Triumph & Tragedy

Jeu

2015

Triumph & Tragedy is a geopolitical strategy game set in the Europe of the of the 1930's and 1940's. Three rival socio-political systems headed by Britain, Germany and the USSR seek politico-economic hegemony via both peaceful and military means, including diplomatic, economic, technological and military components. The game can be won by accumulating a dominant economic Sphere of Influence, by technological supremacy, (developing the Atomic bomb), or by military conquest of a rival faction. The area map extends from the Americas to the Urals and India. Military units are 16mm wooden blocks of 7 unit-types (armies, fleets, etc.) so the nature of rival military forces is unknown until they are revealed for combat. Economic production underlies all forms of power in the game, and is limited by the least of one's controlled Population (cities), controlled Resources, and level of industrial development. Population and Resources can be added through peaceful Diplomacy (card-play) or military conquest, but this latter incurs negative "world reaction" consequences. Industrial development requires re-investment of current Production, at the expense of military buildup and Diplomatic/Technological initiatives. Triumph & Tragedy is a true 3-sided game : only one player can win and there is no more presumption of West-USSR cooperation than any other possibility. Competition for Population and Resource growth will increasingly provoke rivals, and war is possible at any point but not inevitable. Inter-player negotiation can instantly change the geopolitical balance, but agreements are not enforceable, so cooperation is shifting and undependable. For 2-way play, the ability of the Allies (West and USSR) to collaborate against the Axis is hindered to reflect their differing agendas. The game can continue as a diplomatic/economic struggle or a sudden military explosion can change everything. Military action occurs on a seasonal scale and incurs economic and diplomatic costs. Operational initiative is variable and only somewhat controlled by players. Combat is intense and often decisive and technological superiority can be telling.