Hexasim's La Der des Ders: The Grim Calculus of Total War

Hexasim has once again delivered a wargame that demands attention with their latest release, "La Der des Ders – The War to End War." This title isn't just another entry into the crowded field of historical simulations; it’s a masterclass in abstracting the grand, grim calculus of World War I without losing the historical gravity. As veteran players, we’ve seen countless attempts to bottle the lightning of the Great War, often falling into either overly complex minutiae or superficial abstraction. "La Der des Ders" aims for that elusive sweet spot, promising a strategic experience that is both accessible and deeply resonant with the period's unique challenges.

At its core, "La Der des Ders" employs a robust Action Point (AP) system that immediately sets it apart. Each turn, players, representing either the Entente or the Central Powers, receive a limited pool of APs. These aren't just for moving units; they are the lifeblood of your war effort, dictating everything from launching offensives on key fronts to investing in critical research, shoring up logistics, or even influencing neutral nations. The genius lies in the brutal trade-offs. Do you commit APs to a costly push on the Western Front, knowing it might deplete your capacity for naval blockades or colonial campaigns? Or do you focus on technological breakthroughs like tanks or chemical warfare, hoping for a decisive edge, even as your front lines bleed?

The game beautifully models the attritional nature of WWI. Success isn't about swift maneuvers but about sustained pressure and managing your national will, represented by a "Political Stability" track. Every failed offensive, every major casualty event, chips away at this stability, pushing your nation closer to collapse. Furthermore, resource allocation is paramount. Industrial production, manpower reserves, and even food supplies are abstracted into a streamlined system that forces players to consider the holistic demands of total war. The map, while strategic, clearly delineates critical regions and front lines, making the geographic implications of each move starkly apparent. There's a brilliant card-driven event system that introduces historical contingencies – the Russian Revolution, the entry of the United States, or major diplomatic crises – forcing players to adapt on the fly. This ensures high replayability and prevents any single "optimal" strategy from emerging.

Beyond the elegant mechanics, "La Der des Ders" truly shines in how it evokes the spirit of 'The War to End War.' The abstraction doesn't diminish the narrative; it elevates it. Players aren't just moving counters; they are making the same agonizing decisions that generals and politicians faced a century ago. The game’s focus on attrition and political stability, rather than glorious victories, perfectly encapsulates the grim reality of WWI. You feel the slow, grinding horror of the Western Front, the desperate scramble for resources, and the immense pressure to break the deadlock before your own nation crumbles.

The historical events, triggered by the card system, aren't just random occurrences; they are narrative beats that remind you of the global scale and the unpredictable nature of the conflict. When America enters the war, it’s not just a bonus; it’s a shift in the strategic landscape, reflecting the real-world impact. Similarly, the collapse of Russia or the mutinies in the French army are represented not as arbitrary penalties but as consequences of sustained war weariness and political instability. The title itself, "La Der des Ders," French for 'The Last of the Last,' or 'The War to End All Wars,' is a constant, somber reminder of the immense stakes and the tragic optimism that underlay the conflict. It’s a powerful narrative tool woven directly into the gameplay.

So, is "La Der des Ders" good for the game? Absolutely. For aficionados of strategic wargaming and especially those fascinated by World War I, this is a must-play. The decision space is rich, offering genuine strategic depth without requiring a PhD in military history to grasp the core concepts. The Action Point system, combined with the political stability track and resource management, creates a compelling tension that keeps players engaged from the first shot to the final turn. The game feels appropriately heavy, reflecting the gravity of the conflict it portrays, yet it avoids bogging down in endless tables or complex combat resolution charts.

The interplay between land, sea, and political fronts feels integrated and meaningful. While it's a strategic abstraction, it manages to convey the sense of immense fronts, desperate pushes, and the slow, agonizing grind towards a resolution. For those who appreciate historical accuracy blended with elegant design, "La Der des Ders" offers a challenging and rewarding experience. It’s a game that encourages multiple playthroughs, as different strategic choices and event card draws can lead to vastly different historical outcomes. For a deeper dive into the historical context that inspired such mechanics, I highly recommend 'The Guns of August' by Barbara W. Tuchman The Guns of August. This isn't just a game; it's a thoughtful simulation that forces players to confront the true cost of total war, making it a powerful addition to any wargamer's shelf.