Last Blitzkrieg [Thoughts and reflections] [MMP, Battalion Combat Series]

[@johnsteidl293]

In case someone wanders by trying to figure out which BCS game to go with. (either first or next) .. BbF is a great entry as it's small and the terrain limits your strategic options, so you can focus on learning the mechanics and how to use them successfully. Still lots of replay value depending on how the activation rolls go, especially if you use the "pick 3" option so the same player has a chance to go twice. Fewer formations also make it easier to learn how to use orders effectively. BC just feels different because of the (mostly) wide open terrain. The few choke points along with mines and wire make for interesting situations. To get a sense of the swirling chaos that was the desert, BC does it well. Has a good range of scenario sizes. LB is a monster, although reasonably playable. Probably not the game I would choose to teach the system, but a LOT of fun. While the terrain channels, and forces you to make decisions, there are lots of options. It can feel a little overwhelming to be thinking about your routes of advance if you are still learning the basic mechanics. IIRC there are no "small" scenarios - at least by the standards of BbF and BC. But there are certainly smaller options vs the full campaign. PLS is closer to LB with more formations and channeling terrain. It has a good range of scenario sizes, and some new rules that limit the number of formations that can activate. This adds an extra dimension of planning, since you need to pre-designate some of your activations, but not all. More MSR challenges than the other games due to the road network, and German occupation of Budapest creating problems for the Soviets. Weather and the number of tracks make for riskier SNAFU rolls all around. And the spoiling attack rules are quite interesting. Overall, the four games feel quite different because the situations are so different. My personal preference for teaching/learning is BbF, but any of them can work, so pick the situation that seems most interesting to you.

[@thetabletopsedge]

Nailed it! Your analysis of the system, as well as the comparison between LB and BbF, is spot on. Don’t be too hard on yourself, though. I know it’s frustrating to make mistakes, but keep in mind you don’t have an opponent there with a vested interested in “keeping you honest”. Learning games solo is tough, especially those that can be considered “heavy”. I think, though, that you are seeing how smoothly the BCS plays, and how relatively “simple” the mechanics are (once you learn how to apply them). A big reason for the little errors is that the system, especially the SNAFU and combat tables, are so simple that you get lured into not even checking the charts because you feel like you’ve got the DRM’s (and in some instances, the results as well) memorized. Playing a 4-player game of the big campaign scenario is one of the best gaming experiences I’ve had, so I would definitely recommend trying to make that happen. The game presents you with meaningful and interesting decisions at every step. It’s also one of those games that you can stand over the map and discuss strategy in a way most other games don’t allow. I hope you get the opportunity to explore the BCS further!

[@johanmaes6295]

I tried to keep an open mind but sometimes a system just doesn't click, for some reason the map really annoys me. One thing I'll take away from these sessions is that, through the magic of YT and Google, Race for Bastogne was brought to my attention

[@przemekbozek]

7:00 I really liked a planning of "avenues of approach" for all the formation, even if as limited game as BbF - can see how open the gamw becomes with LB😁

[@chrisridley4840]

Thanks for all your work on this series so a totally unfair question but if you really could only ever play one system again OCS or BCS

[@WiseGuyHistory]

If BCS had more titles, I'd say BCS, but it's hard to compete with the range of OCS...

[@chrisridley4840]

@@WiseGuyHistory Thanks for the answer and in terms of complexity between the two systems ? learning curve fiddley game play etc

[@WiseGuyHistory]

​@@chrisridley4840 OCS is probably slightly heavier, and OCS has a bigger learning curve [but relatively speaking, both on the 'heavy' side].

[@johnsteidl293]

The two systems play so differently. It's easy to figure they're close cousins given that BCS evolved out of OCS, but for me they only feel vaguely related. I know which I enjoy more, but it's a very personal thing that you can only figure out by playing them both. (Or watching some of these videos!)

[@thetabletopsedge]

I will echo Nathan’s answer. LB is a better experience for me than any OCS game (but I DO really enjoy OCS), but BbF and BC don’t really showcase the system as well. I have yet to play PLS, but it looks much closer to LB than the others. The BCS has so much potential (and I know firsthand that work has been done on a Market-Garden game), but based strictly on the available games in both series today, it’s an awfully hard choice.

[@AdamH75]

You’ve convinced me once again to buy a game (with assistance by The Tabletop’s Edge). Really liking the actual planning one has to do here and think more than one move ahead. Let’s be honest, another selling point of this is saying “It’s SNAFU roll time.”

[@paulsaunders6536]

I’m really looking forward to getting into this system. Clearly not a game for factor counters, very refreshing concepts.

[@WiseGuyHistory]

Yeah, instead of counting points, you're looking for good attack [or defence] situations.

[@ReallyVirtual]

Spot on review. I went from Last Blitzkrieg to Baptism of Fire (BoF), which increased my disappointment with BoF. Last Blitzkrieg provides many more decisions and I found it to be a lot more balanced. It's the only game system I play that has chit pull where I elect not to use a cup, because as you point out, it then provides even more decisions as to what to activate next. I do have Brazen Chariots too, but haven't yet brought it to the table as I'm afraid it will be as flat as BoF. That said, this is one of the best systems I have played and once you have a few turns under your belt, rules lookups are pretty much non-existent, it just works so smoothly. Your thoughts are very close to conclusions I came to on my BGG review (under Flashpan)

[@stephenlyons604]

Own and have played all three BCS: it feels like the system was developed for the Last Blitzkrieg game, with the modules that followed attempting to make the operation fit the system. Can say though that I think Brazen Chariots works well, however the system shines brightest with Last Blitzkrieg. While I find the system innovative and exciting, the newly found promise of Decision Game's GOSS system is calling me... The level of abstraction in BCS is something of a turn-off for me when I crave detail over playability and speed. At other times, I want an easier ride...

[@ReallyVirtual]

@@stephenlyons604 GOSS is actually pretty playable - but you will find yourself swearing at the rules organization - at least the earlier versions. The best thing about GOSS is the combat system. It takes many things into account and produces a huge amount of narrative and as a solo player I appreciate that you only need to count up the modifiers once, then thanks to the way the attacker and defender tables are structured you can use the same modifiers for both attacks :) It is a good system, but I think in terms of detail vs abstraction, BCS is probably in the sweet spot :)

[@stephenlyons604]

@@ReallyVirtual Cheers RV. I've scored a set of the GOSS 2020 rulebook and charts and tables so am looking forward to finally giving it a good shot soon. Solo gamer here, too. I do like BCS and OCS a lot; we will see if GOSS is a bridge too far...

[@albertavila8736]

Hi, nice video! I think you should try Panzer Last Stand, I'm sure you will love it. If you do, let me know what do you think about the game, i would appreciate it

[@russbunten6245]

Other than ASL, BCS is about all I play any more.

[@karlfromthewargame_bootcam7733]

You were saying you found a place that prints the HQ cards for you, can you post a link I tried finding it but couldn’t

[@WiseGuyHistory]

I printed mine via Artscow.com and used the 54 custom mini card design.

[@SHAMUS991]

Great reflection on this Nathan, I am really impressed by the system from what I have been seeing and have invested in the system based on yours and Tabletop Edges videos. He has some great ways of dealing with clutter which you have noticed. Whilst learning OCS I created and still use a set of playing card size info cards that breakdown turn sequence. Each card covers one element and has the rules references (based on the OCS Turn Summary on OCS Depot). These help me to not miss steps and opportunities and have references to relevant rules. I can see based on what you have been saying that something similar could be useful for BCS but based on an activation. The card use would be less linear but it would be nice to have a summary of what is relevant, for example, a shock combat on one playing card which is pulled from the deck of other cards, each dealing with one activation issue and then used to support whatever it is one has decided to do. I don't have the games yet to see if this will work but will probably try and do something like this to help me learn. Anyway I hope you give this game another go sometime; in the meantime I shall continue with OCS Reluctant Enemies Campaign.

[@WiseGuyHistory]

Yeah I like the idea!

[@riz_charger]

Which is the better Bulge game: Enemy Action Ardennes or Last Blitzkrieg?

[@WiseGuyHistory]

I'd definitely say Last Blitzkrieg. EA:A is a fascinating solo study, but it feels more like you're 'gaming' the AI, rather than playing the Bulge. LB truly captures the feeling of the Bulge.

[@davidoduffy6168]

Another great video. Have you acquired Panzers Last Stand yet? Or have you tried Operation Mercury yet? You have absolutely sold BCS to me . Most educational vids by any KZbinr imho. Thanks again

[@WiseGuyHistory]

Not yet, there's a mix of budget and postal issues delaying that... I used to play a lot of Operation Mercury and have a few playthrough videos from maybe 18-24 months ago.

[@russbunten6245]

BCS is about air I play any more, ASL aside.