This month was a bit of a breather for new games. There just weren’t as many as have been announced in recent months and I am fine with that. Also this month oddly enough, there just were not the number of pre-orders out there that we normally see. But, with that being said, this month I was able to find 24 new games (one of the entries featured 2 games in the same campaign) to share with just 1 of those being on Kickstarter.
Again this month, we have a sponsor for the Wargame Watch post in RBM Studio. RBM Studio was established in 1992 and is headed by the fantastic artist Rodger MacGowan who has illustrated some of the finest wargame covers in history. RBM also is the publisher of one of our hobby’s finest wargame magazines C3i Magazine, which has won several Charles S. Roberts Awards including recently winning the 2023 Best Wargame Magazine.
RBM Studio has expanded their offerings over the past few years and now have their own boxed Deluxe Editions of games that have appeared in C3i Magazine as well as a new art book titled The Art of Rodger B. MacGowan, which is part autobiography, part chronicle of the historical board wargaming hobby, walking the reader through decades of Rodger’s covers and designs. Think of this as an art gallery you can visit anytime, showcasing artwork from his humble beginnings at SPI, Avalon Hill, and Fire & Movement through Hobby Japan, GMT Games, and C3i Magazine, and everything else in between. Rodger also gives behind the scenes color for many of the pieces, including the (many) last minute deadlines, projects delayed or canceled only to be given new life, and the music and movies that inspired his work.
I received a review copy of this book and let me tell you it is amazing! The fantastic covers, the very interesting read on the history of the hobby and art and a really in-depth look at Rodger’s life. While I have not yet read the entire book, it is fantastic and I cannot wait to get back to it!
The Deluxe Editions of their games are really very well done and seem to be just like a typical GMT Games product release. Some of the titles that they have that you might be interested in include Trevor Bender’s Battle for Kursk: The Tigers are Burning, 1943, MacGowan & Lombardy’s The Great War and the already mentioned The Art of Rodger B. MacGowan.
Check them out to get an idea for what they offer and if you haven’t picked up any of their great C3i Magazines, do yourself a favor and get one. They are always chocked full of great articles, insights, strategy guides and contain at least 1 game and sometimes 2.
1. Formation Series #1 – Mirages from VUCA Simulations
VUCA Simulations is newer German publisher that is really destroying it with their graphics and production. Their games are also very good and we have really enjoyed several of their titles including Donnerschlag: Escape from Stalingrad and most recently Traces of War. This month, I noticed that they had a new game on pre-order designed by Dirk Blennemann that looks to be in their Operational Scale sweet spot called Formation Series #1 – Mirages.
From the game page, we read the following:
Step into the harsh, unforgiving deserts of North Africa during World War II with Mirages, a deeply immersive, operational-level war game that recreates the pivotal battles from December 1940 to June 1941. It covers operations Compass, Brevity, Battleaxe and Skorpion.
Designed for two players but also suitable for solitaire play, Mirages transports you to a theater where strategy, supply lines, and terrain are as crucial as firepower.
Mirages is the first game in the Formation Series which is based on our previous releases Crossing the Line, Across the Bug River and Operation Theseus. Further games will follow, all of which can be played using the same series rules.
This game appears to be a classic operational scale game with a hex representing 3.5 kms (2.2 miles) of terrain from side to side, a turn representing a period of one to six days and combat units are mostly infantry-type regiments/brigades, and armored-type battalions/regiments.
2. Corvette Command: The Battle of the Atlantic, 1941-43 from War Diary
As I was trolling the internet this month, I cam across a gorgeous cover illustration that I just couldn’t take my eyes off of. Upon first seeing it, I immediately got a VUCA Simulations vibe as it appears to mimic their style and art, which in my opinion is a good thing! The game is called Corvette Command: The Battle for the Atlantic, 1941-43 and is a boxed game being released by the folks over at War Diary Magazine.
From the game page, we read the following:
Corvette Command puts the player in command of a Flower class corvette, guarding desperately needed supplies being transported across the North Atlantic during the early years of the Second World War. Fighting both the harsh weather and the continual threat of German U-boat attack, mission success – and perhaps even the eventual outcome of the war – hinges on the successful passage of the transports.
This design from Alan Eagle includes a 17″ x 22″ game mat; 12-page rulebook; 3x Player Aid Cards; 7x Convoy Cards; 3x Assignment Order Cards; 19x U-boat Cards; 88x laser-cut counters; 1x 20-sided die; 1x 10-sided die; 5x 6-sided dice; and an Operations Record Log.
If you are interested in Corvette Command: The Battle of the Atlantic, 1941-43, you can pre-order a copy for $35.00 from the War Diary Magazine website at the following link: https://wardiarymagazine.com/games.html
3. Conflict of Wills: Arabian Struggle and Insurgent: Algeria from Catastrophe Games Coming to Kickstarter September 3rd
I mentioned this one in the August Wargame Watch, but since then it has been slightly delayed and a 2nd game called Insurgent: Algeria has been added to the campaign. With that being said, a couple of years ago we had the chance to play and do a preview video for a new series called Conflict of Wills from a new publisher in Catastrophe Games. The first game in the series was called Judean Hammer designed by Robin David and was a very interesting and unique card driven area control game. Now, this series is being expanded by a few new designers into a game called Arabian Struggle covering the conflict for the Arabian Peninsula in the early 20th century.
From the game page, we read the following:
Arabian Struggle is a card-driven conflict game set in the Arabian Peninsula in the early years of the 20th Century. Three players each take one faction seeking to gain power over Arabia: the Hashemites, the Rasheedis and the Saudis. Each faction must deal not only with the other two factions, but also with the considerable interference of two non-player empires, the Ottomans and the British.
There’s also a two player variant in which the players take the Hashemite and Saudi factions.
I had the opportunity to play the game with the development team, including owner Tim Densham and Jim, along with the guys from Legendary Tactics during Gen Con at my place. We had a great time and the game plays in about 90 minutes (quicker once you get the rules down and know the cards a bit better). The game play is fast and furious and it has many of the tenants of a Card Driven Game where players play the cards for the printed event if they are aligned with your faction or for the Operations Points if not and then the event will go off for the aligned faction. The unique elements to the game were two fold. You are not only competing against the other 2 players in the game, trying to come out on top among the various Arab factions, but you are also fighting against the convulsing and dying Ottoman Empire and their forces as well as the British as they come into the region looking to exert their control. Secondly, as an area control game, you are desperately fighting to control as many areas as possible to score Victory Points at the end of each round. But, there is a unique element of moving nomadic groups around the board to increase your population in areas you control which will give you more weight in the areas and push you over the top for ultimate control. Really slick little game and I had a great time. The LT guys also enjoyed it and even though Randy is not a big fan of CDG’s he also felt the game was very solid.
The 2nd game in the campaign is called Insurgent: Algeria designed by Matthew Denton, which his being billed as a tactical card game.
From the game page, we read the following:
The year is 1954. The Algerian people are rising up against French colonizers who have oppressed them for over a century. But this is no regular war – victory will not be achieved on the battlefield, but by winning the hearts and minds of everyday Algerians.
Insurgent: Algeria is a simple, asymmetric card game for 1 to 2 players which recreates the Algerian War for independence on your tabletop. Players take the role of the French government and the Algerian resistance [the FLN], which have separate faction decks with unique abilities.
The game can be won in two ways – attrition and domination. An attrition victory involves collecting the most public support, represented by the icons on the top of the cards, in two of three fronts – military, political and diplomatic. A domination victory occurs when a player overwhelms their opponent in any one front. Players must balance these competing objectives strategically in order to win the game.
The solo game pits the Algerian player against a French AI, which is simple to implement but provides a difficult challenge since the AI plays cards faster than the two-player game allows.
Even though I don’t have a ton of information on this one, and don’t have access to pictures of many of the cards and other components, I absolutely love the art style and the look of the cards. I also am very much interested in the focus of the game and want to play this one for sure. A 2-player card duel game is always interesting to me.
The Kickstarter will launch as of Tuesday, September 3rd.
4. Great Battles of the American Civil War Volume X: Stepping Into Hell: The Battle of the Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864 from GMT Games
Great Battles of the American Civil War is a long tenured series that seems to have a great following. Anytime a new volume is introduced, it seems to shoot up the P500 list and makes the cut fairly quickly. Why is that? It could be the tension the game generates through its Fog of War mechanics. It also cold be the large number of tactical options a player may call upon. Some really like the scale and the map detail. And the system creates some wild swings of fortune and always creates a compelling drama. This volume is covers a large engagement in the Battle of the Wilderness and looks to be a really big game.
From the game page, we read the following:
GMT Games and the GBACW design team proudly announce Stepping Into Hell, a wargame covering the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness. This is a significant addition to our series, marking the first new large battle we’ve covered since Dead of Winter (Stone’s River). The game brings to life the first contest between the most famous generals on both sides, a pivotal moment that changed the nature of the war in the Overland Campaign.
Stepping Into Hell includes twelve scenarios and provides a deep immersion into the most critical segments of the battle, promising an exciting and engaging gameplay experience.
SiH (Stepping Into Hell) is structured to provide a comprehensive experience of the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness. It contains a small division level, hypothetical learning scenario playable in one sitting, introducing players to the series and battle-specific rules. The game also covers the full battle with two scenarios: one with an early start, which allows players to tinker with alternative strategies, and one with a later start, which restricts players to a more historical line of play. Two slightly smaller scenarios cover the action on May 5th on the Orange Turnpike and the May 6th battle on the Orange Plank Road. The other seven scenarios run up to five turns long and cover primarily historical battles, such as Warren’s initial attack, Longstreet and Gordon’s flank attacks on the second day, and Hancock’s massive attack on the morning of May 6th. The player will understand why Robert E. Lee accepted battle facing a Union army almost twice his size in the difficult terrain of the Wilderness. The player will also see the beginning of Grant’s transformation of the Army of the Potomac from McClellan’s timid army to the grinding force that would ultimately defeat Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.
The game introduces several unique features that add depth and challenge to the gameplay. The second growth of the Wilderness battlefield profoundly affected command and control. Each hex spans 110 yards, which was well beyond the vision and knowledge of a regimental commander given the dense undergrowth, which was also challenging to transverse. A new system mechanic called Drift affects units moving in this terrain. They may move as intended, drift in any direction, or become disordered. Both sides will struggle with the terrain. Additional features include Brushfires, Ambushes, and the effect of expiring enlistments on many of the Union units. Both sides suffered from surprise attacks on unprepared or exhausted men. Three scenarios challenge the players to maintain the momentum of a surprise attack or build a firewall to stop it. Both sides historically suffered potentially decisive collapses.
Unfortunately, they don’t have any assets showing on the game page so I cannot show you any counters or the board. But, I know this one will be well designed and I will be reaching out to the designer to do an interview to shed some more lights on the game. Stay tuned!
If you are interested in Great Battles of the American Civil War Volume X: Stepping Into Hell: The Battle of the Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864, you can pre-order a copy for $67.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1131-stepping-into-hell.aspx
5. Downfall: Conquest of the Third Reich, 1942-1945, 2nd Printing from GMT Games
When Downfall: Conquest of the Third Reich, 1942-1945 was announced a few years ago, I was immediately interested because the game was a strategic level wargame and looked to me to be similar in scope and scale to one of my other favorite games covering WWII at the strategic level in Unconditional Surrender!. As I started to do a bit more research on the game and look into it, I realized it was a collaboration between 2 really great designers in the late Chad Jensen and the great John Butterfield, and I was very much anticipating the game. I also saw where the game has the players not only handling one of the opposing Allied sides including the Western Allies and the Soviets but also has each control the opposite defending German army as well.
We absolutely love this one and in fact it made its way onto my Top 10 Wargames of 2023! list coming in at #3.
From the game page, we read the following:
Downfall is a two-player game on the conquest of the Third Reich in World War II. One player controls the Western Allies and the other the Soviet Union in their joint effort to destroy the Axis. Though the two players share the goal of defeating the Reich, each seeks a victory that favors their dominance in post-war Europe. To this end, each player controls two factions:
The Western player commands the Western Allies faction and the OKH faction, that is the German and minor Axis armies battling the Soviet Union in the east (Oberkommando des Heeres).
The Soviet player commands the Soviet faction and the OKW faction, that is the German and Italian armies facing the Western allies in the west (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht).
Gameplay is driven by Downfall’s innovative initiative track. The faction with the initiative chooses an order, pays its initiative cost by advancing their marker along the track, and performs the order. Then, the faction with the initiative (based on the updated positions of the markers) chooses the next order. There is no set sequence of play; initiative expenditures determine who goes next. The progress of faction markers along the track also trigger strategic events, changes in weather, and advancement of game turns.
6. Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain, 2nd Printing from GMT Games
Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain is Volume VIII in the COIN Series. COIN, or COunter INsurgency, started off tackling modern conflicts such as the turmoil in Columbia, The Cuban Revolution, and the war in Afghanistan. Since then the system has been taken back in time to tackle more historically distant conflicts. Pendragon is set in the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. and to the Isle of Britannia.
This is one of our favorite volumes and it is a very deep and engaging game. I don’t really feel like this should be your first experience with the COIN Series though as it is a bit more complex, particularly with the combat sequence. This game is top notch and will always be one that we look forward to playing. I am very glad to see this one getting s 2nd Printing and I hope that people embrace it and give this volume a deep look.
From the game page, we read the following:
Volume VIII in GMT’s COIN series transports us into the 4th and 5th Centuries A.D. and to the embattled Isle of Britannia. Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain covers a century of history from the first large-scale raids of Irish, Pict, and Saxon raiders, to the establishment of successor kingdoms, both Celtic and Germanic. This sumptuous volume adapts the celebrated asymmetrical COIN engine to depict the political, military, religious, and economic struggles of Dark Ages Britain.
Shrouded in mists of myth and legend, this story so foundational to many national groups has been subject to many different narratives and interpretations. The traditional Victorian vision of brutal and violent conquest of Roman and Celtic Britain by Anglo-Saxon raiders and invaders now collides with modern historical views ranging from continuity of tribal rivalries to quasi-peaceful cohabitation and acculturation.
Pendragon leverages the tremendous flexibility of the COIN system, from dual events to dissimilar approaches and victory conditions, to capture the complexity of the period and let the players explore alternative narratives. Unlike earlier volumes, Pendragon is not about counterinsurgency per se but focuses on the asymmetrical clashes between and among Romano-British authorities and Barbarian powers gnashing over the carcass of the Roman Empire, including:
Barbarian Raiders plundering the land and trying to surprise unwary towns and hillforts, then melting into hills or fens
Expansion or decline of the Saxon Shore naval defense system to counter sea-borne raiders
Authentic Late-Roman military doctrine—mighty but hard-to-replace cavalry tracking down raiding parties before they can return their booty home
Accessible, powerful but fickle Foederati: barbarian warbands in Briton employ
Nuanced battle system representing troop qualities and tactics
Fortified strongholds that must be assaulted, besieged, or rebuilt to gain regional political control
Civil wars, coups, religious shifts, and cultural assimilation
Population movements over the generations, due to good administration, barbarian ravages, or climatic changes
Epochal Events ranging from Roman usurpations on the continent to massive reprisals against barbarian homelands
Evolution of rules and victory conditions throughout the game, as the still vivacious Roman Empire may or may not end with Britain fragmented among competing semi-barbarian proto-kingdoms
A deck of 83 cards with gorgeous commissioned original art
Short, medium, and full-length scenarios
Support for solitaire, 2-player, 3-player and 4-player experiences
7. Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398, 2nd Printing from GMT Games
As you know, I love the COIN Series and anything associated with it. This new game is not a COIN Series game but it shares some of the same elements. In Fall 2020, there was a game design contest held called Consim Game Jam where designers had to repurpose a COIN Series game and make a new playable game in about 48 hours! The game that won the competition was called Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398 The game is an asymmetric 1-3 player game depicting the epic, century-long rise and fall of medieval kingdoms in India over two dynastic periods.
Vijayanagara is also the first game in a new Irregular Conflicts Series. The Irregular Conflicts Series attempts to bring some of the mechanics of the COIN Series to conflicts that are just outside the Counterinsurgency-based model of COIN. If you want to better understand this new series, read the InsideGMT Blog post by Jason Carr at the following link: http://www.insidegmt.com/2021/03/what-is-the-irregular-conflicts-series/
From the game page, we read the following:
Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398 depicts the epic, century-long rise and fall of medieval kingdoms in India over two dynastic periods, for 1-3 players. Vijayanagara is the first game in the new Irregular Conflicts Series. With gameplay inspired by GMT’s COIN system, players will take on the asymmetric roles of the Delhi Sultanate, the Bahmani Kingdom, and the Vijayanagara Empire, navigating event cards and unique action menus as they contest to write themselves into medieval Indian history. Players will rally local amirs and rajas to their cause, construct epic temples, forts, and qasbahs, and battle for supremacy over the Deccan plateau.
Highlights:
A sweeping, century-long narrative and numerous epic events
Playtime ~90 minutes
Three asymmetric Factions with different strengths and abilities
A fourth non-player Faction (Mongols) operated by the Bahmani and Vijayanagara players
A new battle-resolution system with strength-dependent risk mitigation
Vijayanagara is intended for players new to asymmetric wargames and veteran COIN players alike. The factions have distinct capabilities and each is faced with different strategic decisions, offering a very high degree of replayability. The game is streamlined: all player actions and most rules are visible on the table on player aids and cards.
Gameplay and turn order is organized around a deck of unique event cards. With each new card, factions have the option to carry out the event or to select from faction-specific Commands and special Decrees; Commands such as the Conscription of new troops, Governing in Tributary Provinces, and Migration to begin life anew, and Decrees ranging from Demanding Tribute, Conspiring with Delhi’s Governors to betray the Sultan, and forming new Alliances with minor regional powers.
Last year, we made a trip to Noble Knight Games in Fitchburg, Wisconsin and ended up meeting with Saverio Spagnolie who is one of the designers for the game. We played the game with him and it was simply fantastic.
Here is a link to the rules overview video we did with Saverio prior to playing the game:
Here is the video where we discussed the game after playing (and man that game is very good!) and also asked Saverio a bit about the design process:
What a great time we had with Saverio. Vijayanagara is very COIN like but with some new tricks that keep the game fast paced and interesting. Alexander played the Vijayanagara Empire while I took the role of the Bahmani Kingdom and Saverio played as the Delhi Sultanate. The game played in about 90 minutes and when the dust settled Alexander walked away with a meager 1 point victory. One of the coolest things about the design is that events are very powerful and when they are taken about half of them allow the player taking the event to remain eligible. This makes the game very interesting and fast paced with little to no downtime for any player.
As you can see below, the game looks like a COIN Series game with multi-colored wooden discs, cubes and cylinders. The Vijayanagara Empire (yellow starts out in the south of India) while the Bahmani Kingdom (blue) starts in the west central portion of the board. The Delhi Sultanate has both green troop cubes s well as black Governors to enforce the rules and ensure that tribute is paid on time to the Sultanate.
Gameplay and turn order is organized around a deck of Event Cards, with each new card, factions have the option to carry out the event or to select from faction-specific Commands and special Decrees; Commands such as the Conscription of new troops, Governing in Tributary Provinces, and Migration to spread influence and claim new lands, and Decrees ranging from Demanding Tribute, Conspiring with Delhi’s Governors to betray the Sultan, and forming new Alliances with minor regional powers. I love the graphic design and use of colors here and the whole package is going to simply be outstanding. Saverio was very kind to us and taught the game well. I can see that he is a proud designer and mentioned the work of all of his codesigners including Cory Graham, Mathieu Johnson and Aman Matthews.
8. Zeppelin Raiders: Imperial German Naval Airships 2nd Printing from Compass Games
If you have ever asked yourself “why there isn’t a good wargame covering the use of Zeppelins during World War I?”, you may be surprised to learn that someone has taken the plunge and designed a game on this topic. From the creative solitaire mind of Gregory M. Smith comes Zeppelin Raider: Imperial German Naval Airships, which is a solitaire, tactical level game placing you in command of one of several models of WWI Zeppelin dirigibles as part of the Imperial German Navy. Your mission is to destroy as much English war facilities as possible via bombing raids, or to conduct reconnaissance over the North Sea…and still survive and come home. Zeppelin Raider is based on the popular Hunters game system by Gregory M. Smith that delivers a tense and nail-biting narrative throughout the course of play.
The object of the game is to conduct numerous missions which include two main types: Bombing missions are required to bomb a specific geographic location in England (London, for example), whereas Scouting missions are required to scout a specific location in the North Sea. Players are not limited by the mission parameters for success; as you may choose to bomb or successfully scout somewhere else. The success of each mission can result in promotion and crew advancement. Just as in the real war, the game system involves a great deal of chance (as was the case historically), but ultimate success rests on the decisions, you make during your career.
Players will use a play mat, like the one shown in the picture above, and control one of many various classes of dirigibles. The Kommandant will be in charge of outfitting the craft with supplies, including varying types of bombs, the proper amount of gas, fuel and of course ballast. No complex math is involved but you definitely have to plan for how to get to your objective, but also how you are going to get back. As damage is sustained by the ship, flying will become more and more difficult, and only an expert crew can help you have a hope of returning home again.
This game is highly accessible to those familiar with The Hunters or Raiders of the Deep. While Zeppelin Raiders is designed as a solitaire gaming experience, additional options for play are provided for both multi-player gaming sessions and organized tournament play.
The games comes with one countersheet of 9/16″ unit-counters, four 8.5″ x 11″ Zeppelin Display Mats, six 8.5″ x 11″ Player Aid Cards, one 8.5″ x 11″ Zeppelin Patrol Mat, one Zeppelin Logsheet, a Rules Booklet, two 6-sided, one 10-sided dice, and one 20-sided die.
1. 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 is now available for purchase.
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 79.00 € ($87.43 in US Dollars) from the Hexasim website at the following link: https://www.hexasim.com/en/3951-Assault-on-Gallipoli.html
2. The End of a Reign: The Battle of Naseby, June 14, 1645 from High Flying Dice Games
Small format wargames on lesser games subjects are always welcome at my table. High Flying Dice Games seems to specialize in these type of games and this month they have a very interesting looking game covering the finale of the English Civil War at the Battle of Naseby. This game is Volume VII in The English Civil War Series and is fittingly called The End of a Reign: The Battle of Naseby, June 14, 1645.
From the game page, we read the following:
The End of a Reign portrays the decisive battle of the English Civil War, the battle of Naseby. Here the Parliamentarian New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax defeated the Royalist forces led by King Charles I and Prince Rupert. The Royalist defeat essentially marked the end of the English Civil War, although King Charles would not surrender until the following May.
If you are interested in The End of a Reign: The Battle of Naseby, June 14, 1645, you can order a copy for $16.95 from the High Flying Dice Games website at the following link: https://www.hfdgames.com/ecw7.html
3. Tattered Flags No. 01: Into the Whirlpool from Blue Panther
We have seen this one around for the past 3 or 4 months and first got a look at the game while attending Buckeye Game Fest in early May. Tattered Flags is an older (2010) games series published by Victory Point Games and designed by Hermann Luttmann. Tattered Flags No. 01: Into the Whirlpool is a tactical American Civil War design that really has the feel of a miniatures game with the way units move and the facing. The really interesting part of the game is the way the map is laid out. It doesn’t use traditional hexes but uses star shapes that act as hexes but are called 8-pointed spaces. The rules are really tight and crunchy as to hit rolls are expressed in percentages and players roll 2d10 with one die identified as the lead.
From the game page, we read the following:
Tattered Flags No. 01: Into The Whirlpool is a hybrid historical miniatures / board game design that simulates tactical American Civil War combat in a playable format. The game depicts in detail the series of engagements that occurred in and around the salient formed by Union General Dan Sickles’ III Corps as he was attacked by Confederate General James Longstreet’s Corps at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.
The game is primarily designed as a two-player game, one player taking Union forces and the other the Confederate (or Rebel) forces. However, more players are easily accommodated as commands or sectors for each side can be divided amongst multiple players.
Since most players do not have the time, funds, or eyesight to paint armies of miniature figurines, Tattered Flags uses ready-to-play cardboard counters to substitute for such miniatures. The game also uses a detailed battlefield map in lieu of miniature terrain models in order to provide the player with an accurate playing surface, complete with every significant terrain feature depicted on the map. The map is overlaid with a grid of eight-pointed spaces which serve to help players easily regulate the movement, facing, and firing range of each unit counter as it moves and fights across the landscape.
We shot the following video at Buckeye Game Fest with Hermann Luttmann in April this year:
4. The Last Gamble: The Ardennes Offensive, December 1944 – Designer Signature Edition from Compass Games
You want to see a big wargame? Look no further than The Last Gamble: Th Ardennes Offensive, December 1944 – Designer Signature Edition from Compass Games. This one was on Kickstarter a few months ago and I snatched it up immediately. Yes it is huge, with 3 maps, 6 total counter sheets (including 524 ground units, 49 air units and 480 game markers) and a total of 21 (yes you read that right!) player aids. I have rifled through my copy and it is gorgeous and I cannot wait to get this one to the table over the next several months!
From the game page, we read the following:
The Last Gamble: The Ardennes Offensive, December 1944 – Designer Signature Edition, marks the return of a true wargaming classic by Danny S. Parker. First published in 1989, it has been faithfully remastered and updated with this all-new, super-sized edition. The CSR award-winning designer is well regarded as an author and expert on the Battle of the Bulge, having designed no less than six games on the subject. The original release showed great promise with an excellent order of battle but contained considerable errata that limited game enjoyment. These shortcomings are now fully addressed in this new and improved edition that promises to realize the full potential of this two-to-five player, operational level simulation covering the Battle of the Bulge in a highly detailed yet imminently playable format.
This edition of The Last Gamble features super-sized map and counters and is another classic reborn by Compass.
The Last Gamble covers the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II, which took place in the Ardennes during the winter of 1944. The objective of Hitler’s last desperate gamble to win the war, code-named Wacht am Rhein, was Antwerp. This Belgian coastal city was the largest port in Europe and Eisenhower planned on using it to supply his final offensive into Germany. Hitler was certainly correct in judging that its capture would be a devastating blow to the Allies. Ultimately, the Germans failed to reach Antwerp or even get a single tank across the Meuse River.
This Designer Signature Edition goes far beyond a mere culmination of errata corrections and player comments collected through the years. It now features many new, innovative game features and several new scenarios, including perhaps the most comprehensive order of battle published to date. Five full-map scenarios are provided covering The Last Blitzkrieg and various phases of the battle, including a plausible “What-If?” scenario exploring the battle starting six days earlier as originally proposed (10 December); along with a new introductory scenario covering the Battle Before the Meuse, 23-26 December. Some of the enhancements made in this edition include:
Many new innovative features designed for both maximum historical accuracy and an enjoyable playing experience.
All-new rules organization backed by many illustrations, clarifications and examples of play to reduce potential questions. Some rules are new, many were simplified, others enhanced.
Multiple Player Aid Cards provide key data at a glance to for ease of play.
Game map includes “severe terrain”– a key Ardennes terrain feature. All terrain has been completely re-examined using both Google Earth and period maps to re-classify highways, roads and trails. Delineation of all 1,460 settlements is based on 1940 census data.
Super-sized components featuring 5/8” counters and a larger map hex grid for ease of play.
Unit setup and arrival locations have been carefully researched and accurately listed on full-sized Order of Appearance charts.
Order of Battle based on recent archival information with the first accurate rendering of British forces and a breakdown of U.S. 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions into their fighting organizations. Very detailed OOB for units as well as a detailed historical information is included in the game.
All units are rated on their relative morale which has strong impacts on combat resolution and unit staying power – a major improvement.
Bridge status and carrying capacity is accurately represented with realistic uncertainty for many bridges over the Meuse and other rivers.
Air units are realistically represented along with their capabilities.
All unit strengths (including artillery) have been meticulously researched, fully documented and computed based on a modified Dupuy firepower score method.
Optional Rules include realistic road space, commandos, fuel dump capture and destruction, optional reinforcements, increased unit capabilities and many others.
New rules emphasize differences between day and night turns with different CRTs, potential for nighttime breakout, and infiltration movement in forested terrain at night.
Kampfgruppe Peiper breakout rules accurately depict that unit’s initiative and special capabilities to pierce and exploit enemy lines at night, while simultaneously factoring in the “friction” of moving across the flow of U.S. reinforcements.
Map extends further to the north to show the pivotal battle for Kesternich that compromised the right-wing attack of the 6th Panzer Army.
A partial map, “Battle Before the Meuse” scenario depicts the turning point tank battle of the conflict and can be played to an exciting conclusion in 4 hours or less.
Four major, full-map scenarios: “The Last Blitzkrieg” that showcases the first three-and-a-half days of the initial German offense, “We Cannot Force the Meuse” that begins at the height of the battle on 22 December, “Wacht am Rhein” that shows the full historical campaign, and an intriguing “Das Eisen Schmieden” (Strike while the iron is hot) scenario that demonstrates the potential impact of starting the German offensive one week earlier (10 December) per their original plan.
5. Labyrinth: The War on Terror, 2001-? 5th Printing from GMT Games
Labyrinth was the third game from GMT Games that I ever played after playing Twilight Struggle and then Wilderness War. At first I was a little bit overwhelmed by the mechanics and keeping it all straight but once it kicked in it became quite addictive and gave me some insight into a conflict that I had seen play-out on the television screen.
Labyrinth is a really interesting game from a mechanical standpoint. The game is a Card Driven Game that uses cards to allow players to take various actions or take the event which is usually very good. The cards are faction aligned and playing your opponent’s card triggers the event for them so the games boils down to how to manage the pain in your hand yet accomplishing goals like removing (or placing if you are the Jihadist) WMD’s or bolstering (or destabilizing) a new government to stabilize a region.
Where the game taught me something new and changed my paradigm was that each faction is completely asymmetrical, meaning that both factions use different actions to achieve their different victory conditions. At first, this was the difficult part in playing the game and playing it well as you really have to learn both sides to be any good. But, this asymmetry was a mechanic that felt really good and that I enjoyed playing immensely. Since 2010 there has been one expansion for the game published (Labyrinth: The Awakening, 2010-?) and there is a 2nd expansion (Labyrinth: The Forever War, 2015-?). A great system that has been very successful and that has changed the way I think about different sides and how they are represented in a wargame. A game that I also will never say no to playing…ever!
From the game page, we read the following:
Labyrinth takes 1 or 2 players inside the Islamist jihad and the global war on terror. With broad scope, ease of play, and a never-ending variety of card combinations similar to GMT Games’s Twilight Struggle, Labyrinth portrays both the effort to counter extremist terrorism and the wider ideological struggle—guerilla warfare, regime change, democratization, and more. From the designer of the award winning Wilderness War, Labyrinth combines an emphasis on card-driven game play with multifaceted simulation.
In the 2-player game, one player takes the role of jihadists seeking to exploit world events and Islamic donations to spread fundamentalism. The other as the United States must neutralize terrorist cells while encouraging Muslim reform to cut off extremism at its roots.
Here is a link to a video review of the game in the early days (look at how young those two look):
I also did a 2-part series on the game and showed how the cards works and operations.
Here is Part 1 – Card Play:
Here is Part 2 – US Operations:
If you are interested in Labyrinth:The War on Terror, 2001-? 5th Printing, you can order a copy for $55.00 (but hurry up as this will be shipping in mid-September and the price will increase by $24) from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1023-labyrinth-the-war-on-terror-5th-printing.aspx
6. COIN Series Volume XIII Red Dust Rebellion from GMT Games
I have told you I love the COIN Series and there are lots of titles still in design and development with more coming. And I love that it is now being taken in a new direction with its first volume that is not based in history but has a Sci-Fi setting on the red planet of Mars. Red Dust Rebellion, designed by newcomer J. Carmichael, tells the story of a future in which Mars has been colonized and forms its own government called the Martian Provisional Government. The game delves into the conflict of a fictitious Martian revolt of the 2250’s and the rise of Martian nationalism. Up to 4 players will take part in this game and control one of the four factions.
I also really am drawn to the various factions in the game as they really create a nice dystopian feel to the game. The game also has some really unique elements added that are more easily included because of the fictitious setting. Here are some of those unique features:
A hostile world – Dust storms will appear and block access to different regions for extended periods of time. Fighting in the densely-populated labyrinths can end up damaging life-giving infrastructure. And the vast surface of the planet means forces can just disappear in the dust.
The unpredictable raiders – The CR does not use Resources or appear on the standard order of activation. Instead, they use a new system to the COIN series that allows them to interject and decide when they wish to act, allowing for less frequent but sudden moves.
The Aldrin Cycler – Earth is a long way from Mars. Many COIN supplies and replacements will take a long time to get from Earth to Mars, forcing those factions to plan for the long term.
Multiple battlefields – Red Dust Rebellion takes place across 3 major theaters on Mars: The Noctis Labyrinthus, The Hellas Basin, and Arabia Terra. Between these areas is the vast wilderness of Mars, largely unpopulated with barren wastes as vast as the total landmass of Earth.
Satellite warfare – The COIN forces control a network of surveillance satellites, but there are rumors that some are equipped with mass drivers and orbital assault pods as well.
Everything is connected – All of the major cities on Mars are connected by spaceports. If you control both locations, you can freely move forces back and forth, allowing for sudden changes in the complexion of each theatre.
The Earth Governments (EG) form a 5th faction that maintains elite forces and an extensive satellite network. Control of the EG forces changes between the MG and CORP based on how much Earth trusts the Martian government to manage the rebellion.
Here is an introduction video from the designer on the game:
If you are interested in COIN Series Volume XIII Red Dust Rebellion, you can order a copy for $66.00 (but hurry up as this will be shipping in mid-September and the price will increase by $29) from the GMT Games website at the following link:: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-893-red-dust-rebellion.aspx
7. SAS: Rogue Regiment from Word Forge Games
In December 2022, I was told about this game from Nate Rogers AKA The Gimpy Gamer and I checked out his preview video and was frankly really impressed as the game just looks really interesting. It was on Kickstarter then and has finally fulfilled.
From the Board Game Geek page, we read the following:
SAS: Rogue Regiment is a WW2 stealth action game for 1-4 players. Taking on the role of SAS soldiers in the pivotal weeks following D-Day, players must carry out acts of sabotage deep behind enemy lines.
Ambush convoys, assassinate high ranking officers, destroy ammo dumps and much, much more in your four man campaign against the Axis war machine!
Strike from the shadows! Take down enemy patrols and sentries with the vast array of tools at your disposal, from rifles, explosives and grenades to vehicles, traps and your trusty fighting knife.
Leave no trace! Move quickly and quietly to complete your objectives. Kill silently and hide the bodies to avoid detection. Get spotted, make too much noise or take too long to carry out your objective and the enemy will raise the alarm. Your heavily outnumbered team won’t last long in a firefight so when the attack comes, make sure you’re in position to make four men feel like a hundred!
Here is a link to Gimpy’s recent video review if you want to get a good look at the game:
If you are interested in SAS: Rogue Regiment, you can find it on any number of large retailers such as Miniature Market, Gamers Guild, Cardhaus Games, etc. It will still be shown as a pre-order at this point but you will be able to get the game sometime in mid to late September.
8. Long Century Operations Series: Risorgimento from Conflict Simulations Limited
Ray Weiss with Conflict Simulations Limited is a bit of a lightning rod for some interesting things but he is a good designer and he always comes up with interesting looking games. This new Long Century Operations Series deals with various battles in the Second War of Italian Independence and this one focuses on Risorgimento.
This game is intended to be a standalone variant of the campaign game for the Solferino Quad.
From the game page, we read the following:
This is the newest/latest version of the game engine I introduced years ago with 1870 – The War Against the Empire. It is an operational system focusing on command, resource management and force projection. This game includes 2 scenarios, one covering the 1859 campaign and the other shorter scenario covering the campaign starting at Magenta.
ATTN: This is a standalone variant of the campaign game included in the Solferino Quad – this option is meant to be more affordable for those only interested in the campaign and not the individual battles. Now Shipping.
9. Assault on the 105s! Print ‘n Play from Joyance Games Studio on Wargame Vault
This month in the category of interesting looking print and play solitaire wargame is a new one I found on Wargame Vault called Assault on the 105s! from Joyance Games Studio. I will be honest, the first thing that caught my eye was the fantastic art and graphic design and I was immediately drawn in. I need to get me a copy of this one!
From the game page, we read the following:
Assault on the 105s! is a solitaire wargame published by Joyance Games and designed by Hans Gem. The game depicts the outnumbered yet bold assault by soldiers of E-Company, 2nd Battalion, 506thRegiment, 101st Airborne Division during World War II—the attack on Brecourt Manor on June 6,1944. This historical encounter is used at West Point as a classic example of command art and assault on fixed positions, and is also portrayed in Stephen E. Ambrose’s book Band of Brothers and the eponymous HBO series.
The game lasts approximately 45 minutes. The AI plays the role of the German forces while the player commands the American paratroopers. The player must efficiently manage troop movements and equipment to destroy four 105mm Le.Fh18 howitzers positioned by the Germans to target UtahBeach. The destruction of these guns is critical to minimize their impact on the beach landings. After neutralizing the guns, player must also ensure the safe withdrawal of the paratroopers before German reinforcements can mount a counterattack, achieving the ultimate victory in the game.
In Assault on the 105!’s, the ability of the airborne troops to act quickly and decisively significantly affects the morale and command structure of the German forces. Additionally, event cards influence the actions of the German troops and can have positive or negative effects on the American paratroopers, such as ammunition shortages, intelligence gains, or reinforcements. Another challenge is the German MG42 machine gun position behind the artillery site—will you ensure the safety of your men by cautiously advancing while suppressing enemy fire, or will you opt for a concentrated attack on the artillery position to achieve a swift victory?
10. Paper Wars Issue #107: Magazine & Game (Operation Isabella) from Compass Games
Wargame Magazines are a good thing in our hobby. They not only have great articles on interesting subjects and upcoming games but also contain a small pack-in wargame. Paper Wars is a good one and is also well received. Their new upcoming issue #107 contains a game designed by Ty Bomba called Operation Isabella: What If, Spain 1942?
From the game page, we read the following:
Operation Isabella: What If, Spain 1942? by Ty Bomba – A low-medium complexity two-player design simulating the events that would have unfolded across Iberia during the late summer of 1942 if the German plan to invade at that time had been put in motion. A complete game takes two to three hours and is easily adaptable for solitaire. The system is a version of the alternating-actions type used in Inkerman and Alma. Each hex on the map equals 20 miles from side to opposite side, with all of Portugal and Spain covered except for the latter’s extreme southeast corner and border area around Barcelona. Each of the 10 turns represent a week. Every ground unit represents a brigade, division or corps. Both sides not only can – they must – attack and defend in order to win. Spanish units – except for the two corps of the North African Army, which are always pro-Axis – may fight for either side.
11. Warfighter: The Vietnam War Special Forces Card Game from Dan Verssen Games
We absolutely love Warfighter! The game is very flexible and can be played solo or cooperative and I really like that as I have played it both ways several times. It is also a lot of fun and is imminently replayable.
The game uses cards and the player controls a squad of soldiers who carry various weapons, and pieces of equipment and have special skills and abilities. So there is a bit of customization possible and one of the best parts of the game is making up your team. At the start of each mission, you select your team while staying within the confines of the Resource limit. You then fight your way through hostile territory and engage enemy soldiers, as you attempt to reach and complete your mission objective. As you progress along the path, players will lay down various terrain cards that have advantages and disadvantages and sometimes you simply have to choose the lesser of two evils as you will be hurt by the cards you have in your hand. You can always wait to see if you draw more favorable terrain, but there is a timer on the mission and speed is key. The game is very fun, very flexible, very customizable as there are about a ton of expansions.
From the game page, we read the following:
Warfighter Vietnam recreates the skirmishes challenging for control of the terrain in the countryside and rural villages. Between the VC and NVA you have a tough fight to clear Hostiles and earn Body Count. You may face fierce resistance from opposing Hostile forces, but watch out – the terrain itself can be your worst enemy. The Core game will contain at least 240+ cards (Soldiers, Hostiles, Mission, Objectives, Locations, Action, Gear, and Events), with d6 and d10 dice, counter sheets as well as a tactical board and the latest version of the Warfighter Universal Rulebook.
But as is usually the case with these DVG Kickstarters, there are always additional expansions, which typically include 40 cards in their own card box, that deal with various aspects of the conflict being covered including things like vehicles, various nations participating in the conflict, special enemy cards, and a whole host of other tricks and treats.
As part of this initial release, there are also a dozen Warfighter Expansions and Battlepacks which will allow you to expand the scope of gameplay to include various armed forces and battles which took place in the jungles of Vietnam.
These expansions include more American, Australian, and South Korean Soldiers, as well as extra NVA and VC Hostiles! The Tunnel Rats, Khe Sahn, Hue, La Drang, and Hamburger Hill Battle Packs will blend historical accuracy and Warfighter gameplay seamlessly.
There also is a Campaign Pack add-on called Heart of Darkness (Apocalypse Now anyone?!) and is another way to play the game.
There really is no end to the hours that you can spend on this game with all of the different scenarios, campaigns and cards. In fact, that is one thing that I have always loved about DVG and their products, they offer lots of replayability and options about how you play the game.
12. Shiloh: The First Day– Crisis in the West April 6, 1862 from Revolution Games
Blind Swords is a series that most all wargamers have heard of and played at least a few games that use the system. We have played several but I have actually never played any of the many volumes in the series from Revolution Games. Recently, they announced a new title in the series Shiloh: The First Day– Crisis in the West, April 6, 1862 designed by Steve Carey.
From the game page, we read the following:
This will be the largest game in the series with two 22×34 inch maps and 3 counter sheets. The game will also include seven scenarios, one of which is played on a small 8.5×11 inch map, 1 played on a 15×19 inch map, and 1 played on a 11×11 inch map for those who want small and quick fights.
When we attend SDHistCon in November, I have a game of this one scheduled with Grant Linneberg from Pushing Cardboard. I hope to be able to meet the designer Steve Carey as well and maybe have the watchful eye of Roger with Revolution Games guiding us.
13. Boots on the GroundDeluxe from Worthington Publishing
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. The game was funded on Kickstarter and is now ready for purchase.
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.
But, a game on the very small Southern Theater battle of Cowpens is a rare thing and this one looks to be pretty good. Plus it is designed by Pascal Toupy whose games we have enjoyed (Saigon ’75 from Nuts! Publishing).
From the game page, we read the following:
A small force of the Continental Army under the command of Morgan was marching through South Carolina in order to forage for supplies and raise the morale of local colonial sympathizers. As he considered Morgan’s army a threat to his left flank, British General Cornwallis dispatched cavalry under commander Tarleton to defeat Morgan. Tarleton, bolstered by British reinforcements, set off in hot pursuit of the American detachment. Morgan resolved to make a stand at Hannah’s Cowpens, a position on a low hill in open woodland, with the expectation that the aggressive Tarleton would attack headlong. On January 17, 1781, Morgan deployed his army in three main lines. Tarleton’s army, after an exhausting march reached the field and attacked immediately; however, the American defense-in-depth absorbed the British attack. The British lines lost their cohesion as they hurried after the retreating Americans. When Morgan’s army went on the offensive, it wholly overwhelmed the British in the only double envelopment of the war, nearly eliminating Tarleton’s force.
15. 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 counter sheets, 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.
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 RBM Studio!
The Players' Aid 
Had not heard of Operation Isabella before! I do love a good alt-hist game.
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