Happiness One Block at a Time...
Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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Much like card-driven wargames, the block game market is picking up steam, with various companies trying their hand at producing the next gem.
Also, much like card-driven wargames, with many producers comes many titles that you should definitely buy, and those you should definitely avoid.
This list doesn't attempt to tell you what to think, nor what to buy. It doesn't even attempt to cover all the various block games availible. It is simply a ranking of all the block games that I have played, with comments to help you, the viewing public, make a more informed decision about what YOU want to try next.
If you are still on the fence in regards to trying your first block game: What are you waiting for? Find something that interests you and go with it! You'll find that happiness is just a block away!
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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Anyone who has watched some of my comments on this site knows that I am a fan of Europe Engulfed. It sure did have to earn its spot as my favourite block wargame though. I've played wargames for many years, and while there are many I remember fondly, no wargame outside EE keeps me talking so long after each game; about what could have been done differently, and about my new strategy for next time.
The rules to EE are a little big, especially when playing with the more advanced optional rules. There's nothing that is too complicated though; it's just big and will take some time to finish. Currently I'm able to finish a 2 player game in about 13 hours for the full war, and a 3 player game times in at about the same.
This might not be the best place to START your block wargame experience, but it's definitely the game to work your way up to.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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If you've been tempted to buy or try Hammer of the Scots you're certainly not alone. And, I'm happy to say that your instincts are maybe a bit sharper than you think! This is an excellent game for people looking for their first block game, or someone looking for their 10th block game.
It doesn't have a ton of strategic depth, but the genius in this design is that both sides play dramatically different. I've had several occasions where 2 games are played consecutively just so that both players can try their hand at each side.
I suspect that some of the rules and mechanisms from this game will go on to power the engines of many other block games down the road.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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"Why didn't I think of this?" is the phrase I predict you'll yell at the completion of your first game of Bonaparte at Marengo. The rules in this game are very reasonable in that they don't require "gamey" tactics in order to win. The rules just make sense, and many times it's possible to answer rules questions by simply asking yourself "What makes the most sense here?".
Again, this is another one of those games that will be the foundation for many more to come, so if you've been wanting to have some fun with early 19th century tactics, you should definitely try this gem.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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I've just recently ordered this title, so I'm going to admit that I haven't played it just yet (will update below when I do though!). I've looked carefully at the rules though and since this game is based on a somewhat more simplified version of the Hammer of the Scots rules, I'm prepared to lodge it in at my #4 favourite block game. Talk about high expectations!
Hey, after playing "Hammer of the Scots" and finding out that block games really are something for you, perhaps this should be your next purchase?
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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"War of 1812" is a basic game where seemingly anything can happen. It is one of the older block games around, so the rules dont feel quite as refined as some of the newer titles. Point-to-point movement helps to keep things simple and strategic, and for a game that plays through in about 75 minutes, this little guy packs a wallop!
I can recommend this game to you if you're just thinking about starting a block gaming career, or if you are a fan of the subject.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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"Gettysburg: Badges of Courage" feels like one of the more complex titles on this list. It doesn't allow for the same "run and gun" tactics that perhaps "Hammer of the Scots" or "War of 1812" can provide.
This game probably isn't too good for those of you starting out in block games, but the unique use of leadership concerns does force you to think in a way that you may not have needed to with other block games. Because of this, I'd recommend it to veteran gamers looking for a new challenge.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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What block list would be complete without "Quebec 1759" on it? To me it doesn't really equal the strategies to be found in "War of 1812", but it certainly has its charms.
Again, this is another one that I'd recommend to new block gamers, though not quite as strongly as some of my more favoured games above.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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How could I forget to include this little gem in this list? A true travesty indeed!
It's another one of those games where simply changing sides is enough to warrant a second consecutive play. Each side faces its own set of challenges, though I must admit that I particularly like the "Alamo" scenario faced by the British in this one.
This is a great little game that might be flying just under your radar.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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Plenty would beg to disagree with me on this, but I'd put EastFront in the 9th spot of the block games that I've played. I enjoyed the game to a moderate degree when played alone, although I did feel that some of the rules were a bit "forced" or "dated".
The problem really arose when I made the mistake of buying the whole "Front" series and trying to play the whole war. What a disaster! The overly-complex rules, the unusually high amount of book-keeping; I spent nearly an hour trying to figure out how to properly simulate the Finnish/Soviet Winter War!
I'd recommend this game to someone who enjoys WWII themes and doesn't mind a little complexity. I'd also recommend picking up "VolgaFront" to complete this package. However, don't make the mistake I did and assume that playing the whole war would be just as fun, because it simply isn't.
Comment by Jeff Thompson (Tompy), moved due to list editing:
My favorite East Front game.
Is he going for Moscow or has he turned to meet up with Army Group South? You just don't know. Then the counter punch goes where? I must get across that river. But if I do and don't meet any resistance, where is the counter attacking coming from?
This game simply rocks.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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We're starting to reach the bottom of my ratings barrel. In my limited experience with this game, I found it to be generic and bland. What little strategy that did exist was quickly ruined by my inability to stop thinking about how much better this game could have been.
I see little reason to recommend this game, especially given the wealth of great block games that are readily availible.
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Kevin Nesbitt
Canada
Ajax
Ontario
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And we've reached the bottom of the barrel. I really don't care for generic themed games, and this game is the reason why (this one, and "Attack" (Eagle)). I'm not sure of the motivation for the creation of this game, but for the amount of money you'll need to put out to enjoy all of its facets, you're far better off picking up one of the titles higher up on this list.
That isn't to say that people won't enjoy something from this far down on my list, but the odds seem more stacked against it.
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). I haven't really run into as many people who regretted it.
