Our TOP 10 GMT Games / Board Game TOP 10 LIST

[@hgman3920]

I've literally had to shower after particularly stressful games of Twilight Struggle because of the stress-sweat. Still, it's my absolute favorite game of all time

[@LegendaryTactics]

Like eating ribs and wings, It's definitely NOT a game you pull out on the first date.

[@nathanielmerchant3286]

The stress of being in a losing position makes this NOT one of my favorite games despite its amazing design. Ulcer-rific!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Agreed!

[@pauldj6]

I love the energy. Your passion comes through. It makes me want to play all of these games! 👏👏

[@LegendaryTactics]

Well, it's easy when we are able to talk about such great games! Thank you so much for your kind words, and for watching!

[@jeromyfisher297]

Great video NATO’s #3 pick is my #1 Space Empires is like Catan meets World War 2 in the Pacific while watching Star Wars! The game is currently on the P-500 reprint along with all three expansions. I am going for my second copy of the base game to play double boards.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I am waiting for Expansion # 2 and All Good Things to come into print - I have Close Encounters and the base game. Interesting idea about the double boards. It would be great if you could get 8 players for that!

[@jeromyfisher297]

The second expansion is called “Replicators” (Also on P-500). In this set are space terrain hex tiles the same size as the hexagons on the map and if you butt two boards together you can run one row of the deep space hexes over the seam and it joins the two board’s hexes together perfectly.

[@Nick-zl5xf]

I recently played Sekigahara from GMT I thought It really was one of the best I’ve played from there

[@LegendaryTactics]

I have heard GREAT things about that game. I haven't played it yet, though...

[@Nick-zl5xf]

@@LegendaryTactics definitely recommend. It was really simple (relatively for GMT) and had a very cool card system that made you play to the composition of your army.

[@pm71241]

Sekigahara is such an elegant game. Love it.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Cool - I will put it on my list!

[@relvar3158]

Agreed, I think based upon what I have seen on this channel, you will love it. So smooth, beautiful and simply a blast to play.

[@boardgametotears]

My favorite GMT game that you didn't mention is Dominant Species Marine.

[@LegendaryTactics]

That is one that we would like to try! So many games, so little time!

[@nydaloth]

Great list, because is based primary in playability and fun.Also varied themes. Top picks were great. I'll would have includes the u-boat games(hunters and hunted) and tank duel because of fun factor. Thanks for your excellent channel.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I really want to try one of their submarine games - I haven't had a chance yet. I heard tank duel is also fun, but again, haven't tried it yet.

[@andrewwalsh531]

When it comes to GMT board games, there is literally an embarrassment of riches to choose from!

[@LegendaryTactics]

I know - it is close to an impossible task to narrow it down to 10!

[@TheTheshadow32]

1. The Panzer series with an excellent France 40 (4th expansion) and solo mode. It is my 2nd highest rated game ever series behind the Enemy Action series. I play it on a board, on Vassal or with miniatures… 2. Hitler’s Reich. Because of the excellent solo mode for a strategical WW2 Europe game. I was baffled that english speaking players did not understand its easy first edition rules… Most underrated game ever. 3. Tank Duel. I play it solo with 3 tanks vs the excellent AI by Jason Carr and with miniatures by the side. As a multi player game it was less fun since some gamers just can’t imagine the settings. Since every KO tank is immediately replaced by another, it is an awesome platoon level solo game. 4. Wing Leader. Mostly the early war, up to and including the Savoia Marchetti bombers. I have trouble with the designer but the game is so diverse and fun. Easy to play solo too. 5. Unconditional Surrender. I hope its expansion Western Campaigns will be printed and launched SOON ! Successor to my favorite 3Reich game of 40 years ago… Most frustrating and willing to learn: Empire of the Sun and Peloponesian War because both are Mark Herman games that are always difficult to grasp.😂

[@LegendaryTactics]

1. I keep hearing great things about the Panzer series...maybe when Cax and I are done with Panzerblitz and Panzer Leader, we will just straight to that one! 2. I don't know that one - will have to look into it. 3. Again, I keep hearing great things about this one, and I am glad to hear it plays well solo! 4. I think I had this game on my radar... I haven't tried it yet. 5. Wow, that would be a BIG game! And yes, Mark Herman games are tough to grasp! But he is so great!

[@clarkcommando1983]

🎉panzer series is great as is unconditional surrender

[@simonwebster9712]

All good games, but no Combat Commander? Commands and Colors? Washington's War, Wilderness War, For The People, Paths of Glory? Man, GMT are amazing 😅

[@LegendaryTactics]

I just recently got Combat Commander Pacific and Paths of Glory. I also have the digital version of Commands and Colors - I don't think that one will make my top 10. Haven't tried the others but would love to!

[@nathanielmerchant3286]

@@LegendaryTactics Oh no...the digital version of C&C is horribad! Please try the actual board game when you can.

[@alanshackelford6450]

@@LegendaryTactics Both Combat Commander and Commands and Colors are really best as in person over the table kind of games. Kind of a shared narrative experience. Both are not the apex of complexity without being simple.

[@PMMagro]

Paths of Glory is a given as WW1 is unusal andf teh game is GOOD and very WW1...

[@Jolo5305]

There's a couple that I think you have missed, namely, Sword of Rome, a multiplayer game about Rome, Commands and Colors: Ancients, easily the best of the C&C line, and Space Corps, a neat space exploration game.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I'd like to try Space Corps for sure, and I'll check out Sword of Rome. I played C&C Ancients, the digital version, and wasn't blown away, although I didn't mind it. I'd play it again

[@Jolo5305]

@@LegendaryTactics I've only played analog, so I have no knowledge of the digital ones. Sword of Rome is 20 years old, and is being republished by Nuts!

[@gregoryeverett9811]

Space Empires is based on the computer game Space Empires IV by Malfador Machinations. The ship counter graphics come directly from the game and the tech tree is a striped down version of the games tech tree.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Interesting. I know it was based on 4X games in general, and that there was a video game of the same name, but I didn't know it was a faithful port over to cardboard.

[@TheRandyGr]

I have SE IV on steam and haven't really played it much. I was a playtester for SE 3 and played a TON of that game game!! Loved it!!!

[@gregoryeverett9811]

@ SE IV is a lot deeper than SE III. Stay clear of SE V, it's a dumpster fire. I still ocasionally play III and IV.

[@TheRandyGr]

@@gregoryeverett9811 Sad to hear about version 5 but there are so many alternatives I won't miss out, lol. I need to fire up IV again :)

[@michaelmelen9062]

The big problem with a Top 10 for GMT Games is that a few months later they've brought out new ones which must go on the list. The quantity of new games is prolific, and the quality is outstanding. Great company! You could really do a Top 50, and #50 would be a great game.

[@LegendaryTactics]

That's very true, actually. Totally agree

[@simonecolombo5928]

I looooove SpaceCorp with the Ventures expansion mostly for solo. What a game it is!

[@LegendaryTactics]

I have heard great things about that game - it is on my list to play at some point! What do you like best about it?

[@douglewis1273]

Gre😢at list: My favorites: Honorable mention would be higher but I never seem to win: twilight struggle. #5 a British way, #4 Atlantic chase, #3 SpaceCorps, #2 Command & colors Napoleonics, #1 Combat Commander Europe. Doug: battlefield banter, gmt games.

[@LegendaryTactics]

That's a great list! I have yet to try most of those!

[@adamfiliatreault3393]

I was expecting to see Imperial Struggle - I don't get it to the table much but I really love it! I'm also curious to hear whether you think Mr. President is a good buy

[@LegendaryTactics]

Yeah, I like Imperial Struggle as well, but it didn't capture my imagination like Twilight Struggle did. I am just amazed by the quality and scope of the design of Mr. President. It really impressed me.

[@matthewwilliams6788]

Shame Dominant Species didn't make it. I find it's a refreshing divergence of the typical GMT area control by being so characteristically euro. Unlike something like Twilight struggle, very little up-to-chance variables (besides some element tokens and the dominance cards), no dice at all, plays up to 6 (making for a very interesting dynamic), and the worker placement action phase make it a unique addition to the GMT catalog.

[@LegendaryTactics]

We have only played Dominant Species Marine, and while I (Nato) liked it, the other two guys were not taken with it, sadly. It's a very interesting and unique system, for sure.

[@matthewwilliams6788]

@@LegendaryTactics fair enough, everyone has their taste after all. I'd recommend trying the original if you can. I haven't played marine, but I've learned the rules and differences and it seems like some fundamental mechanicals like population and dominance were reworked. The original appears much tighter to me, and perhaps it could be an improvement If you're interested in discussing, what were some more specific likes and dislikes that you and the group took home from it?

[@johnkoontz1271]

My favorites include Dominant Species, Empire of the Sun, Paths of Glory, For the People, and Combat Commander.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Those are all classics!!

[@spendsirdollarz]

Awesome stuff.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@gucioprawda1976]

Do you recommend to buy expansion Twilight Struggle: Turn Zero or it's just a waste of money?

[@LegendaryTactics]

I think it is a neat way to expand the game without altering it too much. I did a first impressions video of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWzopZ8g956n7c

[@gucioprawda1976]

​@@LegendaryTacticsoh! I watched all your episodes about cards and tactics but somehow I missed this one. Thanks a lot!

[@williamarends7138]

It is Interesting that this list has few pure wargames. The new edition of Barbarossa Army Group Center, The US Civil War game, the French and Indian War game 'Bayonets and Tomahawks', and Nevsky would be games that should be considered as among the best games published by GMT.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Oh yes, there are certainly some great pure war games by GMT. The challenge how to find the time to play them all!

[@pm71241]

IMNSHO... The swingyness and timing dependency of COIN is baked into the basic COIN mechanisms which individual designs need to work to overcome.

[@LegendaryTactics]

In my view, because of the nature of the board and with government operations getting more expensive as the game goes on, it's a tougher role than other games in the series. The Government becomes gradually less of a factor, and the Syndicate is there to win if the game goes long enough. But the timing of the events can really have an impact on this, making the government either not so bad or unplayable

[@phd_angel]

The guy with the cap is so annoying, he interrupts a lot with unnecessary interjections. He needs to drink less coffee, chill, and listen more.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Yes, we were new to the live format when this was first recorded, and we have been working on that aspect since. I hope you see the improvement in the more recent content we have released

[@markline14]

Triumph & Tragedy Combat Commander Sekigahara Unconditional Surrender! Commands & Colors Twilight Struggle Paths of Glory Churchill Too many great games!! :)

[@LegendaryTactics]

I know! It's hard to pick just 10!

[@michael_hutchison]

Looking forward to the 1989 videos!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Yes, we are playing that one again in preparation for content!

[@michael_hutchison]

@@LegendaryTactics brilliant 👏 can't wait!!

[@pierretouchette8336]

A list without Paths of Glory, it is realy worth it.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I just recently got Paths of Glory, and have been learning it. I've yet to get it to the table, but when I do, I might need to redo the video and the list!

[@pm71241]

You missed a lot... But given the amount of f great GMT games, who can blame you? I don't think I have any cross overs. In no particular order: Empire of the sun. Here I stand. Sekigahara. Ardennes '44/Holland '44 Nevsky.

[@LegendaryTactics]

It's definitely tough to narrow it down to 10. Empire of the Sun is a great game, but who has that kind of time to play it? The others I haven't tried but would like to

[@pm71241]

@@LegendaryTactics EotS is hardly a long game. If it's hard to finish in a sitting, it plays well online just sending your move back and forth with VASSAL.

[@bryanscollick8305]

The only way to play TS solo is playing it on Steam, which is quite fun. The AI does not hold back!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Yes, the AI does some strange moves sometimes though ..

[@TheRandyGr]

W00T! Space Empires 4x! Similar but different to SFB :)

[@michael_hutchison]

I'm surprised Imperial Struggle wasn't on the list

[@LegendaryTactics]

Yes, I like it, but I don't consider it in their top 10...

[@EDHESE]

#1 Space Empires

[@LegendaryTactics]

I can't fault you on that choice at all!

[@PsicoUnderground]

Paths of Glory?

[@LegendaryTactics]

I just got it a few weeks ago. I'm looking forward to giving it a try!

[@HelderP83]

Is Mr.President coming into this list? ;)

[@LegendaryTactics]

Yes, I felt I couldn't include it because it hadn't been officially released at the time we recorded this. I think it is safe to say that it makes this list now...

[@OroborusFMA]

GMT releases about ten games a week lol.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I know - it's a little hard to keep up! I think it's because every game they put out has a pretty small niche. The games sell well within that niche, but unnecessarily outside of it. And the p500 system means there is less business risk on their end

[@hanng1242]

No Commands and Colors? Levy & Campaign? GBoH? 🤨

[@LegendaryTactics]

I have yet to try any of the Levy & Campaign titles, and I'm open to giving the Great Battles of History series a go. But I have just been so underwhelmed by what I have played of Commands and Colors - I just can't see what the big deal is...

[@hanng1242]

@@LegendaryTactics With regard to C&C, it seems to me that the appeal is that it is simple and modular. It isn't great as a simulation, but it is fun as a game. It plays quickly, there is luck, but nevertheless tactical choices matter, and it has custom dice. It is always fun to roll custom dice. The modularity of the system also gives a player a lot of game for the money. For example, if one wants to fight out the most important battles of Revolutionary War, one could pick up multiple $60 games, each about a particular battle or campaign. There would be maps designed to accurately (more or less) represent the particular battlefield, there would be rules to deal with particular events affecting the battlefield (particularly good leadership, bad weather, surprising lapse in discipline, &c.), and it would be great for someone who really wants to learn about the second battle of Saratoga, for example. However, if one want to just throw game on the table to see if he can change history, Commands and Colors: Tricorn would be a good way to do it - especially if one's opponent is more of a board gamer than a grognard. I really do recommend the Levy and Campaign series. The interesting twist is how much the game is about logistics on the operational level. Stuff like supply, feeding and paying troops, maintaining supply lines - that is what the game is about. It isn't abstracted down to an "out of supply marker." Instead, it is the battles themselves which get abstracted (think Columbia block wargame, but even simpler). Sieges are about figuring out how to keep an army (or several) in the field to effectively maintain the investiture of the fortress. It really is a fresh experience when it comes to wargaming. If you want to get into it, my recommendation is either Nevsky or Almoravid. With regard to the former, there are only two axes of attack for the Teutons as compared to the available choices for the Spanish in the latter. However, Nevsky has a really interesting (or frustrating) seasonal system in which the ability to move and supply is drastically different depending on whether it is summer, winter or rasputitsa, and one will need to plan ahead if he doesn't want to have an army stuck in the mud facing starvation. Inferno and Plantagenet each throw in some significant changes in how the game will play by introducing politics into the game - each doing it quite differently.

[@Phalanx11]

my guess is....their brothers...!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Brothers from different mothers...

[@jeffreykahrs6310]

No, Here I Stand........ :)

[@LegendaryTactics]

Sadly, I haven't tried it yet - I have heard great things though! It's quite a long game as well, I believe. Does it make it to your table often?

[@jeffreykahrs6310]

@@LegendaryTactics I have about 10 playthrus. It requires coordination but us worth it. I can always try to set up a vassal game if you guys are interested. it does take around 9 hours

[@BrettIsom-l9q]

Goyette View

[@LegendaryTactics]

Not sure what you mean!

[@jamesmccarthy3198]

The guy with the hat is intolerably obnoxious; he won't shut up.

[@kirbyculp3449]

10th view

[@LegendaryTactics]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@georgegilbert4004]

Guy on the right interrupts horrendously often

[@LegendaryTactics]

He's from a big family - it's the only way anyone can get a word in edgewise!