Days of Decision II: Global Political Conflict – 1936-1939 (1994)

About this game

Days of Decision II is a strategic level game about the politics and conflicts that created the Second World War. The period covered is 1936-46, and the players can make (or choose not to make) many of the decisions that led to the war. The game is very detailed in its political aspect, and is more a political game than a wargame. Each country affected by the war is represented on an "ideological" chart which tracks the movement of the powers into the different spheres of influence: Fascist, Communist and Democrat. Where each country lies on this chart is vital to which country controls their decisions and forces. Political decisions are chosen from a large array of IPOs (International Policy Options) and a number of Political Options available only to the country that you're playing. The game is based on the original Days of Decision (I) but is almost a new game. The old one had 4 million possible outcomes, this one has over one hundred trillion (according to the game designer).

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 7.
• Rules load. At 3.7/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 14 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.