From: Dave Shaw <dshaw62197@home.com>
Subject: Game review

Another game review! :)

Dave Shaw
dshaw62197@home.com
Duel in the Desert
Wargamer #51

Duel in the Desert simulates the struggle between the Afrika Korps and
the British Army in North Africa. The game includes two small, oblong maps
of North Africa from Benghazi to Alexandria. The 100 units present
represent various sizes of forces, from brigades to divisions. Turns represent
one month of time, and the game covers from Rommel's first major offensive
in May 1941 until the Torch landings in November 1942.

As a double blind game, DitD works rather well. Both players must search
out a rather barren battlefield to find the other's forces. Shifting
initiative and possible intelligence breakthroughs for the Allies lend to a
constantly changing contest. Special rules cover recce units, which may seek out
enemy forces, and the variability of supply, which can hamper both sides'
plans for offensives. 

Of course, Rommel is present in the game, and allows additional units to
stack with him over the normal stacking limits, as well as providing
combat modifiers. Italian units are present, which are the weak link in the
Axis force pool; 88's are also available, which give modifiers to the German
when facing British armored forces.

With limited supplies and intelligence, both players are forced to move
as quickly (yet cautiously) as possible while attempting to carry out their
objectives -- the Germans must reach Alexandria, while the British must
keep forces in Libya until the Torch landings begin. However, time is short,
and it is equally hard for both sides to attain these objectives before
game's end.

This is a fast-playing, easy-to-learn game that is a lot of fun to play.
DitD gives players a challenging simulation of the most critical portion
of the North African campaign that is easily playable in a single sitting.