Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.historical (More info?)
Hi all
Having injured my leg (trying to act the young lad) I am stuck at home and
killing time and also having just purchased my umpteenth set of WWII wargame
rules (Blitzkrieg Commander) I thought I would indulge myself in a personal
mini-review of the WWII rules sets I own for the delectation (or otherwise)
of list members. Some hoary old sets (ahh the nostalgia) and several new
ones with a brave few in between.
I have conducted review in distinctly unscientific fashion with bit of
waffle and overall grading from A to E (a being best) I also give them what
I call the Tiger Test (TT) as the first thing I usually look at in any set
is how vunerable/tough a Tiger 1 is vs Shermans/T34 within the game system
(ie how hard or easy to brew up and at what ranges) all this is of course
totally a personal view...................
Blitzkrieg Commander - brand new,read thru once but not played as yet,
apparently based in part on some Fantasy (hiss boo) set these are a very
nicely produced set. Very much in the trend of playable systems with easy to
learn mechanisms and a good deal of abstractions. Look to give a good fast
moving game and will be trying them out soon.
Seem best suited to 6m/10mm and default 1 base = Plat/Troop Comes with built
in army lists and scn generator and point system. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : B
Spearhead - one of my fav sets of rules (that bloke Conliffe can sure write
innovative rulesets or what !?) allowing loads of kit on tabletop without
bogging down. Nice historical feel to games (although Huns are favoured a
tad), good tactical options abound. Nice touches such as target priorities
and suchlike. Additional scn booklets available several scns included.Best
for 6mm/10mm with 15mm at a stretch. 1 base = 1 Platoon. Webpage/forum
Grade : A TT : B
Crossfire - another Conliffe set with some very radical ideas. Superb for
Inf combat giving a real 'feel' to actions less successful for AFVs. No set
turn sequence with constantly changing iniatiative, system for LOS/Firing
takes bit of getting used to and requires lots of terrain (numerous small
items). Includes basic army lists and scn generator. Additional Scn booklet
adds some nice rules. Best for 15mm+ as games quite petit. 1 base = 1
section/squad.
Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Battle ! Practical Wargaming - venerable set by late great Charles Grant one
of my first ever sets, great read and hardback too ! antiquated style but
always gave good games. No points system,no scn generators but does include
couple of scns. Complex (or rather convoluted) systems in some respects
simplistic in others. Definately a collectors item nowadays. Firmly designed
for 20mm+ (or 1/76th 1/72nd to use its terminology) although most vehicles
in photos were old Roco Mini-Tanks which were (are ?) closer to 15mm scale.
Inf/Afvs are individuals. Simultaneous turns seem odd now.
Grade : C TT : C
World War II Wargaming Airfix Guide No 15 - an early Bruce Quarrie set with
upcoming trend (at that time) for multiple charts with multiple modifers for
most aspects of the game. Good deal of info in a slim volume. Slow playing
with several inconsistancies especially in area of gun ratings. Not a set I
used much. Units are individuals. Designed for 20mm (ie Airfix 'midgies').
No scns but does include points system another simultaneous turn set.
Grade : D TT : D
Battles With Model Tanks - another old hardback book with fairly generic set
of simplistic Tank combat rules (Inf negelected) by Don Featherstone/Keith
Robinson. General in scope (covers 1917 to late 1970s) but with several
scns. Nice read but not much as ruleset. Designed mainly for 20mm and with
units as individuals in the main.
Grade : D TT : D
Tank Battles In Miniature 1 A Wargamers guide to Western Desert Campaign
1941-42 -Another Featherstone tome in hardback. Super read especially the
background stuff and since Don actually fought in the theatre it all has
that ring of truth. Quite complex rules included with some odd stuff like
the 'Movement Board' with little paper tanks on pins to simulate problems of
movement in desert. Designed with 6mm in mind but with individual Afvs.
Grade : C TT : B
Tank Battles etc 3 A guide to NW European Campaign - another Quarrie set,
another hardback. Another superb read with lots of info and flavour. Rules
are essentially an update of the Airfix guide stuff. Focus is on Tank combat
with 6mm in mind, Inf rules are included but are tad cumbersome (too much
bookeeping) and the Air-Ground rules (by Mike compadre) are a game unto
themselves. Simultaneous turns caused a lot of problems playing this
especially as one had to keep track of ammo useage and Rof combined with
varying turret speeds (all seemed rather intricate for 6mm).
Grade : C TT : B
World War II Rules (simplified) - where did I get these ? a Bath Wargame
Society set very basic in outlook (being a phamplet !) which I never
actually used but which surprisingly covered most aspects.
Grade : D TT : D
Tactical Commander - A Tabletop Games set (I think there are updated
versions to my original) and very much in early 1980s mould (ie lots of
detail lots of charts modifiers etc) designed for 20mm skirmish games.
Another simultaneous type (although this is not really defined but assumed).
Inf combat well covered and reasonably playable but I found the Tank combat
always seemed to need a score of 6 to achieve hit vs any target. Some
oddities in Gun/Armour relationshpis did not help. Individual scale.
Grade : C TT : D
Combined Arms WWII Infantry-Armour Actions - another TTG set designed for
6mm scale primarily. Again heavy on stats/charts. This was a set I used for
a long time and which I tweaked heavily. Slow playing due to large amounts
of chart/modifier useage which seemed so accurate at the time but with
hindsight seems so needless. Author (Ian Shaw) also done some seperate army
lists (which covered this set plus WRG and Newbury). AFVs were individuals
with Inf grouped as Section bases.
Grade : C (more like A when I was using them) TT : B
Armoured Warfare for 1/200th scale - set produced by Skytrex to accompany
their 10mm range. Units were indidviduals. Some rather different rules
(first use I recall of multiple dice for MGs etc in place of multiple
modifiers) especially the ordinance firing system wherein firer had to
predict the range in mm to target and depending how far out guess was this
modified strike values. Designed for 10mm but easily useable for larger
scales.
Grade : C TT : B
Firefly WWII 1/300th & 1/200th Battlegroup Actions - set by Bruce Rea
Taylor. Again another 1980s set heavy on charts/modifiers. Was direct rival
to WRG sets with more depth/detail. Included several army lists including
historical units. Again a slow playing set due to number of charts etc I
neglected it in favour of Combined Arms but if I recall it was a rather
popular set (at least in UK). Individual Afvs and Inf groups (rated
seperately for
individual nations/types)
Grade : C TT : B
WRG Rules for Armour & Infantry 1925-1950 - WRG set another of my first
sets. At the time a rather simple set but playable. Suffered IMHO from usual
WRG predisposistion to competition rules. Inf was generic (no bonuses for
MG42s in this) the little bases of 4 made them fiddly and annnoying. List of
manufactuers etc to rear makes for nostalgic reading. Overall a set I
maligned at time in many ways but which actually generates a better 'game'
than those I used. Primarily for 6mm (only small scale at time). Individual
Afvs and Inf groups (half-sections).
Grade : B TT : C
Micro-Warfare - another Skytrex set issued in early days of 6mm and designed
for their use. A set with very strong board wargaming influence (in fact
advocated use of hexes to play on). Simple in outlook and another set I
never actually used. Units were Platoons/Troops with some record keeping to
track casualties.
Grade : E TT : E
GI Commander 1939-45 - A US set (one of first I had seen/purchased) via
Navwar. Complex (especially the advanced rules) with lots of
charts/modifiers and odd fractional units stats (eg some Inf had hit factors
of 1.25). Boardgame influence detected but not specified. 6mm design basis
with inherent army lists. The need for fast mathmatical brain made them not
my cup of tea.
Grade : D TT : D
Command Decision (editions I, II & III) - a set designed for 20mm (all Frank
Chadwicks photos show this scale) another US set which distinctively came in
a box but good set for 6mm. Simultaneous sequence but use of order chits was
excellent and made HQs feel very important. Played this a lot but found that
(unlike Spearhead) it was suited to none too large games or turns took a lot
longer than the 15mins real-time the rules advocated. Good system of hits
related to troop grade and morale (expanded in later editions) but way too
much firing in a turn (3 possible firing phases with multiple Rof) this was
addressed in 3rd edition (units only fire in 1 phase). Whilst loving the
order chit system in someways it was too flexible as units could literally
zip across the battlefield. 1 Base = 1 Pltoon/Troop
Used to be supported with quarterly Command Post magazine. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Cambrai to Sinai 1917-1967 Newbury Rules - another early set covering 6mm
and 20mm (parallel rules contained). Another set with convoluted systems
which I found slowed games down to a crawl and were seldom finished.
Numerous charts/modifiers. Covered all aspects of WWII. Seperate Army lists
available. Not a favourite with me this one. Individual AFVs and Inf (groups
at 6mm scale)
Grade : D TT : D
No 1 Wargames Command rules for WWII - a set for 6mm I played a lot prior to
finding Combined Arms (which had similar firing/armour system). Inf a bit of
an afterthought (rules came with 1cm square cut-out counters in lieu of
figs). Unique morale system termed IKB (I know better) wherein unit failing
morale was subject to fairly random movement which lead to some odd
situations. A campaign set was released (Sword Beach) with updated rules.
Afvs were indidviduals Inf in groups but organized at 1/3rd historical basis
(ie 1 coy eqivalent to 1 Bttn etc).
Grade : C TT : B
Berlin Or Bust - slim set designed for skirmish games. Nothing ground
breaking but nothing odd either. Another set not used (rather a few like
this in my collection !). Individual Afvs and Inf.
Grade : D TT : C
WRG Rules 1925-1950 Platoon to Battalion level - updated from original set
(published 1973) with a good deal more detail especially in realm of Command
and Control and use of Tactical Modes (I found this cumbersome). Much more
accurate than old set at sacrafice in playability. Covers all scales but
best suited to 6mm. Indidvidual Afvs Inf in groups. Includes army lists (in
rather cryptic form) and again shows its competition bent.
Grade : C TT : C
Korps Commander WWII The Road To Berlin - another BRTaylor/TTg set aimed at
playing higher level games (basic units being Coys) but with usual mass
charts/modifiers. Very cumbersome mechanics in many respects and slow.
Includes some nice Divisional organizations and as per Firefly a few
historical. A set I wanted to like (who doesnt want to field Corps/Division)
but found wanting.
Grade : D TT : D
World War II Infantry Action - Newbury set designed for skirmish 20mm games.
Lots of charts/modifiers with obvious emphasis on Inf. Way too much detail
for my tastes with even small games bogging down. Some generic scns and
points system.
Grade : D TT : D
Operation Warboard - my first set of WWII rules (in fact my first set of
wargame rules) firmly for 20mm games (quirk of illustrations are use of
unpainted Airfix etc figs/vehicles and chalked on roads polysthrene hills
etc). Another nice read (rules in 1970s were very much books) with lots of
background/explanation. Units are individual Afv/Inf. Simple firing rules
and Tank rules with several inconsistancies. Use of numerous plastic grids
(which one had to make oneself) the MG grid being a real beast. Great fun to
play (especially for a 12yr old) and a good grounding (along with Battle!)
in the great hobby of wargaming.........
Lots of nostalgia with this set affects grading.
Grade : A TT : C
Clash Of Armor Rules for Grand Tactical WWII - set for 6mm (could use
10/15mm) with some interesting features such as rolls to activate individual
formations (graded per Coy and more importantly by its Commander). Great way
to show difference in quality of units and yet allow reaction to enemy moves
(at cost for subsequent moves). However system was rather slow and the
combat mechanisms rather odd at times (total firepower factors divided by
target defence factor with limits to totals). Couple scn booklets available.
1 base = 1 Platoon. Had a lot of potential but never really got to grips
with rules (mainly as more playable Spearhead available)
Grade : C TT : B
Where The Iron Crosses Grow - set bought at Wargames Show (Colours at
Reading I think) designed for 15-20mm skirmish games. Another set with
nothing new but nothing bad either. Strangely for skirmish set the Inf rules
are tad underwritten (ie unclear in cases) and seemed taken from Tactical
Commander set in large part. The title and drawing of Tiger on front
probably attracted m to this set 🙂
Grade : C TT : B
Rapid Fire - designed as a fast play set for 15/20mm stuff they do exactly
what they say. Definately a highly playable set nicely produced (who fails
to drool at all the colour photos of 20mm kit !?) simplistic in most
respects (especially for my tastes the Gun/Tank rules). A big following in
UK and several excellent supplements available. 1 bases = 1 platoon (not
strict scale). Such playable type rules are very much the trend in recent
years.
Webpage/forum.
Grade : B TT : C
Tiger Tiger Burning Bright - produced as set for 1/200th scale but playable
as 6mm or 15mm. Another Colours (or was it Warfare) purchase. Once again the
Inf rules are tad unintelligible to me (maybe its me or authors are assuming
too much ?) and rules are overall neither good bad or indifferent. 1 base =
individual AFV/Inf section. Another set not played.
Grade : C TT : C
Blitzspiel - slim booklet of simple rules another Show purchase. Fairly
broad armour and gun groupings and no C&C rules of note. Bit like cut-down
WRG 1973 (but why bother) certainly playable. 1 base = 1 platoon.
Grade : C TT : D
Overlord rules for the Normandy Campaign - a set designed for 10/15mm (20mm
ok) covering a finite period (June-August 1944) and location. Author Barrie
Lovell has some great ideas and produced one of my favourite rulesets (nice
balance between gameplay and level of accuracy at scale aimed for). Inf
combat system is reminiscent of Squad Leader in some ways. The morale/combat
rules seem to generate rather historical occurrences (my usual opponnent
often bemoaned how his Inexperienced US Troops basically went to ground
(Pinned) when fired upon) which to a point can lead to rather poor 'games'
(a good scn is key). AFV combat could tense but with 1" = 10 yds ground
scale even heavy Tanks are vunerable on average tabletop. Order chits are
nicely used in the game. Quite chart/modifier heavy but not overly complex
and with games of 1-2 coys plus supports quite playable. 1 base = 1 Afv or
Inf group (half sections). Comes with Coy organizations and a single scn.
Interestingly the author is now an advocate of Crossfire. Basic scns
included
and points system.
Grade : A TT : B
Grey Storm Red Steel Tactical Combat On the Eastern Front - followup set to
Overlord by Barrie Lovell and another fine set this time covering a much
greater timeframe and theatre. Really Overlord Deluxe this set retains the
basic systems of prevoius set but with numerous echancements. Order chits
are still there but Ivans must place theirs first giving Huns more
flexibility. Inf now fire not as individual groups but total firepower to
cover a gridded oval area. Tank combat has been filled out (and complicated)
greatly and several eastern Front aspects added (much more depth to fighting
in buildings and melees). Includes a nice scn generator/pints system which
usually sees the Huns well outnumered (one memorable game saw my 300pts of
Huns reduced by half whilst Ivan 300 pts was tripled !!). 1 base = 1 Afv or
Inf Group (half-section).
Grade : A TT : B
Great Battles Of WWII Volume 1 The Canadians in Europe - set from (surprise)
Canadians Wargamers Group set a Divisional level with basic stands being
Coys. Interesting concept for games with Forming Up Points and passage of
time being important. Combat system abstracted due to level played and games
are rather big overall (1 scn advocates having a rolling 15ft paper map)
Designed for 6mm. Terrain so abstracted that game plays best on boardgame
style map. Includes background on Cannuck army and several historical scns.
Grade : C TT : C
Battalions In Crisis ! Small Unit Combat in WWII - a US set (apparently a
clone of Tractics ?) for 20mm skirmish games. Lots of charts/modifiers
(including individual charts for each Afv). Tank combat was reasonably good
(if tad modifier intense) but I found Inf combat too slow for anyhting but
smallest games. Artillery grid was slow to use as it tracked individual
shells (mind you older Battle and Op Warboard also done this). Lots of
detail included but a too high a loss of playability for me. Couple of
expansion modules and I think a bi-monthly mag
Grade : C TT : B
Abteilung 15mm WWII Battle Rules - Set produced by Peter Pig (RFCM range) to
accompany their 15mm figs. Generic unit types and simplistic combat to
garner a playable game is the aim. Some nice ideas for setting up scns but
the overall system weighed too much in favour of fastplay IMHO. No hard and
fast scale but basically 1 unit = Platoon
Forum.
Grade : C TT : D
Military Operations '39-'45 - another show bought set (by Agema) with again
some interesting concepts but not radically different enough to garner much
play on my tabletop. Production values rather low (pages all photcopies) but
included army lists for most nations.
1 base = 1 platoon
Grade : C TT : C
Panzer Tactics Rules For Coy and Bttn Battles - another US set (the support
I give their economy eh ?) with an Armour combat system I enjoyed (more a
something of a throwback to 1980s rules) but an Inf system I did not (card
counters advocated again with some stacking !). 6mm design emphasis. 1 base
= 1 Afv or Inf fireteam (bit US-centric).
Grade : C TT : B
TAC : WWII Rules for Brigade Level Actions - another low production value UK
set with some nice C&C concepts but again rather tedious to play (mainly due
to number of counters required). No advantage to this set to my mind
(enfeebled as it may be) over Spearhead and not played. Several campaign scn
booklets available.
Grade : D TT : D
Cross of Iron Eastern Front Skirmish Rules - skirmish set set a very low
level (individual figs stats) in sort of RPG setting (influence of film
obvious). Several scns included. best with 20mm + (I would think great for
new 28mm stuff). Low production values (included some pasted in pages.
Another set read but unplayed. Afv rules give scant attention.
Grade : C TT : D
Take Cover !! Tactical Approach to WWII - Brittania Minis set nicely
illustrated with their figs etc. Very much a rival to Rapid Fire being of
similar ilk/scale/playability with some tweaks. Ambush rule is nicely
implemented but overall combat rules are simple/generic. Includes 2 scns and
sample lists but other army lists are available seperately. As per Rapid
Fire they are fastplay with 1 base = 1 platoon/ Inf group in sixes for
firing. Forum
Grade : C TT : C
Mein Panzer WWII Edition - original set (new updated set) from US using a
modular system (ie if you want to lay only Tanks or without Arty etc).
Combat was quite well done (not too many modifiers) although some stats
seemed off (that Tiger Test again) but Inf very brittle indeed (addressed I
believe in newer version). Complete with army lists and couple of scns. 1
base = 1 Afv or Inf squad another set that I did not use much as better sets
around. Webpage/forum
Grade : C TT : C
Tiger Tiger - Another show purchase and another low end photocopy (DTP ?)
type. Actually quite comprehensive with Armour combat system the author
seems to intend is used in Rapid Fire or similar but since its not much
different/better I cant see why. Inf rules are again bit lacking. 1 base = 1
platoon
Grade : C TT : C
Piquet II Point Of Attack II The Blitzkrieg - PK seems to be a system gamers
either love or hate I quite like it for its unpredictabliity but was insure
of how system would work for WWII (having previously tired it for Horse &
Musket). I was pleasently surprised that games play as well as they do. The
initiative/card system is of course unique (house rule I like is to roll
D12s not D20 and higher roll gets to choose to go first or second with both
players playing out their respective rolls and disregarding the 'clock').
POA gives rules stats for 3 levels of play Squad/Platoon/Battalion (with Coy
level available on web) and can use any scale of minis (I used 15mm for
squad and 6mm for others) and each level plays similarly only with few
tweaks and differing ground scales/ranges. Combat system is fairly simple in
terms of stats (usual dice type modifiers) and if using random unit
selection rolls it can lead to odd but plausible unit matchups combat
results combine damage and morale outcomes. Lack of any spotting rules
whatsoever seemed odd but within the PK context it works ok (as seeing
something does not mean you have available action points/cards to deal with
them). The coverage of several levels of play in one set is nice and offsets
initial expense of rules themselves. PK is a highly tweakable set (tweaking
seems actively encouraged in fact !). Webpage/forum
Grade : A TT : C
Battlefront WWII - yet another US set (I really ought to get a medal or
something !) by authors of Fire And Fury Acw set (and a fine set they are
too). Presentation is excellent with numerous illustrations/diagrams and a
fun set of individual unit cards (with colour (sorry color) photos. Scale is
strange in that AFVs represent 1-2 vehicles (half-platoons). Initial rules
include Huns/Yanks/Ivans late war with Brits and other timeframes in
expansions. System uses a derivative of dice modified action points for
activations and combat is simple but effective combined with morale
outcomes. Overall a nice set of rules but lack of Brits in initial release
relegated these to my read but not played much bunch. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Panzer Marsh ! - set by North Hull Club with nice glossy presentation (a
nice bi-product of Rapid Fire is this trend in UK rules now) designed for
20mm stuff (some nice pics of Hull blokes stuff inside). Somewhat of a
throwback to older style rules with strange system of ranging sticks for
shooting etc. A set I again read but not played as they seem no advantage
over other sets I had (why then did I buy them you ask.....who knows !).
Includes late war army lists with others available seperately. Webpage
Grade : C TT : C
Megablitz Rules for Large Scale Actions - Set designed for very large level
games with bases = roughly a Bttn/Regt (including POL stuff most divisions
only need 6-10 bases !). At such a scale combat etc is very generic and
simple being mostly a case of hit points and defence points and Afvs along
the lines of Heavy-Light.Designed with 20mm in mind but any scale possible.
As with Great Battles system terrain is very abstracted at this level. Not
played this set as yet. Forum
Grade : C TT : D
Kampfgruppe Commander Clash Of Armor II - updated version of COA with
somewhat streamlined mechanics making gameplay a tad easier but still too
convulted compared to Spearhead and similar.
Grade : C TT : B
Battlegroup PanzerGrenadier WWII Fastplay Rules - new UK set by David Brown
(of Chef De Brigade Nappy rules fame) designed for 15mm (10/20mm useable)
with 1 unit = squad. Uses a derivative of DBx PIP dicing system for C&C.
Fairly simple and straightforward combat systems. 2 Scns included and scn
booklet available. A set I have read and played once but intend to give at
least another outing. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Flames Of War the WWII Miniatures Game - another love or hate set it seems
based word has it on GW Warhammer Fantasy (boo hiss) set. Nicely produced in
NZ this time (nows its the world economy I support !) with lovely photos of
Battlefront Minis. Comes with mid-war lists and basic scn generator. Simple
mechanics based firmly on D6 with saving throws of all things (come to think
of it new Blitzkrieg Cmdr has this must be the fantasy rules influence?).
Certainly a fastplay set seems designed ala GW to bring hordes of youths
into the hobby and thats no mean feat or aim. Interaction between units is
basic leading IMHO to fairly stylised/samey games which publishers seems to
address by issuing of a large number supplements with new types of kit and
list/special rules (not a fav 'tactic' of mine). Pushed as competition set
for which it is well geared. Webpage/forum
Grade : C TT : C
Well thats it except to give honourable mention to numerous web-based
free-download sets I have tried (1943, Dic Tac, etc etc) of which I am
currently reading the SL Miniatures set (based on original Squad Leader/COI
boargame) and of course to several boardgames/PC games from which I have
tried to steal ideas/systems/stats over the years (Steel Panthers/EF/Combat
Mission etc) in the search for that eluisive 'perfect rule set' 🙂
"I will talk no more forever" or at least until tomorrow 🙂
Gary Barr
N.Ireland
UK
sgt.steiner@virgin.net
"Merry it was to laugh there-where death becomes absurd
and life absurder. For power was on us as we slashed
bones bare. Not to feel sickness or remorse of murder."
Wilfred Owen
Hi all
Having injured my leg (trying to act the young lad) I am stuck at home and
killing time and also having just purchased my umpteenth set of WWII wargame
rules (Blitzkrieg Commander) I thought I would indulge myself in a personal
mini-review of the WWII rules sets I own for the delectation (or otherwise)
of list members. Some hoary old sets (ahh the nostalgia) and several new
ones with a brave few in between.
I have conducted review in distinctly unscientific fashion with bit of
waffle and overall grading from A to E (a being best) I also give them what
I call the Tiger Test (TT) as the first thing I usually look at in any set
is how vunerable/tough a Tiger 1 is vs Shermans/T34 within the game system
(ie how hard or easy to brew up and at what ranges) all this is of course
totally a personal view...................
Blitzkrieg Commander - brand new,read thru once but not played as yet,
apparently based in part on some Fantasy (hiss boo) set these are a very
nicely produced set. Very much in the trend of playable systems with easy to
learn mechanisms and a good deal of abstractions. Look to give a good fast
moving game and will be trying them out soon.
Seem best suited to 6m/10mm and default 1 base = Plat/Troop Comes with built
in army lists and scn generator and point system. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : B
Spearhead - one of my fav sets of rules (that bloke Conliffe can sure write
innovative rulesets or what !?) allowing loads of kit on tabletop without
bogging down. Nice historical feel to games (although Huns are favoured a
tad), good tactical options abound. Nice touches such as target priorities
and suchlike. Additional scn booklets available several scns included.Best
for 6mm/10mm with 15mm at a stretch. 1 base = 1 Platoon. Webpage/forum
Grade : A TT : B
Crossfire - another Conliffe set with some very radical ideas. Superb for
Inf combat giving a real 'feel' to actions less successful for AFVs. No set
turn sequence with constantly changing iniatiative, system for LOS/Firing
takes bit of getting used to and requires lots of terrain (numerous small
items). Includes basic army lists and scn generator. Additional Scn booklet
adds some nice rules. Best for 15mm+ as games quite petit. 1 base = 1
section/squad.
Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Battle ! Practical Wargaming - venerable set by late great Charles Grant one
of my first ever sets, great read and hardback too ! antiquated style but
always gave good games. No points system,no scn generators but does include
couple of scns. Complex (or rather convoluted) systems in some respects
simplistic in others. Definately a collectors item nowadays. Firmly designed
for 20mm+ (or 1/76th 1/72nd to use its terminology) although most vehicles
in photos were old Roco Mini-Tanks which were (are ?) closer to 15mm scale.
Inf/Afvs are individuals. Simultaneous turns seem odd now.
Grade : C TT : C
World War II Wargaming Airfix Guide No 15 - an early Bruce Quarrie set with
upcoming trend (at that time) for multiple charts with multiple modifers for
most aspects of the game. Good deal of info in a slim volume. Slow playing
with several inconsistancies especially in area of gun ratings. Not a set I
used much. Units are individuals. Designed for 20mm (ie Airfix 'midgies').
No scns but does include points system another simultaneous turn set.
Grade : D TT : D
Battles With Model Tanks - another old hardback book with fairly generic set
of simplistic Tank combat rules (Inf negelected) by Don Featherstone/Keith
Robinson. General in scope (covers 1917 to late 1970s) but with several
scns. Nice read but not much as ruleset. Designed mainly for 20mm and with
units as individuals in the main.
Grade : D TT : D
Tank Battles In Miniature 1 A Wargamers guide to Western Desert Campaign
1941-42 -Another Featherstone tome in hardback. Super read especially the
background stuff and since Don actually fought in the theatre it all has
that ring of truth. Quite complex rules included with some odd stuff like
the 'Movement Board' with little paper tanks on pins to simulate problems of
movement in desert. Designed with 6mm in mind but with individual Afvs.
Grade : C TT : B
Tank Battles etc 3 A guide to NW European Campaign - another Quarrie set,
another hardback. Another superb read with lots of info and flavour. Rules
are essentially an update of the Airfix guide stuff. Focus is on Tank combat
with 6mm in mind, Inf rules are included but are tad cumbersome (too much
bookeeping) and the Air-Ground rules (by Mike compadre) are a game unto
themselves. Simultaneous turns caused a lot of problems playing this
especially as one had to keep track of ammo useage and Rof combined with
varying turret speeds (all seemed rather intricate for 6mm).
Grade : C TT : B
World War II Rules (simplified) - where did I get these ? a Bath Wargame
Society set very basic in outlook (being a phamplet !) which I never
actually used but which surprisingly covered most aspects.
Grade : D TT : D
Tactical Commander - A Tabletop Games set (I think there are updated
versions to my original) and very much in early 1980s mould (ie lots of
detail lots of charts modifiers etc) designed for 20mm skirmish games.
Another simultaneous type (although this is not really defined but assumed).
Inf combat well covered and reasonably playable but I found the Tank combat
always seemed to need a score of 6 to achieve hit vs any target. Some
oddities in Gun/Armour relationshpis did not help. Individual scale.
Grade : C TT : D
Combined Arms WWII Infantry-Armour Actions - another TTG set designed for
6mm scale primarily. Again heavy on stats/charts. This was a set I used for
a long time and which I tweaked heavily. Slow playing due to large amounts
of chart/modifier useage which seemed so accurate at the time but with
hindsight seems so needless. Author (Ian Shaw) also done some seperate army
lists (which covered this set plus WRG and Newbury). AFVs were individuals
with Inf grouped as Section bases.
Grade : C (more like A when I was using them) TT : B
Armoured Warfare for 1/200th scale - set produced by Skytrex to accompany
their 10mm range. Units were indidviduals. Some rather different rules
(first use I recall of multiple dice for MGs etc in place of multiple
modifiers) especially the ordinance firing system wherein firer had to
predict the range in mm to target and depending how far out guess was this
modified strike values. Designed for 10mm but easily useable for larger
scales.
Grade : C TT : B
Firefly WWII 1/300th & 1/200th Battlegroup Actions - set by Bruce Rea
Taylor. Again another 1980s set heavy on charts/modifiers. Was direct rival
to WRG sets with more depth/detail. Included several army lists including
historical units. Again a slow playing set due to number of charts etc I
neglected it in favour of Combined Arms but if I recall it was a rather
popular set (at least in UK). Individual Afvs and Inf groups (rated
seperately for
individual nations/types)
Grade : C TT : B
WRG Rules for Armour & Infantry 1925-1950 - WRG set another of my first
sets. At the time a rather simple set but playable. Suffered IMHO from usual
WRG predisposistion to competition rules. Inf was generic (no bonuses for
MG42s in this) the little bases of 4 made them fiddly and annnoying. List of
manufactuers etc to rear makes for nostalgic reading. Overall a set I
maligned at time in many ways but which actually generates a better 'game'
than those I used. Primarily for 6mm (only small scale at time). Individual
Afvs and Inf groups (half-sections).
Grade : B TT : C
Micro-Warfare - another Skytrex set issued in early days of 6mm and designed
for their use. A set with very strong board wargaming influence (in fact
advocated use of hexes to play on). Simple in outlook and another set I
never actually used. Units were Platoons/Troops with some record keeping to
track casualties.
Grade : E TT : E
GI Commander 1939-45 - A US set (one of first I had seen/purchased) via
Navwar. Complex (especially the advanced rules) with lots of
charts/modifiers and odd fractional units stats (eg some Inf had hit factors
of 1.25). Boardgame influence detected but not specified. 6mm design basis
with inherent army lists. The need for fast mathmatical brain made them not
my cup of tea.
Grade : D TT : D
Command Decision (editions I, II & III) - a set designed for 20mm (all Frank
Chadwicks photos show this scale) another US set which distinctively came in
a box but good set for 6mm. Simultaneous sequence but use of order chits was
excellent and made HQs feel very important. Played this a lot but found that
(unlike Spearhead) it was suited to none too large games or turns took a lot
longer than the 15mins real-time the rules advocated. Good system of hits
related to troop grade and morale (expanded in later editions) but way too
much firing in a turn (3 possible firing phases with multiple Rof) this was
addressed in 3rd edition (units only fire in 1 phase). Whilst loving the
order chit system in someways it was too flexible as units could literally
zip across the battlefield. 1 Base = 1 Pltoon/Troop
Used to be supported with quarterly Command Post magazine. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Cambrai to Sinai 1917-1967 Newbury Rules - another early set covering 6mm
and 20mm (parallel rules contained). Another set with convoluted systems
which I found slowed games down to a crawl and were seldom finished.
Numerous charts/modifiers. Covered all aspects of WWII. Seperate Army lists
available. Not a favourite with me this one. Individual AFVs and Inf (groups
at 6mm scale)
Grade : D TT : D
No 1 Wargames Command rules for WWII - a set for 6mm I played a lot prior to
finding Combined Arms (which had similar firing/armour system). Inf a bit of
an afterthought (rules came with 1cm square cut-out counters in lieu of
figs). Unique morale system termed IKB (I know better) wherein unit failing
morale was subject to fairly random movement which lead to some odd
situations. A campaign set was released (Sword Beach) with updated rules.
Afvs were indidviduals Inf in groups but organized at 1/3rd historical basis
(ie 1 coy eqivalent to 1 Bttn etc).
Grade : C TT : B
Berlin Or Bust - slim set designed for skirmish games. Nothing ground
breaking but nothing odd either. Another set not used (rather a few like
this in my collection !). Individual Afvs and Inf.
Grade : D TT : C
WRG Rules 1925-1950 Platoon to Battalion level - updated from original set
(published 1973) with a good deal more detail especially in realm of Command
and Control and use of Tactical Modes (I found this cumbersome). Much more
accurate than old set at sacrafice in playability. Covers all scales but
best suited to 6mm. Indidvidual Afvs Inf in groups. Includes army lists (in
rather cryptic form) and again shows its competition bent.
Grade : C TT : C
Korps Commander WWII The Road To Berlin - another BRTaylor/TTg set aimed at
playing higher level games (basic units being Coys) but with usual mass
charts/modifiers. Very cumbersome mechanics in many respects and slow.
Includes some nice Divisional organizations and as per Firefly a few
historical. A set I wanted to like (who doesnt want to field Corps/Division)
but found wanting.
Grade : D TT : D
World War II Infantry Action - Newbury set designed for skirmish 20mm games.
Lots of charts/modifiers with obvious emphasis on Inf. Way too much detail
for my tastes with even small games bogging down. Some generic scns and
points system.
Grade : D TT : D
Operation Warboard - my first set of WWII rules (in fact my first set of
wargame rules) firmly for 20mm games (quirk of illustrations are use of
unpainted Airfix etc figs/vehicles and chalked on roads polysthrene hills
etc). Another nice read (rules in 1970s were very much books) with lots of
background/explanation. Units are individual Afv/Inf. Simple firing rules
and Tank rules with several inconsistancies. Use of numerous plastic grids
(which one had to make oneself) the MG grid being a real beast. Great fun to
play (especially for a 12yr old) and a good grounding (along with Battle!)
in the great hobby of wargaming.........
Lots of nostalgia with this set affects grading.
Grade : A TT : C
Clash Of Armor Rules for Grand Tactical WWII - set for 6mm (could use
10/15mm) with some interesting features such as rolls to activate individual
formations (graded per Coy and more importantly by its Commander). Great way
to show difference in quality of units and yet allow reaction to enemy moves
(at cost for subsequent moves). However system was rather slow and the
combat mechanisms rather odd at times (total firepower factors divided by
target defence factor with limits to totals). Couple scn booklets available.
1 base = 1 Platoon. Had a lot of potential but never really got to grips
with rules (mainly as more playable Spearhead available)
Grade : C TT : B
Where The Iron Crosses Grow - set bought at Wargames Show (Colours at
Reading I think) designed for 15-20mm skirmish games. Another set with
nothing new but nothing bad either. Strangely for skirmish set the Inf rules
are tad underwritten (ie unclear in cases) and seemed taken from Tactical
Commander set in large part. The title and drawing of Tiger on front
probably attracted m to this set 🙂
Grade : C TT : B
Rapid Fire - designed as a fast play set for 15/20mm stuff they do exactly
what they say. Definately a highly playable set nicely produced (who fails
to drool at all the colour photos of 20mm kit !?) simplistic in most
respects (especially for my tastes the Gun/Tank rules). A big following in
UK and several excellent supplements available. 1 bases = 1 platoon (not
strict scale). Such playable type rules are very much the trend in recent
years.
Webpage/forum.
Grade : B TT : C
Tiger Tiger Burning Bright - produced as set for 1/200th scale but playable
as 6mm or 15mm. Another Colours (or was it Warfare) purchase. Once again the
Inf rules are tad unintelligible to me (maybe its me or authors are assuming
too much ?) and rules are overall neither good bad or indifferent. 1 base =
individual AFV/Inf section. Another set not played.
Grade : C TT : C
Blitzspiel - slim booklet of simple rules another Show purchase. Fairly
broad armour and gun groupings and no C&C rules of note. Bit like cut-down
WRG 1973 (but why bother) certainly playable. 1 base = 1 platoon.
Grade : C TT : D
Overlord rules for the Normandy Campaign - a set designed for 10/15mm (20mm
ok) covering a finite period (June-August 1944) and location. Author Barrie
Lovell has some great ideas and produced one of my favourite rulesets (nice
balance between gameplay and level of accuracy at scale aimed for). Inf
combat system is reminiscent of Squad Leader in some ways. The morale/combat
rules seem to generate rather historical occurrences (my usual opponnent
often bemoaned how his Inexperienced US Troops basically went to ground
(Pinned) when fired upon) which to a point can lead to rather poor 'games'
(a good scn is key). AFV combat could tense but with 1" = 10 yds ground
scale even heavy Tanks are vunerable on average tabletop. Order chits are
nicely used in the game. Quite chart/modifier heavy but not overly complex
and with games of 1-2 coys plus supports quite playable. 1 base = 1 Afv or
Inf group (half sections). Comes with Coy organizations and a single scn.
Interestingly the author is now an advocate of Crossfire. Basic scns
included
and points system.
Grade : A TT : B
Grey Storm Red Steel Tactical Combat On the Eastern Front - followup set to
Overlord by Barrie Lovell and another fine set this time covering a much
greater timeframe and theatre. Really Overlord Deluxe this set retains the
basic systems of prevoius set but with numerous echancements. Order chits
are still there but Ivans must place theirs first giving Huns more
flexibility. Inf now fire not as individual groups but total firepower to
cover a gridded oval area. Tank combat has been filled out (and complicated)
greatly and several eastern Front aspects added (much more depth to fighting
in buildings and melees). Includes a nice scn generator/pints system which
usually sees the Huns well outnumered (one memorable game saw my 300pts of
Huns reduced by half whilst Ivan 300 pts was tripled !!). 1 base = 1 Afv or
Inf Group (half-section).
Grade : A TT : B
Great Battles Of WWII Volume 1 The Canadians in Europe - set from (surprise)
Canadians Wargamers Group set a Divisional level with basic stands being
Coys. Interesting concept for games with Forming Up Points and passage of
time being important. Combat system abstracted due to level played and games
are rather big overall (1 scn advocates having a rolling 15ft paper map)
Designed for 6mm. Terrain so abstracted that game plays best on boardgame
style map. Includes background on Cannuck army and several historical scns.
Grade : C TT : C
Battalions In Crisis ! Small Unit Combat in WWII - a US set (apparently a
clone of Tractics ?) for 20mm skirmish games. Lots of charts/modifiers
(including individual charts for each Afv). Tank combat was reasonably good
(if tad modifier intense) but I found Inf combat too slow for anyhting but
smallest games. Artillery grid was slow to use as it tracked individual
shells (mind you older Battle and Op Warboard also done this). Lots of
detail included but a too high a loss of playability for me. Couple of
expansion modules and I think a bi-monthly mag
Grade : C TT : B
Abteilung 15mm WWII Battle Rules - Set produced by Peter Pig (RFCM range) to
accompany their 15mm figs. Generic unit types and simplistic combat to
garner a playable game is the aim. Some nice ideas for setting up scns but
the overall system weighed too much in favour of fastplay IMHO. No hard and
fast scale but basically 1 unit = Platoon
Forum.
Grade : C TT : D
Military Operations '39-'45 - another show bought set (by Agema) with again
some interesting concepts but not radically different enough to garner much
play on my tabletop. Production values rather low (pages all photcopies) but
included army lists for most nations.
1 base = 1 platoon
Grade : C TT : C
Panzer Tactics Rules For Coy and Bttn Battles - another US set (the support
I give their economy eh ?) with an Armour combat system I enjoyed (more a
something of a throwback to 1980s rules) but an Inf system I did not (card
counters advocated again with some stacking !). 6mm design emphasis. 1 base
= 1 Afv or Inf fireteam (bit US-centric).
Grade : C TT : B
TAC : WWII Rules for Brigade Level Actions - another low production value UK
set with some nice C&C concepts but again rather tedious to play (mainly due
to number of counters required). No advantage to this set to my mind
(enfeebled as it may be) over Spearhead and not played. Several campaign scn
booklets available.
Grade : D TT : D
Cross of Iron Eastern Front Skirmish Rules - skirmish set set a very low
level (individual figs stats) in sort of RPG setting (influence of film
obvious). Several scns included. best with 20mm + (I would think great for
new 28mm stuff). Low production values (included some pasted in pages.
Another set read but unplayed. Afv rules give scant attention.
Grade : C TT : D
Take Cover !! Tactical Approach to WWII - Brittania Minis set nicely
illustrated with their figs etc. Very much a rival to Rapid Fire being of
similar ilk/scale/playability with some tweaks. Ambush rule is nicely
implemented but overall combat rules are simple/generic. Includes 2 scns and
sample lists but other army lists are available seperately. As per Rapid
Fire they are fastplay with 1 base = 1 platoon/ Inf group in sixes for
firing. Forum
Grade : C TT : C
Mein Panzer WWII Edition - original set (new updated set) from US using a
modular system (ie if you want to lay only Tanks or without Arty etc).
Combat was quite well done (not too many modifiers) although some stats
seemed off (that Tiger Test again) but Inf very brittle indeed (addressed I
believe in newer version). Complete with army lists and couple of scns. 1
base = 1 Afv or Inf squad another set that I did not use much as better sets
around. Webpage/forum
Grade : C TT : C
Tiger Tiger - Another show purchase and another low end photocopy (DTP ?)
type. Actually quite comprehensive with Armour combat system the author
seems to intend is used in Rapid Fire or similar but since its not much
different/better I cant see why. Inf rules are again bit lacking. 1 base = 1
platoon
Grade : C TT : C
Piquet II Point Of Attack II The Blitzkrieg - PK seems to be a system gamers
either love or hate I quite like it for its unpredictabliity but was insure
of how system would work for WWII (having previously tired it for Horse &
Musket). I was pleasently surprised that games play as well as they do. The
initiative/card system is of course unique (house rule I like is to roll
D12s not D20 and higher roll gets to choose to go first or second with both
players playing out their respective rolls and disregarding the 'clock').
POA gives rules stats for 3 levels of play Squad/Platoon/Battalion (with Coy
level available on web) and can use any scale of minis (I used 15mm for
squad and 6mm for others) and each level plays similarly only with few
tweaks and differing ground scales/ranges. Combat system is fairly simple in
terms of stats (usual dice type modifiers) and if using random unit
selection rolls it can lead to odd but plausible unit matchups combat
results combine damage and morale outcomes. Lack of any spotting rules
whatsoever seemed odd but within the PK context it works ok (as seeing
something does not mean you have available action points/cards to deal with
them). The coverage of several levels of play in one set is nice and offsets
initial expense of rules themselves. PK is a highly tweakable set (tweaking
seems actively encouraged in fact !). Webpage/forum
Grade : A TT : C
Battlefront WWII - yet another US set (I really ought to get a medal or
something !) by authors of Fire And Fury Acw set (and a fine set they are
too). Presentation is excellent with numerous illustrations/diagrams and a
fun set of individual unit cards (with colour (sorry color) photos. Scale is
strange in that AFVs represent 1-2 vehicles (half-platoons). Initial rules
include Huns/Yanks/Ivans late war with Brits and other timeframes in
expansions. System uses a derivative of dice modified action points for
activations and combat is simple but effective combined with morale
outcomes. Overall a nice set of rules but lack of Brits in initial release
relegated these to my read but not played much bunch. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Panzer Marsh ! - set by North Hull Club with nice glossy presentation (a
nice bi-product of Rapid Fire is this trend in UK rules now) designed for
20mm stuff (some nice pics of Hull blokes stuff inside). Somewhat of a
throwback to older style rules with strange system of ranging sticks for
shooting etc. A set I again read but not played as they seem no advantage
over other sets I had (why then did I buy them you ask.....who knows !).
Includes late war army lists with others available seperately. Webpage
Grade : C TT : C
Megablitz Rules for Large Scale Actions - Set designed for very large level
games with bases = roughly a Bttn/Regt (including POL stuff most divisions
only need 6-10 bases !). At such a scale combat etc is very generic and
simple being mostly a case of hit points and defence points and Afvs along
the lines of Heavy-Light.Designed with 20mm in mind but any scale possible.
As with Great Battles system terrain is very abstracted at this level. Not
played this set as yet. Forum
Grade : C TT : D
Kampfgruppe Commander Clash Of Armor II - updated version of COA with
somewhat streamlined mechanics making gameplay a tad easier but still too
convulted compared to Spearhead and similar.
Grade : C TT : B
Battlegroup PanzerGrenadier WWII Fastplay Rules - new UK set by David Brown
(of Chef De Brigade Nappy rules fame) designed for 15mm (10/20mm useable)
with 1 unit = squad. Uses a derivative of DBx PIP dicing system for C&C.
Fairly simple and straightforward combat systems. 2 Scns included and scn
booklet available. A set I have read and played once but intend to give at
least another outing. Webpage/forum
Grade : B TT : C
Flames Of War the WWII Miniatures Game - another love or hate set it seems
based word has it on GW Warhammer Fantasy (boo hiss) set. Nicely produced in
NZ this time (nows its the world economy I support !) with lovely photos of
Battlefront Minis. Comes with mid-war lists and basic scn generator. Simple
mechanics based firmly on D6 with saving throws of all things (come to think
of it new Blitzkrieg Cmdr has this must be the fantasy rules influence?).
Certainly a fastplay set seems designed ala GW to bring hordes of youths
into the hobby and thats no mean feat or aim. Interaction between units is
basic leading IMHO to fairly stylised/samey games which publishers seems to
address by issuing of a large number supplements with new types of kit and
list/special rules (not a fav 'tactic' of mine). Pushed as competition set
for which it is well geared. Webpage/forum
Grade : C TT : C
Well thats it except to give honourable mention to numerous web-based
free-download sets I have tried (1943, Dic Tac, etc etc) of which I am
currently reading the SL Miniatures set (based on original Squad Leader/COI
boargame) and of course to several boardgames/PC games from which I have
tried to steal ideas/systems/stats over the years (Steel Panthers/EF/Combat
Mission etc) in the search for that eluisive 'perfect rule set' 🙂
"I will talk no more forever" or at least until tomorrow 🙂
Gary Barr
N.Ireland
UK
sgt.steiner@virgin.net
"Merry it was to laugh there-where death becomes absurd
and life absurder. For power was on us as we slashed
bones bare. Not to feel sickness or remorse of murder."
Wilfred Owen
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