The days have grown longer and hotter and we are entering the depths of summer. Usually a time when we are all outside doing other activities than wargaming with our family and friends. But, there is always something new and interesting to find out there and this month saw us find a ton of new games. In fact, in number of games, this is the largest Wargame Watch feature we have had in the past few years! This month, I was able to locate a total of a whopping 29 games to share including 5 of those being offered on Kickstarter and 2 being offered on Gamefound.
Also this month, we again have a sponsor for the Wargame Watch post in Nuts! Publishing. Nuts! Publishing is a French publishing company which was founded in 2011 that publishes a variety of games, including board games and wargames. Some of their more famous historical wargames include Phantom Fury (2011) and Urban Operations (2017). We have played several of their games and have really enjoyed 300: Earth & Water (2018), This War Without an Enemy (2020) and Saigon 75 (2023).
You have to love a company that uses one of the most interesting stories in WWII as their name when the surrounded commander of the 101st Airborne at Bastogne responded to a German order to surrender with the following:
December 22, 1944
To the German Commander,
N U T S !
The American Commander
Nuts! Publishing has plenty of games on pre-order as well as for sale including games such as Italia 1917-1918: A Farewell to Arms, Phantom Fury 2nd Edition and Urban Operations 2nd Edition. They also have most of their new releases still available for sale including Co-Ops (see below entry for more detail), FITNA, Here We Come, Nineveh!, Saigon 75 and Stalingrad Roads.
1. Imperial Borders – The Congress of Vienna from Nightingale Games Currently on Kickstarter
Put this one in the expensive, overproduced, huge, Ameritrashy wargame section of the post. Imperials Borders: The Congress of Vienna from Nightingale Games is designed by Larry Harris (he of Axis & Allies fame) and is somewhat of an alternative history game that includes a system of written orders that is really very cool as we played this system with War Room a few years ago. The game is being offered on Kickstarter and is a bit pricey but will be even more in retail if you don’t jump on the bandwagon now.
From the game page, we read the following:
Imperial Borders – The Congress of Vienna is an alternative historical board game designed by Larry Harris (designer of Axis & Allies) that lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
PREMISE – What if the Congress of Vienna failed to establish peace? 2 to 6 players control the major nations of Europe during the aftermath of war with Napoleon. Establish a dominating presence of power and wealth through clever diplomacy and strategic warfare…
THE HEART OF THE GAME – Establish a dominating presence of power and wealth through clever diplomacy and strategic warfare…Plotting, scheming, deal-making, and backstabbing are fundamental to winning the game. The timing of exactly when to make your play for domination of Europe is a most challenging dilemma.
HOW TO WIN – Each Nation’s final score is their sum of Prestige points gained gradually over the entire game and the value of all their controlled Territories and Elite Forces in the last Game Round. The highest total score wins the game.
END GAME – Starting in the 5th Game Round, the Congress of Vienna convenes. A blind vote is held as to whether to settle for peace or to continue the conflict. Each subsequent Game Round the results are weighted more heavily towards peace.
This one is very highly produced, with hundreds of plastic miniature units (including infantry, cavalry, artillery and ships of the line) and an absolutely huge and stunning looking board. This one is for sure going to become a game we play at conventions and with groups of friends. We have already backed the game and are very much looking forward to playing it!
As of July 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $338,678 toward its $200,000 funding goal with 1,172 backers. The campaign will conclude on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:59am EDT.
2. Order of the Day: Normandy from The Dietz Foundation Currently on Kickstarter
This month, I came across a pretty interesting looking little design on Kickstarter from Philip duBarry the designer who did Black Orchestra. The game is called Order of the Day: Normandy and deals with the D-Day Landings on June 6, 1944 during World War II. A fitting game and timing for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the largest amphibious assault in history. The game is marketed as an introductory level wargame that is playable by new wargamers but also those who are more experienced. As is the case with most of the games from The Dietz Foundation, the game is designed as an educational tool.
From the game page, we read the following:
Order of the Day: Normandy is designed by Philip duBarry, designer of Black Orchestra. It is a two-player game meant to take 60-90 minutes, playable by children or adults (or together!)
To get Order of the Day: Normandy through publication, the Foundation is looking to raise a total of $6,644. This will pay for the art, printing, and shipping costs. If we go past the project’s goal, it will permit us to make copies available for teachers at a lower cost (since the Dietz Foundation exists to promote education through game play).
The great thing about this game is that it does not require knowledge of the D-Day invasion to play nor does it require someone to be familiar with wargames. It was designed for those curious about D-Day and wanting to explore history in boardgames. This means it is easy to learn and easy to play.
So why another game about June 6th?
There are a lot of games covering the big events of World War II, whether that is Midway, Guadalcanal, or Stalingrad and the Battle of Britain, but there are a limited number of games that can be played by younger gamers or children against an adult on relatively even footing. Order of the Day: Normandy fits this niche. The game covers the build-up and the hide-and-seek over where the Allies intend to invade, the invasion itself, and then the Allied campaign to breakout from the beaches towards the Rhein and Nazi defeat. Players have the flexibility to try different beaches or even risk landing at multiple sites simultaneously.
As of July 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $5,046 toward its $4,400 funding goal with 93 backers. The campaign will conclude on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 6:55am EDT.
3. Clash – D-Day Special Edition from Elwin Klappe Currently on Gamefound
Do we need another D-Day game? Well, this one is definitely not your typical D-Day game. Clash – D-Day Special Edition is a lite 2-player tile laying game that is something that I don’t believe that I have ever seen nor heard of. I know that this game will not be for most of you but I added it because it just looks interesting.
From the Kickstarter page, we read the following:
Clash – D-Day Special edition is a beautiful, turn-based board game for 2 players, that is set during the longest day in history, D-Day. Take control of the Allies and Axis forces and get ready to conquer the necessary beachheads. Outwit your enemy, make tactical decisions and think ahead. Prepare, get on board and take action in the greatest seaborne invasion that changed history!
Clash – D-Day is very easy to learn, and there is no need for historical knowledge. This is not a heavy war game, and it’s a great game to play with your partner on any evening, accompanied by a good glass of beer or wine. Clash – D-Day is based on the popular board game Clash of the Ardennes (which scores a stunning ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐ 4.2 / 5 stars out of 60+ reviews and has sold over 3,000 times!) and is a stand-alone version of the game. This Special D-Day 80th Commemoration Edition will be unique, exclusive and printed ONCE and will hold special items only made for this Gamefound campaign. Don’t miss out!
As of July 1st, the Gamefound campaign has raised €34,805 ($37,392 US Dollars) toward its €9,000 ($9,660 US Dollars) funding goal with 425 backers. The campaign will conclude on July 3, 2024 at 5:00pm EDT.
4. Aces & Armor from PKB Games Currently on Kickstarter
A few years ago, I came across a very cool looking World War I game highlighted on the No Enemies Here: Wargaming News show on YouTube produced by our friend Dan Pancaldi called Trench Club. That game was successfully funded on Kickstarter and now the company is bringing a new World War II game in the system to crowdfunding called Aces & Armor.
From the game page, we read the following:
Take the role of a general (United States, Russia or Germany) in this complex (but easy to learn) strategy game. In addition to attack strength and armor of your troops, their tactical setup, combat experience, damage and terrain have a decisive influence on the outcome of the battle. Since each unit brings its own strengths, you must cleverly assemble your army to win the victory over your opponents. Aces & Armor is designed as a 1-4 Player game offering both cooperative, competitive and solo play mode.
The game is a complex strategy game, yet is very easy and intuitive to learn the rules. The game uses detailed miniatures with many different unit types and has high re-playability due to the variable start setup. Their is a complex combat system that depends on type of unit, combat damage, experience, strategic formation, terrain and armor (known from highly rated game Trench Club).
I think that my favorite part of the system is the way that units are treated with their experience as they can actually improve in their performance in combat over time. There are two poles (for lack of a better word) on each of the minis with one being used to track damage taken during combat and the other to track experience gained. The game also has factory sites on the board that can be captured and then used to setup production facilities in later turns to churn out more units. This is a very interesting concept and I like how it works.
As of July 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $70,158 toward its $10,738 funding goal with 771 backers. The campaign will conclude on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 4:00pm EDT.
5. Boots on the Ground Deluxe from Worthington Publishing Currently on Kickstarter
Recently, Worthington Publishing released a game on Kickstarter that is getting a Deluxe Edition treatment that looks really interesting. Originally released in 2010, Boots on the Ground Deluxe is a 1-3-player game based on modern urban warfare, which is playable in 30 to 60 minutes and has multiple scenarios to choose from.
From the game page, we read the following:
The world has changed since World War II. Small battles and civil wars flare up around the world. As one of the dominant super powers, the United States and its allies have the premier armies and equipment, responding to events across the globe. Terrorist organizations and groups wage a new type of warfare of kidnapping, bombings, and destruction. Your team of specialist are ready at a moments notice to respond, to get to the site as quickly as possible and get Boots on the Ground.
Boots on the Ground puts you in the middle of the action. Start your mission as the Team leader of an elite group of operators. Your team consists of a Demo expert, Heavy Weapons Expert, Medic, Scout, Sniper and you – the Leader.
Originally released in 2010 with a paper map, 1 sheet of counters, and cardstock cards…this game was great, but we knew it could be even better with our top-notch components.
Now in 2024 we are proud to re-release it totally revamped with an all new hard mounted gameboard, updated box art, updated rules, new mission options, two sheets of rounded counters (with new counters), and updated poker style cards with all new art.
Game can be played Solo, Co-Operative, Two-Player Head-to-Head, and Three Player. Use cards to dictate the insurgents reactions and how the danger on the ground changes at a moments notice.
This one looks pretty interesting and as I was looking into it people really had good things to say about the system and how it plays but were a bit dissatisfied with the components and the rules clarity. It looks like Worthington is addressing these concerns in this Deluxe Edition.
As of July 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $21,498 toward its $1,000 funding goal with 282 backers. The campaign will conclude on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 4:00pm EDT.
6. 1920: Nest of Eagles from PHALANX
I love a good and unique theme and setting for a wargame and this month I came across a pre-order from PHALANX that has somehow evaded me until now. 1920: Nest of Eagles looks pretty interesting as the game focuses on the Soviets and their attempt to conquer the European continent but encounter stiff resistance from Polish forces.
From the game page, we read the following:
1920: Nest of Eagles is a two-player, intermediate complexity, hex and counter strategic-level simulation of the first Soviet attempt to conquer Europe. Soviet and Polish forces engulf each other in swift campaigns, fighting on a large area stretching from Kiev and Smolensk in the East to Warsaw and Cracow in the West. Will the Red Army prevail and bring happiness and peace to the German and French working classes or will the Poles pull off a magnificent victory one can only describe as a ‘miracle’? It only needs two players to find out an answer to this question in this exciting 2-hour wargame. Players can learn the game via four short scenarios, being gradually introduced to the game mechanics and quickly able to grasp the accurate concept of lines of control, surprising rail transfers, and morale advantages and understand the strategic ramifications of the theater of war. Further rules cover revolutionary mobilization organized by the hated Soviet political police the Cheka, the torn loyalties of the Ukrainians, fighting on both sides of the front and the formation of the Polish Volunteer Army. A plethora of formations and units appear in the game: the Latvian Rifles, the dreaded Budyenny’s Horse Army, counter-revolutionary Russian, Belorussian and Cossack troops, various Polish formations including the Siberian Brigade, support units such as tanks, flotillas, armored cars and above all armored trains, which were extensively used in the campaign.
Any time you are talking about armored trains and Cossacks, as well as the Interwar Period between the end of World War I and the start of World War II, you can sign me up.
7. Battle Commander Volume I: Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns from Sound of Drums Coming to Gamefound July 20th
I have been following this project for several months now and just really like the way the game looks to be laid out and executed. Another tactical Napoleonics game sounds like something that I am very much in need of (see the above entry for the massive Ameritrash Napoleonics game) and am hotly anticipating this title.
From the game page, we read the following:
Battle Commander intends to recreate historical 18th-19th century battles. It features a fresh framework focused on providing two key aspects: command decision and maximum playability.
In Volume I, you act as Army Commander in a series of six dramatic Battles fought during Napoleon’s two Italian campaigns. Volume II will cover engagements of the Second and Third Coalitions, including Austerlitz and the Battle of the Pyramids.
In Battle Commander, you struggle against the chaos of battle, making meaningful high-level decisions, not micro-managing your troops: that’s your colonels’ job! Good card play is paramount for Battle success, but make no mistake: this is not a card-driven, but a card enhanced game.
Cube-pull activation is used to manage game phases (movement, combat, rally, card draws etc.), and cards for the interactive combat system and events, allowing for a myriad of possibilities and solitaire-friendly gaming. No dice, no complex odds counting, no markers, no play downtimes, no sure thing!
A persona card represents each Commander, his specific abilities and your Army’s resources; the all-important Subordinate Leaders are integrated in an innovative multi-role card system.
Morale and troop skill are a core mechanic: demoralizing the enemy goes a long way towards winning the fight, with Armies slowly degrading in performance, until the breaking point! Casualties are managed effortlessly, and a correct “Battlefield Look” maintained at all times. With a game piece count similar to Chess, you’ll be able to assess your going in one quick “coup d’oeuil”.
This one looks to be interesting! And Carl Paradis is a very good designer as we have played lots of his No Retreat! Series games and enjoyed them. Also, if you follow the campaign early, you can get a free gift of a special Initiative piece in the shape of the Emperor himself!
The campaign is anticipated to kickoff as of July 20th but could be delayed a bit. We are working on an interview with designer Carl Paradis and it will be up on the blog near the campaign start.
8. CO-OPS from Nuts! Publishing
One of the things that I do like about Nuts! Publishing is that they take on interesting projects but also foster new and emerging designers and their games. Take for example, Saigon 75 from 2023. The designer Pascal Toupy had dome some smaller magazine style games previously but they gave him a shot with his first big game and it was very good. They have done this with several other games including Co-Ops and Here We Come, Nineveh! and I truly appreciate this approach.
Co-Ops is a very interesting looking game and they have an English version on pre-order.
From the game page, we read the following:
CO-OPS was imagined by three graduates of the special military school of Saint-Cyr (General Saint-Hillier Class, 2015-2018). Designed as part of the simulation courses to provide a training tool for future section leaders, the game emphasizes cooperation between players against an enemy played by the game itself. Each player takes the lead of an infantry platoon, a tank platoon or a helicopter squadron of the French Army and you will all need to cooperate to win the battle against armed terrorist groups; close coordination between the different arms is the key to victory.
CO-OPS is based on simple mechanisms that can be explained in a few minutes, the depth of the game lies in the interactions between players. All players will have to get along and coordinate to conduct a complex joint operation, first to overcome the inevitable friction of battle and penetrate the fog of war… and then to triumph over the enemy.
Start by choosing one of the 10 scenarios, which can be played alone or as part of the campaigns, but you may as well invent one from scratch thanks to the wide variety of units provided in the game box and the modular terrain tiles that allow you to compose an infinite number of geographical situations. Then, each player chooses the section they will command (infantry, cavalry, helicopters) and composes it at their convenience, thanks to a very simple budget system. Time for action, now!
Every turn (about 15 minutes of real time), enemy units leave their bases and move automatically, via the squares of the game board (about 100 meters of real terrain), towards their objectives… or towards your closest units. When combat occurs, and it will, several parameters determine the chances of success for each side: detection capacity, weapon range, firepower, ability to take fire and of course the nature of the terrain. A simple dice roll determines the outcome of the battle, with fortune often smiling to the player who has given themselves the best chances. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and by smartly combining them, you can increase the former while reducing the latter. The battle lasts for a long time, as a scenario can last up to 15 turns. Also, each player will have to regularly resupply their units, reinforce them to make up for losses, while keeping an eye on their morale level.
They currently have the French language version available for purchase and the website mentions that the English language version will be available in Autumn 2024.
9. SICILIA 1943 – Operation HUSKY from Dissimula Edizioni
A few years ago, Sergio Schiavi broke onto the scene with his new company called Dissimula Edizioni with their first Kickstarter called Radetsky’s March: The Hundred Hours Campaign and that game was then followed a few years later by From Salerno to Rome: World War II – The Italian Campaign, 1943-1944 and their third game called Give Us Victories: The Chancellorsville Campaign. Now, they have offered up for pre-order a very interesting looking operational scale wargame on the battle for Sicily during World War II called SICILIA 1943 – Operation HUSKY. The first thing that I saw with the game was its gorgeous map and it had my interest and attention immediately.
From the game page, we read the following:
Even before the surrender of the last Axis troops in Tunisia, the Allied governments had reached the controversial decision to invade Sicily as the next phase, to take the first step on the continent.
The amphibious invasion of Sicily, code-named “Operation Husky,” with a force of 3,000 ships, more than 3,000 aircraft, and 100,000 men landing on the first day was the largest amphibious operation of World War II. After 38 days of hard fighting, the Allied forces, composed of the 7th US Army and the 8th British Army, entered Messina, completing the conquest of the island.
SICILIA 1943 – Operation HUSKY reconstructs this important campaign, on a large map (… to maintain the right amount of simplicity and effectiveness. Game turns represent one day.
The system involves a very intense interaction between players, and is based on the uncertain moment of activation of their Formations, and on the type of operations they will be able to carry out following the directives received at the beginning of the turn.
The rugged terrain of much of Sicily affects operations throughout the game, from the logistical importance of the road network to the possibility of using armored vehicles, lethal in open terrain, but vulnerable on narrow mountain roads.
Air forces (of both sides) and naval forces (Allied only) can be very important… if activated at the right time.
The game includes two challenging campaign games, one historical and one hypothetical, and numerous minor scenarios that concern some individual phases of the campaign, such as landings and counterattacks, the battles of Primosole and Troina, and others.
I think that one of Sergio’s real talents is his graphic design abilities, both with wargame maps and counters. His attention to detail is just phenomenal and every game of his that we have played has just been beautiful on the table. I will be reaching out to Sergio and the designer Andrea Brusati soon for an interview to get some more information on the game.
If you are interested in SICILIA 1943 – Operation HUSKY, you can pre-order a copy for 65.00 € ($69.78 US Dollars) from the Dissimula Edizioni website at the following link: https://www.dsimula.com/sicily-eng
10. Men of Iron Volume VI: Purgatorio: Battles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines from GMT Games
There are some systems that are just very playable. They are well designed, cover an interesting historical period or happening and have very interesting mechanics to boot. Such a series is the Men or Iron Series designed by Richard Berg. We played the new Tri-Pack in 2020 and really enjoyed the system. It was just really playable and ultimately created some great narratives. Since that time, we got a copy of Volume V Norman Conquests but have yet to play it (I am actually clipping the counters right now). This new volume is set in Italy and looks to be really good!
From the game page, we read the following:
The struggle between monarchs in Europe, particularly between the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope, would spawn well over a hundred years of conflict in Italy. The Investiture Controversy caused a split between the Italian city states and even the people within the city states. Guelph was the name given to those who supported the Papacy—while the Ghibellines were the supporters of the Holy Roman Empire. Guelph cities tended to be farther away from the Papal States and closer to the Holy Roman Empire, and Ghibelline cities tended to be farther away from the Holy Roman Empire and closer to the Pope’s temporal power.
Battles raged across Italy from the mid-1100’s to the mid-1300’s with both sides ending up on top at one time or another. This sixth Men of Iron game (Men of Iron Volume VI: Purgatorio: Battles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines) covers some of those battles: beginning with Frederick Barbarossa trying to recapture rebelling provinces in Italy in the late 12th century, taking a spin through the 13th century with a few battles that spelled the end of direct Hohenstaufen rule of Italy, and ending with a war that myth says was fought over the theft of a bucket from one city by another!
The battles include: Legnano 29 May 1176 – Frederick Barbarossa fights the Lombard League for control of northern Italy.
Cortenuova 27 November 1237 – Frederick II, grandson of Barbarossa, tangles with the second Lombard League for control of northern Italy.
Montaperti 4 September 1260 – Florence and Sienna fight one of the bloodiest battles in medieval Italy—as seen on TV, or in GMT’s Inferno!
Benvento 26 February 1266 – Manfred, King of Sicily, dies in battle in southern Italy against Charles I, King of France, earning Charles I the title King of Sicily.
Tagliacozzo 23 August 1268 – Conradin III, King of Jerusalem, is captured and executed after a battle in southern Italy against Charles I, King of France and Sicily.
Campaldino 11 June 1289 – Florence and Arezzo fight in northern Italy. Famous Italian poet Dante Alighieri fought in the battle. Later, his brand of Guelph would lose power in Florence, and he would be forced into exile.
Zappolino 15 November 1325 – Modena and Bologna fight, not over an oaken bucket stolen from a well, but over a long standing feud replete with raids and reprisal that had occurred almost a century.
11. Flying Colors Volume V: Thunder on the Baltic: Scandinavian Wars at Sea, 1676-1814 from GMT Games
If you follow us, you know of our affinity for a good naval wargame. We have not played many but the ones we have played have been really great including games such as Atlantic Chase from GMT Games and Captain’s Sea from Legion Wargames. There is something grand about naval combat for sure! This month, there is a new addition to the well respected and long lived Flying Color Series with Volume V, which is a game set in the Baltic Sea covering the period from 1676-1814 called Thunder on the Baltic: Scandinavian Wars at Sea.
From the game page, we read the following:
The Baltic Sea had always provided a vital outlet for trade and communication between the various countries along its shores. Sweden emerged as a major power in the middle of the 17th century, with important strategic holdings along the northern, southern, and eastern shores of the Baltic. Securing its new empire from its long-term and bitter rival Denmark-Norway, which controlled, and heavily taxed, the only entry and exit passages to the Baltic through the Sound and the two Belts, lead to near continuous conflict between the two Kingdoms. But as the Northern European powers (both Scandinavian and Atlantic—particularly the English and the Dutch) began to embrace naval policies of large standing fleets in the 17th century, their eyes turned to the Baltic and the abundance of natural resources in the region that were so important to shipbuilding to maintain naval strength. Control of the Baltic, or at least ensuring the free trade of these products, became a matter of vital national interest, and “Dominium Maris Baltici” became an often-expressed national goal.
Thunder on the Baltic: Scandinavian Wars at Sea, 1676-1814 is the fifth volume in the Flying ColorsSeries of games on naval combat. It focuses on the rivalry between the two great Baltic Sea powers, the Kingdoms of Denmark-Norway and Sweden, specifically during the Scanian War (1675-1679) and the Great Northern War (1700-1721). Also included is a module of scenarios depicting the so-called “Gunboat War” between Great Britain and Denmark during the Napoleonic Wars (1807-1814). Like its predecessors, this volume is completely independent of—but fully compatible with—the other volumes in the series. Nothing else is needed to play! This volume comes with an updated and expanded rulebook that adds details specific to the navies included herein—particularly, the introduction rules for the antiquated (compared to the Napoleonic period) rigging and ship design of 17th century men-o-war, fireships, bomb vessels, and special rules for Danish gunboats.
There are 18 scenarios depicting battles between the fleets of Denmark against Sweden and the British Royal Navy against the Danes and Norwegians. Each battle is fought by two players (or two teams of players) across one or several conjoined maps depicting shallows and shoals with individually named vessels that have been specifically rated for their abilities in combat. Players activate these ships through the command abilities of individually rated admirals present at each battle. Players may also easily create their own scenarios with “design your own” rules and even pit these fleets against those from other volumes in the Flying Colors series. The command system provides an excellent solitaire experience as well.
Can you, as the commander of the Swedish fleet, maintain control of the crucial sea lines of communication and supply to your Baltic holdings? Or, as the commander of the Danish fleet, retain control of the Sound and ensure the security of the Capital city of Copenhagen? Now you can find out in Thunder on the Baltic!
Both Alexander and I enjoy games that have player interaction and negotiation. We also enjoy historically themed board games that attempt to replicate the political process. Prime Minister came out in mid 2023 and we were very much looking forward to it. We actually had an opportunity to play the game 4-player in early February but it just didn’t hit home with us. We admittedly chose to play the shorter tournament scenario hoping to get a feel for the game and its flow but it just wasn’t all that compelling to us. Please tell me what is great about this one because I am willing and interested in giving it another try. With that being said, the game has done well and it was put back onto the P500 for a 2nd Printing.
From the game page, we read the following:
In Prime Minister, 1 to 4 players take on the roles of talented politicians vying for power and prestige in Victorian-era Britain.
At the beginning of the game, each player draws a politician card representing one of the ten historical Prime Ministers who served during Queen Victoria’s reign. Each card features unique abilities that you’ll retain throughout the game. You’ll also have one of three exchangeable player mats for your Politician’s current role: Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, or Backbencher. While always keeping one eye on the upcoming election, players select and debate bills, pursue official appointments, recruit support by hobnobbing with influential Victorians, garner favor with the Queen, and, when the time is right, challenge other players for their leadership roles and seize their player mats. Politician roles and party control of government shift throughout the game, and you’ll rack up victory points as you secure personal and political achievements. Win the game by becoming the first to reach 100 victory points while holding the Prime Minister’s role.
I really enjoy a game that focuses on history and makes an interesting and interactive experience. I am not saying that this game reminds me of it, but Churchill is one of my all time favorites of these type of games. I am hoping we can revisit this one and have a better experience with the game.
I own the Deluxe Edition of this one, which was released in 2018 and it is a beautiful monster with around 6 full counter sheets and 6 double sided maps with 19 scenarios. There is a lot of game here! I have only played the game on Vassal though with a few of the scenarios and have really enjoyed it. I must admit that this one is very deep and there are a lots of rules and exceptions based on the different units that are included in each scenario. I do feel that the rules could use some work but that concern does not sway me away from saying this system and the game itself are fantastic!
The game system really emphasizes the important role of command on the ancients battlefield. Leaders are the most important counters in the game and consequently without leader’s order, the player will find that their very powerful and important phalanx and legions will not be able to take any actions, even moving closer to the enemy.
One of my favorite rules from the game is the all important initiative. When in battle, the player will hold the initiative if you force your opponent to act first and can react on every move. Also, leaders are activated in their initiative rating order from lowest to highest. Leaders can issue individual orders up to their initiative rating to the units in command radius, or if specifically called for in the scenario, activate a whole line of units. Leader may also gain momentum, trying to take turn after the turn if passing their initiative checks. The game is really very playable, with some exceptions for rules that just are not as clear as they need to be, but this system takes into account what was most important on the battlefields of the ancient world.
From the game page, we read the following:
We are proud to bring SPQR back in print in a new and expanded 5th Edition. This edition will not only include the scenarios from the Barbarian module but also the six scenarios of The Hammer of God module published in C3i magazine and an updated version of the Battle of Pydna originally published in the SPQR Player’s Guide. Perhaps the most significant change to the original SPQR and Scenario Pack scenarios is the inclusion of the setups to play with the Simple GBoH 2nd Edition rules!
The game will feature a new edition of the rulebook incorporating all known errata and numerous clarifications based on player feedback. Known errata on the Player Aid cards have been addressed. The Game Turn Track Display will be replaced by a Rout Point Tracking card (which includes a Game Turn Track) in the same style as that in Great Battles of Julius Caesar. There are no changes to the maps. Minor errata on a few of the counters will be addressed and the counters associated with the early C3i Marathon scenario will be replaced with counters for the Pydna scenario along with additional counters to eliminate several counter substitutions.
Due to the increased content, the most significant change to the components is a restructuring of the previous edition’s three scenario/module books into three scenario books arranged chronologically.
I will play SPQR at anytime and I know that there are other games out there that have a better following but for me Herman and Berg were a magnificent team to create these very interesting and unique scenarios.
14. SPQR Deluxe 5th Edition Update Kit from GMT Games
If you already own SPQR (and let me tell you that you should and we will need to talk later), and feel that you are going to miss out with these improvements, then never fear! GMT Games has you covered with their SPQR Deluxe 5th Edition Update Kit.
From the game page, we read the following:
The SPQR Deluxe 5th Edition Update Kit allows owners of the 2008 and 2018 printings of SPQR Deluxe Edition to use the maps and counters from those games with the new content (see the SPQR Deluxe 5th Edition P500 listing for details).
Components:
One Rulebook
Three Chronological Scenario Books (The Rise of Rome, The 2nd Punic War, and Rome and the Successors)
15. Guadalcanal: The Battle for Henderson Field, Oct 23-26 1942 from Dan Verssen Games Coming to Kickstarter Late July
The Valiant Defense Series designed by David Thompson has been one of my favorite solitaire wargame series of the past nearly 8 years. Each of the volumes in the game address very specific situations and always have a very interesting take with fun mechanics, great art and fantastic production. The torch for the series though appears to be passing to a new designer in Vincent Cooper. He has been working on Guadalcanal: The Battle for Henderson Field, Oct 23-26 1942 for the past few years and it is finally ready to go do crowdfunding on July 30th.
We don’t have a lot of specific details on the game at this point but I was able to find the following summary of the game and its design process on Facebook from the Dan Verssen Games site:
We will go live with the KS on 30 July, 2024. There will be regular updates and I will upload both the Rulebook and Player Aid for you all to take a look at before the KS commences.
This all started about 3 1/2 years ago when I first played Pavlov’s House. I say played. I ‘played’ the game for about 10 minutes…and then I sat there in stunned disbelief at how a game could be sooooo good!!!!
By the time I finished there were two very clear ideas for games fully formed. I contacted DVG to see if there was any interest and they put me in touch with David Thompson. I didn’t hold much hope. There was no reason for him to trust his IP to me, a person he didn’t know.
But I gave it a try and David, it turns out, is one of the nicest people you can ever come into contact with. After some back and forth, the idea for Guadalcanal – The Battle for Henderson Field was born (not, in fact, one of the original ideas, but we’ll see what the future holds for them…).
The game has been through various stages of development and now stands ready to KS!! I will be giving more details in the future about the various variant play options, but have no fear: This will keep you scratching your head looking for the right decision for MONTHS!!
Art by the supremely talented Nils Johansson
Thank you to all the play testers, and in particular Glenn Saunders, Shane Freshwater and Martin Fenwick Charlesworth Much more to come from out design team in the near future!!!
I am also working on an interview with Vincent and hope to have that all ready to go in the week leading up to the Kickstarter launch. I don’t have access to a Kickstarter preview page at this point, but will edit this post as soon as it becomes public.
New Release
1. Air & Armor: Würzburg, Operational Armored Warfare in Europe, Designer Signature Edition from Compass Games
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: Würzburg, 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:Würzburg 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.
2. Battles of Kursk: A Solitaire Wargame from Mike Lambo Solitaire Book Games
A few months ago, I purchased my first Mike Lambo solitaire book wargame called Lone Sherman: The Pacific. I did this because I just had to find out what all the fuss is about. 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. I had aa blast with Lone Sherman: The Pacific and played it about 10 times in the space of a few days. I had such a good time with it and enjoyed the game and what it was trying to do that I have also went ahead and bought the next volume in the series called Battles of Kursk, which is currently available on Amazon. I think that my favorite thing about the series, other than it is lite and fun, is that the games play quickly and are always different each time you play.
From the game page, we read the following:
The Battle of Kursk started on 4th July 1943 around the city of Kursk in western Russia. German forces made initial advances in an attempt to control key areas before the main offensive, called Operation Citadel. The Germans planned to attack from the north and south simultaneously, in an attempt to pinch off the Kursk salient. After the German offensive stalled, the Soviets launched a counteroffensive on 12 July 1943: Operation Kutuzov. By August 1943, their second counteroffensive, Operation Polkovodets Rumyantsev, was launched. The Soviets built a formidable defense, causing the Germans to delay whilst they built up their forces. In the end, Hitler diverted his forces to central Europe following the invasion of Sicily by the Allies. The Germans were unable to launch another strategic offensive on the Eastern front for the remainder of the war.
In Battles of Kursk, you will be commanding a range of Soviet units in order to achieve a variety of Objectives in small scale skirmishes as part of the main Battle of Kursk.
As with all my “Battles” games, the aim here was to produce a fairly traditional hex and counter wargame experience with clear and straightforward rules and a manageable “opponent” which will not take up too much time or effort to operate, but which will give the player a formidable challenge.
The book contains the rules and charts, 12 battles with full color maps and suggested counters (to be cut out and mounted on card).
If you are interested in Battles of Kursk: A Solitaire Wargame, you can order a copy for $19.99 from Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5TWBQL2
3. The English Civil War Series, Volume IV:Boldness and Courage Unto Them: The Battle of Marston Moor, July 2, 1644 from High Flying Dice Games
I love lesser gamed subjects. 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 The English Civil War Series is such a series and looks really interesting as well as has some sharp graphics all in a small affordable package. The newest entry in the series is called Boldness and Courage Unto Them: The Battle of Marston Moor fought on July 2, 1644.
From the game page, we read the following:
Boldness and Courage Unto Them is volume 4 in a series of games by Roberto Chiavini on famous battles of the English Civil War. The English Civil War is a series of low complexity games covering the period from 1642 to 1650. During the day, both sides gathered their full strength on Marston Moor, an expanse of wild meadow west of York. During evening, the Covenanters and Parliamentarians themselves launched a surprise attack. After a confused fight lasting two hours, Parliamentarian cavalry under Oliver Cromwell routed the Royalist cavalry from the field and, with Leven’s infantry, annihilated the remaining Royalist infantry. After their defeat, the Royalists effectively abandoned Northern England, losing much of the manpower from the northern counties of England and also losing access to the European continent through the ports of the North Sea coast.
If you are interested in The English Civil War Series, Volume IV:Boldness and Courage Unto Them: The Battle of Marston Moor, July 2, 1644, you can order a copy for $18.95 from the High Flying Dice Games website at the following link: https://www.hfdgames.com/ecw4.html
4. Close The Atlantic – World War Three from Michael Raymond on Wargame Vault
I have recently gotten into more Print n Play wargames. I was initially a bit concerned about the arts and craft time that would be necessary to print out, cut out, mount and prepare the game to play. I just don’t have a lot of extra time and would rather be playing games than preparing them for play. I saw a new title on Wargame Vault recently called Close the Atlantic – World War Three designed by Michael Raymond that takes a look at convoy operations in a future World War III. The game is a Print n Play so this will not be for everyone but I did purchase it and have assembled the game for play. I hope to get it to the table this month.
From the game page, we read the following:
This is a game of modern naval combat; the focus is mainly on Convoy operations. Additional scenarios introduce rules for battle in the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. Ground battle is abstracted, although air and missile strikes against the front lines are introduced in the third scenario.
The three scenarios can be combined to depict a full WW3 war all across Europe.
Map and counters are included in the rules book. Die-cut counters and full sized map are available. Contact the publisher for details.
The time-frame of the game is NOW, 21st Century, beginning in April to September, as decided by a D6 die roll. October brings increased chances of hurricanes which will seriously hamper operations. Turns are weekly, beginning with the first week of the month decided by the die roll.
The game abstracts the technical details for various equipment types. Counters represent 1 unit (like a submarine) or many (up to 100 aircraft) or a group of ships. Numeric counters are provided to slip under counters to indicate the count during engagements. For instance, a count of missiles fired.
You can also read about how to obtain professionally printed counters and game board on the site as well from Camelot Games.
5. Raider Drop Zone: A Game of MAN versus ALIEN and THE INVASION of PLANET KRAKEN from Keith Tracton Printed by Blue Panther
In July 2019, in the “Before Times”, I had the pleasure of meeting Keith Tracton at the World Boardgaming Championships in Pennsylvania. He was showing off his new game at the time World At War 85: Storming the Gap and it was a thing of beauty! Since that time, we have seen Keith design a follow up effort to World at War 85 in the Blood and FuryExpansion and recently I caught wind that he was working on a Sci-Fi wargame with Blue Panther called Raider Drop Zone. And it looks really good and is a hex and counter wargame!
From the game page, we read the following:
RDZ – Raider Drop Zone is a two-player game of company, regimental and divisional combat action between the elite Terran Fleet Raider Forces and the dreaded alien Kraken. The game is set in the science-fiction universe of “Firepower Pass” (TM).
As a Terran Fleet Raider commander, you will drop your Raider companies using drop capsules. With the help of the Terran Fleet’s planetary assault landing boats, you can station your supporting Medium Armor platoons, Combat Engineer platoons, and the sophisticated “Tunnel Detector” Ground Sonar sections. Coordinate your forces to root out and destroy the subterranean Kraken defenders.
As the Kraken Supreme Neuro-Director (The “Only Mind”), you will secretly coordinate your alien forces. These swarms include the “Dragoon” soldiers, the “Storm Armor” Heavy Weapon Vehicles, and the unarmed, but seemingly numberless Drone Legion mega-swarms, which will help defend your home world. By alternating between the Kraken’s surprise surface raids and juggernaut assaults, you might be able to annihilate the soft-skinned invaders, or at the very least, inflict enough casualties to force them to withdraw…
I know that Keith’s inspiration came from the original 1977 Avalon Hill game Starship Troopers designed by Robert Heinlein! In the back of the rules for that game is a photo/art montage and one of the items was a Mobile Infantry drop grid governing a much larger combat drop of Mobile infantry than the game portrayed. Keith decided he wanted to make a game based on that grid and scale. And here you have it!
If you are interested in Raider Drop Zone: A Game of MAN versus ALIEN and THE INVASION of PLANET KRAKEN, you can order a copy for $90.00 from the Blue Panther website at the following link: https://www.bluepantherllc.com/products/raiderdropzone
6. Greek Tragedy: The Greek Civil War, 1944-1949 from Blue Panther
I love a good game about a lesser gamed subject. You all know that by now. But a lesser gamed subject that looks really interesting and also uses from very non-traditional mechanics and cards is always up my alley. Such is the case with the new Greek Tragedy: The Greek Civil War, 1944-1949 from Blue Panther.
The game is somewhat of a card driven team focused game that sees players fighting for control of areas as they rebuild the infrastructure and political environment after the conclusion of World War II in the Balkans.
From the game page, we read the following:
Greek Tragedy is a tactical multiplayer war game set shortly after World War II. Designed by Patrick Stevens, the game invites players to manage their resources during the civil unrest of the Greek nation.
Near the end of the Second World War Greece became one of the first battlefields between the superpowers who were wrestling for ideological domination. Greece was in the midst of a civil war between anti-fascist and communist fighters and a Government army supported by a coalition of right wing and centrist forces. First under English influence and support but by 1947 the Truman Doctrine provided American aid to Greece to help contain communism. With the formation of the United Nations, this was its first major test under fire in a crucible of international diplomatic challenges
Greek Tragedy recreates this conflict in a strategy game form, leading players to compete against their ideological counterparts not only for military positioning, but for rebuilding the devastated country, political dominance and basic humanitarian aid. Players must be concerned about the position of their forces on the board, but the composition of a player’s hand will affect their success in combat more often than not. Plays with up to four players split into two teams. Players start with an equal valued 38 card deck that results in the use of your cards being more important than the luck of the draw. Victorious diceless combat is rewarded with bonus cards leading to more tactical abilities. Will you be able to thrive in these times of Greek Tragedy?
Greek Tragedy is a game for 2 or 4 players. Players assume the role of the Monarchists EDES (National Republican Greek League) and Org X (Known as Chites) or Communists ELAS (The Greek People’s Liberation Army) and EAM (The National Liberation Front). It is for ages 14+ and plays in 90-120 minutes.
I am very much interested in this one and am also working on an interview with the game’s designer Patrick Stevens.
7. The Battle of Wyse Fork/The Second Battle of Kinston from Bill Molyneaux Games
There is always a need for introductory wargames in our hobby that can be used to teach the concepts of wargames to new players or that can be played fairly quickly as a change of pace. Very few designers focus on this area but Bill Molyneaux is one of those as he has designed several introductory wargames over the years including Bloody Mohawk, Savage Wilderness and Horns of the Buffalo. He now has partnered with a new designer Kim Meints to create a game on the American Civil War battle of Wyse Fork in North Carolina in 1865.
From the game page, we read the following:
The battle began near Kinston, as the vanguard of Major General Jacob D. Cox’s 13,000-man force originating from New Bern approached the Confederate defensive line along the Southwest Creek. Cox’s orders were to ensure that the Atlantic & N.C. Railroad operated from the port at Morehead City to the key rail center at Goldsboro, where Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman sought to resupply his formations before continuing the march toward Virginia. Operating on faulty intelligence, Cox was unaware that Confederate General Braxton Bragg had concentrated a force of almost 10,000 in the area to either defeat or turn back his advance. And so, the battle began…
The Battle of Wyse Fork offers a historically authentic experience for both new and returning players. One player takes the role of Union General Cox, tasked with seizing an important rail supply point. Confederate General Bragg is trying to prevent Cox from reaching his goal and delaying the Union advance.
Outflank your foes by using the different terrain hexes to your advantage. If you are the Confederate player, deploy the CSS Neuse into battle. With only 15 turns to play, the average game can be enjoyed in under two hours. The game also has optional rules for players looking for extra depth.
If you are interested in The Battle of Wyse Fork/The Second Battle of Kinston from Bill Molyneaux Games, you can order a copy for $45.00 from the Blue Panther LLC website at the following link: https://www.bluepantherllc.com/products/wysefork
8. Battle of Vienna from The Historical Game Company
We have played a few of the games from The Historical Game Company from designer Steve Kling and they are designed as nice little introductory wargames with low counter density, great looking maps and easy to learn and understand rules. We described them as games you could play with your dad over a holiday or be used to introduce a friend to wargaming. These games are also print on demand and are printed and shipped by Blue Panther LLC once you buy them. They will take about 10 days to get to you.
One of their newest releases includes an interesting subject on the Battle of Vienna during 1683.
From the game page, we read the following:
Battle of Vienna in 1683 saw the Ottoman Turks leading an enormous army north to add Austria to its empire with its capital of Vienna, which controls the rich Danube River trade. The defenders have valiantly held out and are close to collapse. But, a joint Polish, Austrian, and German relief army is on the way. The Turks are prepared to crush these fools who dare challenge them.
The game takes about 90 minutes to play. One player commands the Allied forces of Austrian, German, and Polish troops, and the other player commands the Turkish forces besieging Vienna. Cards vary game play.
9. Battle of Isly from The Historical Game Company
The 2nd new game being offered this month from The Historical Game Company through their printing partner Blue Panther LLC deals with the Battle of Isly, which sees a French force led by Marshal Bugeaud’s and the campaign against the Moroccans and attempt to capture Abd el Kader in 1844.
From the game page, we read the following:
1844. The Moroccan Sultan has given refuge to Abdel Kader, the charasmatic leader of a revolt against the French who have taken control and imposed a colonial government over much of Algeria. The Moroccans have raised a large army under the command of the sultan’s son to crush the invaders. The French are led by the competent leader Marshal Bugeaud who has devised novel tactics to counter the Moroccan superiority in troops and boldly advances into Morocco.
The Battle of Isly is a low to moderate complexity tactical game on Marshal Bugeaud’s campaign against the Moroccans and attempt to capture Abd el Kader. The game takes about 90 minutes to play. One player commands the French forces and the other player commands the Moroccan forces.
10. La Bataille de Mont Saint Jean, June 18, 1815 from Clash of Arms Games
Big monster wargame alert! I came across this beauty while perusing the interwebs last week and immediately brought it to the attention of Alexander as he is on a bit of a Napoleonics kick recently. This is a big one as it has 4 large 22″ x 34″ maps, 6 counter sheets and a ton of player aids, Army Organization Displays and other bits.
From the game page, we read the following:
Today the names of Napoleon, Wellington and Blucher resound with the same force as Agamemnon, Hector and Achilles did in antiquity and Waterloo has taken its place beside Troy as the ultimate symbol of destiny, heroism and tragedy.
Clash of Arms Games presents this momentous historical event to the game public in two formats: A Deluxe Edition comprising everything needed to explore the events of June 18, 1815, and an Expansion Set for those who already possess the first two boxed sets in the Waterloo cycle: La Bataille de Ligny & La Bataille des Quatre Bras.
If you are interested in La Bataille de Mont Saint Jean, June 18, 1815, you can order a Deluxe Edition copy for $166.10 and an Expansion Edition for $62.80 from the Clash of Arms Games website at the following link: https://clashofarms.com/LaBatMSJV2.html
11. GTS The Greatest Day: Utah Beach from Multi-Man Publishing
Big monster wargames are always very interesting and frankly are usually very large! The newest offering from Multi-Man Publishing in the Grand Tactical Series is The Greatest Day: Utah Beach, which is volume two in The Battle for Normandy Series. This one is a monster, but frankly it has some smaller scenarios and some additional maps and cards to use along with those so space may not be too much of a concern for those plays.
From the game page, we read the following:
At 0020 hours on the morning of June 6th, 1944, the first paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division began landing behind enemy lines on the Cotentin Peninsula. They were quickly followed by the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division, in what is now immortalized as The Greatest Day. By the end of the day, over 13,000 paratroopers and 20,000 Soldiers of the VII US Army Corps would be in France, holding the right flank of the D-Day invasion at Utah Beach.
The Greatest Day: Utah Beach is the second of three volumes in the Grand Tactical Series that covers the Battle for Normandy in June of 1944.
We at Multi-Man Publishing are proud to present our tribute to the brave men of yesteryear, who fought on Utah Beach and in the hedgerows of the Cotentin Peninsula. The Greatest Day: Utah Beach includes a wide array of scenarios from the beach landings, to airborne troops seizing Carentan, to cutting the Cotentin Peninsula. There are small 8.5”x11” scenarios up to full campaign games stretching across the entire peninsula.
I still look back fondly on our chat at WBC in 2018 with Joe Chacon and Tom Holliday covering the series and this game and really appreciate their time and effort at the time. Here is a link to that video interview:
12. Assault on Gallipoli: The ANZAC Landing Campaign 1915 2nd Edition from Hexasim
A few years ago, I was contacted by a friend of the designer for a new game covering the battles fought at Gallipoli during World War I. They were very excited about the game and encouraged me to reach out to the designer Kieran Oakley to discuss the game. I had some limited experience with Kieran on Facebook and he has always seemed like a really great guy. The game is called Assault on Gallipoli and was originally published by Gecko Games. But, recently Hexasim announced a new updated 2nd Edition of the game that was placed on pre-order a few months ago and should be available to order now.
From the game page, we read the following:
Assault on Gallipoli is an exciting two-player strategic WWI game – While the fronts are established everywhere else, the British decide to launch an operation in the Dardanelles. The resulting Battle of Gallipoli will highlight the courage of the soldiers on both sides and will result in terrible disappointment on the Allied side.
Assault on Gallipoli is a game that simulates the landing of ANZAC units on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. Players will relive the intense struggle to conquer the strategic heights, featuring ANZAC soldiers facing a determined Turkish defense. One player commands the Entente forces, made up primarily of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, but also including British, Maori, Gurkha, and Sikh soldiers.
The other player, for his part, is at the head of the Turkish defenders, reinforced by Syrian conscripts and German officers. The game uses many units, including Guard battalions, machine gun companies, artillery and howitzer batteries, and ships.
The mounted map is divided into zones, which helps speed up the resolution of movements and combat. The topography of the peninsula is well rendered, which will not make the task easier for the British. The trenches and barbed wire will also represent a thorn in the side of the attacker.
Fire combat and Opportunity Fire are resolved using ten-sided dice. Close combat are resolved using cards that players play in turns to try to outperform their opponent.
Leaders play an important role in both movement and combat, and their proper use will be one of the keys to victory. Players also have Action cards that must be used wisely to acquire that little something that will turn the scales in your favor.
The length of a game turn is never known in advance, which gives a feeling of urgency that can generate cold sweats.
Assault on Gallipoli features five scenarios, from the initial landing of ANZAC troops on Turkish soil to the great August offensive. Choose your side, and prepare to relive this terrible battle whose memory, more than 100 years later, is still present in the minds of the people who experienced it.
I own a copy of the 1st printing but have yet to get around to playing it. I will try to rectify that this year.
If you are interested in Assault on Gallipoli: The ANZAC Landing Campaign 1915 2nd Edition, you can order a copy for 69.00 € ($74.00 US Dollars) from the Hexasim website at the following link: https://www.hexasim.com/en/3951-Assault-on-Gallipoli.htm
13. Viva Mexico: The Mexican Revolution 1910-1920 from White Dog Games
I love well designed solitaire wargames and have played many of them over the past 8 years or so. My first experience with a White Dog Games product was with Solitaire Caesar designed by David Kershaw. This was a very good game that I played dozens of times over the pandemic when I was locked away at home for those 4 months. Since I have played more of his games including World War Zeds: USA, Irish Freedom, The Night: A Solitaire Zombie Attack Board Game and The Mog: Mogadishu 1993 to name a few. David’s games are always very engaging, interesting and well put together and create a very good play experience. Recently, White Dog Games announced a new solitaire game from David called Viva Mexico: The Mexican Revolution 1910-1920.
From the game page, we read the following:
Viva Mexico is a solitaire game designed by David Kershaw, designer of The Mog (Mogadishu), The Night, Pyrates, Reconquista, The Confederate Rebellion, and other exciting games, with art by Jose Faura. In Viva Mexico, you play the Government side or the Rebel side in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 – 1920. Imagine yourself as Victoriano Huerta or Emiliano Zapata (or other colorful historical figures), controlling armies in the titanic struggle for control of Mexico.
There are 4 scenarios covering the major periods of the Revolution:
The Fall of the Porfiriato
Orozco’s Rebellion
The Constitutionalist Revolt
Carranza’s Triumph
These can be played individually or any number of them linked together into a larger campaign game – in which you will have to take care as today’s fellow revolutionary may well be tomorrow’s sworn foe.
The game uses area movement between Regions (Mexican states) and their important Towns. As well as the military forces involved (cavalry, peasants, Rurales, conscripts and more) you will control the important characters of the revolution, such as Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Alvaro Obregon, the Magon Brothers, and many others. There are rules to govern their fate: will they escape to exile, be imprisoned, or “shot while trying to escape”…
There are a range of unique counters to represent important parts of the revolution. For example: US Intervention, Soldaderas, Bandidos, Red Battalions, and the infamous Loco-Loco: a train packed with dynamite sent hurtling into enemy lines!
If you are interested in Viva Mexico: The Mexican Revolution 1910-1920, you can order a copy for $55.00 from the White Dog Games website at the following link: Viva Mexico
14. World at War Magazine #97 Game Edition featuring Campaigns in Europe (CIE) Volume 1: Drive on Leningrad: 1941 from Decision Games
I have done several interviews with Joseph Miranda over the years and also played several of his games. I noticed this month that they are bringing back this Campaigns in Europe Series in the World at War Magazine with issue #97.
From the game page, we read the following:
Drive on Leningrad: 1941 (CIE Volume 1) – Campaigns in Europe (CIE) is a two-player series of games focused on campaign scenarios at the division/corps level. The system uses the same maps as War in Europe (WIE), with updated graphics and a more detailed terrain analysis. The counters have been upgraded and are presented with historical identifications. The game system utilizes a Move/Fight, Fight/Move sequence of play to portray simply doctrinal differences among contending armed forces. It also utilizes headquarters units to project logistics and combat support capabilities.
Drive on Leningrad covers the Army Group North drive on Leningrad in 1941, and the ensuing Soviet counteroffensive. It ends with the German relief of the Demyansk Pocket.
Each game turn (GT) represents around one week in clear weather and two weeks in mud and snow game turns. Each hex represents 20 miles (32.5 km) across. German, Finnish, and Western Allied units are shown mostly as division-sized units, with Soviet and Axis Allied units depicted as corps.
The game comes with a 22 x 34-inch game map and a sheet of 280 1/2-inch counters.
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.
Finally, thanks once again to this month’s sponsor Nuts! Publishing!
Immediate problems in SICILIA 1943 rules. Nothing in CONSIM World or BGG on contacting for feedback. Their Facebook page is push only it seems. How do they playtest? Get player feedback? They seem to need errata in previous games. Here is the sole thing on CSW:
Great update as usual, helps remind me the of the problem…
Too many great games to buy, not enough money to buy them, not enough space to store them, and not enough players to find to play them these days. (not enough excuses to tell the wife why you need another)
Sometimes I wonder how the market keeps on steam rolling without a great crash in sight.
I will be giving more details in the future about the various variant play options, but have no fear: This will keep you scratching your head looking for the right decision for MONTHS!!
The Players' Aid 
Immediate problems in SICILIA 1943 rules. Nothing in CONSIM World or BGG on contacting for feedback. Their Facebook page is push only it seems. How do they playtest? Get player feedback? They seem to need errata in previous games. Here is the sole thing on CSW:
Boardgaming Search Results (consimworld.com)
A year ago, they said things would appear in BGG. Right. Reason to stay with known companies #104 and #2 –> no refunds.
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I would posit that all games have errata. No game is perfect. I have played several of their games and have enjoyed them.
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Great update as usual, helps remind me the of the problem…
Too many great games to buy, not enough money to buy them, not enough space to store them, and not enough players to find to play them these days. (not enough excuses to tell the wife why you need another)
Sometimes I wonder how the market keeps on steam rolling without a great crash in sight.
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Yeah. There are only so many of us wargamers out there.
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I agree–the Gamer’s Conundrum!
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