We have exciting news, just a few hours ago we received a copy of Saturday’s announcement of the latest upcoming version of Axis & Allies, which will be called Axis & Allies 1941. In contrast to Pacific 1940 and Europe 1940, which extending playing time, this new version promises a simplified game and shorter play time at only 1.5 to 2 hours. Now we can play 2-3 games in the time it might take to maybe finish one game. The MSRP of this game will be $30 USD.

Excited? Join the conversation on the forums.

Update: the release date was changed to July 27, 2012.

Here are the details from Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast:

Product Release Date: June 19, 2012 1941: THE WORLD IS AT WAR! Key Selling Points Quick and Convenient: Axis & Allies 1941 is designed to be set up and played more quickly than any previous A&A game. In essence, this is a simplified A&A experience that will introduce players to the A&A mechanics and play style. Play time runs between 1 ½ to 2 hours. Familiar Mechanics: This game utilizes the A&A game mechanics present in A&A 1942 2nd Edition, as designed by Larry Harris (the creator of the original game). New Units: A key feature for enfranchised players is an entirely new set of unit sculpts. There are 16 all-new designs such as the P-40 Warhawk, Tiger Tank, AVRO Lancaster, FW-190, IS-2 tank, HMS Hood, He-111, and the Akagi Aircraft Carrier. These playing pieces can be used in any other A&A game, and will be desirable to players who seek to expand their A&A collections. Game Overview Five major powers struggle for supremacy. Germany and Japan are aligned against the great alliance of the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the United States. Designed for 2–5 players, the game is set in 1941: The Axis has great momentum and is expanding its conquests in both Europe and Asia. Controlling one of the Axis or Allied powers, you will command both your country’s military forces and its war-time economy. Show that you are a brilliant military strategist by planning your attacks, marshaling your forces into embattled territories, and resolving the conflicts.Victory goes to the side that conquers its opponents on the field of battle and liberates or occupies the greatest cities of the world. Change the course of history in a few short hours! Game Components 160 plastic pieces (32 per nation)

16 new combat unit sculpts

New map

Rulebook

Update April 2, 2012: This is not an April fool’s day joke. The original Sales Solicitation flyer can be found on the Wizards of the Coast Retailer page, third link on the right column. You can also directly download the Axis & Allies Sales Solicitation flyer PDF. Note the website serving the PDF is wizards.com. For future reference, the following is a screenshot of the Wizards of the Coast Retailer page from April 2, 2012 at approximately 3:15pm.

More About Axis & Allies 1941

Updates

Update April 8, 2012: The link to the sales solicitation was taken down. Luckily, I saved a copy so that you can download and read the Axis & Allies 1941 announcement. Please do not contact Wizards of the Coast to purchase copies unless you are a retailer.

Update (June 11, 2012): Added the More About Axis & Allies 1941 section.

Update (July 1, 2012): Included a mention that the release date is July 27 and put a strike through the original release date. Also changed the excerpt to reflect the new date.