Late comment here, but I've really enjoyed your GBOH thoughts, narratives, stop motions and playthroughs, having picked up SPQR recently. Really hope you decide to revisit the series in the near future.
I have bought the new compilation, but also bought the simple rules to use. I owned and played the original module a lot. The thing that I find with my memory of that and similar with some other 'deeper' systems that I have returned to is that these days they can feel a struggle, yet years ago I just ate these games up, so I wonder whether it is an age thing, or have we changed how we consume rules or how our brain process rules with so many modern sets being streamlined. I recently bought an old game that I played loads, set it up and was immediately stuck with some rule and map definition problems that actually stopped by game and I just wondered how I managed to play this repeatedly in the early 8o's, perhaps I wasn't playing properly then. One of the things that is true is that the internet didn't exist, so if you hit a rule problem, you just had to work it out for yourself and just go with your decision, especially if you were a solo gamer and not exposed to a gaming group. Maybe it is that mindset that has changed and so these days we can afford to be more enquiring and dare I say, demanding of rulebook preciseness.
thanks for sharing... Tony is planning on doing a tutorial series for this game system and put alot of work into it... but love your thoughts and opinions on this game... great video.
I agree that finding specific rules in the rule book is not easy. A more comprehensive index would help. I think some of the confusion is due to the minor differences of certain rules between GBOA, SPQR, and Hoplite.
Funny because I have these and Memoir with expansion....never played any of them because the war gaming rules defeat me. Now want to sell them off and buy myself a good game with longevity and playability.
Well timed! I just picked up deluxe Alexander and SPQR... by way of introductory play of Men of Iron tripack. (Covid is certainly wreaking havoc with my wallet, that’s for sure). I’ve usually preferences panzer pushing, but the “wheels within wheels” of ancient and medieval armies is fascinating!
I think you hit it on the head. I own and have played many of the GBOH series (recently bought simple battles too - but not yet used that) - and as you say - it's the differences between the rules sets that always trip one up - especially with command and control. I understand why the rules are different, but in some ways, I wish they were more uniform, with perhaps series specific rules being in their own booklets. For me, Cataphract involved the most rules look ups despite having the smallest battles - way too many special cavalry rules! Great series though!
Thanks Kev, another good video. I love ancients as a theme and still looking for something that will scratch the ancient battles itch. I wish there was something less fiddly and detailed than a whole GBoH (simple version isn't too appealing to me either), but more detailed then C&C Ancients...
I've not played Lost Battles yet, don't have the game but have the book, will need to finish it at some point. Plus, there's always "With it or on it" by Hollandspiele
2:12 I never came across this rule that they MUST attack but now I see you are using the Engaged optional rule. Maybe it wasn't optional before? But I do have to say that I was playing this wrong and I feel like I walked into the Twilight Zone. I always thought shocks were from orders only and so no one fought unless they were ordered. Big whoops! Now I need to get it back to the table to play it correctly. Glad I found this to correct this big mistake! Cheers
This rules phenomenon is almost uniquely severe to Mark Herman games. There is not a single game of his that I’ve played (and indeed many I’ve really liked) where the rule book wasn’t both a horrendous reference and impenetrably dense.
Well I can thankfully say that C3is magazine game Waterloo CAmpaign 1815, rises up to be a clear concise effort. But yes, his Victory Games titles were repetitive and dense and a challenge to play correctly.
I see the engaged markers on the center pieces you were questioning whether they had to attack. Is the engaged rule in the base set for SPQR? In Alexander, this is an optional rule; when in use you must attack with engaged units if they are in range of the activated leader. I generally like this rule as it prevents two lines just staring at each other in the middle of the battlefield. But I have done some gamey moves to work around this by moving my leader out of range just so I did not have to make the required attacks.
I agree with your comments on the rule book. I have tried to bring this game to the table several times, but each time put it on the back burner for another time due to me finding it hard to digest the rules. As you point out the rules are not difficult, I just had difficulty remembering them and where rules were referenced. I know though that if I persevere with the rules, it will be worth it. Incidentally would you favour SPQR over the Alexander game in the same series? Just curious if you have a preference. Cheers for the great content as always.
I have all the Men of Iron series and thoroughly love the games...Should diving into the GBOH games after all these years of avoiding it be my next logical step?
Thanks Kev - I have this and I'm looking forward to giving it a go (easing in with Men of Iron tripack first though!).
Hope you enjoy it! MOI is great, You will no doubt enjoy the English Civil War battles. I particularly enjoyed Infidel!
Late comment here, but I've really enjoyed your GBOH thoughts, narratives, stop motions and playthroughs, having picked up SPQR recently. Really hope you decide to revisit the series in the near future.
Glad you enjoy it! I will be!
This next on my list to Grok and film. I plan on doing a how-to-play video series.
Looking forward to it Tony! 😊
NICE!
Thanks for filming, I'm currently learning this one as borrowed a copy of 1st edition game, really looking nice😁
Hope you enjoy it!
I have bought the new compilation, but also bought the simple rules to use. I owned and played the original module a lot. The thing that I find with my memory of that and similar with some other 'deeper' systems that I have returned to is that these days they can feel a struggle, yet years ago I just ate these games up, so I wonder whether it is an age thing, or have we changed how we consume rules or how our brain process rules with so many modern sets being streamlined.
I recently bought an old game that I played loads, set it up and was immediately stuck with some rule and map definition problems that actually stopped by game and I just wondered how I managed to play this repeatedly in the early 8o's, perhaps I wasn't playing properly then. One of the things that is true is that the internet didn't exist, so if you hit a rule problem, you just had to work it out for yourself and just go with your decision, especially if you were a solo gamer and not exposed to a gaming group. Maybe it is that mindset that has changed and so these days we can afford to be more enquiring and dare I say, demanding of rulebook preciseness.
it is a bit more involved. But its worth it!
thanks for sharing... Tony is planning on doing a tutorial series for this game system and put alot of work into it... but love your thoughts and opinions on this game... great video.
That would be cool!
I agree that finding specific rules in the rule book is not easy. A more comprehensive index would help. I think some of the confusion is due to the minor differences of certain rules between GBOA, SPQR, and Hoplite.
yes.. sometimes my head spins. Macedonian this Tribune that... LOL All good.
Great game and great series! SPQR and Alexander are my favs.
:)
Funny because I have these and Memoir with expansion....never played any of them because the war gaming rules defeat me.
Now want to sell them off and buy myself a good game with longevity and playability.
Well timed! I just picked up deluxe Alexander and SPQR... by way of introductory play of Men of Iron tripack. (Covid is certainly wreaking havoc with my wallet, that’s for sure). I’ve usually preferences panzer pushing, but the “wheels within wheels” of ancient and medieval armies is fascinating!
Hope you enjoy it!
I think you hit it on the head. I own and have played many of the GBOH series (recently bought simple battles too - but not yet used that) - and as you say - it's the differences between the rules sets that always trip one up - especially with command and control. I understand why the rules are different, but in some ways, I wish they were more uniform, with perhaps series specific rules being in their own booklets. For me, Cataphract involved the most rules look ups despite having the smallest battles - way too many special cavalry rules! Great series though!
Thanks buddy!
oh you get to play on the nice table!
Yes I do!
Thanks Kev, another good video. I love ancients as a theme and still looking for something that will scratch the ancient battles itch. I wish there was something less fiddly and detailed than a whole GBoH (simple version isn't too appealing to me either), but more detailed then C&C Ancients...
You and me both! Its a challenge. I dont think Lost Battle covers it either. Minis rules seem to be among the best.
I've not played Lost Battles yet, don't have the game but have the book, will need to finish it at some point. Plus, there's always "With it or on it" by Hollandspiele
2:12 I never came across this rule that they MUST attack but now I see you are using the Engaged optional rule. Maybe it wasn't optional before? But I do have to say that I was playing this wrong and I feel like I walked into the Twilight Zone. I always thought shocks were from orders only and so no one fought unless they were ordered. Big whoops! Now I need to get it back to the table to play it correctly. Glad I found this to correct this big mistake! Cheers
hey, that makes this one video worth it!!! Glad it helped. Its great system.
This rules phenomenon is almost uniquely severe to Mark Herman games. There is not a single game of his that I’ve played (and indeed many I’ve really liked) where the rule book wasn’t both a horrendous reference and impenetrably dense.
Well I can thankfully say that C3is magazine game Waterloo CAmpaign 1815, rises up to be a clear concise effort. But yes, his Victory Games titles were repetitive and dense and a challenge to play correctly.
I see the engaged markers on the center pieces you were questioning whether they had to attack. Is the engaged rule in the base set for SPQR? In Alexander, this is an optional rule; when in use you must attack with engaged units if they are in range of the activated leader. I generally like this rule as it prevents two lines just staring at each other in the middle of the battlefield. But I have done some gamey moves to work around this by moving my leader out of range just so I did not have to make the required attacks.
correct. I use the engaged rule.
thank you really enjoyed the video
Glad you enjoyed it
I agree with your comments on the rule book. I have tried to bring this game to the table several times, but each time put it on the back burner for another time due to me finding it hard to digest the rules. As you point out the rules are not difficult, I just had difficulty remembering them and where rules were referenced. I know though that if I persevere with the rules, it will be worth it. Incidentally would you favour SPQR over the Alexander game in the same series? Just curious if you have a preference. Cheers for the great content as always.
Persevere!
thinking of picking this up, would you recommend? apart from what you have said. would you recommend any tutorial videos, thanks
Yes, absolutely. See th-cam.com/users/TonysBoardLife and specific playlist: th-cam.com/video/q7q2VxXVX_0/w-d-xo.html @tony'sboardlife
I have all the Men of Iron series and thoroughly love the games...Should diving into the GBOH games after all these years of avoiding it be my next logical step?
damn straight. You are doing it in reverse. MOI etc are abstractions of GBoH, in a good way. The while a bit more fiddly are great games
@@war_gamer Sorted...
Looks like a great game whats the best starter scenario
I think you just grab a small one and go for it.
GMT bad index is not a Great Battles of History issue it's a GMT issue. I don't like their rule books. I do like their games, though.
good pt