The Campaign for North Africa was never meant to be played straight; consider it a reference for other game designers to study. The consim/wargame split is mor

The Campaign for North Africa was never meant to be played straight; consider it a reference for other game designers to study. The consim/wargame split is more nuanced than you described. A game like Combat Commander: Europe attempts to replicate the chaotic unpredictability of small unit engagements: it's extremely unrealistic, yet is enjoyable + is commended for capturing the chaos. The crux of the distinction is, a simulation isn't a game (they're not fun). Most wargames aren't consims, and some of the best consims don't even attempt to replicate the level of low-level detail you describe.