@Booper:
I’ve purchased Global 1940.2, but realized it’s going to be too overwhelming for my kids to learn.
We played 1941 a couple times over the Christmas break, but I’m wondering which would be the best intermediate step for them before going Global - AA50 or 42.2 (or other - I have seen 42.1 being sold fairly cheaply)? Or should I try to just do Europe or Pacific 1940?
They are still elementary schoolers, so it will be a few years before we get to it. :)
The intermediate step between 1941 and Global for elementary schoolers is probably to wait till they get to High School.
Having said that, you mentioned playing 1941 with them, but you didn’t mention how WELL they played 1941… it’s one thing to understand basic mechanics (move into enemy territories to start combat, roll low to score a hit), but its an entirely different thing to formulate winning strategies (should one go KJF or KGF, how best do I spend my money, etc, etc). This is a lot on a young child… there’s nothing at all wrong about getting them into board gaming (preferable to zoning out on a TV or computer screen), but once again, playing and strategizing are two different things… are they ready to move beyond 1941, or did they understand the game, but were poor on strategy?
Perhaps most importantly of all… do your children want to move on to something “meatier” in the A&A lineup? Or are you asking because you desire more opponents in your house for A&A? Push them hard too early, you may scare them off.
Being honest, the differences in gameplay between 1942.2 and AA50 aren’t huge… mostly AA50 has a bigger map, Italy and slightly more involved China rules, but otherwise is very similar to 1942 (rules-wise anyways). Both games are intermediate between 1941 and Global, but I’d be more apt to ask how your elementary-aged children actually handled 1941 in detail, and if they want to move on, before giving advice on the matter.
At that age, getting them to play something along the lines of Risk is usually more apropos, but of course every child is different. Good luck adding more A&A members to your family and the community, but don’t push it if they’re not ready… you don’t want to scare them off!