Imperial Tide: The Great War 1914–1918

Imperial Tide: The Great War 1914–1918 is a strategic World War I wargame based on Gregory M. Smith’s Pacific Tide system.

Players command either the Allied or Central Powers across the full war, using cards to drive movement, combat, entrenchment, reinforcements, and major strategic choices. Each turn represents a year, with multiple card plays creating the rhythm of campaigns and offensives. At the end of each year, players decide which cards to buy back, making preparation for the next year almost as important as the battles themselves.

The game focuses on big-picture World War I decision-making rather than tactical detail. Production is shaped by blockades, U-boats, and Zeppelin bombing, while artillery represents ammunition stockpiles needed to support offensives. Resource Points give each side flexible operational reserves, useful for replacing losses or pushing key moves at the right moment.

Imperial Tide also introduces attrition combat, allowing players to grind down the enemy without necessarily taking ground. It is a fittingly grim option for the Western Front: sometimes the goal is not glory, but making sure the other side runs out of men first.

With a mounted map, compact card deck, and a playing time of around three to four hours, this is a strong choice for players who want a strategic Great War game without committing to a monster campaign. Although designed for two players, the included solitaire bot gives it high solo suitability.

Contents include: two 9/16” countersheets, one mounted 22” x 34” map of Europe, one solitaire aid player aid card, 48 game cards, three double-sided year cards, rules booklet, two six-sided dice, and a box with lid.