Upcoming Wargames + Giveaway | Holiday 2024 #1 | New Releases | Board Games

[@ZillaBlitz]

I'm enjoying reading everyone's comments about their favorite games of 2024! Thanks for sharing, all. I'll be commenting on everything, but it will take me some time to do so, as they are coming in pretty fast. :)

[@gr8fulded]

Best “new to me” game I bought this year is Paths of Glory, without a doubt. I’ve been getting more into wargames in the past couple years and this has been on my radar for a while. I finally pulled the trigger and I am so glad I did.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, nice choice, and if you like and want to try something else you have an entire family of games that play similarly.

[@airattack465]

Purple haze is my game of 2024. I kick-started this and it finally arrived.

[@jefft786]

I ordered it but it won't ship until Dec 30!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Good to hear! I've been really enjoying it as well.

[@ZillaBlitz]

And I hope Dec 30 comes soon for you! But not for me, that's the day before my vacation ends. :)

[@pschwag1965]

Getting sucked into your "What is the best Battle of the Bulge " game, I purchased and began to learn and play "Enemy Action Ardennes" in the solo mode. This is my favorite war game of 2024 because it is the only non computer game I have played this year and I am enjoying the challenge of the hex and counter world.

[@The.FrozenGamer]

Not new 2024 games but first time plays for me in 2024: Halls of Hegra and Pavlov’s House both blew me away in how good they are.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Halls of Hegra is a tight game, yes. I really want to get back to that one to see if I can finally beat it. :) I've not played Pavlov's House yet, but I've heard good things. :)

[@CS-uc2bj]

Halls of Hegra is great! Easily one of my go-to games when I’m looking for something to do.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Okay, I am going to get this to the table in December. Following Alexander's method of keeping games played before in play. :)

[@ianlight5158]

The best new-to-me historical game would be Here I Stand. I'm very lucky to know enough gamers to table this on a random Saturday. Man does that game have a lot going on but it is so good. Everyone has always had a good time and people will stop by just to watch some of it.

[@jackolantern1028]

Being almost solely a solitaire gamer, and a second hand game buyer (from Noble Knight), I have few plays of 2024 games, but of the ones I have played, Manila: The Savage Streets, 1945 has been my favorite. Of the "new to me" plays this year, Warfighter Pacific has been my favorite over all.

[@ZillaBlitz]

That Stalingrad/Manila series is getting a number of mentions, great to hear. And I really should get my Warfighter game to the table. :)

[@JoeHammond477]

Hi! My game of 2024 is The Last Gamble. Danny Parker created the ultimate Battle of the Bulge game with this one.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've been reading the rules and it looks like such a deeply researched game. You're enjoying the gameplay as well?

[@JoeHammond477]

@@ZillaBlitz Yes I enjoy the gameplay. But it is a complex game. It is a very realistic and historical game on the bulge. I don't know if another bulge game will ever best it.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, my take on it is that it's the game to get if you want a Bulge game that wraps itself in simulating the battle. I feel like everything is covered.

[@graymeeple9620]

My historical game of the year is Votes for Women by Fort Circle Games. I’ve only had it for a few weeks, but I’ve played it quite a bit in that short time.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I love the history that the game covers. Are you playing mainly solo then?

[@kevinbertram4828]

This tickles me! So glad you are enjoying Votes for Women.

[@przemekbozek]

Thanks for the news, as always. My best "new 2024" title is definitely Mark Herman's "Rebel Fury" - played all the scenarios and taught 2 friends, so clearly this one is sitting well. But it's followed closely by 2 older games, "Stellar Horizons" from Compass (finally got to play this bad boy over the summer, it was a blast) and recently by "Port Arthur" - a small game from Nuts! that I was really surprised by. It packs quite a punch in a little box it comes in...

[@HarryBHouchins]

This is easy... A new game I've purchased and played... Blue Panther's "Into The Whirlpool." The battle at Rose's Wheatfield during Gettysburg. I look for more...

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, good to hear. That's in my short stack of games to bring to the channel, so I'm glad to hear you like it so much.

[@DanSez123]

Favorite new game of 2024 goes to Rebel Fury. Thanks for all the good content and appreciate the segment on not well-known publishers and games.

[@johnmcguinness9732]

Very difficult to choose, so I will bend the rules a little. The game I played for the first time this year that surprised me the most is "Prelude to Rebellion: Mobilization & Unrest in Lower Canada, 1834-1837". I bought it through Compass Games sale with very little research [something I never do!] because of the price and the unique subject matter. Really loved it!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, that's great to hear. It's always fun when a flyer like that turns out to be something that you really like.

[@andrewcook1249]

My favorite 2024 wargame is Rebel Fury - rules on the lighter side (which is a plus with new opponents!), lots of choices and replayability. Looking forward to Army of the Potomac!

[@deltingley7597]

My favorite new war game, for 2024, has to be "Lone Sherman Pacific".

[@fpgowner]

That dude can design!

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've not heard of this one yet, I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@deltingley7597]

@@ZillaBlitz it's simple but fun. You won't be disappointed.

[@bosk1964]

Of all the submarine war-games that I have, they have been more abstract in their mechanics. The sub on mission was either on the surface or submerged - depth was not a factor. However, with the release of WOLFPACK, all of that has changed. Its addition of TDC factors has also added a bit of realism away from the abstract. For this year, WOLFPACK is my choice for top game I have purchased.

[@ZillaBlitz]

For sure, It's great that we have a game that takes the submarine concept in a direction like this. I like both types of games, and I'm glad we have such variety. :)

[@Tomas-pm7mn]

My game of the year is definitely Halls of Hegra. 👌

[@ZillaBlitz]

This one is getting a lot of mentions! Very nice. :)

[@vincenzoberetta1085]

The best game I played in 2024 was an old title: "Fire in the Lake". I played it twice completely solo, without the use of any kind of bot. I now have the expansions too, and I plan to play the full 1961-1975 campaign during the holydays.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Sounds like a great holiday game fair! :)

[@dizpatcher01]

I picked up Halls of Hegra earlier this year and kept it on one of my gaming tables for over 4 months. Played and played and played again. I'm not any good, only came close to winning once, but man is it tense - and fun. I just made a virtual trip to Noble Knight Games and picked up Stalingrad: Advance to the Volga 1942. Looking forward to losing that one too. I went through all the comments here. There are a LOT of different games listed. No consensus at all. That's one of the great things about war gaming, everyone has there own happy path.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Wow, that sounds like a great run with Halls of Hegra! Although there is definitely no consensus, there are a handful of games that keep showing up, Halls of Hegra being one of them. :)

[@vtbiker7246]

My game of 2024 is Combat! from Compass Games. I finally got around to buying it and wish that I didn’t wait so long!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice! Do you have the 2nd one? And see that a 3rd one is coming out in 2025?

[@jumpmaster82nd.]

Its an oldie that has recently grabbed me but its pretty intense and a bit out of my wheelhouse game wise..."Black Orchestra". Game can stress you out and can be quite a ride!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. I've not heard of that one yet. :)

[@jumpmaster82nd.]

@ZillaBlitz I think it is one you would enjoy! Alot of game for $60.00!!!

[@jonathankraus9537]

I love scrolling through and reading what everyone is playing. The best game I played this year was The Third Winter. Amazing!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, so many good games getting mentioned! I've not played The Third Winter yet. :)

[@Roy-rm6jj]

I finally got around earlier this year to get A Glorious Chance ( Legion Wargames LLC) to the table. Great production, excellent support from G. Willis and a fun, tense rewarding game play on a subject only a few games cover. Highly recommended.

[@robertdelaney4332]

I've played more games this year than I have since my 20s back in the 80s. So I will go with Salerno 43. 1st game of 2024 and an intro to a good system. 2 on the shelf, 2 on pre-order and I slipped 1 into my NK cart.

[@CS-uc2bj]

For the new game this year I’ve actually played, I’ve enjoyed “I, Napoleon;” for what I think is game of the year, I haven’t opened my copy, but the 2nd edition of “a most fearful sacrifice” seems to pop up everywhere (I’ll understand if it doesn’t count since it’s a reprint/2nd edition) Question about games like gladiators: blood & glory. Have you found that you can enjoy one theme with that style (like the hunters), but didn’t enjoy other iterations of the system? I bought western front ace and after a few attempts at it, I decided it really wasn’t my thing. But I love ancient history and especially the theme of running a gladiator school, so I’m tempted to go for this game.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I really want to get I, Napoleon to the table. So many games! :) I not yet tried Western Front Ace, so I'm curious to see how I feel about the similar style of gameplay but a different theme. I'll let you know! :) Gladiators could be very interesting, but I wonder about the death rate. I would think a lot of them would die?

[@terenceandrews5619]

Best new to me of 2024 is Great War Commander by Hexasim. Very fun WWI battles.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've seen that one but not had a chance to play it yet. I've heard good things, though. :)

[@davidmaher8365]

Easy, A Most Fearful Sacrifice, nothing I played this year is anywhere close, but I wish I played more to compare more 😊

[@ezzler]

lol. I e had it since kickstarter and have only played half the first scenario! Too many games

[@progfict]

I need to play Most Fearful Sacrifice before I take on Chicamauga....

[@ZillaBlitz]

That is a good plan, yes, and there is a lot of gameplay in AMFS. Those larger scenarios and the full battle have tons of fun time in them.

[@ThymeKeeper]

My best new to me game this year has been Axis Empires Ultimate. It's a brilliant design and easy to get into. The way the rules are written is unique while still being recognizable to wargamers. I haven't touched Dai Senso, Schiffskrieg, or Dice of Decision yet, so technically I guess you could say Totaler Krieg is my game of the year :).

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, that's great to hear. I have it on my Shelf of Opportunity but haven't had time yet to explore it.

[@GREGSpatchek]

Favorite game for 2024 is is Command and Colors Napoleonics. I loved the game so much I bought all the exapansions. Close second is Stuka Leader.

[@368engbn]

For me it has been a frustrating yeat but I did manage to set up RAF The Battle Of Britain and am trying to work my way through the Lion game.

[@kevinstoltzfus]

New to Me in 2024: "1960: The Making of the President." I love Twilight Struggle and Imperial Struggle, and this game plays faster and is easier to introduce to new players. Huge Thumbs Up!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Interesting, I've seen the 1960 game but not played it yet, and I confess I don't know that much about it. I'll have to check it out next chance I get. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@joelbrighton2819]

My personal favourite is Donnerschlag. Simple rules but challenging game (& beautiful components).

[@ZillaBlitz]

I don't have that one but I've heard excellent reports about it. Glad to hear that you have been enjoying it.

[@jefft786]

My game would be MANILA: The Savage Streets 1945. Every game is different!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Two Manila's in a row!

[@djflippy5]

I’m gonna say Winters Victory, such elegant design.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice! I'm not familiar with that one yet. :)

[@Justegarde]

Best game of the year for me so far is Weimar: The Fight for Democracy

[@ChristophDeClercq-mj1pk]

The best game i played this year is carrier battle: philippine sea, from Compass games. A solitaire game and lots of big decisions to make. Its really about managing your flight decks, how much recon will i do, and how many intercepters in the air and bombers?? when do i launch? Do i attack with my subs, or do i shadow? Because one thing is for sure: The Japanese will launch all they got at you. And the rulebook is really well written. the sequence of play player aid reffers to do the rulebook, so if there is something you need to read, you know exactly where to look for it.

[@coyi51]

Also have Wolfpack now, just waiting for JU87, probably new year. US company game sales are beyond reach, either don't ship to uk or postage is more than the game. Lots of new games coming up, just a case of deciding which to commit to. Games for me this year Horns of the Buffalo, Red Dust Rebellion, Traces of Hubris and A Most fearful Sacrifice. Winner for me though was Halls of Hegra, best game I have purchased and played this year. Many thanks.

[@raymow9683]

Civil war brigade series.....Gettysburg by Worthington is an absolute blast and easy to get into.

[@richardfoust1801]

I saw this video right when it came out. So I hit up Worthington within 24hrs and grabbed "Shiloh, Antietam and Seven Days Battles".. I have some of those Aegis 2x5 compartment trays. and each game took 3 trays... To bad Gettysburg isn't on sale I would have grabbed it also.. I also hit up Compass games and grabbed "The Last Gamble"... still waiting on their game to get here. Guess it comes via USPS mail. My Wife asked me how many games do I really need... Well, as many as I need to keep up with Shoes, purses, clothing, etc, etc, etc... LOL great video about what is out there.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Sounds like you've got a nice set of games coming, lots of fun play hours there! Glad the video helped, and enjoy your games!

[@richardfoust1801]

A funny thing happened after I posted. USPS pulled up, and "The Last Gamble" was in his hands. Santa arrived, amen. Opened it up like it was a new bb gun that will poke your eye out. Only 6 days until 16 dec offensive starts. Lots to learn and tons of counter clipping to do. Lots of watching Moe's Gaming table training videos to watch.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Very nice! There is a lot to dig into, enjoy!

[@randypartin7089]

It was released in 2022 but I only just purchased it a couple months ago and am really enjoying it is Resist!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Resist! is fabulous! And you should check out Witchcraft! as well. :)

[@Charles-ne4ne]

Favorite game played for the first time this year is Imperial Struggle, and my favorite game acquired this year is The Greatest Day Utah Beach which should reach the table this winter.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Imperial Struggle is on my bucket list. I've been tempted to get it but I don't know that I'd frequently be able to play it.

[@paulaceto6492]

Slightly different take here, but I'm going to list one my White Whales that I finally harpooned in 2024: August Storm, from Command Japan magazine #142 (2018). As far as I know, this is the only operational treatment of the Soviet Union's 1945 invasion of Manchuria. It's also by one of my favorite designers, Javier Romero.

[@j_atkinson]

After some solo playtests and it's not out yet, it would be "Firefight Tactical" by Sam London would be game of the year for me.

[@leee.5841]

Silent War 2.0 with the IJN 2.0 expansion is my GOTY.

[@tomknott4480]

That game is on my radar

[@ZillaBlitz]

So much gameplay in this one! Are you playing a campaign?

[@leee.5841]

@@ZillaBlitz Played a few patrols and a couple of turns of the Pearl short campaign. Just started the long campaign. It will probably take me as long as the real war to finish it!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Haha! It's definitely a bold undertaking. Good luck!

[@mattquinn9415]

It's been out a few years, but I finally got to play Border Reivers in 2024. Super fun card playing and dice tossing. I have another play scheduled for January.

[@RichardBerner-jj1zl]

My game for this year is easily Raiders of the Deep. I have been enjoying that game since I saw the videos of it.

[@MrHubtech]

Best "new to me" game that I played this year was "Skies Above the Reich" - was having a lot of fun with it until my cats figured out that they could have just as much fun moving the counters and blocks around the board.

[@richardfoust1801]

aggggh, the comando Cats. been there. panzerblitz senario 12, and france 1940 (AH) going at the same time on same gaming/pool table, side by side. the scattering was well done by Mr. Diesel. usually I put 4 sheets of, 48" x 24" x 1/4" plexiglass over the table when i leave.. but heck. I was just running up stairs for a glass of water.. what could possibly go wrong... The Cats...

[@DaraTeaches]

So tough to narrow down just one game. Best game i played for the first time in 2024 was Carson City (but I still have a few more to try in 2024). Best new historical might be the play test i did for Lenin's Legacy, but also enjoyed trying out Shores of Tripoli as a solo play this year War game goal for 2025 is either going to be halls of Montezuma (ordered and waiting), or maybe get Mythotopia to the table... But I'm more of a euro player anyway (Keyside, Saltfjord, Nusfjord expansions and possibly some Antarctica game involving Weberson Santiago are on my high watchlist for next year too)

[@ChessMACTEP]

My favorite game I played this year was Land and Freedom. It’s hard to find a 3 player game that works, and this one was liked by everyone in my group

[@kevinbertram4828]

This was my favorite game of 2023. Such an outstanding game.

[@Mando-winger]

My game of the year was Western Front Ace (2023), this game was my real introduction to a solitare specific system, and I loved it, even though I went in skeptical.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Glad to hear you liked it! That one is on my Shelf of Opportunity. :)

[@picklebuckeye]

Hmmm, my favorite game of this year isn’t historical or a wargame, but it is great, and that is Cthulhu Death May Die. Every single time I play it I have a blast

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, interesting! I've been hearing a fair bit of conversation about this one. Are you playing it solo as well?

[@picklebuckeye]

@ I haven’t played it solo, but it would be easy enough to multi hand.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Got it, thanks. :)

[@dizpatcher01]

This is a great game. I've always multi-hand soloed it. Thinking about picking up Season 4.

[@cbblackard]

GMT’s The Hunters and The Hunted while reading Clay Blair’s 2 volumes subtitled the same have occupied my time for the second half of 2024. Of the games you mentioned, I’m most looking forward to Rolling Thunder.

[@phillewis733]

Worthington's Gettysburg 1863 edges out The Mog for me. Both excellent, but the scale and playability combo for Gettysburg are hard to beat. For non-historic, Dune: War for Arrakis is an easy choice.

[@soysaucehobbies2703]

Heroes of Stalingrad. Game of 2024 because its easy enough and art style appealing to my son! Always better when playing with family.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've not played that one yet, glad to hear that you and your son have liked it. :)

[@allynvannoy4743]

Traces of Hubris. Great artwork, a fun system and works well for solitaire.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Good to hear! It's on my project list at the moment, hoping to get it to the table in the near future. Glad to hear that you liked it so much. :)

[@SquadPainter]

Thanks to your review, my favorite "new" wargame this year is Point Blank: V is for Victory; I love it! I didn't see the currently Kickstarting La Bataille de Kulm on your Update #1. I'm hoping you mention it in your next one as they are smashing through stretch goals... gold inked counters are only a few $$ away!

[@ZillaBlitz]

So glad to hear you like Point Blank! That's another game with just endless gameplay in the box. Great value. :) And thanks for the heads up on La Bataille de Kulm! That one slipped by our 100-person research unit here at Zilla Blitz, I'm not sure what they are doing with their time. ;) I've added it for the next video. It won't be before the Kickstarter ends, but hopefully there will be late pledges/pre-orders still available.

[@SquadPainter]

@@ZillaBlitz I appreciate you having a look at La Bataille de Kulm. It's a beauty! Point Blank is an amazing game; I love it! Thanks again for featuring it on your channel. The expansion Winter Victory is at the print shop. Hooray!

[@Glasmn45]

2024 has been Patrons Best. An old game that has been on my shelf for decades. This one is a struggle for me, but I'm stubborn. LOL.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've heard good things about that one and picked up a used copy from Noble Knight at one point. It's good to hear you like it. Have you tried the new one, American Tank Ace?

[@Glasmn45]

@ZillaBlitz I've not played American Tank Ace. Would love if you do a playthrough (or six) of Patton's Best. The instructions are whack and there is a lot of ricky-ticky bookkeeping. As I said - a struggle. 🤣

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've heard it takes a bit to manage the game, yes, but I've also heard a number of people say how much fun it is too. I'd love to attempt a playthrough at some point. :)

[@whiteycroon]

Got “By Stealth and Sea” for Christmas last year and I've enjoyed it. Asked for it after watching your review, thanks!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Thanks for sharing! In my mind, that's one of the hidden gems in wargaming. Just such a well crafted game. I'm always happy when people find it, and it tends to slip under the radar, just like the Italian mini-subs were trying to do. :)

[@almartin4]

There are tactical digital (PC) module versions of all of the Lock n Load board games. I have all of them. There is one additional module that allows you to set up games with battles between any two modules. German SS in the Falklands, Vietnam VC in Kursk, etc. They are working a resource generator too. Regards

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, I have the Lock 'n Load tactical PC games and really enjoy them. I've got a handful of videos on the channel as well about them. I take it you like them too?

[@user-oq4fh8so4j]

My favorite historic wargame of 2024 was: Manila -The Savage Streets, 1945 Publisher: Revolution Games

[@andrewheim9481]

My Games of 2024: Weimar: Fight for Democracy Crisis: 1914 A Gest of Robin Hood

[@ianlight5158]

@@andrewheim9481 Dude! Crisis 1914 and Weimar are criminally underrated. Both are fantastic. I just played a game of Weimar last night.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I really liked Crisis 1914 and A Gest of Robin Hood, and I've seen so many people playing Weimar. I'll have to give that a shot next time it's possible to play.

[@williamcampbell5971]

My favorite game for 2024 was a purchase my wife got me. Into the whirlpool from Blue Panther

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, that's good to hear. I'm going to be taking a look at that game on the channel in the near future.

[@DavidBrown-hy4vm]

Village (2011) is a new to me game in 2024. It is worker placement, but at some point you get points for your family members who die, based on what they did in and around the village. So it has a family legacy story element to it too.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, that sounds interesting. I'd not heard of it before but just looked it up. Looks like a fun game!

[@hdavies0]

Bets game I picked up for sure this year is Atlantic Sentinels from Compass. Been waiting for a surface convoy game for years.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Such a great game from the gameplay I've seen, nice choice!

[@davidmirman6929]

I'm going with Salerno '43, my first game in that series and I liked it, more recently got France '40 but haven't played it yet

[@paulwest8575]

Thanks Mike. Unfortunately, my last name being a 'W' means I am always the tail-end Charlie with regard to GMT shipping. They never mix it up so I will be lucky to get mine before Christmas, probably the early new year. I am looking forward to it. Thanks for the list; I am finding far too many sales and just not enough $$ to go around snatching up games. As you well know with print runs being what they are, there is a FOMO element with wargames now that we never used to have to deal with. It stinks, but I don't see it changing anytime in my lifetime. See ya!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Well, I can tell you that they are up to at least "S" with the Wolfpack shipping now, so only a few letters to go! The good thing about Wolfpack will be that there is probably a good month's worth of gaming in the campaign, so the gameplay for the cost ratio is pretty high on that one. And yeah, lots of games, definitely not possible to get/play all the ones we like, a time to be selective, especially in light of life expenses. :)

[@theodore6491]

My best game of 2024 is Castle Itter. I haven't played as many different games as I would like, but this one was very enjoyable.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've yet to try Castle Itter in that series. One of these days!

[@Stumptonian1]

My game of 2024 is "A Most Fearful Sacrifice"

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice, I think that will be a lot of people's choice as well. :)

[@awally1501]

All games I’ve played have been for the first time….so far though, Skies Above the Reich has been my favorite.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've heard very good things about that one as well. Good to hear! I hope your campaign went well. :)

[@RobertO-ly5tb]

Unfortunately, I don’t get to play much. That being said, the best new game I’ve played this year is Michael Rinella’s Manila: The Savage Streets. Thanks for the video. Cheers!

[@ZillaBlitz]

I'm going to have to give Manila a shot, looks like such a challenging game. And I hope playing more is in your near future. :)

[@vanessar8056]

My favorite new to me game this year might be Tidal Blades 2. Super fun mid weight dungeon crawler ish game with a very unique theme

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, sounds fun! I've not heard of that one yet. :)

[@kirenesredna]

Best new game for me this year was "Traces of War" published by VUCA Simulations in 2023 (and I bought it from Noble Knight). Beautiful map and a great system that's very playable.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I really like that one as well. As you say, very easy to get to the table and play, and beautiful as well.

[@hun644new]

The best new game I got to play in 2024 for the first time is a tough decision. If I limit to games I own it would be a Most Fearful Sacrifice. I also got to play Shiloh: The First Day with the developer which was a great experience. I am looking forward to getting a copy of that game in the near future. An honorable mention would go to Norman Conquests

My game of 2024 would be Red Strike by Vuca Simulations. I'm looking to get into professional wargame design myself, and Red Strike is a monumental effort that is hard not to be in awe of.

[@ZillaBlitz]

It is such a tour de force!

[@jeremypowell9260]

I bought and/or played for the first time more than 20 wargames this year but only a few that were 2024 releases. So I’ll go with the best new-to-me game in 2024, which is the COIN series game Liberty or Death. Runners up: For the People, Paths of Glory, and Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles.

[@UKCommandPost]

Tough question, so many great games. My pick is GaleForce 9`s "Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps" - new to me in 2024. Fast-playing, highly thematic wargame of the Aliens movie. So good that I managed to bring an old friend, an 80`s gamer, back into the hobby to play this.

[@michaelkoznarsky7911]

The favorite boardgame I played this year wasn’t the first time I played but the first time the kids from across the street played. Something had happened and I offered to watch 3 of the kids while they tended to the 4th. I broke out Milton Bradley’s classic ‘Hit the Beach’ which we all enjoyed. Why was it my fav? Because the youngest child (4) came over later on and asked ‘Mr. Michael, can we play that game again?’ Hooked. Nailed it.

[@michaelkoznarsky7911]

And if I have to pick one for myself, it would be Circle of Fire: the Seige of Cholm. We’re using the boardgame to supplement a miniatures wargame campaign.

[@peteramccord1079]

Old School Tactical volume IV

[@ZillaBlitz]

I've heard great things! :)

[@fpgowner]

Glad to hear it!

[@TomCollipi]

Zilla, Another great video For me I, Napoleon is the game of 2024

[@ZillaBlitz]

Thanks! I'm going to have to get I, Napoleon to the table sooner than later.

[@doc_adam]

Atlantic chase. Thanks for the giveaway!

[@ZillaBlitz]

My pleasure, and a strong choice. :)

[@thomasharkless4605]

My favorite new game of 2024 is Atlantic Sentinels. Nice to play the other side.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, interesting! I've seen that one a number of times and thought about picking it up.

[@jimleas5430]

My favorite new to me game of 2024 was Silent War 2.0. Great fun for us submarines nuts!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice, have you played a campaign yet?

[@lakingsgeek]

Skies Above Britain (2022). Nice balance of narrative and agency, plus the best rule book ever. Unfortunately, I've only managed to play a couple of actual 2024 releases so far. I do have Wolfpack on the table right now so that's a plus.

[@Truth_Hurts528]

Hopefully there will be considerable improvements to Operation Rolling Thunder's map. Otherwise the game looks great.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, I'd think it will look differently. Definitely playtest/prototype graphics at the moment.

[@joeyj6808]

Favorite Game of 2024 has to be *Schutztruppe Heia Safari: 1914 - 1918* by Compass Games. I've already raved about it to you, but it really is an amazing game! I snagged a copy of "Under the Med" from Noble Knight at a very nice price! Compass Games is becoming a real favorite with me. That said, "Wolfpack" seems very alluring! As far as Steve Jackson Games, I owned almost all of them at one time or another, and I never saw one on WW2... Hoping to finally get a copy of "Raiders of the Deep" from Compass now that the price is nice. I just hope they have enough stock! Thanks again for that heads up! And happy holidays to you and yours!

[@jaysturgell2543]

Best Game I played this year that is quasi-historical, Lone Sherman.

[@e-4airman124]

I have to give Wolfpack my vote for best game just got it and it is full of exciting strategy ! enter me please in game giveaway thanks

[@ZillaBlitz]

I think Wolfpack is going to be quite popular, yes. :)

[@spencernaquinLSU]

The best game I played in 2024 is 85 Afghanistan Graveyard of Empires, along with its expansion, 85 Alone in the Mountains. I found it fun and easy to learn, which is great since I’m just starting to get into wargaming in college with the people I meet.

[@fpgowner]

Wow, thanks! I'm glad you've enjoyed it!

[@secretmission204]

Vive L'Empereur by Blue Panther Games was by far the best solitaire game I've played in 2024! Terrific chit pull mechanic nicely replicates fog of war.

[@james134414]

For me, Fire In The Lake or Pendragon (played both for the first time). I love both but I think I'll go with FITL!

[@SnorriHT]

A game where the rulebook is a joy to read, and both sides have the opportunity to attack and defend: OCS Korea II. The game is asymmetrical, naturally encouraging each side to play to their own strengths. The OCS rules should be required reading for any game design course.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. I'm a fan of good rulebooks. :)

[@stevefield406]

My most anticipated game of 2024 is Wolfpack

[@ZillaBlitz]

It's quite fun! :)

[@thegrogshed]

That’s a good price for Silent War 2. As you say, that’s a lot of gaming.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yeah, some of the deals in there are really good.

[@peezebeuponyou3774]

For me, Ardennes 44. I finally got around to actually playing it! 😂

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice! Always nice to check a game off the Shelf of Opportunity. Glad to hear that you liked it as well. :)

[@Quicksilver8506]

My favorite games this year have to be The Hunters, The Hunted, and Beneath the Med.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Such a great trio of games!

[@Thulsa13]

New to me war game for 2024 and the one I enjoyed the most is Combat Commander: Europe.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Such a popular game, great choice!

[@Oxlorne]

Hey Hey Zilla! New to your channel and new to wargaming in general. My first wargame purchase was Purple Haze which I am hoping to get the time to dive into in a week or so. I kind of took a leap with this as my first wargame to test the waters. I don't know anyone in my area that is into wargaming so I was looking for something that was not only a good solo focused game but not too complex to scare me away. Would you have any other recommendations for a few games that would fit that criteria? A great solo experience is the most important and not a game that has a ton of complexity. I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area if anyone is looking for easy competition as well lmao. Thanks! *I'll also add that specific time periods or wars are not as important as a great experience. I am open to anything.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Purple Haze should be a good first game, just be patient and don't worry about playing your first games perfectly. :) We all make rules mistakes in the beginning of new games, so I'd recommend focusing on having fun rather than being preoccupied with perfection. :) There are a couple of older videos on the channel that might have some good recommendations in them. I want to update them soon, but here is one on beginner wargames, with a mix of solo and multiplayer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5rOoaVmgsd8itE Hope that helps, and welcome to the hobby!

[@texigander5]

My wargame of 2024: Perryville: Grand Havoc. (Blind Swords)

[@ZillaBlitz]

I really like the Blind Swords system too. :)

[@jamesbarrett1555]

I know you said "historical" wargame, but I'm going to cheat and say Burning Banners is my wargame of 2024. I love historical wargames, but anytime I can play a game in a fantasy setting I'm in! This game was a labor of love by Christopher Moeller. He did all of the game design and artwork himself, and it's amazing in both regards!