enough)

Like I said, a casual board game over pizza and beer may be more along the lines of Risk. But I've had Axis & Allies last as a day-long affair. Not that it's a bad thing, it's still a load of fun all day. I have many great memories sitting around during winter break eating cinnamon bread playing board games. Ahh, nostalgia my great friend!

[Quarterman 1st MRB]

Thank you sir, that was really helpful.

[Quarterman 1st MRB]

I think I'll have to try the Game of Thrones one sometime

Yeah my friend and I are going to get it haha.

[Kirkendall 1st MRB]

This is the version I was referring to.

There are other versions, but that one won many awards and is regarded as the best one of the bunch.

[Peaker]

I also recommend Axis and Allies, plus, the games are usually shorter (You have a time limit), while Risk games can last 6 hours (Or even more!) sometimes, depending on the dice. However, Risk games will usually be very different from each other, while there is usually a standard strategy with each country in Axis and Allies.

If you like complex board games, I like Combat Commander too, a World War 2 tactical game at the squad level, you have different scenarios and you lead platoon to company sized forces trying to achieve different objectives.

Or if you are really hardcore...you can try Advanced Squad Leader (I never have), here's the rulebook: