Post by Whiterook on May 15, 2023 20:16:36 GMT -5
This is one of my prized games in my collection, which I just had to have once I discovered it existed! I’m a huge fan of Major P.R. Reid’s memoir book, having a 1st Edition in my library… owning the game was a natural extension. However, initially buying it for its collectors value, I discovered it’s a hell of a fun game, as well!
My original version is the 1973 Parker Brothers version, with the swastika on the box art. Offended sensibilities be damned… this was a tale of Nazi Germany in WWII! To me, it’s authenticity in historical subject and brings the chill of the barbaric times of the German people of that era. This is a Prisoner of War facility, and the symbol brings home the terror associated.
There has been several version of this game since, most notably taking the swastika off… but the game has been relatively unchanged in mechanics and component design.
The latest version is from 2016, from Osprey Games, which I also own…
In reality, playing with the updated rules is virtually identical. As the introduction spells out, the intentions have not been to use "decades of game development" to create a modern remake which would have led to "something entirely new." Instead, you get a more thoroughly explained set of the original rules, with the ambiguities and uncertainties ironed out.
There are only a few real differences. The first are sets of Escape markers that help identify points in a POW pawn's escape route and simplify the task of remembering these points that are important for game play. There are new cards, called Do or Die cards which can be added to the game for more flavor. The artwork is greatly enhanced, on a bigger board. The box is more meaty and should hold up better than the originals.
Again, a few tweaks in mechanics here and there, but essentially the same game. Interestingly, the original rules are also included at the back of the rulebook so, it leaves the option open to play it old school!
Just a lovely game! Well worth owning and playing with five other friends… the most contested battoe is likely, in deciding who plays the Germans!
My original version is the 1973 Parker Brothers version, with the swastika on the box art. Offended sensibilities be damned… this was a tale of Nazi Germany in WWII! To me, it’s authenticity in historical subject and brings the chill of the barbaric times of the German people of that era. This is a Prisoner of War facility, and the symbol brings home the terror associated.
Escape From Colditz is a 1-vs-many semi-cooperative game where one player is the Security Officer of the German forces, and the others are Escape Officers for various nationalities or prisoners of war (POWs). Escape Officers try to acquire the equipment they need for a successful escape (rope, wire cutters, etc.), while the Security Officer tries to hinder them by putting them in solitary confinement and consficating their equipment.
Play lasts for a pre-determined length of time or number of rounds. If an Escape Officer can free a pre-determined number of POWs (usually 2) before then, they win. Otherwise the Security Officer wins.
The game was co-designed by Major PR Reid, a British soldier who was one of the few to actually successfully escape from Colditz during the Second World War.
Play lasts for a pre-determined length of time or number of rounds. If an Escape Officer can free a pre-determined number of POWs (usually 2) before then, they win. Otherwise the Security Officer wins.
The game was co-designed by Major PR Reid, a British soldier who was one of the few to actually successfully escape from Colditz during the Second World War.
There has been several version of this game since, most notably taking the swastika off… but the game has been relatively unchanged in mechanics and component design.
The latest version is from 2016, from Osprey Games, which I also own…
In reality, playing with the updated rules is virtually identical. As the introduction spells out, the intentions have not been to use "decades of game development" to create a modern remake which would have led to "something entirely new." Instead, you get a more thoroughly explained set of the original rules, with the ambiguities and uncertainties ironed out.
There are only a few real differences. The first are sets of Escape markers that help identify points in a POW pawn's escape route and simplify the task of remembering these points that are important for game play. There are new cards, called Do or Die cards which can be added to the game for more flavor. The artwork is greatly enhanced, on a bigger board. The box is more meaty and should hold up better than the originals.
Again, a few tweaks in mechanics here and there, but essentially the same game. Interestingly, the original rules are also included at the back of the rulebook so, it leaves the option open to play it old school!
Just a lovely game! Well worth owning and playing with five other friends… the most contested battoe is likely, in deciding who plays the Germans!
