An introduction to block games
Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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In the wargaming wolrd there are a number of different styles or types of wargames. There's the traditional hex and counter, card driven historical miniatures and combinations. One of the more recent innovations in the genre is the block game which is becoming more and more popular.
Now I am in no way an expert in block gaming. on the contrary, I have very limited experience with block games having only played a couple of games. However that is part of the reason why I am making this list. One hears on BGG people ask about what are good block games to get and other questions related to block games. I figured it might be interesting to throw up a geek list with all the block games currently out (or at the moment the ones I could think of) and see what folks think are the best games of the genre, best to start with and ones people are most looking forward to in the future.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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When I think block games I think Hammer of the Scots. Recently played it for the first time and got my behind handed to me on a platter. Still i found myself enjoying it a great deal and look forward to giving it a second try.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Never played but it's nice to see a popular game covering this era. The Crusades for all their importance in history isn't simulated in wargames all that much. Tons of games on Ancient Rome or Medieval Europe but The Crusades aren't exactly a hot game topic.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Recently got run through a few turns of this to see how it plays. I can see why WW II buffs like this one so much. GMT by the way has this listed as very low stock so it looks like it might go out of print shortly for at least a little while.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Europe Engulfed's other half. Coming to a GMT P500 list soon.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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From the creator of the Engulfed series (and member of the BGG community) Rick Young. This one is quickly climbing the GMT P500 list. It's currently around 560 orders.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Now here's one that would take all of 1.4 seconds for someone to get me to give a try. To borrow a phrase "Stop. You got me at Gettysburg".
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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More civil war. This time the 1862 Pennisula Campaign. From my understanding at this moment there are three companies mainly that are the biggies in the area of block games. Columbia, GMT and Worthington Games. This one being one of the creations from Worthington Games.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Here we have the American Revolution and the often ignored French and Indian War together in one game.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Here we have the War of 1812 when the White House had some unfriendly British vistors.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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This is a game I am almost tempted to pick up sight unseen simply because I love the theme and I think they've done a great job on the blocks in this game. Gone are the traditional block unit designations and we have some images of Zulus and British Troops. I have heard there are issues in terms of balance with the game.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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More Columbia Games and this time it's WW II in Africa. I've heard some pretty high praise for this one from time to time.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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The first fantasy block game. The cool thing about this one is while most block games are strictly 2 player this one can play 2-4.
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Brian Morris
United States Raytown Missouri
2nd, 6th & 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan
24th Michigan monument at Gettysburg Pa.
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Another American Revolution block game but unlike Clash for a continent that recreates specific battles this one covers the war at a strategic level.
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David Bohnenberger
United States Swarthmore Pennsylvania
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Everyone forgets this one for some reason, and it's one of the best.
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L Myrick
United States Pasadena California
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Quebec is an easy to learn block game that I think is a good intro game to get those who haven't played blocks before to give it a try. Quick and a really neat map.
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Mark Christopher
United States Salem Massachusetts
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Perhaps the most innovative block game in recent years is missing. I'm still amazed at how much fun I'm having with this one. The lack of dice, as well as the linear warfare mechanics ("Block and Maneuver", as it's been called. Heh. BaM.
) make it a wonderful addiction addition to my library, especially when I'm feeling like a more cerebral game than otherwise.
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Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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You forgot a few, although granted they're not at the introductory level.
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Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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See EastFront
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Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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more missing items
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Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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See EastFront
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21.
Board Game: EuroFront
[Average Rating:6.96 Unranked]
[Average Rating:6.96 Unranked]

Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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See EastFront
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Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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See EastFront
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23.
Board Game: VolgaFront
[Average Rating:7.39 Unranked]
[Average Rating:7.39 Unranked]

Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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See EastFront
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24.
Board Game: EuroFront II
[Average Rating:8.30 Unranked]
[Average Rating:8.30 Unranked]

Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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The big Front upgrade, still in production.
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Michel Boucher
Canada Ottawa Ontario
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Modular WWII game. Extra items can be purchased separately, 12 maps, 10 block sets, a set of counters.
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Wheaton
Maryland
Omaha
Nebraska
the blocks to indicate the strenght of the unit.
Therefore it's no block game.
Laurel
Maryland