The Longest Day cover
1979BGG rank #5,542

The Longest Day

by Randall C. Reed · The Avalon Hill Game Co

Browsing is free. Ask BoardGameBrain about this game when rules coverage is ready.

Players2–8
Time5400m
ComplexityHeavy
Age12+

About the game

What is The Longest Day?

The Longest Day is an Operational level Monster board-wargame depicting the assault, buildup, and breakout of the World War II Normandy Invasion. The game includes 2603 counters representing Battalion sized units and command units up to Corp level of the Allied and German armies in Northern France. Seven map boards depict the invasion beaches and areas as far east as Cabourg, as far west as Coutances, and as far south as Avranches/Argentan. The counters are in the style of German WW2 military symbols representing armor, infantry, artillery, assault guns, bicycle units, etc. Five separate scenarios are presented using the programmed instruction approach learning only what's needed to play a scenario before moving on to the next scenario. Once all the rules have been learned then the campaign game is played which can take up to several months to finish. Avalon Hill complexity rating - 8

How it plays

Mechanics

Dice RollingEventsGrid MovementHexagon GridMovement PointsRatio / Combat Results TableScenario / Mission / Campaign GameSimulationTeam-Based Game

On the shelf

Categories

WargameWorld War II

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in The Longest Day?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?