I just landed the new edition with the huge-ass neoprene mats 34x68 with 3" hexagons -- WONDERFUL! We FINALLY have plenty of room to fit all the blocks for a battle into the hexes. Great game just got better!!
Wow, I am pleasantly surprised to see your coverage on this beauty, Cody! Many thanks! I really enjoyed your review. I love how this game forces me to spread my forces wider than I generally would like and keep some forces in reserve to flank and or respond to flanking maneuvers. You can't really form a mailed fist and pummel your opponent like you would in say Axis & Allies. Also, that lifeline highway makes for one heck of a dynamic tug of war. How did you find the flanking? Did you play any games where you guys bought minefields? I read "Knight's Cross" years prior and found it a great thematic companion. I am looking forward to bringing Rommel in the Desert to Fallcon this year. I don't get to many conventions. I am really a big fan of this game and Triumph & Tragedy also by Craig. I think one day I might try East Front but I haven't worked up to it yet. Thanks again for trying this one out and posting such a nice review I can share with my friends. Have a great Easter Pal!
Thank you, sir. Very fun game. I haven't played a game with minefields yet. I'm sure that will come. You're right about the flanking worries, and the need for reserves. Thanks a ton!
Thanks for the review, game looks pretty tight. Here's a general question: I've been curious to play a block game for a while (this one seems more approachable), but I've been a bit hesitant. Reason is that I have some hand tremors which frequently cause spilled game pieces. Usually not an issue, but the blocks (as is) may cause further dilemma trying to remember what orientation the pieces where when I knocked them over. ... Any idea how I could mitigate that?
I am not sure the blocks would be "more" problematic than chits/counters. They are larger, much easier to handle. Knocking one over happens, but then they flip it is strait over, they don't roll so tipping them 'back-into-place' is not hard. I don't think it would be as bad as old-school tiny chits (and I have a ton of games with those). ...As for your "first block game" this is a good one, so is 1812 (very low unit density) but I would go with an era/theater of most interest actually.
Looks like a very interesting game. Have you read the historical fiction book Killing Rommel by Steven Pressfield? I found it an enjoyable book. My statistic professor in college told me I was average. I said that's mean.
I think I'll stick with El Alamein by Japanime Games. I feel that, between the two, El Alamein is more historically accurate. (Please look it up - it's exactly the kind of thing you want in your search history.)
Rommel in the desert. Jilad in the desert. Rommel & Jilad in the desert. The beast of Tenagra…
Ha!
I just landed the new edition with the huge-ass neoprene mats 34x68 with 3" hexagons -- WONDERFUL! We FINALLY have plenty of room to fit all the blocks for a battle into the hexes. Great game just got better!!
Indeed. Awesome!
Big Columbia blocks games fan . Ty for the review . Definitely a buy !
Thank you. Happy to help.
You are always so positive.
I try to be.
Wow, I am pleasantly surprised to see your coverage on this beauty, Cody! Many thanks! I really enjoyed your review.
I love how this game forces me to spread my forces wider than I generally would like and keep some forces in reserve to flank and or respond to flanking maneuvers. You can't really form a mailed fist and pummel your opponent like you would in say Axis & Allies. Also, that lifeline highway makes for one heck of a dynamic tug of war.
How did you find the flanking? Did you play any games where you guys bought minefields?
I read "Knight's Cross" years prior and found it a great thematic companion. I am looking forward to bringing Rommel in the Desert to Fallcon this year. I don't get to many conventions.
I am really a big fan of this game and Triumph & Tragedy also by Craig. I think one day I might try East Front but I haven't worked up to it yet. Thanks again for trying this one out and posting such a nice review I can share with my friends. Have a great Easter Pal!
Thank you, sir. Very fun game. I haven't played a game with minefields yet. I'm sure that will come. You're right about the flanking worries, and the need for reserves. Thanks a ton!
I've always been curious about this columbia block wargame. How does this stack up against the others?
I'd say Napoleon 4th ed., and Julius Caesar (which I hear is getting an upgrade) and still my favorites from this company.
Used to be one of my favorites back when it was first released. I still have a copy. Not quite as fun solo, but still possible.
Thanks for the review, game looks pretty tight.
Here's a general question: I've been curious to play a block game for a while (this one seems more approachable), but I've been a bit hesitant. Reason is that I have some hand tremors which frequently cause spilled game pieces. Usually not an issue, but the blocks (as is) may cause further dilemma trying to remember what orientation the pieces where when I knocked them over.
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Any idea how I could mitigate that?
Maybe you could print some 3D sliders to go over the stage you are currently at? Only thing I can think of. Thanks.
I am not sure the blocks would be "more" problematic than chits/counters. They are larger, much easier to handle. Knocking one over happens, but then they flip it is strait over, they don't roll so tipping them 'back-into-place' is not hard. I don't think it would be as bad as old-school tiny chits (and I have a ton of games with those). ...As for your "first block game" this is a good one, so is 1812 (very low unit density) but I would go with an era/theater of most interest actually.
The music gets more and more dramatic!
I planned it that way.
Love the jokes
And they love you.
Looks like a very interesting game.
Have you read the historical fiction book Killing Rommel by Steven Pressfield? I found it an enjoyable book.
My statistic professor in college told me I was average. I said that's mean.
Ha! I haven't read Killing Rommel, although I did read Pressfields' Gates of Fire, which I really enjoyed. Thanks for the tip.
I think I'll stick with El Alamein by Japanime Games. I feel that, between the two, El Alamein is more historically accurate.
(Please look it up - it's exactly the kind of thing you want in your search history.)
Interesting. Perhaps I shall.
Did you hear that Rommel was a furry ?
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He was known as 'The Desert Fox' from Frank-Fur-t.
Just when I think you can no longer astound me....