Whilst I'm slaving over a hot computer (which would actually be nice given the weather), the second stage of army list testing is now in full swing, with a few of our new demo-teams volunteering for the task... not hard work though is it, playing a few games? The lists are all in good order, but need a final tweaking from a fresh set of eyes, all of them veteran wargamers and WW2 fanatics.
Whilst in Ireland taking photos I was lucky enough to get a game in. The Omaha beach assault, using the book's Beachhead scenario and two army lists worked like a charm. Skip's boards looked fantastic and the game was oh-so close and, as ever, Piers' luck held out over mine, just... by 1 point (again). The Germans started slowly, then kicked into gear and caused mayhem amidst the attacking infantry, but a concerted effort to assault the two bunkers on our left flank, overrunning them and putting both of our AT guns out of action, eventual saw the US win, and open the D-1 draw to Vierville. It was also well passed my bedtime... I'm not used to such late nights.
Here is one of the shots I took for book during the game... remember stay low, keep moving and keep the sand out of your weapons. See you on the beach!
PS: Work has also commenced on the slim-down basic Battlegroup rulebook. This will be the core game only, no lists, no scenarios etc, they will all come in the theatre supplements. It'll be maybe 64 pages, smaller format, softback and cheap! There is some debate between us if this is a good idea or not. Many think yes, others not so positive, preferring the big shiney books. Any thoughts from players are gratefully received.
The cut-down version of the rule book is a winner for me! I'm put off buying the book at the moment as I don't want to carry a 280-odd page hardback around, even if I don't have to reference it much during a game. I can also do without the eye candy, painting guides, scenarios/campaign and army lists.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The slimmed down rule book is a great idea. Eye candy, painting guides, scenarios/campaign, etc can be found with some quick Google work.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer the option of a slimmed down rulebook, personally. I'm only interested in certain theatres, so it would be a winner for me.
ReplyDeleteI am planning to buy the big shiney book and the smaller paperback. The smaller cheaper edition will mean I can buy copies for my friends so that it's not just me who understands the rules. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks all, such direct feedback is very useful.
ReplyDeleteI would go for the light rulebook for regular gaming and the big hardback for the collection. Would there be any plans to produce ebooks/pdfs?
ReplyDeleteSmall, light, softcover core rulebook is good idea. If price will be low, it will be good for gift. And small format is good to transport and useful during game.
ReplyDeleteI personally prefer the big shiny book. It stands up to more use as well. However a smaller version would be useful to give to other players, but if I only had the one choice I'd go big and shiny.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like the heft and durability of the big hardback book. However, a PDF/e-book/tablet version of the smaller rulebook would be a definite purchase.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely like the option of a smaller, lighter rules only book. I love hardback, pretty books but they are not very practical at the wargaming table. All the guys in my group have said they prefer a rulebook only option.
ReplyDeleteBut if you do one please make sure the binding is robust. Others have made the mistake of producing glue only binders of poor quality where the pages start falling out almost immediately.