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The Ultimate Block Wargame and Why
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Hunga Dunga
United States
Unspecified
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lmyrick's geeklist of the block games he owns or wants to own made me realize that while I own many wargames covering everything from the Punic Wars to Interstellar warfare, and from tactical man-to-man combat to global strategies, I don't have even one block wargame! I am interested any era of military history. So please tell us what is your ultimate block wargame and, just as importantly, why this is the case? Is it the way a particular battle is played out? Or is it a unique method of using blocks? I'll give 1 GeekGold to anyone who submits a Geeklist entry that convinces me to go out and buy that game.
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Posted Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:27 pm
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Dan Poole
United States
Goldsboro
North Carolina
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This is a nice block game for many reasons:
1) The rules are detailed enough to offer rich game play yet not overly complex to be considered fiddly.
2) The supply rules add a significant strategic factor to the game.
3) Gameplay is generally smooth and not bogged down with tedious actions.
4) A single battle can last many turns.
5) The map is really cool
6) This is a tactical level game, which I prefer over global domination games.
7) This game focusus on ground combat.
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フィル
Australia
Newtown
NSW
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There's much to like about BaM:
- Unique combat system (diceless and CRT-less)
- 1.5 hr play time
- Brief rulebook
- The best component quality of any block game (including a real board)
- Extensive support from the designer, including good solitaire and tournament rules
The downsides are that the system is counterintuitive, and that there's only one scenario.
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Kent Reuber
United States
San Mateo
California
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Reasons why I like it:
1) Asymmetric play. The Scots have different problems and abilities than the English.
2) I like the way that Nobles that are eliminated go to the other side (essentially switching allegiances). I want to see this same system done for War of the Roses.
3) Use of cards to simulate yearly events as well as movement.
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Randy C
United States
Chicago
Illinois
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An exellent game. And one playable on the internet and by email if you get Computer EastFront. And with an active group of players on line. Email is a must, because the campaign game is way too long for one sitting. It has smaller scenarios, but I always feel cheated playing anything less than the full game.
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Mark Saya
United States
Los Angeles
California
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I don't think anyone would seriously consider War of 1812 to be the "Ultimate Block Game." Yet it is, in its own modest way, a very good little wargame. Things to like about it:
1) It's less complex/easier to learn than the above games.
2) Experienced players can finish a full game in two hours or less.
3) Simultaneous play (via written orders) works very well: quick and clean. It's similar to but better than Quebec, 1759 in this regard.
4) Although it's primarily about land forces, it features simple but engaging naval action as well: ship building and repair, troop transport, amphibious assault, ship-to-ship combat. Controlling two of the three lakes is usually crucial.
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Brian Smith
United States
Baltimore
Maryland
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*I have actually not played ANY block games, this opinion is only from my own reading here on BGG
This game seems the best value, because of it's variety. The game is structured much like a miniature wargame, and less like a boxed game. The scenarios are point based, which means that the armies are not pre-determined. Also, the board is Geomorphic, which means it can also be very different each game. This one seems like it would have a more lasting appeal after repeated plays, due to this variety. I also love the fantasy theme, but this is in stark contrast to the other games on the list.
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Matthew Webster
United Kingdom
Unspecified
Hampshire
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I own the AH version and like it because:
1. Simple rules: only 4 pages
2. Nice production: just 1 map, 2 dice and 48 blocks in 3 colours
3. Both strategic and tactical levels of play: you must maneuver your forces on the map to engage the enemy then direct your units in battle
4. Fixed playing time (in games days)
5. Asymmetric forces: the Allied player has 2 armies and more units but the French player has the initiative and is more nimble
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Posted Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:49 pm
Carlsbad
California
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/96292
San Jose
California
Eagle River
Alaska
Yeah, it lacks rotations, but it leads people to being accepting of block games.