Time is just moving along at a good clip and we are already through the 1st quarter of the year! April brings warmer weather, spring break and rain. But it appears to be raining wargames at the moment as there are lots of great offerings that I was able to find. This month, I was able to find a total of 24 games to share including 4 of those being offered on Kickstarter and 1 being offered on Gamefound.

This month, we again have a sponsor for the Wargame Watch post in Mark Holt Walker and Flying Pig Games. Flying Pig Games is a really solid publisher who has done some fantastic games over the past 5 years or so including such titles as Armageddon War, the Old School Tactical Series including 3 Volumes covering the East Front (Volume I), West Front (Volume II) and most recently the Pacific Theater (Volume III), A Most Fearful Sacrifice: The Three Days of Gettysburg and ’65: Squad-Level Combat in the Jungles of Vietnam to name just a few. They really focus on big production, with large fully mounted boards, thick and large counters and great game play. When you get a Flying Pig Games product in your hands, you know it and if you carry it around too long your back will start hurting…so put it down on the table and get to playing!

One other comment here. Last year they successfully funded ’85: Graveyard of Empires and I have seen where the game is currently shipping. So, if you missed it on Kickstarter, you can still pre-order it on their website. I will highlight that game later on in the New Release section of the Wargame Watch.

If you missed the March Wargame Watch, you can read that here at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2024/03/01/wargame-watch-whats-new-upcoming-march-2024/

Pre-Order

1. Until the Bitter End – Tanks – Eastern Front Print and Play Currently on Kickstarter

A few years ago, we posted an interview with Matt White, who is a very talented graphic artist and budding game designer, that focused on his artistic talents and love of tanks. He has since designed several very interesting small scale wargamers, with his most recent series being a World War II tactical wargame series for 1-2 players pitting the British Airborne versus the German Wehrmacht called Until the Bitter End. He then designed the next entry in this series called Until the Bitter End – US Airborne followed by Until the Bitter End – Tanks. Now he has a follow-up game called Until the Bitter End – Tanks – Eastern Front that is currently on Kickstarter.

From the game page, we read the following:

Welcome to Until the Bitter End – Tanks – Eastern Front, a World War II wargame. This is the fourth game in the Until the Bitter End Series and the second that focuses, solely, on tank (and other armoured fighting vehicles) battles. This is a print and play game for solitaire and two-players. This is a standalone game in my series of WW2 print and play games. You don’t need to have played or own the first games – all of the digital PDF files are included (you simply print it out, provide yourself with a regular six sided die and a pencil). 

The game is quick to setup and play, it takes around 30 minutes to play a shorter game, to less than a couple of hours for a larger game and requires very little space. 

The game sets Soviet tanks and armoured fighting vehicles against their German enemies in a series of small skirmish scenarios. The game’s counters each represent an actual tank or armoured fighting vehicle with the gameplay being in the thick of brutal combat.

These games are simple and very interesting looking tactical scale wargames with approachable rules. The best part though is Matt’s incredible drawings as he has a real talent for ferreting out the various details of these metal monsters from World War II. So the game is interesting and looks great!

The game comes complete with over 50 Soviet Armored Fighting Vehicles Counters & 40 German Armored Fighting Vehicles Counters (and counting!), 6 Maps (and counting!), a Rule Book & Supporting PDF’s, Player Aids, a Scenario Book featuring Introductory Scenarios and over 8 Scenarios for two player and 8 bespoke Solitaire Scenarios. PLUS all the Stretch Goals the project hits!

If you are interested in Until the Bitter End – Tanks – Eastern Front Print and Play, you can back the project on the Kickstarter page at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1564988876/until-the-bitter-end-tanks-eastern-front?ref=recommendation-projectpage-footer-1

As of April 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $1,832 toward its $252 funding goal with 83 backers. The campaign will conclude on Friday, April 19th at 2:44pm EDT.

2. Forward Defense ’85: Company Command in WW3 from Strategist’s Den Games Coming to Kickstarter April 9th

Several months ago, we were contacted by Ethan Redrup, who is the owner of Strategist’s Den Games and we struck up a conversation about his new upcoming solitaire wargame design called Forward Defense ’85: Company Command in WW3. From that conversation, I learned more about the game and that it was coming to Kickstarter soon and we have collaborated to work on an interview coming soon that describes the action on the battlefields of East Germany during the Cold War.

From the game page, we read the following:

Forward Defense ’85 is a solitaire tactical tabletop wargame where the player leads a company-sized NATO element in a hypothetical, realistic WW3. 

The experience of your units, terrain, your objectives, and the balance of the overall campaign affect each and every procedurally-generated battle in the campaign. Every decision matters and requires you to value your resources: Is it worth holding that town and securing at tactical victory? Or is it wiser to withdraw your best armor platoon to fight another day?

Forward Defense ’85 simulates the fast, ultra high-intensity battles that would have been expected in the opening phase of a Cold War gone hot. Game mechanics are built to reflect the AI using actual Soviet doctrine versus a more nimble but dramatically outnumbered NATO player. 

This game is really looking pretty great and it has a topic that has been really en vogue over the past few years, but really for the length of the hobby. As a solitaire wargame, this one appears to be very approachable and has a small footprint which will make it easy to get on the table.

A small footprint game, FD ’85 can easily be played on a desk. Setup takes less than 12 minutes (I timed it with a stopwatch) and playing a mission takes about 60 minutes – individual missions in the campaign offer a natural break point, making it easy to fit a complete experience in a small amount of time, or play through as many as you want.

The original idea for this game started with discovering the Team Yankee miniatures game, and then reading the excellent Team Yankee novel by Harold Coyle. Playing miniatures games at a local store felt too time intensive for where I was in my life, and playing that game solo didn’t seem to scratch the itch. Forward Defense ’85 began as a ruleset I started to play with 3mm miniatures, and evolved over more than 3 years to the board game it is today. 

We posted an interview with the designer Ethan Redrup on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2024/04/02/interview-with-ethan-redrup-designer-of-forward-defense-85-company-command-in-ww3-from-strategists-den-games-coming-to-kickstarter-april-2nd/

If you are interested in Forward Defense ’85: Company Command in WW3, you can learn more from the Kickstarter page at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ethanredrup/forward-defense-85-company-command-in-ww3?ref=bggforums

3. SMALL WARS: MOHICANS from Avalon Digital Currently on Kickstarter

I am a sucker for any game covering the French & Indian War so when I came across this offering this month I just had to include it. I also backed the game, which is a bit of a different animal as it has a digital version for computer and then a physical board game for your table. So, pretty interesting. I will say that we played Invasions: Volume I – 350-650 AD a few years ago, which was a game covering Ancient Rome designed by Phillipe Thibaut, and I felt that game was somewhat of a mess. It had a lot of errata and just didn’t come together well. The concept was amazing but it didn’t live up to its billing. I say this so you keep that in mind about this product. One of the reasons that I backed the game was because it was only $50 and once again is on the F&I War.

From the game page, we read the following:

SMALL WARS: MOHICANS is the first game of the Small Wars Series covering the French & Indian War of the mid-18th century, it is based on a popular 1983 Canadian boardgame called Mohawk. MOHICANS starts in 1754 and continues to 1760, which historically was the year after the conquest of Quebec by British forces (a founding event in the creation of modern Canada).

In MOHICANS, the powerful regular forces of Britain fight for control of north-eastern North America against the mixed regular and irregular forces of the French and their local allies. The forces of both sides are bolstered by local militia units and other irregular forces, such as the famous French Couriers des Bois or British Rangers, and the arrival each year of more regular reinforcements from Europe.

While the British have the edge in firepower and numbers, the French have better mobility and their Indigenous allies can make effective use of terrain, particularly the massive forests that covered eastern North America at the time. The British are also more vulnerable to having their supply lines cut off.

Both sides seek to curry favour with the powerful but neutral Iroquois Confederacy, as an alliance with them is an enormous strategic advantage. With each major victory on the battlefield, one of the six tribes of the Iroquois will offer its support to the winning side. Get the support of all six tribes, and the Iroquois will join the fight.

If you are interested in SMALL WARS: MOHICANS, you can back the project on the Kickstarter page at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smallwarsmohicans/small-wars-mohicans?ref=project_link

As of April 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $5,915 toward its $8,127 funding goal with 103 backers. The campaign will conclude on Monday, April 8th at 6:59am EDT.

4. HISPANIA from Draco Ideas Coming to Gamefound April 16th

I love little games with a bit of kick! A few years ago, we had the chance to play a very cool and thematic small cooperative wargame called Tetrarchia from Draco Ideas where the players work together to quell Barbarian revolts and incursions in the 3rd Century Roman Empire. That same designer Miguel Marqués has worked on a second game in the series called HISPANIA which uses similar mechanics, but adds some new tricks to the system dealing with the conquest of Hispania. That game is coming to Gamefound on April 16th.

From the game page, we read the following:

At the beginning of the 2nd century BC the Republic of Rome has just defeated its greatest nightmare, the Carthaginian Hannibal. After annexing the Carthaginian possessions on the Mediterranean coast of Hispania, Rome organizes them into the provinces Ulterior and Citerior and orders the corresponding praetors to complete the conquest of the peninsula, inhabited by peoples without cohesion. But these Hispaniards turn out to be a formidable enemy…

HISPANIA is a cooperative game in which 1 to 3 players take the role of all the praetors and consuls that Rome sent to Hispania for almost 200 years, until the first emperor Caesar Augustus culminated the conquest with the final defeat of the Cantabrians and the incorporation of Hispania to his brand new Empire.

The core engine is built upon that of TETRARCHIA, with several important changes (like Roman coins and roads) but a similar difficulty matrix that leads in this game to 243 different levels. On top of that, the game includes several modular expansions, historical scenarios, and a competitive mode that allows 1 additional player to lead the Hispanic resistance against Rome.

I am very much looking forward to this game. I love cooperative wargames and this one really has some interesting challenges and choices.

We have an interview with the designer Miguel Marqués that should post on April 12th. I will update this post once that interview goes live.

If you are interested in HISPANIA, you can back the project on the Gamefound page at the following link: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/draco-ideas/hispania

5. Coast Watchers from GMT Games

I think that every single wargamer knows the name Volko Ruhnke. He has designed several great series in the COIN Series, that has now stretched to a full 15 volumes, and then more recently the Levy & Campaign Series, which has an astounding 4 released volumes with 3 others that are announced and about a dozen more in design. He can make a good game for sure! One of our first experiences in wargaming, and the first Volko design we played, was Wilderness War and we had a great time with that game and it got us hooked on CDG’s. He is now at it again with a new design that uses hide and seek elements to tell the story of the Allied intelligence teams versus the Japanese in the Pacific during WWII. The game is called Coast Watchers and looks to be very interesting.

From the game page, we read the following:

Coast Watchers takes you into this struggle between Allied intelligence teams and Japanese hunters. Standup blocks hide coastwatching stations, guerrillas, refugees, and stranded Allied crew. The gameboard recesses hold the blocks snug. Facedown counters hide the buildup of Japanese forces, which the coastwatchers seek to observe and report to headquarters. Other counters show where Japanese patrols are searching for coastwatchers or go into and get drawn from a cup to run Japanese searches and Allied delivery missions.

Hidden information using blocks? I like this. Facedown counters that hide the number of Japanese units amassing? This is even better. Hidden information is a very good mechanic but it is difficult to make it good and I have every confidence that Volko will do just that.

Each side has Mission cards. Allied Missions assign side tasks to the coastwatchers. Japanese Missions lay out secret military objectives for victory points, including air and sea operations against which the coastwatchers are to warn Allied forces. By hunting coastwatchers while building up military readiness and guiding operations, the Japanese player seeks to slip through the enemy intelligence net. Players also draw Asset cards: special abilities to augment actions and perhaps add victory points.

The game will contain 15 standalone “Situations” or scenarios plus 4 campaigns to link all of these situations together. The Situations cover the early-1942 Japanese incursion into the South Pacific to the ultimate neutralization of their base at Rabaul by the end of 1943. This one just sounds very interesting and I look forward to doing some more research.

If you are interested in Coast Watchers, you an pre-order a copy for $65.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1102-coast-watchers.aspx

6. North Africa ’40: The 1940 Expansion to North Africa ’41 from GMT Games

I love a good North Africa wargame! To me, the reasons that I love it are several but the focus on supply and how difficult it was in this theater as well as the various elements of infrastructure used to perform that supply, such as shipping, ports, trucks, etc. are always good fun. I also love the scope and scale of the North African Theater. The front covered an area over 2,000 or so miles stretching from Morocco on the western coast of the Atlantic, through Algeria, Libya and onto Egypt. Names such as Tunis, Kasserine Pass, Tripoli, Benghazi, Tobruk, El Alamein, Malta (I realize not a part of Africa but an important cog in this theater) and Alexandria. There is something about this theater and the games we have played that we have absolutely loved.

Also, when you pair this interesting theater with a great system in the ’40X Series and a great designer in Mark Simonitch, you have a recipe for a really tasty treat! 

Now comes an expansion to North Africa ’41 called North Africa ’40.

From the game page, we read the following:

The legend continues with North Africa ’40, the prequel expansion to North Africa ’41. This expansion covers September 1940 to December 1941. Scenarios cover both Operazione E (the Italian invasion of Egypt; 12 turns) and the Allied counter-offensive, Operation Compass (6 turns). Both scenarios can be extended through December 1941 for an Operazione E full campaign (32 turns) or an Operation Compass full campaign (26 turns).

Can you as the Allied commander bag the Italian 10th Army? Will you be ready for theater whiplash, the Middle East Command operational shift to Greece in February 1941? Will you be prepared for the entry of Rommel and the German panzers?

And the game is not just taking advantage of a very good system that has been well received. There is plenty that is new to the system to make the situation come to life. New rules cover all the significant aspects of the 1940 campaign in North Africa including General O’Connor, Italian Camps, Civilian Evacuees/Stragglers, Tank Reliability, Italian Saharan Forces, Libyan Tank Command, Sollum Port and Post-Operation Compass Refit.

We recently played and loved North Africa ’41 and you can check out our video review at the following link:

I also wrote an in-depth look at the game and its systems in my First Impression post and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2024/01/24/first-impressions-north-africa-41-the-western-desert-march-to-december-1941-from-gmt-games/

If you are interested in North Africa ’40: The 1940 Expansion to North Africa ’41, you an pre-order a copy for $29.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1106-north-africa-40.aspx

Be aware that North Africa ’40 is not a complete game and ownership of North Africa ’41 is required to play.

7. Arquebus: Men of Iron Volume IV, 2nd Printing from GMT Games

In 2020, we finally discovered the Men of Iron Series by playing the Men of Iron Tri-Pack, which is a large box game that includes the first three games in the Men of Iron Series from GMT Games including Men of Iron, Infidel and Blood & Roses, plus the Battle of Agincourt from C3i Magazine #22. This box was huge and heavy and is probably one of the greatest values in wargaming as there are three games and the box is packed full to the brim with counters, maps and player aids. We really enjoyed our foray into the series and would love to continue playing the rest of the other scenarios.

One of the games that has still eluded us to this point is Arquebus, which deals with medieval battles in Northern Italy spanning the period of 1495-1544. This game has been very well received and there are many devotees to the system so they have decided to offer this one up for a 2nd Printing.

From the game page, we read the following:

Arquebus uses the popular “Men of Iron” mechanics with a focus on detail of weaponry, from the differences between closed formation and open, to the decline of the Swiss (pas d’argent? pas de Suisse) and the rise of the German Landsknecht, the major force in warfare of the era and, ironically, the best-dressed men in Europe. Yes, Landsknecht uniforms literally set the fashion trend at the time for the entire western world.

And to match this sartorial splendor will be the great visual look of Arquebus, from the colorful units to the splendid maps and helpful charts. Most battles are good for solitaire play, so when you’re traveling to roll those dice, remember to Take The ‘BUS!

If you are interested in Arquebus: Men of Iron Volume IV, 2nd Printing, you can pre-order a copy for $48.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1104-arquebus-men-of-iron-volume-iv-2nd-printing.aspx

8. Plains Indian Wars 2nd Printing from GMT Games

Over the years, I have become familiar with the designer John Poniske and have really enjoyed several of his designs, including games like Bleeding Kansas from Decision Games and Revolution Road from Compass Games. John is a very thoughtful designer who does his research and truly focuses on lesser known bits of history to help us all expand our minds. He has done several designs on the great Native American Nations and has now turned his focus to the conflict created with the expanding United States and settlers pushed in Native territory to carve out homesteads. I find this topic fascinating and have grown to love playing games on the American Indian Wars.

Plains Indian Wars takes a look at this clash of cultures and series of conflicts by breaking the conflict down into it most basic elements: A settler surge via long snaking wagon trains, the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, east and west, and the cavalry sent to protect them all. At the same time, Plains Indian Wars seeks to offer the Native-American player the opportunity to unite earlier, hold their own and perhaps even prevent European-American success. The game is designed to be played by 1-4 players, but is best played as a two-player game. Game play averages 60-90 minutes.

The game is not quite card driven but does use cards to drive the action with each of the major factions holding a hand of three cards. The 60 cards included represent a selection of leaders and events connected with the Plains Wars. There are two types of cards: War Party/Engagement/Migration cards tell players how many cubes may be drawn from the reserve box and placed in respective home areas and how far the cubes may move. Text cards allow for special circumstances and may act as reaction or endurance cards. There is only one play immediately card reflecting George Armstrong Custer’s hubris – its play could be positive for the Cavalry player but more often than not ends in disaster.

We posted an interview with the designer John Poniske on the blog in September 2017 and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2017/09/05/interview-with-john-poniske-designer-of-plains-indian-wars-from-gmt-games/

We also played the game and I wrote a fairly in-depth look at the game in my First Impressions post that you can read at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2022/07/26/first-impressions-plains-indian-wars-from-gmt-games/

We also did a video review of the game and you can watch that video here:

I really enjoy this one and appreciate its narrative as this is not trying to tell the story of a fair fight but gives each side the opportunity to win a victory that would have been acceptable to them.

If you are interested in Plains Indian Wars, 2nd Printing, you can pre-order a copy for $55.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1103-plains-indian-wars-2nd-printing.aspx

9. The Russian Campaign Deluxe 5th Edition Mounted Maps from GMT Games

The game is true to its name as it represents the entirety of the East Front of World War II stretching from Leningrad and Finland in the north all the way to the Caucasus Oil Fields, Rostov and Stalingrad in the south. I have said this before, but there is something a bit romantic about East Front games. Long lines of contiguous counters. The German blitzkrieg pushing the Soviets back for the first dozen turns. The Soviets gaining their strength, bringing up bigger replacement units and pushing back. A continuous bloody wave of motion and combat and attrition. Bad terrain, bad weather and bad luck all combining to spoil the best laid plans of commanders. It is all here. The entire East Front in all its glory and beauty and I think that this is one of the main draws of the game and the genre. Can my decisions lead to better advances? Can I do more than historical? Can the Germans break the red wall of Soviet units and capture Moscow to knock them out of the war? All great questions that can be answered in this fairly simple and standard wargame.

Now they are offering a new printing of the Mounted Map to pair with the new 2nd Printing of the game that is also on P500 at this time.

From the game page, we read the following:

We continue to get requests from players for the sold-out Mounted Maps for The Russian Campaign Deluxe 5th Edition. So we’re putting this back up on P500 to judge demand. If we can get at least 200 orders over the next few months, then we’ll send these to the printer.

Here is a link to our full unboxing video showing off the beautiful components:

We also shot a video review and you can view that at the following link:

I also wrote a full First Impressions style post on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2023/12/05/first-impressions-the-russian-campaign-deluxe-5th-edition-from-gmt-games/

If you are interested in The Russian Campaign Deluxe 5th Edition Mounted Maps, you can pre-order a copy for $32.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1105-the-russian-campaign-deluxe-5th-edition-mounted-maps.aspx

10. Doomed Battalions Fourth Edition from Multi-Man Publishing

For those of you out there that are addicted to Advanced Squad Leader and building your collection, here is an opportunity to get an out of print module with some new additions.

From the game page, we read the following:

Doomed Battalions is the Allied Minors Extension to the Advanced Squad Leader Game System. This new Fourth Edition (DB4) expands on the Third (which itself included The Last Hurrah and eight other scenarios when it was released in 2009) with the addition of eight more out-of-print Allied Minor scenarios previously published elsewhere by Avalon Hill and MMP. Existing errata for all 32 scenarios have been incorporated, and some of the scenarios have been updated to correct issues of balance. This edition also showcases a complete revamp of the artwork for all Allied Minor units, vehicles, and weapons on four countersheets, including the addition of new MMC types for the Poles. DB4 also comes with the new rules for late-war SS, Polish MMC, Rail Cars, and Debris (originally issued in Twilight of the Reich), an updated National Capabilities Chart (complete with all those MMC types), and an updated Chapter B Terrain Chart, including new entries for the new terrain. Five geomorphic mapboards (9, 11, 33, 44, & 45) and three sheets of terrain overlays carry over from Third Edition.

If you are interested in Doomed Battalions Fourth Edition, you can pre-order a copy for $129.00 from the Multi-Man Publishing website at the following link: https://mmpgamers.com/doomed-battalions-4th-edition-p-406?consimworld

11. Thunder on the Mississippi: Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign from Multi-Man Publishing

Monster wargame alert! Giant game incoming. The most recent pre-order offer from MMP is another Great Campaigns of the American Civil War (GCACW) game called Thunder on the Mississippi: Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign. The game depicts Major General Ulysses S. Grant’s 1863 campaign to capture Vicksburg. The game is designed by Joe Balkoski (the original GCACW Series creator) and Chris Withers. The game map will adhere to the accuracy and high graphic standards of its predecessors, with map design executed by artist Charlie Kibler—whose work on the series dates to its creation in 1992. 

From the game page, we read the following:

Thunder On the Mississippi uses the latest version of the GCACW Standard Basic Game Rules, which also apply to all other games in the series. After more than a quarter-century of refinement, these rules are extremely well organized and relatively easy to learn, even for series newcomers. Two new terrain features unique to the Vicksburg region are also introduced: loess hills and coastal bluffs. The Advanced Game rules cover situations specifically applicable to this unique campaign starting with an amphibious invasion, followed by sweeping cross-country movement ending in siege warfare.

Thunder On the Mississippi includes eleven Basic Game scenarios and one Advanced Game campaign, all extensively playtested.

If you are interested in Thunder on the Mississippi: Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign, you can pre-order a copy for $90.00 from the Multi-Man Publishing website at the following link: https://mmpgamers.com/thunder-on-the-mississippi-grants-vicksburg-campaign-p-398

12. Air & Armor: Operational Armored Warfare in Europe, Designer Signature Edition from Compass Games Currently on Kickstarter

As you know, Cold War Gone Hot games are all the rage right now and Compass has decided to bring back a classic in a new Designer Signature Edition. Air & Armor: Operational Armored Warfare in Europe, Designer Signature Edition marks the return of one of the most highly rated wargames on modern warfare ever published. Air & Armor is a company level simulation of a Hypothetical Soviet attack on West Germany in the mid-1980s. It depicts the collision of the Soviet 8th Guards Army and elements of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division and West German 12th Panzer Division in a ferocious battle around the German city of Wurzburg. This new edition is lovingly recreated with new map artwork, new unit counters, new unit values and updated rules.

From the game page, we read the following:

Air & Armor employs a highly interactive game system with asymmetric rules modeling the different Command & control techniques of each alliance. The game simulates all of the major aspects of modern warfare: reconnaissance, combined arms operations, air, helicopter and artillery strikes, chemical and electronic warfare and engineering.  Multiple levels of hidden intelligence produce a true “fog of war” and provide plenty of opportunities for deception, surprise and ambush.  Play this game to find out what it really might have been like to command a division in battle.

Based on detailed research from Warsaw Pact archives now available, this new edition includes a completely revised Order of Battle featuring one East German and four Soviet Divisions. Air & Armor includes a Basic Game, covering standard armor operations, and an Advanced Game that layers in air and engineering operations and Chemical and electronic warfare. Each game level includes four to six Scenarios, which are complete games in themselves. Extensive Scenario, Player and Designer Notes provide advice on play and historical detail.

If you are interested in Air & Armor: Operational Armored Warfare in Europe, Designer Signature Edition, you can back the project on Kickstarter at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/compassgames/air-and-armor?ref=ksr_email_mktg_auto_user_new_project_from_creator_youve_backed

As of April 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $19,449 toward its $2,500 funding goal with 166 backers. The campaign will conclude on Tuesday, April 9th at 10:00am EDT.

New Release

1. ’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires from Flying Pig Games

In 2017, we played ’65 when it was released on Kickstarter. First off, I want to say that I’m always impressed by Mark Holt Walker’s games because he packs so much in the box, and your hard earned cash can take you really far. The rules themselves are pretty light for a squad level tactical game, especially a Vietnam game with all of the potential complexities from that war. That made ’65 quite accessible and I’d recommend it for those looking to enter the tactical side of the hobby, as well as those who are looking for a game that is high on the fun side, and low on the dreary sense of impending doom when you lose side.

Now that same system is being taken to Afghanistan to cover the Soviets and their quagmire there in a new game called ’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires. The game uses multi-use cards that drive the action, and are used for so many aspects of the game. They also have events so there is a bit of chaos that is injected into games.

From the game page, we read the following:

’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires is the second game in the Squad Battles Series. Building on the mechanics introduced in ’65 Squad Battles in the Jungles of Vietnam, Graveyard of Empires (GOE) features squad-level battles between the Afghan Mujahideen and Soviet Red Army in a card-driven, hex and counter game.

GOE introduces card-activated events, immersive helicopter rules, more tactical decisions, new powers and abilities, and of course beautiful counter and game board art. The counters are 1” or larger (for the vehicles) and the game board hexes are huge. Included are counters for Mujahideen RPG and RPD teams, rifle squads and heroes, as well as captured T-55 and BMP armored fighting vehicles. The Soviets respond with Spetsnaz, line rifle squads, heroes, Hind-24 attack helicopters and several types of AFVs, such as T-55, T-62 tanks, BNPs, BTRs, and more.

The game comes with 5 very well done illustrated 11” x 17” geomorphic game boards so there are lots of variety of setups and scenario potential with a generally reasonable footprint. The counters are large and thick 1” and 1.375” so they stand out on the board and really have a major presence. There are 54 action cards, 4 Event Cards, 5 Bonus Victory Condition Cards included in the one deck that is used by both players.

They also have a stand-alone solitaire system offered in a boxed version called Alone in the Mountains which you can order separately from the main game.

If you are interested in ’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires, you can order a copy for $100.00 from the Flying Pig Games website at the following link: https://flyingpiggames.com/products/85-graveyard-of-empires

2. Armageddon War: Platoon Level Combat in the End War 2nd Printing from Flying Pig Games

Armageddon War is a platoon level scenario based game set in the near future. The first module focuses on the Mid-East, pitting Israelis, Russians, and Americans against age-old adversaries. The game feels very fresh and new as it adds a few new tricks to a tried and true system. And Flying Pig Games pulled out all of the stops on production with huge hexes, beautifully large counters and custom dice.

In the box you’ll find a bunch of black, red and green dice with a varied number of hits and armor symbols on them. You roll the dice to see how effective your fire attack is. You only roll some of the dice however. You start with a pool of the black dice. There’s a series of combat modifiers from range, terrain, unit status, special abilities and many more. These modifiers are totaled and the net modifier adjusts the dice being rolled. A positive net modifier will upgrade that many black dice to the more potent red dice. A negative net modifier will downgrade that many black dice to the very weak green dice. That’s it. Pretty cool system that was a bit difficult to keep straight at first but which became easier as we played and really made you think about how you were going to attack.

Turn taking in combat games can often be the most important aspect. Some games are simply I-Go-You-Go. Others use some other random method. But most games have a beginning phase, actions/activations phase, and then clean up and admin. You then move to the next round and do it all over again. Not so with Armageddon War. This game uses a chit pull activation system, which is nothing new. What is new is that there are no traditional static game rounds; only a fixed number of activations. A scenario might be 30 activations long for example. The game uses a sort of rolling activation system. Once you pull the last chit from the bag and place it on the activation track you then pull all the ones behind it on the track and put them back into the bag.

We really liked the innovations used in the Armageddon War system and are keen to see them used in other games and periods as well.

If you are interested, here is a link to Alexander’s written review of the game: https://theplayersaid.com/2018/10/10/so-mighty-an-earthquake-and-so-great-a-review-of-armageddon-war-platoon-level-combat-in-the-end-war-from-flying-pig-games/

You can also check out video review at the following link:

If you are interested in Armageddon War: Platoon Level Combat in the End War 2nd Printing, you can order a copy for $125.00 from the Flying Pig Games website at the following link: https://flyingpiggames.com/products/armageddon-war

3. Beware the Ides of March: The Liberator’s Civil War from Hollandspiele

I love a good Roman game. And especially one from the fantastic and eclectic game publishing house in Hollandspiele. The newest offering from John Theissen is called Beware the Ides of March and focuses on the Liberators’ Civil War.

From the game page, we read the following:

Beware the Ides of March is an operational hex-and-counter game cover the Liberators’ Civil War – the conflict which saw erstwhile allies Mark Antony and Octavian team-up against Brutus and Cassius. It was here that Rome’s fate was decided once and for all: would the republic be restored, or had it fallen irrevocably to despotism?

The war between the Second Triumvirate and Caesar’s assassins was decided in two battles a few weeks apart – but it didn’t need to happen that way. Designer John Theissen (Antony and Cleopatra, Campaign of Nations) presents players with an operational sandbox. It models the realities of the conflict: the logistical challenges of supplying an army in the ancient world, the uncertainty of combat, and the dangers of sea travel. You will need to be bold, but every action carries with it significant risk, and just as was the case historically, you are not protected from the consequences of failure.

Theissen’s designs are some of the most approachable and streamlined in operational gaming. Rolls on tables simulate sudden storms, external invasions, internal revolts, and the effects of plague. Together these create texture and give context to your decisions. We feel John’s games deserve a wider audience, and pursuant to that, have endeavored to make Beware the Ides of March as approachable as possible – an ideal introduction to hex-and-counter gaming at this scale and scope.

If you are interested in Beware the Ides of March, you can order a copy for $50.00 from the Hollandspiele website at the following link: https://hollandspiele.com/products/beware-the-ides-of-march

4. War of 1812: Designer’s Edition from Blue Panther/Bill Molyneaux Games

There is a need for introductory wargames in our hobby that can be used to teach the concepts of wargames to new players. Very few designers focus on this area but Bill Molyneaux is one of those as he has designed several very good introductory wargames over the years including Bloody Mohawk, Savage Wilderness and most recently Battle of Brandywine. His newest game is a compilation of some older games that are now all being put into the same box, updated and improved and called a Designer’s Edition. War of 1812 Designer’s Edition is a scenario focused wargame with over 40 scenarios.

From the game page, we read the following:

The game provides an introduction to America’s first major war after independence in an easy-to-learn manner. Experienced players of war games will find a wide variety of situations that can be played in under an hour.

The Designer’s Edition compiles the three “versions” of War of 1812 into a single collection. This updated edition includes ALL content from The Early Battles, The Later Battles, and The Andrew Jackson Battles.

If you are interested in War of 1812: Designer’s Edition, you can order a copy for $55.00 from the Blue Panther website at the following link: https://www.bluepantherllc.com/products/the-war-of-1812

5. Operation Ikarus: The Invasion of Iceland, June 1940 from High Flying Dice Games

I love lesser gamed subjects and have only played one other game on the German invasion of Iceland during WWII. It is always nice to play something unique and interesting while learning new parts of history. High Flying Dice Games does this exceptionally well as they have made their living on doing lesser (or even totally) unknow battles in their small games.

Their newest offering is called Operation Ikarus: The Invasion of Iceland, June 1940 and the game takes a look at the hypothetical planned invasion of Iceland by the Germans in 1940 to use it as a base for their submarines and Kriegsmarine fleet to harass and destroy incoming convoys to England.

From the game page, we read the following:

Following the French surrender in 1940, an invasion of Great Britain was increasingly likely. However, the severe losses sustained by Germany’s Kreigsmarine with the invasion of Norway, and Hitler’s desire to compel Great Britain to come to terms with Nazi Germany, were significant factors that made such an invasion unlikely. Seeing the increasing vulnerability of the British to blockade, Hitler ordered Admiral Erich Raeder to develop a plan to invade Iceland, dubbed Fall Icarus (Plan Ikarus). If successful, the island could serve as a base from which German submarines and aircraft could threaten any convoy approaching the British Isles. It could also serve as an advanced base for German surface warships and commerce raiders, further strengthening the German naval strangle hold. The capture of Iceland, on the heels of Dunkirk, could also bring about the fall of Winston Churchill as Prime Minister, and the rise of someone more amenable to a negotiated end to the war between Great Britain and Nazi Germany (Lord Halifax, the King’s preference for Prime Minister perhaps?). This designer has made some assumptions in crafting this game:

1. German intelligence efforts, which at this point in the war were actually superior to those currently available to the British, were able to accurately estimate the British defense works and capabilities at Iceland (which were weak in many key areas).
2. Operation Icarus is given much higher priority over the preparations for Operation Sealion, the invasion of Great Britain (the latter becomes a diversion and feint intended to keep the Royal Navy and Air Force full attention).
3. Unfinished warships such as the battleship Bismarck and aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin are used in support of Operation Ikarus and to help deceive/mislead the British.

Each turn represents six hours of time. A hex is about 6 kilometers across on the Akureyri map, about 10 kilometers on the Reykjavik map. Infantry units are battalions and tank units represent companies.

If you are interested in Operation Ikarus: The Invasion of Iceland, June 1940, you can order a copy for $22.95 from the High Flying Dice Games website at the following link: https://www.hfdgames.com/ikarus.html

6. Strategy & Tactics Magazine #346 Andrew Jackson’s Battles from Decision Games

I don’t always share wargaming magazines on this post but when they have an interesting looking game included I definitely make an exception. The upcoming edition of Strategy & Tactics Magazine #346 has an interesting looking game covering the various battles of Andrew Jackson designed by Joseph Miranda. These include battles such as Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans.

From the game page, we read the following:

Andrew Jackson’s Battles is a tactical simulation of battles on the American frontier during the early 19th century, concentrating on the two major actions (Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans) in which Andrew Jackson participated. While these battles often involved relatively small armies for the era, they proved decisive in shaping the future of the United States. Each game in the system is based on one battle of this period, with its own map, special rules and counters representing the military formations which participated in the original action. The rules model the overall effects of the weapons and tactics in an era in which regular tactics were tempered by frontier fighting, and include combat, leadership and morale.

Each hex on the map represents 50-200 yards, depending on the scenario. Each game turn represents 10 minutes to one hour. Combat units represent anything from individual companies to wings (two or more companies) and/or battalions. Each artillery unit represents two to six guns. Leaders represent a single commander plus staff.

22 x 34-inch game map, 176 5/8-inch counters.

If you are interested in Strategy & Tactics Magazine #346 Battles of Andrew Jackson, you can order a copy for $49.99 from the Decision Games website at the following link: https://shop.strategyandtacticspress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ST346

7. For the People, 4th Printing – 25th Anniversary Edition from GMT Games

For the People is one of the most respected Card Driven Games out there and happens to have been designed by my favorite designer Mark Herman. A few years ago, they announced a 25th Anniversary Edition of the game in a 4th Printing and they also are adding new art to the game. It looks so good, that I have ordered a copy and can’t wait to get it into my hands.

From the game page, we read the following:

For the People is a grand strategy game of the American Civil War covering the conflict from Texas to Pennsylvania, from the firing on Fort Sumter to the end at Appomattox Court House. You take the role of either President Lincoln or President Davis and command armies, promote and relieve generals, conduct amphibious assaults, dispatch cavalry raids, and even battle incompetency and political intrigue among members of your own cabinet.

For the People includes a deck of strategy cards for conducting campaigns and incorporating the many events and personalities of the war. The Confederate player can build ironclads, naval mines (torpedoes), submarines, conduct overseas purchases, and work towards foreign intervention. The Union player can build up his naval blockade, his ironclad fleet, fight draft riots, secure the Border States, and issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Relive the history of this exciting time when our nation was torn asunder.

4th Printing Note: The reprint will be identical to the previous printing, except that we are commissioning new map art for the game box and the game’s mounted map. Also, this printing will come in a 3″ deep box. As usual, any known errata will also be corrected.

If you are interested in For the People, 4th Printing – 25th Anniversary Edition, you can order a copy for $69.00 (if you act quickly, you might be able to get this for the P500 price of $47.00) from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-853-for-the-people-4th-printing-25th-anniversary-edition.aspx

8. For the People, 4th Printing – 25th Anniversary Edition Mounted Map and 3″ Box from GMT Games

This offering is just a blinging out of the map and a larger box for the game.

From the game page, we read the following:

Based on customer requests we are offering a package that includes both Terry Leeds’ new mounted map for For the People and a 3″ box for the game.

Here’s a look at the new map:

If you are interested in For the People, 4th Printing – 25th Anniversary Edition Mounted Map and 3″ Box, you can order a copy for $30.00 (if you act quickly, you might be able to get this for the P500 price of $21.00) from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1001-for-the-people-4th-printing-mounted-map-and-3-box.aspx

9. Here I Stand 500th Anniversary Reprint Edition, 2nd Printing from GMT Games

Here I Stand is one of the greatest Card Driven Games I have ever played, and we have played a lot in our time. I have played this game 5 times and found each experience to be simply sublime, even though it takes 10-12 hours to play.

From the game page, we read the following:

Here I Stand: Wars of the Reformation 1517-1555 is the first game in over 25 years to cover the political and religious conflicts of early 16th Century Europe. Few realize that the greatest feats of Martin Luther, Jean Calvin, Ignatius Loyola, Henry VIII, Charles V, Francis I, Suleiman the Magnificent, Ferdinand Magellan, Hernando Cortes, and Nicolaus Copernicus all fall within this narrow 40-year period of history. This game covers all the action of the period using a unique card-driven game system that models both the political and religious conflicts of the period on a single point-to-point map. There are six main powers in the game, each with a unique path to victory.

If you own the original (non-500th Anniversary edition) Here I Stand, here are the upgrades you will find in the deluxe 500th anniversary edition. Enhancements include: 6 brand new cards added to the deck, including Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Rough Wooing, and Imperial Coronation. Revisions to over 15 existing cards including Copernicus, Master of Italy, and Machiavelli to allow for more exciting in-game play and additional possibilities for diplomatic deals. A new Chateau construction table is now used to resolve France’s Patron of the Arts home card plays. Several Virgin Queen rule updates are incorporated back into Here I Stand, affecting minor power activation, piracy, space trading, and foreign wars.

There also is included the special 2-player variant which pits the Protestants versus the Catholics in a modified form of the game. But it is still good and this is how we first played the game.

Here is a look at my written review on the 2-player variant of the game: https://theplayersaid.com/2018/03/19/holy-war-for-two-in-under-3-hours-a-review-of-here-i-stand-wars-of-the-reformation-2-player-variant-from-gmt-games/

Here also are links to a series of Action Point posts on the blog that explain some of the rules revolving around the religious portion of the game:

Action Point 1 – Special starting conditions and steps for the Reformation

Action Point 2 – The Diet of Worms

Action Point 3 – Three specific available Religious Actions, including Biblical Translations, Publishing of Treatises and Calling Theological Debates

Action Point 4 – The Schmalkaldic League

If you are interested in Here I Stand: Wars of the Reformation 1517-1555 500th Anniversary Edition, 2nd Printing, you can order a copy for $95.00 (if you act quickly, you might be able to get this for the P500 price of $60.00)from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-917-here-i-stand-500th-anniversary-reprint-edition-2nd-printing.aspx

10. Washington’s War: The American Revolution, 3rd Printing from GMT Games

Washington’s War is a war game, make no mistake about that. But, it is virtually impossible to win the game by focusing only on the field of battle. For that to happen, the Patriots need to completely drive the British forces out of the 13 colonies or the British need to wipe the American forces off the map. Both are extremely difficult and I would be surprised if any more than 1 out of 30 games ended in such a way. Rather, the ultimate goal of the game is to have political control of the colonies. If at the end of the game the Patriots control 7 colonies, while holding the British to control of less than 5, they win. If not, the British win. Simple as that. So, you can see that battle is not the main goal but control is. And more importantly political control.

Washington’s War is a Card Driven Game or CDG, and as such, relies on cards to provide to players the actions needed to play the game. The cards contain OPS Points which can be used to drive various actions, including such things are activating leaders, who in turn will then move with forces to attack, and also contain written text in the form of events. These events can be played only by the side they are intended for and if drawn and played by the opposing side, they can only be thrown away while granting a few possible actions, such as placing or removing Political Control markers.

As a self professed lover of the CDG mechanic, I really like this implementation of that system and must now say that Washington’s War is solidly in my Top 5 CDG games. The fact that this game is well designed and implements the CDG mechanic well should come as no surprise though, as it’s designer, Mark Herman, is the Godfather of CDGs. This game is really solid with low complexity and a relatively quick play time, but offers players with deep and meaningful choices about how to wage the war for the “minds and hearts of the people”.

For a whole lot deeper look into this game you can read my review.

Here also is a link to our video review:

If you are interested in Washington’s War: The American Revolution, 3rd Printing, you can order a copy for $65.00 (if you act quickly, you might be able to get this for the P500 price of $45.00) from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-735-washingtons-war-3rd-printing.aspx

11. Lone Sherman: The Pacific: A Solitaire Wargame from Mike Lambo Solitaire Book Games

I am giving this system a try as I just purchased this game from Amazon. I just have to find out what all the fuss is about. I am also working on an interview with the designer Mike Lambo. But, he has created a system of simple tactical level solitaire book wargames that have done very well over the past couple years and have many devotees. The newest volume in Lone Sherman Series is Lone Sherman: The Pacific.

From the game page, we read the following:

This game is a sequel to Lone Sherman and not an expansion. It is a standalone game.

Lone Sherman: The Pacific puts you in charge of a single Sherman Tank and its crew on several Pacific Islands in World War II, and tasks you with navigating your Sherman through challenging Scenarios. Whilst this game is not a ‘narrative driven’ game as such, with a little imagination it will provide memorable stories. Some events are randomly generated, but the Player always has at least some degree of control over the level of risk they wish to take and how vulnerable they leave their Tank to these Events.

The aim of this book is to present a clear, accessible, and quick to learn game, so that players can get into the action quickly. Each of the 12 Scenarios can be played in around an hour, although sometimes a Scenario will last a much shorter time if your Tank is destroyed! Each Mission provides plenty of replayability due to the random set up of the initial forces and the many Events and decisions in the game.

If you are interested in Lone Sherman: The Pacific, you can order a copy for $18.99 from Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Sherman-Pacific-Solitaire-Wargame/dp/B0CY4WT5WH

12. Port Arthur from Nuts! Publishing

A few years ago, we played a very cool little wargame called 300: Earth and Water from Nuts! Publishing which was volume 1 in a new series called Combat Rations. That game was very good and used cards in a very interesting way where you were buying your cards prior to the turn whithout looking at them. This created a lot of tension and some press your luck elements that were really engaging. There now is a 2nd games in this series coming out called Port Arthur that takes a look at the siege of Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War in 1905.

From the game page, we read the following:

The Russo-Japanese war that took place on land and at sea at the start of the 20th century began with the Japanese invasion of Korea and their victory at the Battle of Mukden. However it was at sea that the Japanese were to deal the final blow, at the Battle of Tsushima in May 1905 in which the Russian Baltic Fleet was sent to the ocean floor.

Port Arthur is a strategy game for 2 players, with a playing time of 30-45 minutes.

Take the Japanese side with their central position and their small but powerful fleet, or play the Russians who have to prevent enemy landings while awaiting the arrival of the Baltic Fleet. In 6 turns can you succeed in controlling more zones than your opponent and win the war?

If you are interested in Port Arthur, you can order a copy for 28.00€ ($30.30 in US Dollars) from the Nuts! Publishing website at the following link: https://www.nutspublishing.com/eshop/port-arthur-en

As usual, thanks so much for reading along and sticking with me this month as I navigated through the many websites and game pages looking for new and interesting games to share. I am very excited about a lot of these games and really look forward to playing them. Please let me know if you know of a new pre-order game, Kickstarter or new release that I missed.

Finally, thanks once again to this month’s sponsor Flying Pig Games!

-Grant