Paths of Glory is both an accurate strategic representation of World War I and the most exciting game of its kind to appear in the last decade. Get ready to command one of the great multinational alliances that fought from the grim trenches of Europe to the frozen Russian wasteland in a conflict that dramatically changed the face of Europe. The winning side is determined by the Victory Point level when the game ends; the levels vary for each of several scenarios. Each side has a separate deck of 55 cards, which have multiple uses to challenge and hone your decision-making and resource-allocation abilities. Each card displays action points (to activate or maneuver units on the world map), replacement points, and either a political/strategic event or a combat modifier. The enormous planning difficulties multiply as alliances form, mobilize and join the war effort. When will the U.S. enter the arena? Will the tsar capitulate? Mind your back! I cannot imagine a more tense, nail-biting experience playing a wargame.

I've played many, many games over the last 15+ years of wargaming. I don't have a favorite game, but PoG is one of the best. Its strongpoints are:

1. No two games are ever the same--there are numerous paths to follow.
2. Enough historical content without having to follow history
3. Excellent solitare suitability
4. Rules are easy to learn
5. Just plain fun, fun, fun to play!

The very mention of World War One doesn't exactly evoke images of exciting gaming potential--endless trench lines, artillery scarred landscapes, and piles of dead bodies resulting from yet another fateful infantry charge going 'over the top'. Well, by releasing PATHS OF GLORY (POG), GMT games and Designer Ted Raicer have provided the hobby with an incredibly fun and compelling product. Why, you ask?

First, the graphic appeal of this product is substantial. The stunning point-to-point (no hexes) map and colorful unit counters, along with the beautifully laid out box art, immediately draw you in. And the cards...two different 55 count decks bearing period photographs on thick stock...are top of the line.

Second, the illustrated rules themselves are easily readable, though considerable attention will be required to grasp the nuances contained therein. Designer and historical notes are included, along with a helpful glossary.

Third, actual gameplay is smooth and relatively fast. Like so many of the Euro/German games that lots of us have grown to love, POG constantly challenges you with a plethora of decision making opportunities. Each card has four possible uses (e.g, play an event, call up replacements, move troops, etc.), and how to best allocate them is where much of the gaming tension comes in. The actualy play of this game will not overwhelm you as units are scaled to armies and corps, so counter density is fairly low.

Fourth, GMT has shown excellent attention to detail here. From different sized counters, to a helpful play aid sheet, to separate chits to remind you of when certain cards were played, they seem to have thought of everything (Developer Andy Lewis has proven himself once again). And if something was missed, it's of no real concern since daily on-line support is readily available.

Fifth, the historical feel of this game is superb. As the Central Powers, you'll find the strong Germans (and their Austria-Hungary partners) stretched thin on multiple fronts. Playing the Allies, you'll sweat out the Western Front while simultaneously trying to keep the Russians from collapsing. Even the Near East, with the Turkish forces and scattered Allied troops, is represented as a full Front (not some sideshow). Like for the real participants, strategy options are varied and abundant. I've played POG 3 times already, and feel that I've only scratched the surface of the strategic depth that it has to offer.

There are a few minor quibbles (almost not worth mentioning) like some map errors/typos, and not enough space control markers included in the mix. What you do need to be aware of is that POG can be a long game--up to 10 hours for the campaign struggle, though 2 shorter scenarios are included. But when playing this game, and getting so much enjoyment out of it, the time will just breeze by.

Sorry for making this review longer than I intended, but I just can't stop raving about this title. I just wish that I could rate it higher than 5 Stars!

Who would have thought WW1 could be so much fun...

It's always a bit hard to write early impressions of more involved wargames; there is so much there and so many options and strategies that it's hard to 'know' the game without playing it a lot.

That having been said, Paths of Glory appears to be a great game. The rules are modest and fairly intuitive, and the game is more complex than Avalon Hill's Hannibal but still pretty easy to play. The card system is adapted from Hannibal, but given a serious (and very successful) overhaul, including two seperate decks, one for each player.

Bottom line for me is that the game play keeps moving, and - unlikely for a WWI game, you might think - is exciting. Both sides feel like they are in perpetual danger of losing, especially early on, and the play of each card is a difficult decision.

I like this game a lot, and it's the best new wargame I've played in quite some time. I've already played quite a bit and I am enthusaistic about playing more. There is a lot to this one.