Enemy Action: Ardennes
- Players
- 1-2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 1 player
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 900 min
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.3 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Enemy Action: Ardennes is a card-driven wargame recreating the Battle of the Bulge, playable as a two-player head-to-head game or solitaire from either side against an AI-controlled opponent. Its innovative card system lets players activate formations, trigger command events, or gain tactical advantages, while a diceless, chartless combat system uses drawn chits to build a narrative of each engagement. Each turn represents one day of the historic December 1944 offensive, unfolding across oversized hex maps at a scale of 2.5 miles per hex. With three included maps supporting both solo modes and the two-player game, it's effectively three wargames in one box. This is a deeply detailed simulation built for serious wargame enthusiasts.
Hobbli's Notes
The diceless chit-based combat system is a genuinely fresh take on wargame conflict resolution, and the fact that it supports solitaire play of either side is a huge plus for solo gamers. This is an extremely heavy, long-form wargame that will demand many hours and a serious rules investment. We'd reserve this one for dedicated wargamers rather than anyone dipping a toe into the hobby.
What we like
- Innovative card system usable for two-player or full solitaire play.
- Diceless chit-based combat creates narrative tension.
- Detailed historical simulation of the Battle of the Bulge.
- Effectively three games in one box across included maps.
Keep in mind
- Extremely long playtime, up to 900 minutes for a full campaign.
- Very high complexity aimed squarely at wargame veterans.
- Oversized components and dense rulebook require heavy setup.
Who it's for
Best for serious wargame veterans ages 16 and up, playing solo or head-to-head, ready for a major time commitment.
