THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion
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WW2 War Games - Board & Computer Simulations
message 151:
by
Bob
(new)
Feb 25, 2014 07:43PM
In case any of you are interested, I am giving away 10 physical copies of my book," From Shaniko to Pearl Harbor". I have a little over 200 people who say they want it. Goodreads will pick who gets the copies and I will mail them to the winners. It is a fast read, and describes what it was like to be right on the dock at Pearl when the Japanese planes arrived. The book does tell what it was like to live in Hawaii before, during and after the attack. Many copies of the book have been sold at the Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Sign up if you would like a chance to win one.
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Hi, I am new to this discussion. I started with Tactics II and the original Gettysburg, D-Day, etc way back when. I loved to play TRC and while the big gripe was the impact of weather, I solved that by always insisting on playing two games at once, one as the Axis and one as the German, both using SAME WEATHER.Also neat cuz each player had a move going (helped to be playing a trusted friend.) I have decided that while wargames must abstract many things, if they forced you to make the same kinds of decisions as in real combat, with correspondingly probable and/or historical results, then it was a good design. Howard
I meant one as Axis and one as Russian, of courseHoward
I have seen above the fields and am interested in playing some of those games that have been computerized. I had a copy of Caesar at Alesia computerized and it was great that the computer remembered the set-up. Saved hours. Never had to worry about bumping the board and all the pieces going flying.H
Hi Guys, I tried to post but I don't see it. Howard
I am trying to post but I don't see it. Howard
We have you Howard :)
Thanks. I am in Memphis TN. Where are you guys? H
I'm all the way over in Australia but we have quite a few members in the US.
@HowardWe have people from all over, several from England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, mainland Europe as well as the US.
There are even sevaral members from Utah.
The Utah members were grudgingly admitted, hehe.Good memories of those games Howard. How long did I spend staring at those boards over the yrs?
It's been ages since I posted on this forum, but is anybody else into Batllefront's range of WW1 models for the flames of war game? Those tanks look pretty neat.
R.M.F wrote: "It's been ages since I posted on this forum, but is anybody else into Batllefront's range of WW1 models for the flames of war game? Those tanks look pretty neat."
I don't play it but I watch a few games on youtube and it looks pretty neat.
I think it was sensible basing the game in 1918 - great opportunities for the miniature wargamer like myself.
I suppose I should get to some advertising here: I'm in a small group that gathers to play the long "monster" games-- almost exclusively WW2-- for a long week in northern Ohio in mid-February. This is my advertising pitch, if anyone can get free. There's about a dozen of us, usually playing 2-3 big, multiplayer games, and any number of small "side" games, as well as watching war movies, talking smack, rolling dice, and drinking beer. Check us out at http://www.winterfestwargaming.com/. Next year's 'Fest is Feb. 7-16. You don't have to stay for the whole week, we are certainly open to new and part-time players.So far, there is no agreement on the big games for next year, but something OCS is always a favorite and this year, some of us are pushing for GMT's Battle for Normandy game. We usually thrash out who's playing what after New Year's Day.
Most of us are Ohioans, but there are some from other midwestern states who have showed up, even a few New Yorkers.
@Lee I've been dormant for quite some time with work and other life activities. I just read your post about Winterfest. That looks like a great time! I've added your link to my collection. Perhaps one of these years I'll make a trip to the Mid-West for Winterfest.
The History Channel TV show 'Pawn Stars' introduction shows quick shots of people and merchandise around the store, has been updated (backdated?) and it now includes a stack of Avalon Hill War Games.The short clip is but for a second or two and it looks like Anzio, Battle of the Bulge, D-Day, Blitkrieg, and Afrika Korps.
They don't sell for much on Ebay, so surprised they
even have them.
Good to see the games being part of Americana.
Since you mention AH games.... I suppose it's rather late, but I am reminded that John Hill, the designer of the classic "Squad Leader", passed away last month. One of my gaming magazines (not a wargaming one, but an RPG one) had 3 different tributes in this month's issue.My brother and I played a lot of SL in 1983-84, but we declined to continue with Advanced SL. I dug out our games and played a scenario solitaire two weekends ago, it's still fun.
interesting about John Hill. My first AH game goes back to 'Civil War'. I was in elementary school about '65, my parents got it for me for Christmas. It was way over my head, but got me started.
I thought John Hill's The Russian Campaign, with all the subsequent updates, was a terrific game. So many new ideas. Many complain that as a game if suffers from the importance of weather in terms of "winning," but my solution was posted already June 21st. This also helped forestall the "early quitting" problem. But the game was a great simulation because it was relatively simple, playable and forced the same types of decisions that faced the historical adversaries. I also enjoyed the way John responded in publications like the AH General. He seems so often to be able to explain his reasoning clearly and didn't get rattled by detractors. He even offered "house rules" options to give players even more ways to satisfy their quibbles. I wish I had been able to meet him. I am sorry to learn of his death.
Thank you, I may have another podcast to add to my weekly list.
I am a fan of Unity of Command and GG War in the East. Both more modern and not based on ancient board games
'Quite involved' is an understatement, but if you are looking for an involved eastern campaign GG War in the East is well worth the time required.
I'm currently playing Panzer Corps on the PC... guilty pleasures, it reminds me of Panzer General from the 90's and Arnhem, Dessert Rats and Vulcan on the Spectrum in the 80's. I'm also teaching the eldest to fly Spitfires (heresy!) on Il-2 '46 - more or less. Unfortunately I didn't bother with WW2 boardgames as a youth, except Escape From Colditz, but we did do a lit of Cold War ones - Harpoon, Red October and Tac Air.
I'd love to be able to play some of those old 1980-90's games again, have fun Jonny :)
This week's US TV show 'Pawns Stars' had a fellow trying to sell his Avalon Hill game 'Battle of the Bulge'. They had their toy/game expert evaluate its value. He said it had normal wear and tear, it had been played, but all the pieces were there and said it would probably sell for $40-50. It wasn't collectable as it wasn't unused.
The Pawn store didn't buy it as it wasn't worth it.
A quick look on Ebay shows it listing for from $9 to $90. the $9 being about the shape as the one in the show.
Before PCs I used to spend time on a strategy game called 'Descent Into Hell'. It was a turn based two player board game about Operation Market Garden. It was a great way to spend a few hours.I also used to play 'Silent Hunter' on PC, another great WW2 sim.
I wish I had kept my collection of Avalon Hill games along with the many other board games, I think I had over 20-30 war games, all gone now :(
Cool thread. I've still got a box full of Avalon Hill games that I haven't played in years. Up until about 2 years ago I played lots of Advanced Squad Leader. It's a great game but it's hard to find the time now since I have 2 small children. Someday I'll start up again.
I had "Panzer Leader" and "Squad Leader", aaah, fond memories :)
John wrote: "Cool thread. I've still got a box full of Avalon Hill games that I haven't played in years. Up until about 2 years ago I played lots of Advanced Squad Leader. It's a great game but it's hard to fin..."
I have about 50 old board wargames. My favorite was The Russian Campaign and before everyone starts screaming about the weather rules, I used two games at once, one as Axis and other as Russians using the SAME weather on both games. While you were moving your Germans your opponent was moving his. I played with friends whom I could basically trust and often won both games. Once as the German I lost a big combination of attacks around Dneprpetrovsk and the Russian, a skilled player, destroyed me in his counter attack. I found myself back at the start line in the south at the beginning of the second year. but he got careless and moved too far forward and my spring reinforcements began a crushing series of attacks that eventually won the game.My favorite game systems are the one for Cobra, though that game is flawed because of the probable German defense, and the GDW series games.
I have two copies of the large AH pacific war game so that it can be played referreed or at least blind.
I have many of the Europa Series games, some of the better SPI games. Russian Front, Storm over Arhnem series to include Cassino, Stalingrad and Breakthrough Normandy.. Have an original Gettysburg but not in good shape. Hate to let these old teddy bears from my youth go, but if a got a fair offer I would sell them. Mostly have the operational and strategic level games. To me the quality of the game was related to forcing the player to face the same issues and make the same kinds of choices as the historical operators. Have just about all the PC Panzer General games up to PGII.
Glad to see another Europa fan.I will take this opportunity to plug a convention that I attend annually. We play for a whole week, so that we can play monster games like Russian Campaign and Europa and many others. There's usually 15-20 of us taking over the ballroom of a small motel in Sandusky, Ohio, always the week following the Super Bowl.
Winterfest Wargaming http://www.winterfestwargaming.com/ This will be our 20th year.
Looks like a fun event, shame I'm a tad far away :)We have something similar in Canberra for boardgamers of all genres:
http://www.cgs.asn.au/cancon/
Sandusky? Hey I've been to Cedar Point Amusement Park a few times. 'Teddy Bears' I like that description Howard. I've a dozen or so in their treasured box, and why do I still have them?
AH Stalingrad was one of the first and played the most. Always loved all those photographs on the cover. Let's see what else?
All AH, Anzio, Blitzkrieg, Civil War, 1914, Jutland, mmm now where is that box ?
Yes I think I got an unpunched copy of AH Stalingrad down in the pile. Anzio, Blitzkrieg, etc. Did not go for many of the WWI or earlier games except Civil War and Napoleonic. Many of those. Chancellorsville, Waterloo, etc. Keep them like they were precious heirlooms.
'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Looks like a fun event, shame I'm a tad far away :)We have something similar in Canberra for boardgamers of all genres:
http://www.cgs.asn.au/cancon/"
Rick, do you make it there often? I am out this Jan (start a new job in Jan) but have pencilled it in for 2020. I have a long history of wargames and RPG's although for the last few years best I have managed is some ASL at the Sydney Paddington Bears group
Hi Tim, I haven't been for a few years but I may try and get back again as there are usually some book sellers there :)
Same here, haven't even made it to the AWM down there for years. Need to pull my finger out
If your ever coming down to visit the AWM let me know and I'll meet you for a coffee, plus it gives me an excuse to visit the bookshop as well :)
Tim wrote: "Rick... sounds like a cunning plan..."Indeed :)
Although it isn't a World War II game, I figured I should mention the video game, Valiant Hearts: The Great War which, as you might guess, is set in World War I. This game isn't your standard World War shooter game. Instead it's an historically accurate game that follows the path of four characters as they try to survive the war, while also trying to save their loved ones. The gameplay involves simple puzzles mostly which are fun and occasionally challenging, but the real draw is the story and historical accuracy. It's only $15.00 and available on consoles, computers, and mobile devices. I highly recommend it.
A few interesting items this week in wargame news - GMT Games will be shipping its 3rd printing of Empire of the Sun within the next few weeks.
MMP is hosting its annual Winter Offensive gaming event in Maryland this weekend. They are releasing Red Factories at the event and will be shipping pre-orders next week.
Hey Tom, just received my Red Factories. I have no idea when I'm going to get around to playing it. You are right about ASL. If you ever wanted to be any good it's almost a total commitment as the only wargame you ever play... I'm just not ready to do that - so mediocre is my lot in life WRT ASL :) I do like ASLSK and I'm looking forward to SK4.I've been playing GMT's Labyrinth for the last several months. Great game - takes more than a few games to get the hang of it, but is it a nail biter. Both sides feel as if they just don't have the needed funding or military units to keep the other at bay.
I do have a table big enough for RF - it's the dinning room table. So that won't work for them long CG games....I do have the Labyrinth expansion. I have not played with the expansion yet, but with what you've said perhaps I should break it out and take a look!
GMT's Empire of the Sun just arrived - had the P500 order for this one. Another I've got to get on the table. There just isn't enough time to read and game let alone work!
THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP
Books mentioned in this topic
The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia (other topics)In the Graveyard of Empires: America's War in Afghanistan (other topics)
Tournament of Shadows: The Great Game & the Race for Empire in Central Asia (other topics)
Bloody April: Slaughter in the Skies Over Arras, 1917 (other topics)
Aces Falling: War Above the Trenches, 1918 (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Peter Hopkirk (other topics)Peter Hart (other topics)
Peter Hart (other topics)
