Greetings!

Well, there are a few problems that I have noticed with Bolt Action.

(1) Disparate Effectiveness of MMG's and LMG's when compared to the cost-effectiveness of standard Rifle Squads. What the frigg is up with that? Historically, the more machine guns you have, the more you kick ass. Bottom Line. And yet, with the point costs involved, and the dice mechanics within the rules with the units, machine gun units are actually a disadvantage.

(2) Minimalizing or Banning of Air Power in Competitive Games.
What is up with that? Superior air power is a key component of how the Western Allies wrecked the Wehrmacht from Africa to Europe. Furthermore, in the Pacific, the loss of air superiority for the Empire of Japan spelled fucking doom for their forces at every level, in every battle, whether such battles were land forces or naval forces at sea. Not to be forgotten, the slower but gradually growing strength of the Red Air Force along the Eastern Front did much to further savage the Reich's war machine and fighting effectiveness at every level.

(3) Point Costs of Tanks and Transport
This especially hurts the German forces. It becomes apparent that in so many scenario match ups, it is like a common menu of 1,000 or 1250 points where both sides are totally evenly matched in points, with one MMH team, one mortar team, one artillery gun, and one Light or Medium Tank. Maybe a truck or Half Track. That seems to be pretty much it, along with standard Infantry Squads. 

That set up sounds nice, but it essentially handicaps the relatively few advantages that the Germans possessed--Tiger and Panther Tanks, and lots of strong armoured assault guns and artillery variants. The Germans were not feared across the battlefields of Europe and Russia because they supported their infantry with armoured cars or Panzer III Light Tanks.

(4) Dissonance Between Theater Forces and Maxed Homogenous Standard Forces
Similar to aspects of all of the above mentioned, a player using various cool Theater Forces, which are more historically accurate--is essentially wasting points on expensive units, when there are more effective standard units at a cheaper cost--or they are buying themed units that mechanically are just not as effective. These dynamics ultimately mean that a player seeking to deploy a more historically accurate force will likely simply be outclassed and ploughed by a player that deploys the Maxed Homogenous Standard force.

Anyone see these problem dynamics? Or am I just too new to Bolt Action and missing something?

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Heya Shark! I've been playing for around 7-8 years or so, and here's what I've found in my experience.

(1) LMGs in squads aren't bad, but they are pricey. An LMG gunner is 30pts for a Regular, plus it uses up a squaddie to be a loader. So that's roughly 40pts for 4 shots: that's equivalent to 4 individual Riflemen that cost 10pts each. The advantage, however, is that you're getting 4 shots from just 2 guys. Essentially you're doubling the cost of two models to double their shots.

(2) I can't say as to exactly why this is, as I don't play competitive games. Honestly I think Bolt Action is best  when played with friends.

(3) With the Reinforced Platoon you pretty much each get the same thing, but it comes down to what you prioritize. Some armies will favor more infantry, while some Veteran forces use less infantry and supplement themselves with more support squads. From what I've seen, most forces tend to be pretty different outside of some choices. I've never seen a list run without a MMG Team, but I have seen forces eschew a Tank or a mortar.

(4) In this case, and I can't remember if it's mentioned in the rules, but both forces have to abide similar Theater Selectors. So if a Soviet Player wants to play a Stalingrad Force, his German opponent has to play with the German Stalingrad Theater selector, or the nearest equivalent. That way he can't run a reinforced platoon or something like a Berlin defense force.

If I've learned anything playing Bolt Action, it's that it runs a fun line between historical wargame and beer and pretzels gameplay. It's fun, but it has its flaws. Personally, I still don't understand how to run a good Inexperienced force, but people do it all the time. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been playing?

I think part of the issue is scale.  You're looking at a game about what are really very small, minor skirmishes.  A couple platoon's dusting it up might not be an air support or heavy tank priority. From a tournament perspective tanks verses infantry can be pretty one sided and air support is pretty all or nothing, you don't really want those things in a tournament.  Points costs are, of course never perfect but I think they intentionally discourge tanks a little because if you're infantry, even an R-35 is still a tank and in the period you'd run into one, your guys won't have bazookas.

Bolt Action is fast, fun, and gamey.  For a better WWII wargame, I'd suggest Plastic Soldier Company's Battlegroup if you can find it.  It's playable, more detailed, and more scalable than Bolt Action or Flames of War and is set up so you can run anything from 1/32 to 1/300 scale miniatures.  There's a game called NUTS! that does a great job of larger battles with 1/300 figures, it really feels like you're commanding larger forces.  But there's no shortage of WWII games out there.

Quote from: 1stLevelWizard on April 19, 2024, 10:50:47 PMHeya Shark! I've been playing for around 7-8 years or so, and here's what I've found in my experience.

(1) LMGs in squads aren't bad, but they are pricey. An LMG gunner is 30pts for a Regular, plus it uses up a squaddie to be a loader. So that's roughly 40pts for 4 shots: that's equivalent to 4 individual Riflemen that cost 10pts each. The advantage, however, is that you're getting 4 shots from just 2 guys. Essentially you're doubling the cost of two models to double their shots.

(2) I can't say as to exactly why this is, as I don't play competitive games. Honestly I think Bolt Action is best  when played with friends.

(3) With the Reinforced Platoon you pretty much each get the same thing, but it comes down to what you prioritize. Some armies will favor more infantry, while some Veteran forces use less infantry and supplement themselves with more support squads. From what I've seen, most forces tend to be pretty different outside of some choices. I've never seen a list run without a MMG Team, but I have seen forces eschew a Tank or a mortar.

(4) In this case, and I can't remember if it's mentioned in the rules, but both forces have to abide similar Theater Selectors. So if a Soviet Player wants to play a Stalingrad Force, his German opponent has to play with the German Stalingrad Theater selector, or the nearest equivalent. That way he can't run a reinforced platoon or something like a Berlin defense force.

If I've learned anything playing Bolt Action, it's that it runs a fun line between historical wargame and beer and pretzels gameplay. It's fun, but it has its flaws. Personally, I still don't understand how to run a good Inexperienced force, but people do it all the time. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been playing?

Greetings!

Yeah, my friend! I am somewhat torn or mixed. On one hand, I can be very competitive, so building an army capable of winning in a competitive game is important. Then again, on the other hand, honestly, I'm very much into history, so playing an army that sticks to being very historical is probably my highest priority, and fun! Indeed, playing against friends is likewise more my focus. Lighting up a good cigar, and moving soldiers and tanks around a cool battlefield is the best! Drinking some fine coffee or some beer, perfect, you know? And of course, roleplaying jabbing my friend with insults and proclamations of glory! *Laughing*

And of course, the joys of growling at your own troops for being stupid or disobedient! FIGHT! Move there, you idiot! Get over there! Hurry the fuck up! *Laughing*

Yes, 1st level Wizard, I realize that I think you are right. Theater forces are a selection that requires theater forces to be chosen. It just bothers me that if you did want to play a competitive game--unless Theater Mode is selected--then there seems to be this kind of "One Style Track" with the various min-maxing requirements and point exploitations. Just like there seems to a be a "Meta" against choosing Veteran troops, because you can get almost as good troops for much cheaper cost in points. More game rules BS getting in the way of historical accuracy. Sorry, Veteran troops always kick ass on lesser troops, hands down. Just like troops loaded up with machine guns are far more ferocious and effective than troops that just have rifles. That kind of grinds me, because it seeks to really downplay historical truth. If that makes any sense? Yes, I will probably never seek to compete at a Bolt Action tournament. *Laughing* That's ok though.

I have only been playing for a few months!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: David Johansen on April 19, 2024, 11:36:28 PMI think part of the issue is scale.  You're looking at a game about what are really very small, minor skirmishes.  A couple platoon's dusting it up might not be an air support or heavy tank priority. From a tournament perspective tanks verses infantry can be pretty one sided and air support is pretty all or nothing, you don't really want those things in a tournament.  Points costs are, of course never perfect but I think they intentionally discourge tanks a little because if you're infantry, even an R-35 is still a tank and in the period you'd run into one, your guys won't have bazookas.

Bolt Action is fast, fun, and gamey.  For a better WWII wargame, I'd suggest Plastic Soldier Company's Battlegroup if you can find it.  It's playable, more detailed, and more scalable than Bolt Action or Flames of War and is set up so you can run anything from 1/32 to 1/300 scale miniatures.  There's a game called NUTS! that does a great job of larger battles with 1/300 figures, it really feels like you're commanding larger forces.  But there's no shortage of WWII games out there.

Greetings!

Yes, good observation, David. I should remember the scale involved. BA is really focused on just a few squads, maybe a Company-sized force at best. I realize there is some dissonance there in expecting air power and heavy tanks, so you are right on that, I admit.

It's my own hang up, I suppose. I somewhat grind even with the whole even points scale. Of course game play is critical, but history wise, most any battle after 1942 the Axis were facing an uphill slog. They were always outnumbered, and increasingly outmatched in almost every category of equipment and supply. I always kind of think that Allied forces should simply always have some more troops and gear. Not necessarily overwhelming numbers, of course, but some advantage.

Yes, I also very much appreciate that Bolt Action is fast and fun. That is definitely a huge benefit!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Greetings!

In just a bit here, I will have the Warlord Games "Battle For Stalingrad: Enemy at the Gates Collector's Edition" for Bolt Action. It seems like a really fantastic game box!

As I have began to contemplate building and developing terrain for a Stalingrad Game Board, I think a statue of "The Motherland Calls" would be a nice, motivating feature for the game board, set on Mamayaev Kurgan, the commanding heights that overlook the center of Stalingrad. Yes, "The Motherland Calls" monument was actually built in Volgagrad after the war as a memorial--but I think placing it on the game board is a very nice morale booster and spiritual touch, motivating the Soviet player as to what is at stake in the great battle!


I am looking forward to building a German Army, and the Soviet Red Army as new forces for my collection.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

At least you can't drive a veteran Tiger off the table with anti tank rifles and heavy machine guns in second edition.

Quote from: SHARK on April 20, 2024, 08:26:43 PMGreetings!

Yeah, my friend! I am somewhat torn or mixed. On one hand, I can be very competitive, so building an army capable of winning in a competitive game is important. Then again, on the other hand, honestly, I'm very much into history, so playing an army that sticks to being very historical is probably my highest priority, and fun! Indeed, playing against friends is likewise more my focus. Lighting up a good cigar, and moving soldiers and tanks around a cool battlefield is the best! Drinking some fine coffee or some beer, perfect, you know? And of course, roleplaying jabbing my friend with insults and proclamations of glory! *Laughing*

And of course, the joys of growling at your own troops for being stupid or disobedient! FIGHT! Move there, you idiot! Get over there! Hurry the fuck up! *Laughing*

Yes, 1st level Wizard, I realize that I think you are right. Theater forces are a selection that requires theater forces to be chosen. It just bothers me that if you did want to play a competitive game--unless Theater Mode is selected--then there seems to be this kind of "One Style Track" with the various min-maxing requirements and point exploitations. Just like there seems to a be a "Meta" against choosing Veteran troops, because you can get almost as good troops for much cheaper cost in points. More game rules BS getting in the way of historical accuracy. Sorry, Veteran troops always kick ass on lesser troops, hands down. Just like troops loaded up with machine guns are far more ferocious and effective than troops that just have rifles. That kind of grinds me, because it seeks to really downplay historical truth. If that makes any sense? Yes, I will probably never seek to compete at a Bolt Action tournament. *Laughing* That's ok though.

I have only been playing for a few months!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Yeah I understand what you're saying. It definitely isn't the most realistic in terms of the combat. I think Warlord Games tries to keep the units accurate, but the force organization isn't. Rough, but when it comes down to it I think it's a more abstract Platoon skirmish. I've also heard a lot of praise for Chain of Command, but I've never played it personally.

As for Veterans vs. Inexperienced, there is a difference but it all comes down to how you play them. I have German Veteran Grenadiers and Siberian Crack Troops + Red Guards, and I found that the Waffen do better because they're all Vets, while the Siberians/Guard are a mix. It's like you either go all in or nothing. My Dad plays Bolt Action too, and he's never liked how there aren't rules for grenades.

Mortars always bugged me too. Realistically speaking, a Veteran mortar team would be able to zero in on a position and shell it after a few rounds. But, by the rules they only improve their shot by 1 every time they fire on an enemy that doesn't move. Sure it's nice for forcing units to move, but it skirts how realistic a mortar team should be.

The Stalingrad kit sounds like a really fun time! It's a really big, badass set! If you don't have it already, I suggest picking up the Stalingrad Campaign book. I got it for my birthday a few years ago and it's gotta be the best campaign book I've seen in a wargame. Good historical details, and the map campaign is really interesting.

Quote from: David Johansen on April 20, 2024, 08:54:02 PMAt least you can't drive a veteran Tiger off the table with anti tank rifles and heavy machine guns in second edition.

Greetings!

Is that something you could do in Bolt Action 1st Edition?

That would be super retarded, you know? *Laughing*

I am somewhat concerned about how, say as a German player, the game seems to penalize you if you actually select a force say, comprised of elements of the Waffen SS divisions, or the Gross Deutschland Division, or Panzer Lehr Division--or the Fallschirmjaeger divisions, or the Gebirgsjaeger divisions. These German divisions were usually always filled with hardened, elite troops, with very much veteran skills and experience, and the very best equipment from the Reich.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: 1stLevelWizard on April 20, 2024, 10:39:12 PM

Quote from: SHARK on April 20, 2024, 08:26:43 PMGreetings!

Yeah, my friend! I am somewhat torn or mixed. On one hand, I can be very competitive, so building an army capable of winning in a competitive game is important. Then again, on the other hand, honestly, I'm very much into history, so playing an army that sticks to being very historical is probably my highest priority, and fun! Indeed, playing against friends is likewise more my focus. Lighting up a good cigar, and moving soldiers and tanks around a cool battlefield is the best! Drinking some fine coffee or some beer, perfect, you know? And of course, roleplaying jabbing my friend with insults and proclamations of glory! *Laughing*

And of course, the joys of growling at your own troops for being stupid or disobedient! FIGHT! Move there, you idiot! Get over there! Hurry the fuck up! *Laughing*

Yes, 1st level Wizard, I realize that I think you are right. Theater forces are a selection that requires theater forces to be chosen. It just bothers me that if you did want to play a competitive game--unless Theater Mode is selected--then there seems to be this kind of "One Style Track" with the various min-maxing requirements and point exploitations. Just like there seems to a be a "Meta" against choosing Veteran troops, because you can get almost as good troops for much cheaper cost in points. More game rules BS getting in the way of historical accuracy. Sorry, Veteran troops always kick ass on lesser troops, hands down. Just like troops loaded up with machine guns are far more ferocious and effective than troops that just have rifles. That kind of grinds me, because it seeks to really downplay historical truth. If that makes any sense? Yes, I will probably never seek to compete at a Bolt Action tournament. *Laughing* That's ok though.

I have only been playing for a few months!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Yeah I understand what you're saying. It definitely isn't the most realistic in terms of the combat. I think Warlord Games tries to keep the units accurate, but the force organization isn't. Rough, but when it comes down to it I think it's a more abstract Platoon skirmish. I've also heard a lot of praise for Chain of Command, but I've never played it personally.

As for Veterans vs. Inexperienced, there is a difference but it all comes down to how you play them. I have German Veteran Grenadiers and Siberian Crack Troops + Red Guards, and I found that the Waffen do better because they're all Vets, while the Siberians/Guard are a mix. It's like you either go all in or nothing. My Dad plays Bolt Action too, and he's never liked how there aren't rules for grenades.

Mortars always bugged me too. Realistically speaking, a Veteran mortar team would be able to zero in on a position and shell it after a few rounds. But, by the rules they only improve their shot by 1 every time they fire on an enemy that doesn't move. Sure it's nice for forcing units to move, but it skirts how realistic a mortar team should be.

The Stalingrad kit sounds like a really fun time! It's a really big, badass set! If you don't have it already, I suggest picking up the Stalingrad Campaign book. I got it for my birthday a few years ago and it's gotta be the best campaign book I've seen in a wargame. Good historical details, and the map campaign is really interesting.

Greetings!

Yeah, 1stLevelWizard! I really do enjoy Warlord Games dedication to making the game awesome, and mostly historically accurate. I really do appreciate these kinds of details. But yes, force organization does show up some jarring historical deficiencies! If a person had never read a few history books, then they would never know better. *Laughing* In reality, a skilled machine-gun team could halt the advance of entire Platoons or even Companies for hours!

I remember reading for example how several dug in, pre-sighted Japanese machine gun teams would slaughter American troops for hours in island battles in the Pacific. It was such a gore fest. Ultimately, only continuous storm tactics and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with flamethrowers finally put an end to them. They were often so well dug in and fortified, that they were immune to HE artillery fire, or mortars. The Japanese would create reinforced bunkers supported by coconut tree logs that easily absorbed artillery and mortar fire--which is a bitter lesson that we learned the hard way.

Mortars were brutally effective in the war, my friend, as you note well. I agree, the mortars in Bolt Action are definitely neutered in ferocity! I think Inexperienced Mortars should zero in after say, two or three rounds, top. Veteran Mortar teams should be jacking you after sighting in for only ONE round. Yeah, you get one round of sighting in. You need to move, next round, or the pain is coming. It should be brutal, especially when using Veteran Mortar teams. These guys are trained to get their shit wired right within *seconds* you know? Certainly merely a few moments at most. They search through their binoculars, change the elevation and range configuration of their mortar, and then *BOOM*--it is all about placing rounds downrange. FIRE FOR EFFECT!

I had a few buddies in the Marine Corps that were Mortar men, in our Infantry Weapons Platoon. I almost went into Mortars, but I originally trained as a Dragon Master. Basically a modern version of a Bazooka. The Dragon rocket is a TOW weapon, a wire-guided rocket. The wire drops off, the rocket goes slow, and then accelerates and *BOOM*! Death and destruction! Piercing armour, steel, concrete, and exploding with 2,000 degree molten copper. It annihilates tanks, armoured infantry vehicles, buildings, bunkers, whatever. Then, I switched over to being a Machine gunner, with the SAW. (Squad Automatic Weapon). The M249 SAW Light Machine Gun. Yeah, I am very partial to how awesome machine gun teams operate! OOH RAH!!!

I am soooo looking forward to getting Siberian veterans! I also love the Russian Ushanka. The furry hats! The heavy winter coats! warm, furry gloves! You know, the Germans really envied the Russians. Guderian talks about how his troops loved capturing Russian winter outfits! The Russian gear was always so furry and heavy and warm! It meant that the Germans lucky enough to have these outfits wouldn't freeze to death! *Laughing* But the Russians really do look awesome in their Winter gear!

I am also contemplating somehow kit-bashing some Russian Cossack mounted troops. Yes, mounted on horses, with traditional Cossack clothing, and their own special furry hats! The Cossack hats are taller than the traditional Ushanka hat, and typically made of black fur. Yeah, you can envision that! Cossack warriors, bearded crazy fuckers, wearing winter overcoats, baggy Cossack trousers, and black furry hats, wielding PPSK sub machine guns and curved Cossack sabres, charging into the rear areas of the Germans and the terrified Axis troops, like the Romanians and Hungarians and Italians! *Laughing* So glorious! Pay the points to also make the Russian Cossack troops Veterans, and Fanatics, and also equipped with AT rifles. Watch the fun begin!

Oh yes! I will definitely get the Stalingrad Campaign Book! So awesome! I am very much looking forward to playing those scenarios!

Your father plays Bolt Action with you? My god, that is awesome! Cherish that, my friend! I still remember my own Father playing Squad Leader with me, when I was a kid! It was always such fun getting stomped by my Father in so many games! My Father could play any faction--Americans, British, Germans, even the Japanese, all very well. He didn't need to pay to much attention to the rules, though he did, of course. My Father was a veteran of World War II, and had experience fighting against the Germans and Italians, as well as the Japanese. He knew what the British were like as allies, and also had experience fighting with Australians and Indians in the South Pacific, India, and Burma. Every game I got to listen to little stories and memories of different experiences, different commanders, and realities of war. Fighting in different terrain and climate, and so many different things going on. I always cherish such memories with my Father. He has passed on now, sadly. I hope you are able to very much enjoy playing with your Father, 1stLevelWizard!

Do you make Terrain for your games, my friend? What are your favourite paints? Do you like Army Painter's new paint set? Goobertown seems to like them very much. He is a cool guy, and an awesome painter. His videos on miniature painting are very skilled and informative.

Do you like buying game terrain and buildings? I've seen *LOTS* of stuff I still want to get. Geesus. A whole fortune can be spent on terrain, huh? *Laughing*

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

If there's one saving grace it's the pinning system in Bolt Action. A machine gun team can put a pin on a unit and  potentially keep it sitting in place if it can't pass it's leadership test. Imagine if, in game, a machine gun could put down a wider spray and split its shots between two close units to put pins on them both. It'd be useful for sure. As for vehicles, they are somewhat easy to deal with as long as you can punch through their armor. One well placed Panzerschreck and you've just slagged a tank

As for terrain, I usually make my own when I can just because I can make whatever I need. Hedge rows, stone walls, forests, hills, roads, fences, etc. I have bought things like ruined buildings and cottage houses since those are a real pain to make from scratch.

Paints-wise I like Vallejo the most, although I use Citadel Shades for a wash. Vallejo used to sell army-specific paint sets which were always nice. They came with a guide and most or all the paints you'd need for a given force. Plus they're fairly cheap for how much paint you get.

I have something of a ritual whenever I get new models to paint. Typically I sit down in the afternoon and put on a documentary to listen to while I put together/paint new models. That way I'm learning something while I get my new unit together.

My Dad though, he's a huge strategy gamer/wargamer. He's a Seabee, and he's the one that introduced me to D&D and wargaming. He always tells me stories about how he played D&D in the Navy, and all the places he's been to. I've been blessed to have a hobby to bond over with him, and there's a lot of memories wrapped up around our gaming table. Hell, as I type this he's playing Sudden Strike.

Do you still play Squad Leader, Shark? I've never played it myself, but I have played Firepower. It's similar, but designed for more modern combat (1965-85).

Quote from: 1stLevelWizard on April 21, 2024, 09:46:16 AMIf there's one saving grace it's the pinning system in Bolt Action. A machine gun team can put a pin on a unit and  potentially keep it sitting in place if it can't pass it's leadership test. Imagine if, in game, a machine gun could put down a wider spray and split its shots between two close units to put pins on them both. It'd be useful for sure. As for vehicles, they are somewhat easy to deal with as long as you can punch through their armor. One well placed Panzerschreck and you've just slagged a tank

As for terrain, I usually make my own when I can just because I can make whatever I need. Hedge rows, stone walls, forests, hills, roads, fences, etc. I have bought things like ruined buildings and cottage houses since those are a real pain to make from scratch.

Paints-wise I like Vallejo the most, although I use Citadel Shades for a wash. Vallejo used to sell army-specific paint sets which were always nice. They came with a guide and most or all the paints you'd need for a given force. Plus they're fairly cheap for how much paint you get.

I have something of a ritual whenever I get new models to paint. Typically I sit down in the afternoon and put on a documentary to listen to while I put together/paint new models. That way I'm learning something while I get my new unit together.

My Dad though, he's a huge strategy gamer/wargamer. He's a Seabee, and he's the one that introduced me to D&D and wargaming. He always tells me stories about how he played D&D in the Navy, and all the places he's been to. I've been blessed to have a hobby to bond over with him, and there's a lot of memories wrapped up around our gaming table. Hell, as I type this he's playing Sudden Strike.

Do you still play Squad Leader, Shark? I've never played it myself, but I have played Firepower. It's similar, but designed for more modern combat (1965-85).

Greetings!

Nice! Making terrain can be such fun! Vallejo Paints, huh? Yeah! I think rituals like that can be cool, too! I also tend to listen to World War II documentaries, or I put on some Big Band Music from the war years, like music from Jo Stafford, Kay Kaiser, the Andrew Sisters, and Glenn Miller. Your dad sounds awesome! Funny thing, too, the first D&D campaign I ever ran as a DM, was with my mother and father playing. My mother played a savage barbarian fighter, and my father played a righteous, crusading Cleric.

SQUAD LEADER! Damn. Yeah, I used to play Squad Leader as a kid, with my father. It was great! Unfortunately, I haven't played Squad Leader since those years. Back then, I also had some friends that played Squad Leader as well, in addition to my father. I think counter/chit and map-based boardgames have passed on, really. They seem to have been largely replaced by computer wargames. Miniatures Wargames of course are popular, because of hobby intersects, painting, modelling, and gameplay--as well as the tactile and visual appeal and fun. Larger scaled tactical wargames and strategic wargames though, I admit that the uber details and processes that come along with them are more efficiently performed and modelled by computer games now. Technology has definitely made a huge impact!

I have never played Firepower! Modern warfare, huh? Interesting. I remember playing a World War III game back in the day, by GDW, which was essentially Third Reich, but for World War III in the 1980's. Multi-coloured counters with military unit symbology and all that. Played on gigantic coloured grand strategy world maps. Lots of fun! I remember playing these epic games with friends that would last all weekend! We would get together at someone's house, have pizza delivered, and our parents would provide lots of sodas and snacks, and we would stay over all weekend, playing these epic wars! Our parents seemed so joyful watching us play these games! Moving units around, rolling dice, screaming and laughing together. Such fun, my friend!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2024, 02:26:50 PMGreetings!

Nice! Making terrain can be such fun! Vallejo Paints, huh? Yeah! I think rituals like that can be cool, too! I also tend to listen to World War II documentaries, or I put on some Big Band Music from the war years, like music from Jo Stafford, Kay Kaiser, the Andrew Sisters, and Glenn Miller. Your dad sounds awesome! Funny thing, too, the first D&D campaign I ever ran as a DM, was with my mother and father playing. My mother played a savage barbarian fighter, and my father played a righteous, crusading Cleric.

SQUAD LEADER! Damn. Yeah, I used to play Squad Leader as a kid, with my father. It was great! Unfortunately, I haven't played Squad Leader since those years. Back then, I also had some friends that played Squad Leader as well, in addition to my father. I think counter/chit and map-based boardgames have passed on, really. They seem to have been largely replaced by computer wargames. Miniatures Wargames of course are popular, because of hobby intersects, painting, modelling, and gameplay--as well as the tactile and visual appeal and fun. Larger scaled tactical wargames and strategic wargames though, I admit that the uber details and processes that come along with them are more efficiently performed and modelled by computer games now. Technology has definitely made a huge impact!

I have never played Firepower! Modern warfare, huh? Interesting. I remember playing a World War III game back in the day, by GDW, which was essentially Third Reich, but for World War III in the 1980's. Multi-coloured counters with military unit symbology and all that. Played on gigantic coloured grand strategy world maps. Lots of fun! I remember playing these epic games with friends that would last all weekend! We would get together at someone's house, have pizza delivered, and our parents would provide lots of sodas and snacks, and we would stay over all weekend, playing these epic wars! Our parents seemed so joyful watching us play these games! Moving units around, rolling dice, screaming and laughing together. Such fun, my friend!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Man I love chit-based wargames! It's a shame more people don't get into them since they're just as good as a miniatures game. You could put any Avalon Hill classic down on the table and I'd play it in a heartbeat. It's a shame some of them don't have modern computer counterparts. That was one of the reasons I really enjoy BattleTech: it combines the confined space of a hex map while also giving you cool miniatures to paint.

And I hear you on the big weekend wars! I still do that once in a while with my friends, albeit nowadays we're drinking some beers instead of sodas haha. Still not sure whether or not hops improves tactical acumen.

Greetings!

Yep! Man, Avalon Hill was the greatest! I actually went to some game conventions way back, when I was on leave in the Marines, and at one convention I was playing Third Reich. It's actually "Rise and Decline of the Third Reich"--but somehow, it always got nerfed to just "Third Reich". Anyhow, some buddies went with me, and on one day, we were taking a break, and went into the game hall next to us--they had several enormous tables set up for miniatures wargaming. This one table, probably 12 x 12, it was enormous! It had this fantastic scene of the beaches at Normandy, with this little  village inland, hedgerows, trees, everything! They had weird netting set up like a foot or two higher than the board, with occasional Christmas lights. Then there were all these painted miniatures, infantry troops, artillery, tanks, half tracks and trucks. It was pure awesome! About a dozen older men gathered around, playing this game. The leader of the German side was this large, older black man, dressed in full Waffen SS Officer uniform, including a patch over one eye! *Laughing*

I found out he was a retired US Army Master Sergeant, a veteran of like, 30 years in the Army. His buddies were all Army, Marine, and Air Force veterans, as well. It was a spectacle! They definitely made an impression on me with miniatures wargaming!

But yes, the old Chit-style of wargame! *Laughing* I played Third Reich, Squad Leader, Russian Campaign, Russian Front, Panzer Blitz, and Panzer Leader! I had all the modules for Squad Leader, and Advanced Squad Leader. Yeah, and that big orange binder!!!! Tabbed rules and notations and everything. Rule 162.56. *Laughing*

Yeah, fun games! I don't think I could convince anyone near me to play them though, so I have them stashed away on my bookshelves. Hanging out, nice and pretty. I have kept them all in mint condition, too.

Have you made up your forces all awesome? Do you use any of the unit decals?

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: SHARK on April 21, 2024, 11:08:21 PMHave you made up your forces all awesome? Do you use any of the unit decals?
SHARK

Spray, block, dip and I still haven't dull coated them.