Eastern Front

bob48 · August 12, 2014, 06:42:06 AM

I really could do with an EF game, but not one of the 'monsters' (been there, done that, etc).

My preference would be corps / army level, with 1 or, at most, 2 maps. I know there are a few out there, such as 'War Without Mercy' and 'Stalin's War'

Any recommendations?

bayonetbrant · August 12, 2014, 07:17:22 AM

A Victory Lost or A Victory Denied

I can't stand Eastern Front Games, but I like both of them and I think they will fit your bill nicely

BanzaiCat · August 12, 2014, 07:39:21 AM

Try Eastern Front Solitaire by Omega Games. I believe they're still in print.

Very simple design and pretty fun to play.

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8756/eastern-front-solitaire

GJK · August 12, 2014, 09:21:26 AM

No Retreat: Eastern Front is exactly what you're looking for. Easy to learn, covers the whole shebang. It's on P500 for a reprint but there's a number of copies for sale on Boardgamegeek if you can't wait.

bayonetbrant · August 12, 2014, 09:36:38 AM

Whatever you do, don't get *anything* from Lou Coatney. If his games were half as good as he thinks they are, that's all any of us would ever play. I'm not sure there's a more self-absorbed game designer in the history of game design going back to the brontasaurus-vs-triceratops game of boulder-checkers. The games are OK, but not worth throwing any support at someone that annoying.

bob48 · August 12, 2014, 12:22:52 PM

Thanks for the answers, chaps. I'll have a look at those.

Rekim · August 12, 2014, 07:05:26 PM

I second Gary's recommendation for No Retreat! The Russian Front

My personal favorite is Eastfront from Columbia Games (1st or 2nd edition....little difference). Sure wish I could find a local opponent for this one.

ArizonaTank · August 13, 2014, 04:51:02 AM

Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 12, 2014, 07:17:22 AM
A Victory Lost or A Victory Denied

I can't stand Eastern Front Games, but I like both of them and I think they will fit your bill nicely

I agree, both great games, easy to learn, low counter density, and a great deal of fun. The only problem I have with "A Victory Lost" is it is out of print, and is still popular. So it will have crazy pricing...if you can even find a copy. "A Victory Denied" is easy to find however, and has great pricing....I think I saw it on CoolStuff for about $30 recently.

You might also want to look at GMT's "The Dark Valley", but with three counter sheets and 20 mile hexes....it borders on "mini-monster." But I recommend you go to the GMT site, look at the rules and check out the board and counters on the vassal module. The game has been out for about a year, but you can still find plenty of copies at retailers.

IMHO AH's old Russian Campaign still holds it's own as well.... You could probably pick up a copy of the 3rd edition on ebay for $10 - $20 bucks. Also, I had no problem finding players for it.

bob48 · August 13, 2014, 01:20:36 PM

Thanks again guys - I also now have a chance of a good used copy of L2's 'Russia Besieged' which I've always liked the look of. Its the 2nd edition with the large 1 piece map.

Its a shame, and one of the curses of the hobby, that many games are currently out of print.

DicedT · August 13, 2014, 03:58:40 PM

Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 12, 2014, 09:36:38 AM
Whatever you do, don't get *anything* from Lou Coatney. If his games were half as good as he thinks they are, that's all any of us would ever play. I'm not sure there's a more self-absorbed game designer in the history of game design going back to the brontasaurus-vs-triceratops game of boulder-checkers. The games are OK, but not worth throwing any support at someone that annoying.

What do you think of Perry Moore games? Lots of titles on Chechnya and such. I've always wondered where he gets his data.

Michael

bayonetbrant · August 13, 2014, 04:37:40 PM

I have valor and vengeance in the back of the car right now. I will be doing a review of it in the next few weeks and can tell you something then. I haven't played a whole lot of his games up until now. I haven't played a lot of lou's games either. his online presence just drives me nuts because of how self absorbed he is

ArizonaTank · August 13, 2014, 07:41:04 PM

Quote from: bob48 on August 13, 2014, 01:20:36 PM
Thanks again guys - I also now have a chance of a good used copy of L2's 'Russia Besieged' which I've always liked the look of. Its the 2nd edition with the large 1 piece map.

Its a shame, and one of the curses of the hobby, that many games are currently out of print.

I recommend grabbing it. The game is hard to find now.

Rekim · August 15, 2014, 06:33:32 PM

Just received the tracking number for a new copy of Russia Besieged that was posted to me this afternoon :)

I have a several games in my collection which are unplayed at the moment and make a point of restricting new purchases until I get the backlog of unplayed titles down to 1 or 2. I've been drooling over Russia Besieged since this discussion started...and ArizonaTank's last note was the final straw (honorable mention also going to the fine looking Vassal module available for RB). I've long wanted to try the Russian Campaign and RB appears to be the best way of scratching that particular itch at the moment.

I did quite a bit of searching and suspect I grabbed one of the last copies left sitting on a store shelf here in Canada. I found a few more options in the US. Given the current state of the L2 DESIGN GROUP it is likely to be a very long time before is back in print...if ever.

bob48 · August 16, 2014, 06:08:35 AM

I've put my offer in on a copy, so hopefully I'll get to know soon.

bob48 · August 22, 2014, 10:33:44 AM

Arrived today - 2nd Ed Russia Besieged. O0