GrogHeads Forum

We've collected the "unboxing" photos of new games under their own front page category now (http://grogheads.com/?cat=135).  This is kind the "screenshot" equivalent for us luddite tabletop gamers  O0

Feel free to share your own unboxing photos here  ;D

Cool!  O0

Where's the Forgotten Heroes and ANZAC Attack editions.... ?

getting there - when you add a new category, you gotta go back and manually tag the posts you want

Ah....  O0

those should be added now - let me know if you see any more

I think there might be one for America Conquered also .... ?

EDIT... err maybe not...  :idiot2:

AC was a full review :)

oldie but goodie - back when I was originally going to write the review for ACG and then they started shuffling people around...

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbayonetgames.com%2Fblogart%2FPersianIncursion.gif&hash=4f91a76fc49683da95cfc7fa79b33245009c81a8)

My copy of Ghost Panzers arrived today!

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--mVgrzS4ESc/U5ONE3W8GrI/AAAAAAAAClI/jIw0m_0cqWg/w579-h772-no/20140607_180654.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vCQGnrA5j9A/U5OP36_X3gI/AAAAAAAACmI/oUZuDs6pAWA/w579-h772-no/20140607_181848.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PzWghL2aJ4s/U5OSpAolVxI/AAAAAAAACmg/d7aV0f1Pa0w/w902-h677-no/20140607_180924.jpg)

The science side... not wargaming, but fighting non the less.

VPG's  Infection: Humanities Last Gasp by John Gibson

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Funboxing%2Fphoto1.jpg&hash=9bd16f84f6c2122f51f819475657a06d7b46be2e)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Funboxing%2Fphoto3.jpg&hash=667486bb97a7463a80cd7c6e19541ff5bb2ce34c)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Funboxing%2Fphoto2.jpg&hash=65bab6f3b52fe4e922a8ad1bb5d2faf9d7d9a116)

PE

Well with the D-Day anniversary and the watching of "The Longest Day" this weekend, I've opted to finally open my copy of "Paul Koenig's Fortress Europe".  The components look quite nice, especially the extra large and thick laser cut counters.  Going through the rules now, I hope to get this one on the table ASAP.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FPKFE.jpg&hash=ec9e2e711c44c737d812e3a0811cf6e5cea0972d)

Oh look, how did my name get in there??   ;)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FPKFE_Rules.jpg&hash=4e6893a4f2963b139746dfe43b333af1de733f5c)

^Wow. The game looks great, including the map which looks like a vintage 80's wargame map.

you go, Gary!

Wow, that looks very nice. Very high quality game!

I love the smell of manuals\rule books (is that odd?). Plus looking at the sheets of counters is a buzz in itself.

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 12, 2014, 06:23:41 PM
I love the smell of manuals\rule books (is that odd?). Plus looking at the sheets of counters is a buzz in itself.

I'm a "Book Sniffer" too.

When I pick up a new book or manual, the first thing I do is plant my nose right in it's crack.   :D

;)

I'm going to make the dudes at the show start taking pics of the games they're all buying to share, too :)

I picked up a handful of ziploc games at Origins.

1 of them is Border War - Angola Raiders

It's a half-size ziploc with a decent number of components inside.  System rules, game-specific rules, small countersheet, map, bag for pieces, cards. 

The only bummer is that the front/back card stock has no useful gameplay refs printed on the backs of them.  Seems like a waste of space for otherwise purely decorative cardboard.

Hehehe...

First time I fell for the smell was the old sticker magazines. Think I had a dinosaur one at the time. If the smell could be bottled I'd buy some.

With wargames I love looking at the counter sheets aswell.

Quote from: Nefaro on June 14, 2014, 05:20:45 AM

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 12, 2014, 06:23:41 PM
I love the smell of manuals\rule books (is that odd?). Plus looking at the sheets of counters is a buzz in itself.

I'm a "Book Sniffer" too.

When I pick up a new book or manual, the first thing I do is plant my nose right in it's crack.   :D

;)

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 12, 2014, 06:23:41 PM
I love the smell of manuals\rule books (is that odd?). Plus looking at the sheets of counters is a buzz in itself.

  Same here.  I got Hoplite (just came out).  Incredible ink and glossy paper smell.  I would do some pics, but my wife took my camera gear to offload her own copies of my photos of our vacation.  AARs and photos some time in the relatively near future.  For now I will say:

   Tanagra: The Spartans and allies rolled some odd rolls on their first advance whereas the opposing Athenians rolled perfectly and mostly advanced at a run with perfect timing and outflanked and/or crashed into their foes and they are now way ahead on position in and cohesion even if their Theban cavalry is mostly already trotting to safety.  It's a simple game in many ways, but as the 15th installment of the Great Battles of History series, the rules are very tight and well-adapted to hoplite warfare.   

Quote from: MengJiao on June 18, 2014, 11:38:53 AM

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 12, 2014, 06:23:41 PM
I love the smell of manuals\rule books (is that odd?). Plus looking at the sheets of counters is a buzz in itself.

  Same here.  I got Hoplite (just came out).  Incredible ink and glossy paper smell.

Heracules relaxing after opening some games:

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 18, 2014, 06:04:01 AM
Hehehe...

First time I fell for the smell was the old sticker magazines. Think I had a dinosaur one at the time. If the smell could be bottled I'd buy some.

With wargames I love looking at the counter sheets aswell.

I recently broke out the Silent War manual (v1.1 reprint?), thinking of starting a sub war campaign.  It's paper smells much like that of the old AD&D hardback rulebooks' paper. 

Most manuals have their own unique scent but this one is pretty damn close.  Funny that I can remember how those old ones smell.  I've not had them in over twenty years.

I can also remember the smell for Traveler rule book. Loved that book. Never played the RPG though. Just imagined what it would be like playing.

Quote from: Nefaro on June 18, 2014, 01:09:12 PM

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 18, 2014, 06:04:01 AM
Hehehe...

First time I fell for the smell was the old sticker magazines. Think I had a dinosaur one at the time. If the smell could be bottled I'd buy some.

With wargames I love looking at the counter sheets aswell.

I recently broke out the Silent War manual (v1.1 reprint?), thinking of starting a sub war campaign.  It's paper smells much like that of the old AD&D hardback rulebooks' paper. 

Most manuals have their own unique scent but this one is pretty damn close.  Funny that I can remember how those old ones smell.  I've not had them in over twenty years.

Quote from: Nefaro on June 18, 2014, 01:09:12 PM
I recently broke out the Silent War manual (v1.1 reprint?), thinking of starting a sub war campaign.  It's paper smells much like that of the old AD&D hardback rulebooks' paper. 

Most manuals have their own unique scent but this one is pretty damn close.  Funny that I can remember how those old ones smell.  I've not had them in over twenty years.

The Silent War CG is great fun. In my experience it is also exceedingly difficult to succeed at. If you don't manage quarterly quotas you get sacked. I usually have a tough time making past the first quarter  ::)

There is a spreadsheet of the Allied Pacific sub OB available in the downloads dept for Silent War over at BGG. My enjoyment of the CG took a big bump once I started using it.

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 18, 2014, 08:54:51 PM
I can also remember the smell for Traveler rule book. Loved that book. Never played the RPG though. Just imagined what it would be like playing.

LoL  +1

I did, however, roll up the career backgrounds for a few characters, all while drooling over maps of the spinward marches and imagining what it would be like to operate a free trader between all those worlds.

Quote from: Rekim on June 18, 2014, 09:52:50 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on June 18, 2014, 01:09:12 PM
I recently broke out the Silent War manual (v1.1 reprint?), thinking of starting a sub war campaign.  It's paper smells much like that of the old AD&D hardback rulebooks' paper. 

Most manuals have their own unique scent but this one is pretty damn close.  Funny that I can remember how those old ones smell.  I've not had them in over twenty years.

The Silent War CG is great fun. In my experience it is also exceedingly difficult to succeed at. If you don't manage quarterly quotas you get sacked. I usually have a tough time making past the first quarter  ::)

There is a spreadsheet of the Allied Pacific sub OB available in the downloads dept for Silent War over at BGG. My enjoyment of the CG took a big bump once I started using it.

I've been wanting to start a campaign game, but that will be out on the table for quite awhile if I do.  Gotta time it right, in between other gaming engagements on it.

I'll check out the OB on the Geek before I do.  8)

I remember in White Dwarf (before it became a GW sales mag) they had a Traveler scenario which had Cthulu in it, about a abandoned space station. Really wanted to play it. I'm going to check and see if it's still at my Mums in the attic somewhere. Haven't seen it since I was 13!

Quote from: Ubercat on June 18, 2014, 10:03:33 PM

Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 18, 2014, 08:54:51 PM
I can also remember the smell for Traveler rule book. Loved that book. Never played the RPG though. Just imagined what it would be like playing.

LoL  +1

I did, however, roll up the career backgrounds for a few characters, all while drooling over maps of the spinward marches and imagining what it would be like to operate a free trader between all those worlds.

Oh, blimey, I remember the 'old' WD mags. And the original 40K 'Rogue Trader' rule book with home made terrain and stuff.

Move from Digital to real thing.... The Republic of Rome Valley Games version.

Now organized....

PE

I told you the components to the new version were a huge leap over those old dull AH ones!  ;)

Renewing the War on Terror.....   :knuppel2:



PE

Laby has been on my "need to get this on the table soon" list for much too long.

A Victory Denied..... or is it  :knuppel2:

Andean Abyss.... which side are you on?  Purchased on the recommendation of bayonetbrant

well no pressure there!   :-[

Seriously - I've played it 3-4 times, including a pre-release playtest at Connections some years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm on the gov't side, but that has a lot to do with the exercise we helped NDU run in 2010 using Colombia as the scenario for a strategic-level counterinsurgency.

Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 01, 2014, 08:16:57 AM
well no pressure there!   :-[

Seriously - I've played it 3-4 times, including a pre-release playtest at Connections some years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm on the gov't side, but that has a lot to do with the exercise we helped NDU run in 2010 using Colombia as the scenario for a strategic-level counterinsurgency.

I have not doubt it will be a great experience... I did research before I purchased and with the enjoyment I have had with Labyrinth I am sure this is right up my wheelhouse.  It was recommended across the board from areas I have read.  O0

PE

Quote from: Nefaro on June 21, 2014, 05:51:39 PM
I told you the components to the new version were a huge leap over those old dull AH ones!  ;)

From 2003!  Whistling Death:

Hey! The Nimitz is included in the US flattop counter section- must be for a 'Final Countdown' scenario!

Are there Tomcat counters hidden in the camera flash?

I think the solitaire game Carrier has a Nimitz 'Final Countdown' scenario, too...funny how that movie remained influential through games. I still will watch it at least once a year.

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 03, 2014, 06:44:29 PM
Hey! The Nimitz is included in the US flattop counter section- must be for a 'Final Countdown' scenario!

Are there Tomcat counters hidden in the camera flash?

I believe that has been a tendency in some other CoA games, too. 

.....


Ya know.. the quality of the Fighting Wings components were fairly good for their time (mid 90s to '03).  Except for the paper sheet of ship 'counters' I suppose.

Last I checked, JD was supposed to be doing an East Front set too.

This is a series I'd like to actually see ported to a 3D multi-player capable PC game.  You really gotta visualize all the aircrafts' relative positions and orientation, in 3D space, via the flat counters and hex maps.  Which can be a chore.

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 03, 2014, 06:44:29 PM
Hey! The Nimitz is included in the US flattop counter section- must be for a 'Final Countdown' scenario!

Are there Tomcat counters hidden in the camera flash?

  Nothing like that explicitly.  There are instructions for how to build your own factors for ships.

  So Far, in my simple blow up ships scenario (vaguely based on an early US raid on New Guinea), the "massed" AAA from two Japanese merchant ships has messed up the turn controls on one F4F which is about to strafe.  Two Devastators will then bomb if I can figure out how to bomb.

Quote from: MengJiao on July 03, 2014, 08:50:08 PM

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 03, 2014, 06:44:29 PM
Hey! The Nimitz is included in the US flattop counter section- must be for a 'Final Countdown' scenario!

Are there Tomcat counters hidden in the camera flash?

  Nothing like that explicitly.  There are instructions for how to build your own factors for ships.

  So Far, in my simple blow up ships scenario (vaguely based on an early US raid on New Guinea), the "massed" AAA from two Japanese merchant ships has messed up the turn controls on one F4F which is about to strafe.  Two Devastators will then bomb if I can figure out how to bomb.

  Bombing runs on anchored ships worked pretty well and even turned out somewhat historically: 2 out of 4 attacking planes had significant but not crippling damage from AAA and both merchant ships were seriously damaged by multiple hits and near-misses from the 12 100-pound bombs each Devastator carried.

Quote from: MengJiao on July 03, 2014, 04:57:16 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on June 21, 2014, 05:51:39 PM
I told you the components to the new version were a huge leap over those old dull AH ones!  ;)

From 2003!  Whistling Death:

Iron and Oak, published this year:

I spy a Saratoga CV hiding amonst those old Iron & Oak vessels!  ;D

'Ye Auld Countdown Finale' ?

Quote from: Nefaro on July 07, 2014, 07:20:57 PM
I spy a Saratoga CV hiding amonst those old Iron & Oak vessels!  ;D

  Yeah, its weird, but I got the game very slightly used and there's a hand-written addendum to the playbook which claims that Operation Crossroads opened up a
time travel switcheroo (or "Crossroads") that sent the Nimitz to late 1941 and the Saratoga from 1941 (or 1946?) to 1862: Mission: Sink the Confederate Ram Manassas before she
panics the US Navy off the Mouth of the Mississippi.  It seems like overkill since the Manassas nearly sank herself with her own signal rockets and did no real
damage to her target the USS Richmond despite ramming her at full double-secret ramming speed, but you know, hand-written time switcheroo scenarios can have some flaws sometimes.

Quote from: MengJiao on July 07, 2014, 09:38:22 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on July 07, 2014, 07:20:57 PM
I spy a Saratoga CV hiding amonst those old Iron & Oak vessels!  ;D

  Yeah, its weird, but I got the game very slightly used and there's a hand-written addendum to the playbook which claims that Operation Crossroads opened up a
time travel switcheroo (or "Crossroads") that sent the Nimitz to late 1941 and the Saratoga from 1941 (or 1946?) to 1862: Mission: Sink the Confederate Ram Manassas before she
panics the US Navy off the Mouth of the Mississippi.  It seems like overkill since the Manassas nearly sank herself with her own signal rockets and did no real
damage to her target the USS Richmond despite ramming her at full double-secret ramming speed, but you know, hand-written time switcheroo scenarios can have some flaws sometimes.

At the rate things are going the US Navy won't even need a carrier from 80 years in the Future.

Here CSS Sumter tries to run the blockade off NewOrleans and runs into USS Iroquois which has heavier guns and is almost as fast.  After a few minutes of ramming and crossing Ts, the final straw comes when Sumter crosses the T, uses rapid fire and has a gun blow up.  At which point she is at pointblank range and about half sunk.  So I called a halt an took a picture (re-reading the rules, I see the Sumter is probably in no immediate danger of sinking -- those hits are all just "shield" hits, ie no serious structural damage -- still with already inferior guns blowing up, maybe things are pretty bad):

That looks nice.  :)

Wow, how big are those ship counters with their modifying chits?

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 09, 2014, 07:52:08 PM
Wow, how big are those ship counters with their modifying chits?

The counters are the usual ship size.  they are on the big grid area on the map. 
The ship cards -- I just put them on the map for the photo-- they don't get played on the map.

Ah- now I see.

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 10, 2014, 05:18:00 AM
Ah- now I see.

Unboxing 2nd ed of War Galley (2006):

Holy crap.  That one looks like you could have some seriously epic Classical Era naval battles. 

Quote from: Martok on July 12, 2014, 12:58:00 PM
Holy crap.  That one looks like you could have some seriously epic Classical Era naval battles.

I had the first edition long ago.  Not all that serious or epic.  It does work for smaller battles -- but for larger -- one ship counter can stand in for multiple ships.
seems kind of odd.   I may run through some small scenarios.

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 10, 2014, 05:18:00 AM
Ah- now I see.

And here is (from 1995 -- third edition) Great battles of Alexander deluxe:

Finally got my P500 copy of Panzer's 3erd expansion. 

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz227%2FBison36%2Fpanzercover_zps465662bd.jpg&hash=f1ae2c133bfdc42bd93be405c2e0f48249009389)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz227%2FBison36%2Fpanzercounters_zps007a216e.jpg&hash=cdf299a1384ae72662eed82217d6f9b624f38851)

w00t!

Very nice. Looks like an interesting series.

My copy of Panzer is still in shrink.  Ugh...I need to stop buying and start playing more!!

Yeah I need to setup a game on the table one of these days.  Not a lot of free time to do much of anything lately.

I really like the tank combat in Panzer.  The infantry rules are not it's strong suit.

Quote from: MengJiao on July 14, 2014, 05:00:41 PM

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 10, 2014, 05:18:00 AM
Ah- now I see.

And here is (from 1995 -- third edition) Great battles of Alexander deluxe:

  And from 2003, the Tyrant module in context (based on Great Battles of Alexander) next to a great cloud of potential cohesion loss.  Note the wargamer-ish spelling of altar as "alter" -- certainly not a mere Punic mistake.  Plus -- in games before Hoplite (2014) flipped counters meant "moved" -- in the Hoplite version flipped means "out of command" -- and leaders no longer flip to finish since that's all ordered and ordained by chit-pulls:

I debated picking up Ran (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/21947/ran) at the local gaming store, when I saw it there a few months ago, but was rather iffy about it.  I'm sure there is more troop variety to be had from the Classical GBoH titles, like you have, than Japanese battles from the Sengoku Jidai.  I ended up just getting Le Lion L'Epee (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/72298/le-lion-et-lepee) for a line battle fix but still have yet to set it up.

Although I'd still like to get some kind of hex & counter game (maybe a grand strategy one?) based on the Sengoku Jidai sometime.  Maybe A Most Dangerous Time (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/27969/most-dangerous-time-japan-chaos-1570-1584)?  Something with a bit of flavor for each different clan, if only positional/income strengths & weaknesses.  I'm open to suggestions.

Quote from: Nefaro on July 20, 2014, 12:39:01 AM
I debated picking up Ran (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/21947/ran) at the local gaming store, when I saw it there a few months ago, but was rather iffy about it.  I'm sure there is more troop variety to be had from the Classical GBoH titles, like you have, than Japanese battles from the Sengoku Jidai.  I ended up just getting Le Lion L'Epee (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/72298/le-lion-et-lepee) for a line battle fix but still have yet to set it up.

Although I'd still like to get some kind of hex & counter game (maybe a grand strategy one?) based on the Sengoku Jidai sometime.  Maybe A Most Dangerous Time (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/27969/most-dangerous-time-japan-chaos-1570-1584)?  Something with a bit of flavor for each different clan, if only positional/income strengths & weaknesses.  I'm open to suggestions.

  I don't know much about games about Japan.  On the topic of the GBOH series -- I have tried it a few times in the 1990s and even recently (Cataphract), but it wasn't until the Hoplite rules of 2014 that it seemed like a workable solitaire system (chit pulls, simpler command!).  So I'm trying those rules out in earlier incarnations of the game.  A big all-new edition of Great battles of Alexander Extended Super Deluxe is coming out soon and it should dovetail better with Tyrant (2003) than the 1995 edition.   The ruthless gang at Noble Knight Games jumped on all this and managed to sell the Diadochai module for 95 bucks!  Of course Diadochai will be part of the big all-new edition of Great battles of Alexander Extended Super Deluxe so probably Diadochai would never sell again for anywhere near that much.  Yes!  News from the front lines at Ebay!

Does Hoplite use the "light" GBoH ruleset?  Or is it the full deal?

Quote from: Nefaro on July 20, 2014, 08:39:16 AM
Does Hoplite use the "light" GBoH ruleset?  Or is it the full deal?

  As with all these GBOH games, there is a huge segment devoted to the light version.  With the tighter rules, I think the heavy version is somewhat
easier to play than the light, but then I've played various versions of the heavier version unsuccessfully for over 20 years.  The version of the heavy GBOH system in
Hoplite works very well for me and for the first time the GBOH system seems pretty workable.

Just received my first issue of Against the Odds magazine. The game this time is about the Great Northern War and was done by Paul Rohrbaugh of High Flying Dice Games.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7zwhpSRZRiM%2FU8vx11WtsNI%2FAAAAAAAAC1Y%2Fv8SjFdDfVo8%2Fs1600%2FIMAG0003.jpg&hash=732927911c51f48e14005657a9723eef9cf5e81a)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-vUm1gS0Qpxo%2FU8vx2WxqOWI%2FAAAAAAAAC1c%2FwFiBZBOdN-E%2Fs1600%2FIMAG0004.jpg&hash=9b8849d6c7601213aa1a1549310ef04ae9c5aca0)

You can also see a map and counter for Paul's A Test of Mettle game, which is what I had on the table when the ATO game arrived.

Just think - if you hadn't come to Origins, you wouldn't be boardgaming again :D

ANOTHER (RE)CONVERT!

Quote from: panzerde on July 20, 2014, 12:02:28 PM
Just received my first issue of Against the Odds magazine. The game this time is about the Great Northern War and was done by Paul Rohrbaugh of High Flying Dice Games.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7zwhpSRZRiM%2FU8vx11WtsNI%2FAAAAAAAAC1Y%2Fv8SjFdDfVo8%2Fs1600%2FIMAG0003.jpg&hash=732927911c51f48e14005657a9723eef9cf5e81a)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-vUm1gS0Qpxo%2FU8vx2WxqOWI%2FAAAAAAAAC1c%2FwFiBZBOdN-E%2Fs1600%2FIMAG0004.jpg&hash=9b8849d6c7601213aa1a1549310ef04ae9c5aca0)

You can also see a map and counter for Paul's A Test of Mettle game, which is what I had on the table when the ATO game arrived.

Very fine Against the Odds!  I like the piling up of games in situ in the unboxing images.

Quote from: MengJiao on July 19, 2014, 10:19:48 PM

Quote from: MengJiao on July 14, 2014, 05:00:41 PM

Quote from: Staggerwing on July 10, 2014, 05:18:00 AM
Ah- now I see.

And here is (from 1995 -- third edition) Great battles of Alexander deluxe:

  And from 2003, the Tyrant module in context (based on Great Battles of Alexander) next to a great cloud of potential cohesion loss.  Note the wargamer-ish spelling of altar as "alter" -- certainly not a mere Punic mistake.  Plus -- in games before Hoplite (2014) flipped counters meant "moved" -- in the Hoplite version flipped means "out of command" -- and leaders no longer flip to finish since that's all ordered and ordained by chit-pulls:

Shattered Armada (Command at Sea module):

Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 20, 2014, 01:11:41 PM
Just think - if you hadn't come to Origins, you wouldn't be boardgaming again :D

ANOTHER (RE)CONVERT!

Me loves it!  +1!

Quote from: MengJiao on July 20, 2014, 11:02:38 AM

Quote from: Nefaro on July 20, 2014, 08:39:16 AM
Does Hoplite use the "light" GBoH ruleset?  Or is it the full deal?

  As with all these GBOH games, there is a huge segment devoted to the light version.  With the tighter rules, I think the heavy version is somewhat
easier to play than the light, but then I've played various versions of the heavier version unsuccessfully for over 20 years.  The version of the heavy GBOH system in
Hoplite works very well for me and for the first time the GBOH system seems pretty workable.

I'm guessing that Richard Berg didn't write the GBOH "light" rules...is that a correct assesment? His games are generic enough and touch on subjects that I'd like to deal with but I refuse to "deal" with anything Dick Berg, personally.

Quote from: GJK on September 04, 2014, 08:45:04 PM

Quote from: MengJiao on July 20, 2014, 11:02:38 AM

Quote from: Nefaro on July 20, 2014, 08:39:16 AM
Does Hoplite use the "light" GBoH ruleset?  Or is it the full deal?

  As with all these GBOH games, there is a huge segment devoted to the light version.  With the tighter rules, I think the heavy version is somewhat
easier to play than the light, but then I've played various versions of the heavier version unsuccessfully for over 20 years.  The version of the heavy GBOH system in
Hoplite works very well for me and for the first time the GBOH system seems pretty workable.

I'm guessing that Richard Berg didn't write the GBOH "light" rules...is that a correct assesment? His games are generic enough and touch on subjects that I'd like to deal with but I refuse to "deal" with anything Dick Berg, personally.

  I don't know.  It may be that I have the same responses, I just never connected them with Dick Berg.  All I can really say is that -- after maybe 20 years of really not liking the GBOH system in any form, the rules in Hoplite seem fine -- even elegant -- to me.

  More in the GBOH...Chariots of Fire:

No piccies as yet, but new on the table for me is 'No Retreat:The North African Front and the Invasion of Crete' by GMT

Don't forget we've got Fire in the Lake on the front page right now, too!

Quote from: bob48 on September 18, 2014, 04:26:30 PM
No piccies as yet, but new on the table for me is 'No Retreat:The North African Front and the Invasion of Crete' by GMT

It's been 2 weeks, Bob!  WTF?!?!

Alright, already - I've been decorating - I'll get some this weekend - no sweat.

Quote from: bob48 on October 01, 2014, 03:18:32 PM
Alright, already - I've been decorating - I'll get some this weekend - no sweat.

Working on the Unicorn Room, are we?? ~~> (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xsSm8Tx88Y0%2FTzV3Jl109WI%2FAAAAAAAAFec%2FdYiPsDE_l0w%2Fs400%2Ffairy-fantasy-bedroom-decorating-unicorn-mural%255B1%255D.png&hash=53c390505882112e803bf65ff22b6b76bed521eb)

You peeked!

Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 18, 2014, 05:06:48 PM
Don't forget we've got Fire in the Lake on the front page right now, too!

Is there anyway to get to the front page from the forums? I've looked and looked and damned if I can find a link anywhere.

It's very skillfully hidden on the main forums page:




(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx120%2FStaggerwing%2Fredirect_zps2fcf1998.jpg&hash=a2bf924f7fac6433e831cfc59a841f76dea33285)

 :2funny: :D :2funny:

Quote from: Ubercat on October 01, 2014, 09:09:39 PM
:2funny: :D :2funny:

I guess you found it :)

Yeah. They can remove that embarrassing, yet somehow flattering, personal message from the link now!

Quote from: Nefaro on October 01, 2014, 04:26:10 PM

Quote from: bob48 on October 01, 2014, 03:18:32 PM
Alright, already - I've been decorating - I'll get some this weekend - no sweat.

Working on the Unicorn Room, are we?? ~~> (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xsSm8Tx88Y0%2FTzV3Jl109WI%2FAAAAAAAAFec%2FdYiPsDE_l0w%2Fs400%2Ffairy-fantasy-bedroom-decorating-unicorn-mural%255B1%255D.png&hash=53c390505882112e803bf65ff22b6b76bed521eb)

Nice.  Just opening Wintergewitter: the Doomed Attempt to Relieve Stalingrad:

Huh.  That's really interesting Meng.  The counters seem so odd, because of the modern use of NATO organizational symbols in a lot of games.  The German counters seem to be based on actual German organizational symbols, but it's hard to make out details on the counters.  I have no idea how to read the Soviet counters.  Good quick breakdown of German organizational symbols http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germany/symbols/_symbols_41.html or http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germany/symbols/_symbols_43.html.

Craig Grando (former artist, Against the Odds) created some of the most spectacular looking maps that I've seen in recent history (along with Niko's work) but then he would do some of the funkiest things with the counters.  I enjoy Fortress Berlin (I think Niko did that map, Craig the counters) but it's almost unplayable as is because of the counters and the whacky color scheme that Craig chose to use. Nearly the same issue with this game it would appear. <shrug>

Quote from: Bison on October 03, 2014, 01:09:04 AM
Huh.  That's really interesting Meng.  The counters seem so odd, because of the modern use of NATO organizational symbols in a lot of games.  The German counters seem to be based on actual German organizational symbols, but it's hard to make out details on the counters.  I have no idea how to read the Soviet counters.  Good quick breakdown of German organizational symbols http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germany/symbols/_symbols_41.html or http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germany/symbols/_symbols_43.html.

  It's an odd game, no doubt.  Like the Grand Tactical System, it attempts to use period symbology.  I've been looking at maps from the period in Gantz Endgame at Stalingrad and I can read some of the stuff on the counters.  Russian Rockets and AT (which is T) had me stumped, but they are nothing like say the Italian symbology in No Question of Surrender.
   It seems like a neato game to me, but I may be the only person who likes it much at all.

I'd hope that they there was a chart or graphic that identified the counter symbols.  I think it's a cool idea to use era organizational symbols, but it'd be interesting to read some history of graphical organizational symbols.  I'd be very surprised if there were codified symbols prior to last century.

Quote from: Bison on October 03, 2014, 02:41:00 PM
I'd hope that they there was a chart or graphic that identified the counter symbols.  I think it's a cool idea to use era organizational symbols, but it'd be interesting to read some history of graphical organizational symbols.  I'd be very surprised if there were codified symbols prior to last century.

  Oh there are plenty of charts with this game, including one that covers what the symbology means.  I'm trying not to make the sort of mistakes I made with Grand Tactical games like No Question of Surrender where the German engineers had this double arrow thing on top of their motorized box thing and I thought "Wow, motorized heavy Machine Guns!"  They had begun supporting a heroic assault (in a practice scenario against the Italians) when some real machine guns opened up on them and the truth came out.

   Certainly during WWII, the French, Russians, Italians and Germans all had their own symbologies and they don't often resemble NATO symbologies.  To make matters even more -- well neato -- from my point of view, in the Grand Tactical Series units have vehicular modes and you have to read the vehicle type off the vehicle image -- but the counters are 3/4-inch so its more of a treat than a chore.

    I have had some puzzling moments with the tiny Russian symbologies in the Wintergewitter game -- the light AA symbol is exactly the same as the NATO-ish mortar symbol and the AT symbol is a T (I guess that's a light fieldgun kind of symbol?), but the proficiency factors were so bad I thought maybe the T was for "training " or "Railroad repair workers"...ie the letter T not the tiny fieldgun-cum-AT-gun T.

There is an option in the PC game Graviteam tactics to use German symbols.

Not sure but didn't Streets of Stalingrad also use German symbols?

AH's The Longest Day used German style symbols. Great game too.

Quote from: Barthheart on October 04, 2014, 08:01:55 AM
AH's The Longest Day used German style symbols. Great game too.

Indeed it did. Also used round counters for (AAA?) if I recall correctly. Boy, what a huge game that was, although easier to play than SPI's Atlantic Wall.

I placed an order today.

Quote from: bob48 on October 04, 2014, 08:25:47 AM

Quote from: Barthheart on October 04, 2014, 08:01:55 AM
AH's The Longest Day used German style symbols. Great game too.

Indeed it did. Also used round counters for (AAA?) if I recall correctly. Boy, what a huge game that was, although easier to play than SPI's Atlantic Wall.

HQ's and supplies were round counters.

Well my birthday gift came into today.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz227%2FBison36%2Fphoto_zpsb4823643.jpg&hash=8a761fcfcb5f8682034acddc22feb021ed47e105)
Now I just have to spend the next 20-30 years of my life clipping counters and learning the rules.  :o

^^^
+1

Quote from: Bison on October 09, 2014, 05:47:15 PM
Well my birthday gift came into today.

Yeah, I'd say so!  Happy birthday to you!!

Whenever you're ready for a game, let me know.  ;)

Thanks GJK.  I'll admit the rules are just a smidge wee-bit more detailed than the ASLSK rules book.  :D

Happy b-day Bison!

Happy Birthday, Bison  O0

Thanks dudes,  but it's actually tomorrow.   I'm just an impatient jackbag who open the FedEx package early.  :)

It almost is tomorrow where I am  ;)

Well since I've not been on in a few days, Happy belated Birthday, Bison!  Hope it was good.  :) 

At the behest of my regular ASL opponent who is prepping for the Canadian ASL Open next May, I picked up the most recent core module (PTO, Japan, China, Marines).

The box is nice and heavy, sporting some awesome looking box art
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3j-JNVO-I-Y/VEvcV67XnjI/AAAAAAAABOk/g1jkktC8tqA/s800/S5001102.JPG)

and deep
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oXWvmEk4Ouw/VEvcXVxcvTI/AAAAAAAABOk/UNVUPirnRUg/s800/S5001097.JPG)

inside I find it packed to the brim with maps, counter sheets, rules and overlays. No false bottom in this puppy
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4eJeQPHk0I8/VEvcYm9PL6I/AAAAAAAABOk/4iNwD2t_tNI/s800/S5001105.JPG)

Pretty sure I need a bigger binder to fit these in. Currently using one 4'' and one 3'' binder, for the rules. I use page protectors, which adds to the bulk, but still kinda crazy.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQgAx4k5fn0/VEvcacBK74I/AAAAAAAABOk/XjbKkOLG6dM/s800/S5001103.JPG)

Banzai!

Warfighter + Expansions from DVG

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar1.jpg&hash=25cee54bfac4a86d44970848291c5b312b734342)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar2.jpg&hash=915e04ef75a5251df50fd69caef623d05724aa75)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar4.jpg&hash=1e1217155a5c406cc8ee5668a379393ea01f11ab)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar5.jpg&hash=a66ed9620d18ca18f6fb2d709e6c69fe03376493)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar6.jpg&hash=3172dd72c0465bca6e5e2ea7ff9c08312f8ba25f)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar7.jpg&hash=5498719c84fb11db4180f3fbbd18a95f23790717)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar8.jpg&hash=2fdd2a28337eca4edf510f72cc336bc2f96db9f6)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar9.jpg&hash=6629103e7a8515e22332c83a22cab72750f680cb)

very cool-looking

I used to make up little war games on paper to pass the time in high school. The pencils had 6 sides so I would number each and roll them down the desk as dice.

Quote from: Ubercat on October 30, 2014, 08:26:16 PM
I used to make up little war games on paper to pass the time in high school. The pencils had 6 sides so I would number each and roll them down the desk as dice.

Damn, why didn't I think of that?  I'd make dice out of paper cubes so that you couldn't hear them roll during class.  Of course the motion of rattling dice around in your hand is pretty obvious so I'd have to roll when the teachers back was to the class...but the pencil could of worked at any time!  Well hot damn, now I have an excuse to go back to school!   :crazy2:

Incidentally, the unboxing of Tiny Epic Kingdoms was on the front page on Wednesday.

Man that ASL expansion looks sexy.  I guess it's not stand alone, huh?

Quote from: PanzersEast on October 30, 2014, 06:43:59 PM
Warfighter + Expansions from DVG

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar1.jpg&hash=25cee54bfac4a86d44970848291c5b312b734342)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar2.jpg&hash=915e04ef75a5251df50fd69caef623d05724aa75)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar4.jpg&hash=1e1217155a5c406cc8ee5668a379393ea01f11ab)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar5.jpg&hash=a66ed9620d18ca18f6fb2d709e6c69fe03376493)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar6.jpg&hash=3172dd72c0465bca6e5e2ea7ff9c08312f8ba25f)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar7.jpg&hash=5498719c84fb11db4180f3fbbd18a95f23790717)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar8.jpg&hash=2fdd2a28337eca4edf510f72cc336bc2f96db9f6)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar9.jpg&hash=6629103e7a8515e22332c83a22cab72750f680cb)

Nice. I just got my Warfighter package here in Singapore.

Quote from: jomni on October 31, 2014, 02:07:49 AM

Quote from: PanzersEast on October 30, 2014, 06:43:59 PM
Warfighter + Expansions from DVG

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar1.jpg&hash=25cee54bfac4a86d44970848291c5b312b734342)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar2.jpg&hash=915e04ef75a5251df50fd69caef623d05724aa75)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar4.jpg&hash=1e1217155a5c406cc8ee5668a379393ea01f11ab)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar5.jpg&hash=a66ed9620d18ca18f6fb2d709e6c69fe03376493)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar6.jpg&hash=3172dd72c0465bca6e5e2ea7ff9c08312f8ba25f)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar7.jpg&hash=5498719c84fb11db4180f3fbbd18a95f23790717)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar8.jpg&hash=2fdd2a28337eca4edf510f72cc336bc2f96db9f6)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FWar9.jpg&hash=6629103e7a8515e22332c83a22cab72750f680cb)

Nice. I just got my Warfighter package here in Singapore.

Did you really have to quote that whole thing just to post one sentence?   >:(

Well you quoted it too. [emoji48] [emoji48] [emoji48]

I'm using the tapatalk app so I can't really sanitize the quotes unlike the PC.

Quote from: Toonces on October 30, 2014, 11:49:02 PM
Man that ASL expansion looks sexy.  I guess it's not stand alone, huh?

It's big, heavy and sexy...I have so many counters to clip and my OCD about it is driving me crazy! 
No, it's not a stand alone (nothing ASL is except for the "Starter Kits")

I've got a ton of ASL counters to punch and then agonized about whether to clip or not to clip.

Quote from: Bison on October 31, 2014, 12:25:17 PM
I've got a ton of ASL counters to punch and then agonized about whether to clip or not to clip.

Don't do it!  :idiot2:

Quote from: Barthheart on October 31, 2014, 02:17:32 PM

Quote from: Bison on October 31, 2014, 12:25:17 PM
I've got a ton of ASL counters to punch and then agonized about whether to clip or not to clip.

Don't do it!  :idiot2:

I have too.  Otherwise the cool ASL kids will never let me sit at their gaming table.

I mistakingly used a fingernail clipper with my first few core modules and now I wished that I hadn't because I've since purchased the Oregon Laminations corner rounder and it does such a wonderful job of making nicely rounded corners by taking off just enough to round them off.  The nail clipper job isn't *that* bad, but you can definitely tell which ones are which at first glance.

^ This all screams: DON'T POKE THE CLIPPING BEAR BARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't do it! It's mutilation of defenceless counters!! What did they ever do to you?!?  :'(

If you must use a tool, use an X-acto blade or better yet a rotatory cutter to remove the counters from the frames and to separate them from each other.
That way you preserve their true Square shape, with no friendly fuzzy corners, and not the hideous rounded corner abomination that clippers enjoy.

Just sayin.......  :coolsmiley:

Quote from: Barthheart on October 31, 2014, 02:17:32 PM

Quote from: Bison on October 31, 2014, 12:25:17 PM
I've got a ton of ASL counters to punch and then agonized about whether to clip or not to clip.

Don't do it!  :idiot2:

+1

The majority of my wargames have been clipped...but not so with ASL. There's just WAY too many of them. MMP counters come out off the sheet cleaner than most, and I clean up any jaggies with a hobby knife as I'm punching. Plus, I don't think that 1/2 inch counters look all that good when clipped.

Most ASL players that I've met do tend to clip  :uglystupid2:

Some counters benefit big time from clipping. ie. DVG counters

I like generally like clipped corners.  Makes it easier to pick them up in a crowd. 

Hell.. I use Toenail Clippers.  No complaints, just gotta keep from getting in a hurry.

But if the counters are really well cut, and don't have much in the way of fuzzies (like Legion's B-29 and Picket Duty), then I'm overjoyed to skip the process.  On the other end, I had to use an X-acto knife to cut the RAF re-release's counters out of the sheets and it was a damn nightmare.  Hope I never have to do that with anything again.  :knuppel2:

Yeah, RAF counters were the worst cut in recent memory. I HAD to use my rotary cutter to them apart. They look good though and the game is fun.

Well, the Thanksgiving Weekend got the better of me. Over the past couple of days I've ordered:

   
• All is Lost Save Honour
• Saints in Armor
• Blood & Roses
• Hoplite

I'm finally resigned to the idea that if I want to play much outside of WW2, I'd better look to boardgames to do it. Should all be here this week. Pictures when they arrive.

Historia arrived yesterday. Unboxing photos in a few days :)

Quote from: panzerde on November 29, 2014, 03:57:46 PM
Well, the Thanksgiving Weekend got the better of me. Over the past couple of days I've ordered:

   
• All is Lost Save Honour
• Saints in Armor
• Blood & Roses
• Hoplite

I'm finally resigned to the idea that if I want to play much outside of WW2, I'd better look to boardgames to do it. Should all be here this week. Pictures when they arrive.

O0

If ya wanted another HPS Ren game all you had to do was say so.

As is often the case, I'm over-analyzing the "AILSH" rules...I've long read rules for the pleasure of it...but it likely won't make sense until we start moving pieces around.

Oh, and if I could figure out a way to have it not make my eyes bleed, I think I've warmed to the HPS ancients series.  Not that they owe me a plug nickle (quite the opposite really) but, JIlson, Phillipe, Volcanoman, somebody, help a brother out and fix those uglinesses.  The gameplay is quite good.

Best,

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

I thought the HPS Ancients series was the best looking of the bunch.  The pixel art is enjoyable.  It's just the damn trees & buildings that block out your units which gets on my nerves.  It's also rather claustrophobic on lower resolution screens since the unit count is so large but you can't view much of the battlefield on the so-called "3D" view (aka 'stack terrain artwork on top of your units mode').   Nevertheless, when I see large swaths of spear armed pixel armies lined up against each other, I get all tingly.


Had a recent issue with Greek Persian Wars where the unit order window would only partially pop-up on my notebook pc.  Tried a few different things but the background and parts of the buttons don't materialize so it can be tricky close the window or clicking the proper hotspot.  Hasn't done this in my three other Ancients games in the series, so dunno what's up.

Quote from: Cyrano on November 29, 2014, 10:59:57 PM
If ya wanted another HPS Ren game all you had to do was say so.

I want another HPS Ren game.  O0

Quote from: Cyrano on November 29, 2014, 10:59:57 PM
As is often the case, I'm over-analyzing the "AILSH" rules...I've long read rules for the pleasure of it...but it likely won't make sense until we start moving pieces around.

Well, even the designers state in the Consim thread that the rules are a tough read. I came to the same conclusion - the way to learn this is to fire up VASSAL and have at it. I'm pushing counters around for ATO's A Thunder Upon the Land right now but will cheerfully take a break for either Ren of trying out AILSH any time.

Quote from: Cyrano on November 29, 2014, 10:59:57 PM
Oh, and if I could figure out a way to have it not make my eyes bleed, I think I've warmed to the HPS ancients series.  Not that they owe me a plug nickle (quite the opposite really) but, JIlson, Phillipe, Volcanoman, somebody, help a brother out and fix those uglinesses.  The gameplay is quite good.

I struggle a bit with the purples and the like, but find the 3D view reasonably useful in these. My frustration is the borderless window thing they have going on. But yes, the gameplay is great. Happy to give one of those a spin, too.

What, me, again, already!?!

It's a good thing the boss doesn't frequent these forums...or I'd have some splaining to do.

Anyways, yesterday I chilling in the man cave, enjoying my day off with some light counter punching, when the UPS man came a knocking. Under his arm was the latest edition of the Blocks in Europe collection.

Right away I liked what I was seeing. Not only is the box huge, it is thick and heavy, shiny black like a Cadillac. I think it is evident from the photo even that it is no ordinary wargaming box.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jLIs8e5gGdM/VIKKLYJHwEI/AAAAAAAABQk/83O0X6GvncQ/s800/S5001173.JPG)

It doesn't look like your standard wargame on the inside either. Appears more like a euro at this point. Well it is straight off the boat from Italy, and once pimped up with stickers and connected with the rest of Europe I'm sure it will be a thing of beauty.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ormMiEIBlRU/VIKKLaN2uUI/AAAAAAAABQ0/_0HV8N4mc8A/s800/S5001175.JPG)

My order also included the chrome expansion kit for my Blocks in the East game. A cool feature of this series is how modular it is, with different editions of each title, upgradeable maps/blocks, all components can be ordered individually by type.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sB7P3gjLSvA/VIKKL0FIgEI/AAAAAAAABRA/EJXLiKpRO8M/s800/S5001177.JPG)

Now the circle is complete. Just need to buy some planks for my table...so I can lay it all out at once. My table is 3'x8' and need some extending for the standard map. Makes me wonder how anyone could deploy the enlarged gortex edition of the map!?

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V3zYR1gtISI/VIKKMU1IpJI/AAAAAAAABRE/9s6l1c-FjbQ/s800/S5001179.JPG)

Bring it to Origins next summer and we'll set it up! :)

front page today is the unboxing of Historia

last Wednesday we had the unboxing photos from EuroFront II

Brant, do you guys want a quick unboxing article on D-Day at Tarawa?

This just in....

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_3451&hash=124d0da8f8fdd31835fd702b7206676c31710667)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_3452&hash=689ba42be14129cc70d0a9ce856a57c572a3af18)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_3453&hash=5c8d4ef27232aa2bbb641725abe022fc1bee7523)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_3454&hash=de291a42a75511f5182eb0e444af9f23d5c1e161)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_3455&hash=e0cf0080b1726b1f35ac7854dfde4706a5fffd47)

PE

Looks great!  O0

Quote from: PanzersEast on December 14, 2014, 02:48:46 PM
This just in....

PE

I almost bought that. When's your review?  :)

Quote from: bbmike on December 14, 2014, 03:29:15 PM

Quote from: PanzersEast on December 14, 2014, 02:48:46 PM
This just in....

PE

I almost bought that. When's your review?  :)

Coming soon.... I just got 8 sheets of counters sorted and packed in.

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Drats...my copy of Nimitz didn't arrive over the weekend.  :(

Quote from: PanzersEast on December 14, 2014, 07:56:24 PM

Quote from: bbmike on December 14, 2014, 03:29:15 PM

Quote from: PanzersEast on December 14, 2014, 02:48:46 PM
This just in....

PE

I almost bought that. When's your review?  :)

Coming soon.... I just got 8 sheets of counters sorted and packed in.

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Man, that's a lot of bits! I just couldn't do the money at the time.....  :'(

Quote from: Rekim on December 06, 2014, 12:34:19 AM
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V3zYR1gtISI/VIKKMU1IpJI/AAAAAAAABRE/9s6l1c-FjbQ/s800/S5001179.JPG)

Loving that Pickelhaube! Adds a real touch of class.O0

Got my copy of FC Nimitz this morning (yesterday?). Holy hell this thing has a lot of parts.

Already took some pics for a front-page unboxing article. Took me nearly 3 hours to organize and put this monster away.

Damn...still didn't get my copy but that's ok, I won't have time to even look at it this week hardly.  I'm following PE's AAR though with interest.  Is there an electronic copy of the rules posted on Dan's website or BGG?  I'd like to get a start on reading them.

As an aside, I'm meeting Mad Russian and a couple of other wargaming buddies in Fredricksburg, TX this weekend; birth home of admiral Nimitz.  I was just in the Pacific War museum a month ago but we will be making an all day visit of it this weekend.  Very highly recommended if anybody is down this way (central Texas area).

Damn, GJK. That sucks. I was lamenting to PE that my copy hadn't come yet, but lo and behold it was here in the morning. Same thing happened to him, so maybe it will be on your porch in the morning?

And man I'd love to go to Fredericksburg and meet up with you guys, but I can't this weekend. Always wanted to see the Pacific War museum. Take pics and post 'em here if you don't mind. :)

I'll start a new thread as I don't want to spoil this one but here's a couple of me at the museum last month.

My chauffeured ride to the museum:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FPac_War_Museum_2014-11-16%252013.11.23.png&hash=13795e0c4050e5fa6d3c38a8dbf5948ca66c48c8)

Me standing with the man himself:

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Me standing with the

^ I hope that's not a life-sized statue of Nimitz, otherwise you're Gus-esque levels of stature, GJK.  :D

My Nimitz hasn't come yet. Rather worryingly the online store I bought it from hasn't replied to my email asking if they have it in.  :'(

Quote from: Banzai_Cat on December 16, 2014, 09:27:18 PM
^ I hope that's not a life-sized statue of Nimitz, otherwise you're Gus-esque levels of stature, GJK.  :D

Yes, I'm 3' 11".  LOL...I thought about that.  No, that statue is over 9' tall.

I need to check with Mad Russian.  I believe that he did the VASSAL module for "Nimitz" and as such, Dan gave him a copy of the game.  MR doesn't care for solitaire games so he asked if I'd be interested and I of course jumped at the offer.  So I don't know if it's shipping to him first or if he just gave Dan my address. 

Quote from: GJK on December 16, 2014, 08:22:04 PM
Is there an electronic copy of the rules posted on Dan's website or BGG?  I'd like to get a start on reading them.

Yep, DVG's site has a link to the rules...this should take you right to the PDF though:

http://images.dvg.com/www.dvg.com/nimitzrulebook.pdf

Ok, more like "Unbagging new games", but for the first time in decades I bought myself two wargame Christmas presents: Nemo's War and Empires in America. I didn't expect any dice with the games and was surprised to see they included tiny micro dice (you can almost see them on the card deck in the EiA picture below).  ;D

One thing that kinda bugs me - I just discovered Nemo's War Second Edition is being released soon. That fact really should have been mentioned on the Nemo's War page.  ???

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2Fpics%2Fvpg1.jpg&hash=01ad93a150c77d11140d93fcbd53d40affd85c9a)

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Nemo's War is a great game... I have really enjoyed it.  I have Empires in America on my list so let me know how you like it.  I also have Zulus on the Ramparts on my to buy list from VPG.

PE

Quote from: PanzersEast on December 18, 2014, 03:46:13 PMI have Empires in America on my list so let me know how you like it.

sigh...  here comes ANOTHER plug for our front page articles!

http://grogheads.com/?p=1455

O0 O0 O0 O0  O0 O0 O0 O0  O0 O0 O0 O0

Quote from: bayonetbrant on December 18, 2014, 03:50:44 PM

Quote from: PanzersEast on December 18, 2014, 03:46:13 PMI have Empires in America on my list so let me know how you like it.

sigh...  here comes ANOTHER plug for our front page articles!

http://grogheads.com/?p=1455

O0 O0 O0 O0  O0 O0 O0 O0  O0 O0 O0 O0

Don't feel too bad, it was that review that helped me decide to buy it.  :)

Huzzah!

I have Nemo's War, too, but it was mis-cut and I gave up trying to xacto it apart.  Might get back to it during the holidays...

Quote from: panzerde on December 14, 2014, 02:55:31 PM
Looks great!  O0

  I just unboxed Reluctant Enemies (UK and Co. versus Vichy in Lebanon and Syria June 1941).  Unfortunately or reluctantly, I have just read a mission-by-mission
account of the air war part of that fighting so I added in all the relevant planes from PQ-17 (everything from P-40s to Ju88s -- Yes! the Germans dive-bombed the RN off Lebanon and the P-40 got its first kills on those Ju-88s).  Anyway, as a re-intro to the OCS system it should be interesting:

Round counters for the air units....I'd have "Luftwaffe" flashbacks!

Funny enough Ron Dockal's Schwerpunkt computer wargames use round counters for air units as well.

Quote from: GJK on March 10, 2015, 09:18:23 PM
Round counters for the air units....I'd have "Luftwaffe" flashbacks!

The round counters are from PQ-17.  I'm not sure I can work them into the OCS system, though it is odd that after years of research this OCS game leaves out over half of the air war.  And its not like the stuff that is left out had no impact:  Swordfish sank a Vichy destroyer and a J-88 put the RN Destroyer Isis out of action AND the P40s (in Tomahawk form) shot up the J-88s pretty bad (3 shot down, one force landed in Turkey and another 3 got back to Crete but never flew again)  PLUS the Tomahawks wiped out the Vichy Marylands (which aren't in the game either) and did some devastating straffing.  You'd never know that the allied air losses were about 50 from all causes and the Vichy and German air losses were about 250 from all causes.

Interestingly, all those aircraft are in PQ-17 (except the Marylands -- I'll use Il-4s fro those).

Quote from: MengJiao on March 10, 2015, 09:08:46 PM

Quote from: panzerde on December 14, 2014, 02:55:31 PM
Looks great!  O0

  I just unboxed Reluctant Enemies (UK and Co. versus Vichy in Lebanon and Syria June 1941).  Unfortunately or reluctantly, I have just read a mission-by-mission
account of the air war part of that fighting so I added in all the relevant planes from PQ-17 (everything from P-40s to Ju88s -- Yes! the Germans dive-bombed the RN off Lebanon and the P-40 got its first kills on those Ju-88s).  Anyway, as a re-intro to the OCS system it should be interesting:

Here is a better version (I think) of the same campaign -- Vance Borreis' Slouch Hats and Eggshells:

I'm good with almost anything Vance designs.  And he's a really nice guy, too

Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 25, 2015, 09:21:04 PM
I'm good with almost anything Vance designs.  And he's a really nice guy, too

  I don't know him, but his games are very appealing.  His approach to the fighting in Lebanon and Syria in 1941 is brilliant and makes a good game, I think.

   Some of his analyses seem a bit eccentric -- for example in Rommel's War he claims the Axis had better logistics organizations more or less on grounds the allies tended to have more supply on hand than they could quickly transport whereas the Axis could move relatively more of what little they had.  Which is an odd way to look at the advantages of basically depending on what you could capture at critical moments and it really doesn't seem to have worked very well.  After all in the end the Axis lost eight whole armies and two fleets in Africa and the Middle East while most of the forces that didn't surrender under pressure were marooned there anyway (Italians and Germans in the Aegean area for example) mostly due to lack of supply, transport and logistic infrastructure, not to mention fuel.

  But such things make for interesting games.

Quote from: MengJiao on March 26, 2015, 09:18:29 AM

  But such things make for interesting games.

  Here I unboxed a mildly-sat-upon copy of Enemy of at the Gates (OCS game 2 -- 1994) on top of PQ-18's scatter of not-quite-set-up stuff.  Enemy at the Gates is a sort of time-capsule from 1994 as well as a game.

Quote from: MengJiao on March 10, 2015, 09:08:46 PM


  I just unboxed Reluctant Enemies (UK and Co. versus Vichy in Lebanon and Syria June 1941).  Unfortunately or reluctantly, I have just read a mission-by-mission
account of the air war part of that fighting so I added in all the relevant planes from PQ-17 (everything from P-40s to Ju88s -- Yes! the Germans dive-bombed the RN off Lebanon and the P-40 got its first kills on those Ju-88s).  Anyway, as a re-intro to the OCS system it should be interesting:

And now, Bloody April:

Quote from: MengJiao on May 15, 2015, 08:09:47 PM


And now, Bloody April:

I punched and sorted all the counters late last year but have yet to play it. 

My plan is to run that one with the solo option, then figure out some ways of doing the same with Elusive Victory.  Should be easier with all the dummy counters.

I have Quartermaster General from Griggling Games, the new version of Hornet Leader from DVG, and Bulge 20, Fleets 2025, Astra Titanus, and Frontier Stations from VPG on my desk right now...all future reviews for GH. :)

I want to eventually start up an AAR for Hornet Leader, but not until I finish the Ottoman Sunset one I'm authoring. Astra Titanus might be a good AAR as well.

Quote from: Nefaro on May 16, 2015, 01:54:20 AM

Quote from: MengJiao on May 15, 2015, 08:09:47 PM


And now, Bloody April:

I punched and sorted all the counters late last year but have yet to play it. 

My plan is to run that one with the solo option, then figure out some ways of doing the same with Elusive Victory.  Should be easier with all the dummy counters.

There's a solo scout matrix that comes with Bloody April.  Supposedly one has to be the RFC and the DLS (the Germans) are scouts coming after you via the "matrix" logic.  Scenario 4 has 2 BE2s trying to take some pictures and 3 Jasta of DLS coming after them while DH2s, Pups and Nieuports try to keep them alive.  so that's what I'm doing.

Quote from: MengJiao on May 16, 2015, 09:49:00 AM

Quote from: Nefaro on May 16, 2015, 01:54:20 AM

Quote from: MengJiao on May 15, 2015, 08:09:47 PM


And now, Bloody April:

I punched and sorted all the counters late last year but have yet to play it. 

My plan is to run that one with the solo option, then figure out some ways of doing the same with Elusive Victory.  Should be easier with all the dummy counters.

There's a solo scout matrix that comes with Bloody April.  Supposedly one has to be the RFC and the DLS (the Germans) are scouts coming after you via the "matrix" logic.  Scenario 4 has 2 BE2s trying to take some pictures and 3 Jasta of DLS coming after them while DH2s, Pups and Nieuports try to keep them alive.  so that's what I'm doing.

Yeah, I've also read the rulebook for Bloody April.  It has the briefest solitaire rule set I've ever seen but running the German side in some of the scenarios looks to be pretty straightforward since they're just taking off & intercepting your British flights as they cross.  Seems like the game, even in multi-player, resembles as much of a narrative game than a strategy game but I enjoy those.

If nothing else, I figure that modifying scenarios in Elusive Victory to a similar setup would make things much more straightforward for solitaire.  Removing either the Egyptian or Israeli ground attack aircraft, and maybe a small portion of the fighters for the defending side, should make it more streamlined for such.  I know the Egyptian SA-2 defenses have specific map zones where they can be set up.  So combined with dummy counters for the air defense placement it could be interesting enough without having to pre-plan a bunch of stuff for both sides.

Even after the solitaire Cactus Air Force eventually gets printed (with GMT's backed up P500 schedule, it may be a couple years  :-\ ), I'd still want something a bit solo friendly from the jet age.  So I'll get around to it.

Well here is the Up Front Re-Print and I am mixed on it.  The counters are just glossy card stock  and no box is included.  The cards are nice and clear and are heavy enough, but you will need to download and print the rule book..... all in all, I believe the $50 price tag is kinda pricy considering what you get.

This was all that was in the box with some small stuffing...
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Cards are nice quality and clear
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(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0036.JPG&hash=abf163f907c542507e25b20b71366cb5ec4cc4fd)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0037.JPG&hash=b08b9a8f8511238bcbade0d8e3ce194cb844db7c)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0038.JPG&hash=55be29db212081a9c1dcf78c7160644232767905)

Not very pleased with this as it is thin, but the gloss finish is nice.  I will have to cut these out myself.
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Not too bad...
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(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0042.JPG&hash=e06bcc89c91a57f5288df4ddc66cff1fe0e25dd1)

I'd maybe make color copies of the countersheet (front and back) and then mount those on old scrabble pieces or the like.  The Action Deck looks good.  In the copy of UF that I just acquired, the AD cards are a bit browned from age where as those look nice and pearly white on the background.  I believe that those Personality Cards are larger than the originals which is a good thing (unless table space is an issue).

The original rules are a mess to sort through (I found).  I think that I posted a link to it here before, but grab Glen Oberhauser's rules rewrite to get an easier grasp of how the game plays; I labeled the pdf "UpFront_Simple_0.96.pdf" and it is on my dropbox here:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rymgjsfrq7yunr5/AABBgVH9XwvOg_v_q33QrdnJa?dl=0  (there's some other goodies there as well, help yourselves)

So, that's what the original cards look like?

Maybe it's just the graphic designer in me, but those look like they could stand an upgraded look.

Then again I don't have the benefit of having played this one and don't have any nostalgia towards it, so perhaps I speak blasphemy.

Quote from: Banzai_Cat on May 19, 2015, 05:56:57 AM
So, that's what the original cards look like?

Maybe it's just the graphic designer in me, but those look like they could stand an upgraded look.

Then again I don't have the benefit of having played this one and don't have any nostalgia towards it, so perhaps I speak blasphemy.

Nostalgia for me.

The decks on artscow (that may or may not be there, I haven't looked) were updated using images lifted from Osprey material.  Those decks were there for a number of years but it tripped somebody's copyright wire and artscow either pulled down or hid and then later put back up- I don't know- but they looked pretty good and may still be there if one were to search hard enough:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic2259632_lg.jpg&hash=792ec49fc5dd087f4d1735338e9b3f4456f4a73c)

There's also a fan made set of counters available for p-n-p on BGG. 

Joe Steadman's video gives a great view of his own copy of the artscow/p-n-p version and what he did to make it:

Quote from: Banzai_Cat on May 19, 2015, 05:56:57 AMThen again I don't have the benefit of having played this one and don't have any nostalgia towards it, so perhaps I speak blasphemy.

Don't you have a podcast to finish editing?!? ;)

I admire the work that went into the new cards -- particularly the part where they correct the odd typo -- but I prefer the older look.  BC's point about them looking of their time is certainly well taken but one loves what one loves.  That and the fact that the new cards have a font that I find a wee bit too small.

I guess I'll only note again: LOOK, HASBRO AT WHAT PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO GO THROUGH FOR THIS GAME.

*sigh*

Best,

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

Carwars! 
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Sorry for the blurry photos, but it's a game not a girl in a bikini so does clarity of the image really matter?

Goddammit, now I have to go look for my original Car Wars set.

The HPB where I scored UP Front and Time Tripper had Car Wars as well that I *almost* bought. There was some really good, classic games - it was hard deciding!.  I don't recall what they were asking for it, but it was pretty damn reasonable. May have to go back and look for it. 

I never played Car Wars.  Is it just a plain silly little time killer or is there something more to it?

It's not a deep game, but it is a fun time waster.  Cars.  Racing.  Rockets.  Guns.  Smoke screens.  Spike traps.  Oh yeah!

I thought Car Wars just got a reprint?  Or maybe it was Kickstarted for an updated reprint but is still due?


I had the old basic plastic box version, with the same artwork as above, back in the 80s.  Pretty cool stuff but I never got around to playing it much. 

Wasn't there a bigger "deluxe" edition too?  The smaller pocket size game had a decent amount of content compared to others of it's size but I recall wanting MOAR (per usual).

It was just reprinted.  That's what I picked up today.  I had a copy of it back in the 80's and you are right Nef in that it was a deluxe version.  It had I want to say 3 or 4 colored maps and if I remember correctly some road pieces so you could make your own tracks.

And if you really need to expand your Car Wars game or Jackson titles this site has a bunch of pdf and physical stuffs. http://www.warehouse23.com/

Quote from: Bison on May 20, 2015, 10:32:29 PM
And if you really need to expand your Car Wars game or Jackson titles this site has a bunch of pdf and physical stuffs. http://www.warehouse23.com/

Wow, I didn't realize how many games that guy has actually made over the years.  He's the John Tiller of the boardgaming world the way he cranks out templated games!

Gary, SJG might be the most prolific publisher in the US if you count all the RPG stuff, too.  Just their board games alone number in the hundreds, but once you add all the GURPS titles, you've probably got over a thousand titles they've published over the years.

That's pretty impressive (he's right here in Austin too by the way - or at least he used to be). 

I knew that he had produced quite a bit of stuff but really didn't realize just how much probably because out of it all, the only thing that I ever sampled of his was Ogre game.  I had overlooked that he did Munchkin and Gurps and a slew of other stuff.  That's good for us; he could of been a flashy used car salesman instead and we'd of lost out.  ;)

I too bought the Car Wars reprint. Then went on to buy the 2nd Edition deluxe rules off Ebay. Sill have all the counters from CW, SD, TS and duel track expansion.

Currently the sixth edition is being worked on. Personally I want to see a PC conversion.

Coolest thing in a walk from the CW reprint is the heavier stock counters that come PRE-CUT.

My relationship with SJG is like that girlfriend where you always hope it works out because so much is awesome, but then she insists on doing the dumbest, frankly, sh*t on the planet and you wonder why you ever fell for her in the first place.

Ogre/GEV/Battlesuit, CW, GURPS, In Nomine, Illuminati (the original boardgame), Melee, Wizard, &c., are some of my favorite games of all time.  Some of them would be on my desert island list.  Yet Steve and his crew can't seem to leave well enough alone and it seems near axiomatic that ever good, clean design has to morph into some unplayable wreck.

CW moved from this elegant -- if somewhat overwrought and under-edited -- game of future vehicle combat to a pen and paper physics experiment (look up the vehicle jumping then rotating rules to see what I mean...hell, look at the rules for grenades being thrown and then bouncing).  Why it didn't start with gas-powered vehicles I will also never know.

Illuminati was this genius little game (I even liked Hacker) that morphed into this overdone, creaky collectible card game.

GURPS fell under the weight of the demand for supers, so I'll blame the nerds for that one, although Vehicles was its own exercise in absurdity...that I said during the playtest.

For reasons I will never understand he tried to turn Melee and Wizard into TFT.

I will not even look in the the direction of the nonsense that is Munchkin (I know of no better example of a skewed investment:reward game in major production) and Frag.  I have, however, recently mulled BC's suggestion that Frag was some meta-commentary on gaming and the limits of adapting the digital format to pen and paper unleashed by Evil Stevie on a gaming public that still doesn't get the joke.

And whatever did happen to Heavy Metal?

I LOVE Ogre DE.  I sincerely hope that CW6ED learns the lessons of that release and succeeds like a crazy thing.

In the meanwhile, drive offensively...

Best,

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

munchkin is a perfect beer and pretzels game. Especially if you forget the pretzels

^ You using some definition of perfect with which I'm unfamiliar?

probably. Those who have yet failed to reach perfection in their own lives, fail to recognize it when those of us that have use the term correctly ;)

Both Munchkin and Frag must be played while drunk to full enjoy. They are staples in my game group for that reason... and yes we have all the expansions for Munchkin... must be over 200 cards in the Door deck by now.

I still have all my Car Wars stuff. I started with the black plastic case version and I now have 2 paper boxes full of expansions and add ons. I even mounted the Midville maps, both East and West sides. Made for some great weekend long car driving madness.

I, too, hope that CW6 returns to clarity.... But still has tanks! :)

Dropped way too much money today on a few of the Pokemon Theme decks and card sleeves.  And of course you have to pick up a couple of booster packs just for the thrill of opening them too.  On the upside, the kids like the game and actually sat through a whole game and didn't lose interest.  Hopefully it's a gateway to opening up additional gaming opportunities.

Quote from: Bison on May 23, 2015, 08:03:10 PM
Dropped way too much money today on a few of the Pokemon Theme decks and card sleeves.  And of course you have to pick up a couple of booster packs just for the thrill of opening them too.  On the upside, the kids like the game and actually sat through a whole game and didn't lose interest.  Hopefully it's a gateway to opening up additional gaming opportunities.

I got Smash Up for a card game that might hold some interest with the varied youngster ages, while still holding a bit of variety, but haven't played it yet.  I think the card text is pretty straightforward but you never know until some playthroughs.

My son is a big fan of Pokemon.  He started with MtG, but switched to Pokemon after some friends at school turned him onto it.  He has a lot of Pokemon cards, but is not a completist collector type that tries to round up complete sets or anything.

I have no intention of being a set completionist.  Although I must admit my card organizing OCD kicked in after we opened the couple of booster packs we bought.  I looked up the value and then pulled the valuable cards off to the side so we wouldn't damage them during game play.  I need to let it go.  They love the cool looking foil cards and if it keeps them interested in gaming I'll just need to accept that the card worth $5 today may not make it to the future in a near mint condition.  OMG!  It goes against every collecting impulse that I bred into myself all those years ago collecting sports cards and comics.  I may need to join a gaming collectors self help program....

Quote from: Nefaro on May 24, 2015, 04:17:57 AM

Quote from: Bison on May 23, 2015, 08:03:10 PM
Dropped way too much money today on a few of the Pokemon Theme decks and card sleeves.  And of course you have to pick up a couple of booster packs just for the thrill of opening them too.  On the upside, the kids like the game and actually sat through a whole game and didn't lose interest.  Hopefully it's a gateway to opening up additional gaming opportunities.

I got Smash Up for a card game that might hold some interest with the varied youngster ages, while still holding a bit of variety, but haven't played it yet.  I think the card text is pretty straightforward but you never know until some playthroughs.

The only real issue with Smash Up is that it can really bog down as things begin developing at bases. Everyone is playing cards which are constantly changing the game state and the way that card power is scored, meaning constant re-calculation of what the total strength is at, and so on. It doesn't kill the game, but it can become a bit of a slog.

My heart swelled with pride when the oldest scolded me today for mishandling a foiled card.

Quote from: Bison on May 25, 2015, 04:54:18 PM
My heart swelled with pride when the oldest scolded me today for mishandling a foiled card.

Awesome!

Quote from: Bison on May 25, 2015, 04:54:18 PM
My heart swelled with pride when the oldest scolded me today for mishandling a foiled card.

Parenthood -- you're doing it right.  O0 

I finally picked up a copy of Star Wars X-Wing today.  Pretty stoked for the kids to go to sleep so I can set it up and dog fight an x-wing and some tie fighters.  I can already feel the pull to get some expansion ships.  Slaver I is a for sure deal.

you got enough table space for them to maneuver? ;)

That stings....

Quote from: Bison on July 15, 2015, 08:09:38 PM
I finally picked up a copy of Star Wars X-Wing today.  Pretty stoked for the kids to go to sleep so I can set it up and dog fight an x-wing and some tie fighters.  I can already feel the pull to get some expansion ships.  Slaver I is a for sure deal.

It's an addiction.  My Tantive IV Corvette arrived today.  It's freaking massive!  The damned thing is bigger than the base game box by a large margin.  This means I now have to go buy a bunch of extra TIE fighters to make it a fair fight.

My copy of Empire of the Sun also arrived so it's counter punching and card sleeving time.

Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 15, 2015, 09:46:39 PM

Quote from: Bison on July 15, 2015, 08:09:38 PM
I finally picked up a copy of Star Wars X-Wing today.  Pretty stoked for the kids to go to sleep so I can set it up and dog fight an x-wing and some tie fighters.  I can already feel the pull to get some expansion ships.  Slaver I is a for sure deal.

It's an addiction.  My Tantive IV Corvette arrived today.  It's freaking massive!  The damned thing is bigger than the base game box by a large margin.  This means I now have to go buy a bunch of extra TIE fighters to make it a fair fight.

I seen the Tantive IV and that thing is massive.  Just finished up my first solo dog fight using the start up rules and it's pretty damned fun.  I was actually surprised at how much some of the turns actually move the mini on the table.  Deceptive.  I'm pretty stoked, but the daughter wants to play Wings of Glory very badly, so I'll need to break that out tomorrow night and play a WW2 dog fight.

Post impressions.  I was thinking about getting it but I've already got Brincombe-Woods's Bomber Command and Night Fighter and have trouble finding opponents locally, especially for Night Fighter.

After playing X-wing last night I can assure you that you'll like Wings of Glory too.  Very similar game play, but WoG uses cards to do maneuvers and not a ruler thingy.  Note however that WWI and WWII Wings of Glory do NOT use the same game play mechanics.  Similar but they require two different sets of rules.  Pick and era and give it a shot if you want another miniatures money sink.

Wings of Glory, which used to be Wings of War, is great fun. I have about 10 WWI planes and my buddy has 4 more and the 3 WoG play mats.
We usually get 6 of us together and have 3 on 3 battles. Great fun while drinking beer. Rules are easy. We have never even used the altitude rule.
Just finished modifying my plane mounts to used magnets so they can gimble. I'll try to remember to post some pics tonight.

I've played the WW2 Wings Of Glory.  Fun & light game I'd probably use more for varied ages and casual game sessions.

Still need to bust out Sails Of Glory sometime.   While it's basic rules are also pretty light, it has two more levels of advanced rules and some extra optional stuff.  It's more involved than Wings Of Glory since the higher rule sets have crew management and other such stuff (someone likened the Advanced game to Wooden Ships & Iron Men).

Also realized, after buying two additional ships for SoG, that if I wanted a 3v3 that I'd need another pair of the big ship tracker displays.  Which were sold out the last time I had looked around for them.   :knuppel2:

WoG WW2 has 3 levels of rules too, so it can be as basic or complex has the group wants it to be.

Quote from: Bison on July 16, 2015, 11:30:31 AM
WoG WW2 has 3 levels of rules too, so it can be as basic or complex has the group wants it to be.

Indeed.  I've only played the basic thus far.   I mentioned Sails of Glory being a bit more involved just due to all the extra available crew commands and tracking in the more advanced parts (seems to have more stuff to track on the displays).

I bought the Sails of Glory  HMS Victory because it was the Sails of Glory HMS Victory.  Little more need be said there.  I've left it behind as a game, though, because the models are far too fragile -- something made much worse by the decision to multi-purpose models with the two-sided card that sits on the top of the base -- and the maneuver system, especially in multi-player, has far too much fiddle for my liking...and I'm a minis gamer by training.

At Origins, though, I saw one fellow whose long-suffering wife solved the ship template problem.  She used a simple design program to mock up a suitable ship template which she printed onto white card and laminated.  She then glued the whole thing to a narrow bit of foamcore to give it some heft...and, behold, nigh infinite templates which have the added advantage of not needing the fiddly chits -- you can use dry erase markers.

No, for AoS these days it's all Flying Colors all the time...with the log sheets, mind, not the chits...

Best,

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

I've read quite a few negative review about the starter set for sog arriving with one of the ships having broken masts in the packaging.  Very sad. Fortunately the wog planes have not had this issue.

Just received GMT's Genesis.

Been wanting a Bronze Age grand strategy game & finally got one.  :) 

Not sure how long it will be until I get it punched and onto the table, but I'll put up some pics when I do. 

The map artwork looks good and I'm glad it's paper rather than the folded cardstock.  I like the look of the counters, despite having GMT's typical simplistic art like that in C&C Ancients, because there is a lot of variety between the five main factions, various "Barbarians" (Sea Peoples & others), and minor kingdoms. 

A quick glance through the rulebook gave me the impression that the core rules were streamlined a bit since Pax Romana, but there are still numerous small rules covering specific minor factions, mercs, etc for historical purposes.

Quote from: Nefaro on July 21, 2015, 04:59:13 PM
Just received GMT's Genesis.

Been wanting a Bronze Age grand strategy game & finally got one.  :) 

Not sure how long it will be until I get it punched and onto the table, but I'll put up some pics when I do. 

The map artwork looks good and I'm glad it's paper rather than the folded cardstock.  I like the look of the counters, despite having GMT's typical simplistic art like that in C&C Ancients, because there is a lot of variety between the five main factions, various "Barbarians" (Sea Peoples & others), and minor kingdoms. 

A quick glance through the rulebook gave me the impression that the core rules were streamlined a bit since Pax Romana, but there are still numerous small rules covering specific minor factions, mercs, etc for historical purposes.

Looking forward to your impressions... I really wanted to order that at the same time I ordered Wing Leader... but the drop in the CDN caused it to be too much..  :'(
Maybe I can pick it up next year at Origins....

As i posted in another thread I got ambushed by a sale at the flgs and ended up getting carcassonne, ticket to ride, and smallworld for family gaming time.

The oldest is stoked for carcassonne and the youngest wants to try smallworld.   Next stop family ASL gaming time!

Quote from: Bison on July 23, 2015, 06:38:31 PMthe youngest wants to try smallworld

The twins are after Smallworld?!?!

I have a herd of four.  The twins are excited to fart and drool.

You said "the youngest"!  :)

Quote from: Bison on July 23, 2015, 06:38:31 PM
As i posted in another thread I got ambushed by a sale at the flgs and ended up getting carcassonne, ticket to ride, and smallworld for family gaming time.

I bought Ticket to Ride just in case a bunch of revolutionary socialists burst into my home and demanded an appropriate game.

Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 23, 2015, 08:23:03 PM
You said "the youngest"!  :)

I thought about that afterwards too, but let's be honest here when you have this many running around it all gets a little confusing.

Quote from: MengJiao on May 16, 2015, 09:49:00 AM

Quote from: Nefaro on May 16, 2015, 01:54:20 AM

Quote from: MengJiao on May 15, 2015, 08:09:47 PM


And now, Bloody April:

I punched and sorted all the counters late last year but have yet to play it. 

My plan is to run that one with the solo option, then figure out some ways of doing the same with Elusive Victory.  Should be easier with all the dummy counters.

There's a solo scout matrix that comes with Bloody April.  Supposedly one has to be the RFC and the DLS (the Germans) are scouts coming after you via the "matrix" logic.  Scenario 4 has 2 BE2s trying to take some pictures and 3 Jasta of DLS coming after them while DH2s, Pups and Nieuports try to keep them alive.  so that's what I'm doing.

Wing Leader:

The Aircraft Data Cards look to have many similarities with the earlier Bloody April/Elusive Victory/Downtown ones. 

I still haven't given them a proper solo go yet;  still on the massive To-Do stack.  Probably why I don't already have Wing Leader.  :-\

Quote from: Nefaro on July 29, 2015, 05:51:16 AM
The Aircraft Data Cards look to have many similarities with the earlier Bloody April/Elusive Victory/Downtown ones. 

I still haven't given them a proper solo go yet;  still on the massive To-Do stack.  Probably why I don't already have Wing Leader.  :-\

  Having survived Bloody April, my impression is that this game (and the cards) is somewhat simpler in terms of representing aircraft performance.  I don't remember much about Elusive Victory, but I have a feeling the aircraft were easier to move around than they were
in Bloody April.  Also, I guess I'm much more familiar with the performance variations in aircraft since 1939 than I am with aircraft before 1939 which might have been one reason I had more trouble with Bloody April's mechanics than with those of Elusive Victory.

Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 15, 2015, 09:46:39 PM

My copy of Empire of the Sun also arrived so it's counter punching and card sleeving time.

I just ordered Empire of the Sun after finding out it has solitaire rules and seeing the components on various vids.  I've been avoiding most WW2 wargames for years but this was calling to me for various reasons. 

Hopefully the rulebook reads relatively well, being a 2nd edition.  I didn't look around for opinions on that just yet.

It doesn't read well.  In my opinion, it's not laid out in a logical manner at all.

To save you some headaches.  The ASP term that is constantly referred to but not defined until the middle of the rulebook stands for Amphibious Shipping Point.  You need to use these points to transport troops (except for Japanese naval infantry brigades.  They can hitch a ride on warships.) Japan starts with 7 and can lose them through submarine warfare or event cards.  The Allies start with zero but gain them over time and through event cards.   

LRB is long-range bomber.  Only the Allies get them.  They can't exert a Zone of Influence unlike all other air units. 

Also, I would recommend that you don't put the cards in sleeves.  I did and it was a mess.  The decks are just too large (100+ cards) and they end up spilling all over the place if you sleeve them.

Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 02, 2015, 03:56:11 PM
It doesn't read well.  In my opinion, it's not laid out in a logical manner at all.

To save you some headaches.  The ASP term that is constantly referred to but not defined until the middle of the rulebook stands for Amphibious Shipping Point.  You need to use these points to transport troops (except for Japanese naval infantry brigades.  They can hitch a ride on warships.) Japan starts with 7 and can lose them through submarine warfare or event cards.  The Allies start with zero but gain them over time and through event cards.   

LRB is long-range bomber.  Only the Allies get them.  They can't exert a Zone of Influence unlike all other air units. 

Also, I would recommend that you don't put the cards in sleeves.  I did and it was a mess.  The decks are just too large (100+ cards) and they end up spilling all over the place if you sleeve them.

Thanks for the tips.  I feared the manual might be a bit disjointed, as that tends to be the rule rather than the exception.  After reading the well-done manual for Genesis, which has the whole acronym description list at the front of the manual (in comparison), I was obviously wishing for lightning to strike twice.

I've had troubles with a few games having large decks, and sleeving.  But this one isn't getting any.  I only sleeve when the cards are cut unevenly, or are exceptionally thin. I've not had an issue with either in GMT games in the past; hopefully that hasn't changed.

Picked up a copy of King of Tokyo today.  It'll hit the table tomorrow afternoon during family game time.  I'm pretty excited to see if the kids like it.  I suspect they will if for no other reason then getting to roll a bunch of dice.

I didn't know Empire had solo rules.  Damn, I might have to take a close look at that- the game looks fantastic.

Quote from: Toonces on August 08, 2015, 08:29:40 PM
I didn't know Empire had solo rules.  Damn, I might have to take a close look at that- the game looks fantastic.

Anybody have a lazy link to the game's web page?

Here's the GMT page.
http://www.gmtgames.com/p-372-empire-of-the-sun.aspx (http://www.gmtgames.com/p-372-empire-of-the-sun.aspx)


Here's a video on how to play the solo rules.



The solo rules enemy AI flowcharts read as though they were written by a coder from 1988.  Lots of IF...ELSE type cascading statements instead of plain English.  It can make it a bit unclear at times if you have to drill down through all the variables past more than a couple subroutines.

CoolStuffInc usually has it for the cheapest price but it looks like they ran out of stock again.

http://www.coolstuffinc.com/p/135328 (http://www.coolstuffinc.com/p/135328)


BoardGameGeek's EoTS page has some good clarifications in the forum and there's a link to a bunch of VASSAL tutorials which help to clarify some of the quirkier rules.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/11825/empire-sun (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/11825/empire-sun)

Thanks!

There's often someone retailing newer GMT games on Ebay for the same or lower price as CSI. 

I've picked up a couple from one of them this year.


Here it is:

Empire Of The Sun sale link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SEALED-GMT-GAMES-EMPIRE-OF-THE-SUN-Second-Edition/301707566269?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140602152332%26meid%3D8dc2a725809045dbb52594837bb7b002%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D301701657278)

Care package from LNLP just arrived...  pics form inside coming soon :)

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11873443_1176242492389754_2635315498011981304_n.jpg?oh=ee274b52165f925865230657f8bb55ab&oe=563E26D9)

Where's the unboxed shot Brant? 

Or did you just want to post some Tank-on-Tank cover porn?

Quote from: Nefaro on August 12, 2015, 06:21:59 PM
Where's the unboxed shot Brant? 

Or did you just want to post some Tank-on-Tank cover porn?

I gotta teach tonight.  You get the unboxing when we publish them later :)

This just arrived. The kids are quite happy.  8)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1252.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh561%2Fgrovesby%2FWP_20150812_002_zpst7sbemev.jpg&hash=6aeb380bff0d563d6fe0b51c85edd6b50d85ea35)

Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 12, 2015, 03:46:25 PM
Care package from LNLP just arrived...  pics form inside coming soon :)

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11873443_1176242492389754_2635315498011981304_n.jpg?oh=ee274b52165f925865230657f8bb55ab&oe=563E26D9)

I'm so jelly.