Thanks! I am sending this small amount because I want to give you some support for this channel, which I find to be one of the most informative and interesting ones on the topics of both wargames and other types of boardgames.
Great video as always! Some recommendations, that I did not find in the comments: - Hoplomachus Victorum - Stalingrad: Inferno on the Volga - Onirim & Castellion - Resist! - In Magnificent Style - Warp's Edge - Mike Lambo Bookgames - World War Zed -
So many great solo games. Mr. President is certainly high on my list as well, even in its infancy of release. Some ones I would have on my list: 1.) Enemy Coast Ahead: Doolittle Raid 2.) Nemo's War 3.) Hiplomachus Victorum 4.) Imperium Classics/Legends (even though it's not purely solo only, it's my favorite way to play it) 5.) Fields of Fire
1) You seemed to like 'Final Girl' when you reviewed it. Whereabouts does it fall among all your honorable mentions? 2) Several above have mentioned 'Nemo's War'.... if "strictly solitaire' games pique your interest even a bit, NW is one of those "Mecca" games for solo-only players. 3) Others above have also mentioned John Butterfield's games... as a solo-only player for the past few decades, his designs are cream of the crop, for sure. 4) Finally, I'm sure that if you have tried the more popular titles from DVG's "Air Leader" series, at least one of them would make your list... for instance, 'Thunderbolt Apache Leader', and/or 'B-17 Flying Fortress Leader'. Too bad there's not enough time in a year to try out all these great suggestions you're getting in this comments section!
And, remind yourself that when the power goes out in your town, you won't be able to play your P.C. games... unless you own a power generator, that is.
A funny thing happens when you embrace solo tabletop: The setup becomes part of a beloved ritual. The first one-note string trill of excitement starts to build in the background. Time slows, becomes fractal. A single decision becomes a tactile and emotional kaleidoscope whose scent slowly unpacks, as if the first waft from a fine bottle. Like the Dr. said, it's a categorically different experience. You trade convenience and pace for richness. It's magic.
My top solo games: The Mission: Early Christianity (WDG) Don't Tread on Me (WDG) Nemo's war (VPG) Keen to try their other games (when reprinted) Pavlov's house (DVG) Castle Itter (DVG) Phantom Fury (Nuts) Freedom: The underground railroad (Academy) Keen to try Mr President (GMT), Kandahar Spec ops (DG), Cruel Necessity (Worthington), Target for Tonight (Legion); Skies above the Reich (GMT); Interceptor/Nightfighter Ace (Compass); B-17 Flying Fortress leader (DVG); Atlantic Chase (GMT); Peloponnesian War (GMT). There are other multiplayer games that I've not tried solo but which could work well: John Company and the Pax series; Feast for Odin; Fields of Arle; Space Corp 2025-2300; Carnegie; COIN series; Florenza; Gaia Project; Maracaibo; Scythe; Rurik; Troyes; Terraforming Mars; Ark Nova; Viticulture, Concordia, Mage knight?
So great to see a top solo game list that actually has just solo games. It might be an unpopular opinion that I have, but multiplayer games with a solo variant is not the same thing as a solo player game. So many content creators don’t seem to understand that nuance.
I have the Waterloo Solitaire book game, which I have played, and MR. PRESIDENT, which I have not. It is interesting that your number 10 game was a self-contained book thar required no space, while your number one game 'MR. PRESIDENT' is a table hogging monster game. I do have a basement that I can use and am contemplating buying one or two folding tables from Costco to accommodate MR. PRESIDENT. I could either buy one large 72" x 30" table or two 48" x 24" tables. I also have a few old TV dinner tables where I could place both the rule and the scenario books. How much table area did you need to play this game? If you are able to do so, it would be interesting to see you do a playthrough, even a partial one of this game.
It is interesting that my choices run the gamut of sizes. I too know the imperative of using TV dinner tables for extra space. Alas, I recently moved and I currently do not have surface area to play Mr. President. Maybe someday.
It's nice to see a list of solo games that didn't have Fallen Skies and Warp's Edge on it, because neither of those games really held my interest. Mr. President looks nuts, but I'm sure it's super expensive.
Great list of solo games! I am into my 2nd playthrough of Mr. President and I think it will become a classic one. I've also played Castle Itter, which was nice and fast. My favourite solos are mainly John Butterfield's designs (Enemy Action: Ardennes & Kharkov, D-Day at Omaha Beach and RAF: The Battle for Britain) and the older ones Peloponnesian War and Mosby's Raiders. I would love to get Advance to the Volga and Cruel Necessity but my budget won't allow it!
Very interesting list. My favorite one-player game is The Peloponnesian War (old Victory Games version). It really shines as a solo game and, in my opinion, works best that way. I only once played it as a two-player game and didn't enjoy it as much. I haven't tried the updated GMT version so I can't comment on that version. How was The Roman Empire cut in half? With a pair of Caesars.
These are the two solo games I have placed the most. Nemo's War 414 BC Seige of Syracuse I like Nemo's War the best so far. I have a copy of Mr.President, and like you, I want to play it but don't know when that can happen. Thanks for the list as I may have to try some of these...the Batman game has my attention.
Really a 2 player game but I play Solitare is THE CIVIL WAR game : Brother against Brother. Took me weeks to play as each turn represent a week of real time. The other problem with it is the size of the map(s) for it.
It's by Fresno GAming '91. Has over 12 square feet of map covering Texas to Pennsylvania. You can build up Armies from small ones (Army of Kentucky) into Major Ones with Corps (Army of Potomac). There are 15 off/def tactics to choose from in Battle. The only real draw back is the amount of time it takes to play the whole game. @@TheDiscriminatingGamer
Great video! Some of those look fun but right now the G.I.JOE Deckbuilder is my favorite One-Player game. It's the almost perfect mix of G.I. JOE an' that AIN'T easy. It's rules are *unforgivably* bad especially when it comes to integrating the new stuff, and It DOES eat rooms, so i am wary of adding the U.S.S. Flagg to it, but as is it's my favorite game right now followed rather closely by it's sibling: G.I. JOE Mission Critical. i think Mission Critical may be able to overtake it but i need to get more expansions for it. The Ninja will be a HUGE help. *notices it's "Slice and Dice* o.O Eeeer....i take that back. So what about Eldritch Horror, MageKnight, Galaxy Defenders, Legendary and others? Those are all still great games. They just ain't G.I. freakin' JOE! xD
Again, this list is one-player games. Not multi-player games that can be played solo. I love GI Joe DBG and MC as well, and love to play them solo, but they are not appropriate for this list.
Stalingrad made the list! And it's only been out since the beginning of the year. Manila 1945 will be out in January or February 2024. Same system, map and counter art again by Avalon Hill's Charles Kibler. Note: *co-published* by Revolution Games and my own company, Take Aim Designs.
I’m Canadian but have a big interest in the U.S. political system. Would you say that’s enough to pick up and learn The American Presidency or do you maybe need a bit more of a solid background in the topic (I.e. you live there and/or have studied it there in grade school etc)?
I did manage to finish my first beginner game of Mr President but that was an auto-victory at the end of year 2. I should start again on standard difficulty. I would put Ambush!, D-Day at Omaha Beach and Fields of Fire on the list.
Love your channel. Just added Cruel Necessity to my wish List. Err. Just noticed that the Batman game is not a true 1 player game but who cares. I’ll add it to my list too, as my Son is a DC fan.
Also bought and find Mr President a fascinating looking game which I haven’t played because I don’t have the room to play it in yet.. do I kick out the oldest kid for their room, or buy a new house?? 🧐😄 Another game I’m enjoying now is Aces of Valor.. I get attached to my pilots too much and it’s such a emotional letdown when one gets shot down
Banish the Snakes is not a specifically one-player game. There is a solo mode, but this list considers specifically one-player games. That said, Banish the Snakes is a great game that I really enjoyed.
Great list! My top few in no particular order… Hornet Leader Carrier Air Operations Mr. President Navajo Wars Empires in America: The French and Indian War II Jeff Davis: The Confederacy at War Peloponnesian War Second Season Pro Football
D-Day at Omaha Beach isn't on the list, even as an honorable mention. Have you ever tried it? It seems too heavy for my taste, but wondering what you think.
It is excellent, my favourite. The rule book is written brilliantly, gets you playing a relatively complex game quite easily. One of my few keepers - together with Stalingrad and Castle Itter.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Excellent. In speech class in college I gave a speech about Waterloo and how Nappy died from arsenic laced wall paper on Elba. The kids were actually interested and were asking questions which really shocked me. I heard a pretty girl tell the professor she didn't want to give a final speech and she got a "B"
The only game I own in your top 10 is the Batman I have the collectors edition it is amazing wargames in general kind of bother my brain and they can get too crunchy so try to stay away from TVG2 make some great games from what I’ve seen any recommendations on a fun solo light complex game
My top 9 so far August 2024 in no order: Dont Tread on Me Rhodesia white tribe(probably my #1) N Napoleonic wars Cruel Necessity Mound Builders Mrs Thatcher's war Keep Up the Fire Global War WW2 worldwide Gift of the Nile
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer no problem Rhodesia white tribe is a very interesting solitaire wargame not only is it about battles but also politics drafting laws to make sure the Zimbababwe that comes out is not ruled by Mugabe. or collapses into civil war.
Thanks! I am sending this small amount because I want to give you some support for this channel, which I find to be one of the most informative and interesting ones on the topics of both wargames and other types of boardgames.
Thank you very much. That is very kind of you.
Great video as always! Some recommendations, that I did not find in the comments:
- Hoplomachus Victorum
- Stalingrad: Inferno on the Volga
- Onirim & Castellion
- Resist!
- In Magnificent Style
- Warp's Edge
- Mike Lambo Bookgames
- World War Zed
-
@@PhilipWibbing Thanks for the recommends.
My favorite is Nemo's War.
I've heard thats good.
Love this! Thanks so much!
Thank you, Dave! As always, great games!
Dawn of the Zeds is my favorite strictly solitaire game and State of Siege game.
Good game.
My #1 by far
So many great solo games. Mr. President is certainly high on my list as well, even in its infancy of release.
Some ones I would have on my list:
1.) Enemy Coast Ahead: Doolittle Raid
2.) Nemo's War
3.) Hiplomachus Victorum
4.) Imperium Classics/Legends (even though it's not purely solo only, it's my favorite way to play it)
5.) Fields of Fire
I haven't played any of those. All look good.
Imperium Classics/Legends are very strong solo games. Easy on my podium
1) You seemed to like 'Final Girl' when you reviewed it. Whereabouts does it fall among all your honorable mentions?
2) Several above have mentioned 'Nemo's War'.... if "strictly solitaire' games pique your interest even a bit, NW is one of those "Mecca" games for solo-only players.
3) Others above have also mentioned John Butterfield's games... as a solo-only player for the past few decades, his designs are cream of the crop, for sure.
4) Finally, I'm sure that if you have tried the more popular titles from DVG's "Air Leader" series, at least one of them would make your list... for instance, 'Thunderbolt Apache Leader', and/or 'B-17 Flying Fortress Leader'.
Too bad there's not enough time in a year to try out all these great suggestions you're getting in this comments section!
Right? Not enough time indeed. As far as where Final Girl falls - I haven't figures out where exactly I'd put it, but I really do enjoy that game.
Lots of great games. Love the Valiant Defense series as well.
Indeed!
I've wanted to get into solo gaming for so long but every time PC games "get in the way" which don't have all that set-up and tear down.
Indeed. But they are very different experiences.
And, remind yourself that when the power goes out in your town, you won't be able to play your P.C. games... unless you own a power generator, that is.
@@vee-bee-a Of course, how will you see your tabletop games at night?
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Oh, sorry, I was addressing FalkFlak.
But one can always play in the day-time.
A funny thing happens when you embrace solo tabletop: The setup becomes part of a beloved ritual. The first one-note string trill of excitement starts to build in the background. Time slows, becomes fractal. A single decision becomes a tactile and emotional kaleidoscope whose scent slowly unpacks, as if the first waft from a fine bottle. Like the Dr. said, it's a categorically different experience. You trade convenience and pace for richness. It's magic.
From the archive: Patton's Best. Mine was a print and play project, now enhanced with minis and model terrain.
Thanks!
My top solo games:
The Mission: Early Christianity (WDG)
Don't Tread on Me (WDG)
Nemo's war (VPG) Keen to try their other games (when reprinted)
Pavlov's house (DVG)
Castle Itter (DVG)
Phantom Fury (Nuts)
Freedom: The underground railroad (Academy)
Keen to try Mr President (GMT), Kandahar Spec ops (DG), Cruel Necessity (Worthington), Target for Tonight (Legion); Skies above the Reich (GMT); Interceptor/Nightfighter Ace (Compass); B-17 Flying Fortress leader (DVG); Atlantic Chase (GMT); Peloponnesian War (GMT). There are other multiplayer games that I've not tried solo but which could work well: John Company and the Pax series; Feast for Odin; Fields of Arle; Space Corp 2025-2300; Carnegie; COIN series; Florenza; Gaia Project; Maracaibo; Scythe; Rurik; Troyes; Terraforming Mars; Ark Nova; Viticulture, Concordia, Mage knight?
Thanks!
So great to see a top solo game list that actually has just solo games.
It might be an unpopular opinion that I have, but multiplayer games with a solo variant is not the same thing as a solo player game. So many content creators don’t seem to understand that nuance.
Interesting point.
Jangofouts, could not agree with you more; it is a common mistake. Glad you called it out.
I have the Waterloo Solitaire book game, which I have played, and MR. PRESIDENT, which I have not. It is interesting that your number 10 game was a self-contained book thar required no space, while your number one game 'MR. PRESIDENT' is a table hogging monster game. I do have a basement that I can use and am contemplating buying one or two folding tables from Costco to accommodate MR. PRESIDENT. I could either buy one large 72" x 30" table or two 48" x 24" tables. I also have a few old TV dinner tables where I could place both the rule and the scenario books. How much table area did you need to play this game? If you are able to do so, it would be interesting to see you do a playthrough, even a partial one of this game.
It is interesting that my choices run the gamut of sizes. I too know the imperative of using TV dinner tables for extra space. Alas, I recently moved and I currently do not have surface area to play Mr. President. Maybe someday.
It's nice to see a list of solo games that didn't have Fallen Skies and Warp's Edge on it, because neither of those games really held my interest. Mr. President looks nuts, but I'm sure it's super expensive.
Mr. President is nuts…. Beautifully nuts!!!
Great list of solo games! I am into my 2nd playthrough of Mr. President and I think it will become a classic one. I've also played Castle Itter, which was nice and fast. My favourite solos are mainly John Butterfield's designs (Enemy Action: Ardennes & Kharkov, D-Day at Omaha Beach and RAF: The Battle for Britain) and the older ones Peloponnesian War and Mosby's Raiders. I would love to get Advance to the Volga and Cruel Necessity but my budget won't allow it!
Hopefully you’ll get to play them before too long.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I hope so!
Very interesting list. My favorite one-player game is The Peloponnesian War (old Victory Games version). It really shines as a solo game and, in my opinion, works best that way. I only once played it as a two-player game and didn't enjoy it as much. I haven't tried the updated GMT version so I can't comment on that version.
How was The Roman Empire cut in half? With a pair of Caesars.
Fantastic! Thanks!
Great video. Have you played Halls of Hegra? Reminds me of both States of Siege and Valiant Defense series.
I haven't yet. That's one I want to hit at some point.
My favourite one player game is Final Girl
Great game!
These are the two solo games I have placed the most.
Nemo's War
414 BC Seige of Syracuse
I like Nemo's War the best so far. I have a copy of Mr.President, and like you, I want to play it but don't know when that can happen.
Thanks for the list as I may have to try some of these...the Batman game has my attention.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is awesome. Hope you get a chance to play it soon.
Really a 2 player game but I play Solitare is THE CIVIL WAR game : Brother against Brother. Took me weeks to play as each turn represent a week of real time. The other problem with it is the size of the map(s) for it.
I haven't heard of that one.
It's by Fresno GAming '91. Has over 12 square feet of map covering Texas to Pennsylvania. You can build up Armies from small ones (Army of Kentucky) into Major Ones with Corps (Army of Potomac). There are 15 off/def tactics to choose from in Battle. The only real draw back is the amount of time it takes to play the whole game. @@TheDiscriminatingGamer
Great video! Some of those look fun but right now the G.I.JOE Deckbuilder is my favorite One-Player game. It's the almost perfect mix of G.I. JOE an' that AIN'T easy. It's rules are *unforgivably* bad especially when it comes to integrating the new stuff, and It DOES eat rooms, so i am wary of adding the U.S.S. Flagg to it, but as is it's my favorite game right now followed rather closely by it's sibling: G.I. JOE Mission Critical.
i think Mission Critical may be able to overtake it but i need to get more expansions for it. The Ninja will be a HUGE help. *notices it's "Slice and Dice* o.O Eeeer....i take that back.
So what about Eldritch Horror, MageKnight, Galaxy Defenders, Legendary and others? Those are all still great games. They just ain't G.I. freakin' JOE! xD
Again, this list is one-player games. Not multi-player games that can be played solo. I love GI Joe DBG and MC as well, and love to play them solo, but they are not appropriate for this list.
Great list!! Guadalcanal - The Battle for Henderson Field #1 next time!! :) ;)
Sounds good!
btw you can play Mr President on Tabletop Simulator. Its a lot easier to save the state, etc. No need for a massive table setup.
Cool.
I enjoy Castle Itter. The only other game I have on your list is Mr. President. It's still wrapped in plastic on my shelf of shame. Lol.
Hope you get to play it soon.
Good Lord, these games are EXPENSIVE and/or impossible to find...
Many of them are.
Stalingrad made the list! And it's only been out since the beginning of the year. Manila 1945 will be out in January or February 2024. Same system, map and counter art again by Avalon Hill's Charles Kibler. Note: *co-published* by Revolution Games and my own company, Take Aim Designs.
Looking forward to Manila. Love Stalingrad!
At last, solo game top 10 without Final Girl / Hostage Negotiator (I love those games, but I love to see an alternative opinion).
I really like final girl, but it didn’t make the cut.
I’m Canadian but have a big interest in the U.S. political system. Would you say that’s enough to pick up and learn The American Presidency or do you maybe need a bit more of a solid background in the topic (I.e. you live there and/or have studied it there in grade school etc)?
I don't think U.S. citizenship is a requirement to enjoy this game.
No love for the DVG War of the Worlds series? I find these very enjoyable.
I haven't played it. Look cool.
Nice list, I’m hoping to get Mr President soon. Would love to hear your take someday on my current solo obsession, Skies Above Britain.
Maybe I'll get a chance to hit it down the road.
SO many of these are on my "to get" list.
Hope you get ‘em!
I did manage to finish my first beginner game of Mr President but that was an auto-victory at the end of year 2. I should start again on standard difficulty.
I would put Ambush!, D-Day at Omaha Beach and Fields of Fire on the list.
Thanks!
Looking forward to the Fields of Fire Deluxe upgrade pack. Then it will return to my table.
Love your channel. Just added Cruel Necessity to my wish List.
Err. Just noticed that the Batman game is not a true 1 player game but who cares. I’ll add it to my list too, as my Son is a DC fan.
Thanks!
Also bought and find Mr President a fascinating looking game which I haven’t played because I don’t have the room to play it in yet.. do I kick out the oldest kid for their room, or buy a new house?? 🧐😄
Another game I’m enjoying now is Aces of Valor.. I get attached to my pilots too much and it’s such a emotional letdown when one gets shot down
Kick the kid out.
You are the best reviewer: love the top ten solo war games; now I need to win the lottery! Bill S.. 16:05
Thank you.
No banish the snakes?
My fave is mini rogue
Banish the Snakes is not a specifically one-player game. There is a solo mode, but this list considers specifically one-player games. That said, Banish the Snakes is a great game that I really enjoyed.
Confederate Rebellion has great replay ability.
I haven't played that one. Good?
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Yes. Surprisingly deep for a small game. Keeps you on your toes with tough decisions galore.
Great list! My top few in no particular order…
Hornet Leader Carrier Air Operations
Mr. President
Navajo Wars
Empires in America: The French and Indian War II
Jeff Davis: The Confederacy at War
Peloponnesian War
Second Season Pro Football
Fantastic! Thanks!
Ever play Pax Pamir 2Ed? You would like that one i feel
I haven't, but I've heard goo things about it.
Carrier by Victory Games is an older game, but it is a really great solo game.
Sounds interesting.
My favourite 1-player game is Ambush from 1983 by Victory Games. This game need a reprint with app assist.
Years ago I owned that game but never got it to the table.
What about Navajo Wars or Comancheria?
Those are mine.
I haven't played either.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer
You should give those two a try.
D-Day at Omaha Beach isn't on the list, even as an honorable mention. Have you ever tried it? It seems too heavy for my taste, but wondering what you think.
I haven't played it.
It is excellent, my favourite. The rule book is written brilliantly, gets you playing a relatively complex game quite easily. One of my few keepers - together with Stalingrad and Castle Itter.
Have you tried the Fury of Dracula video game?
No... Do Tell!
I still haven't beaten Clock Solitaire.
I'm not familiar with it.
Great top ten. So glad Mr President is number one. Its my favourite game.
Thank you!
You should partner with Indy Niedel and World War 2 in real time: you could link to specific episodes, it would be awesome.
I’m not familiar.
Is there a solo game for the war of the Spanish succession?
I do not know.
Three games by the same designer that are very similar? You should have picked Field commander Napoleon.
Good Game.
Did you do any military history for your doctorate thesis?
Yes I did.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Excellent. In speech class in college I gave a speech about Waterloo and how Nappy died from arsenic laced wall paper on Elba. The kids were actually interested and were asking questions which really shocked me. I heard a pretty girl tell the professor she didn't want to give a final speech and she got a "B"
This is really cool, thank you 😊
Happy to help. Thank you.
The only game I own in your top 10 is the Batman I have the collectors edition it is amazing wargames in general kind of bother my brain and they can get too crunchy so try to stay away from TVG2 make some great games from what I’ve seen any recommendations on a fun solo light complex game
Wow. A lotta words and little punctuation. “light complex game” is the trick. Have you tried Maquis or Resist! You might get a kick out of them!
Mr President… did you really played it? Until the end?
Did you watch the video? Until the end?
can’t play one player games, i’m cheating…..
That's no good.
My top 9 so far August 2024 in no order:
Dont Tread on Me
Rhodesia white tribe(probably my #1)
N Napoleonic wars
Cruel Necessity
Mound Builders
Mrs Thatcher's war
Keep Up the Fire
Global War WW2 worldwide
Gift of the Nile
@@johnwalsh4857 Only played Cruel Necessity. Thanks for the list.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Cruel necessity is a definite #2.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer no problem Rhodesia white tribe is a very interesting solitaire wargame not only is it about battles but also politics drafting laws to make sure the Zimbababwe that comes out is not ruled by Mugabe. or collapses into civil war.
Christ! I know nothing of these. Mr President might a bit big for me but the others look awesome.
Need to do some research.
Many of these games are considerably less heavy that Mr. President.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer has anyone previewed any of these?
I've reviewed all of them at some point. @@adriang6259
Seems like you like WW2 games, 🤔...
Indeed.
I don't get the need for the stupid opening joke.
Groucho? Really?
What are your thoughts on fields of fire the old breed?
Haven’t played FoF yet. I’ve got a copy of Old Breed but haven’t played it yet.