TDG: Cody's Top Ten World War II Games (December 2021)

[@misomiso8228]

Cody’s top 10 ww2 2:38 Honourable mentions: Absolute War 3.27 10. Atlantic Chase 4:47 9. 1944 Battle of the Bulge 7:05 8. Pavlov’s House 8:47 7. Black Orchestra 9:59 6. Origins of WW2 11:35 5. Struggle for Europe 1939-1945 12:26 4. Combat Commander Europe 15:39 3. Undaunted Normandy 17:30 2. Company of Heroes 20:25 1. Warroom

[@johnbrown7858]

Cody, the fact that you make these lists are a tribute to the fact that you take the time, and make the time to produce these lists. Don't let the haters win. Your lists, and other lists like them, give us all different games to look at. Thank you for your work.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

[@unkindestcut]

I grew up on Avalon Hill war games, Third Reich, Squad Leader and Victory in the Pacific. Tempted to check out some contemporary counterparts now…

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I hope you get a chance to. Thanks.

[@craigclemens986]

Russian Campaign is still the most playable.

[@DerekWildstar08]

Hours upon hours playing the Squad Leader Series!!

[@cfosburg]

Dude this guy was made for you. 🤙

[@andrewluchsinger]

I have gone past hours of play on Squad Leader I have years of game play. I have 2 copies of Squad Leader, Cross of Iron Crescendo of Doom and GI Anvil of Victory. I won't ever stop. I have even used the rule for miniature games

[@silverfang6668]

You’ve given me lots of interesting games to look into. Thank you for the wonderful list, Dr Carlson!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help!

[@garyarmitage9359]

I loved your list and I'm a 74 year old hex and counter gamer! Great suggestions and some I'm going to try, Cheers

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

[@quitequiet5281]

Thanks for catching me up! I will always love the original Axis and Allies... and now there are so many more wonderful games and more every year it seems and not enough time!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. First World problems.

[@axerxes3981]

Dody... thanks for the great review. I"m an OLD war gamer that hasn't played in years. You brought back the old thrill of the fight and the roll of the dice! Thanks for sharing.... Ax

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks!!!

[@rexgoodheart3471]

Hey, Cody, I'm from New Orleans and very, very proud of our National World War II Museum. Thanks for wearing that shirt! Might help to bring some tourists down to NOLA, just an incredible city to visit.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you. I was there about two years ago (just before Covid) and visited the museum. I also went to see Chalmette battlefield. Great trip.

[@davidnreiko]

I like the shirt advertising the National WW2 Museum. Good touch for the video for sure!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. I was actually just down there again in June for a seminar. Great museum.

[@HistoryTeacherSteve]

Wonderful video as always! WW2 is the reason I became a history teacher, I was a very nerdy kid with WW2 posters and model planes in my bedroom. I watched every 1960s and 70s WW2 movie on Blockbuster VHS tape dozens of times. A great setting for games, too. As a (mostly former) Axis & Allies player, I can't wait to play War Room. Cheers.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. WWII is the reason I'm a historian - specifically Axis & Allies!

[@bravehome4276]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Curious if you've ever tried the Ranked A&A 1942 Online computer game? I've been gaming since the 50s, and this is one of the least intrusive (that is, play at your own pace but play you must) online games I've tried.

[@BlessTheAlfredo]

Undaunted: North Africa really has been a surprise hit for me. On paper, when I first heard of it I didn’t think too much of the mechanics, but when I got it I fell in love. It’s an accessible game that isn’t too heavy while still exhibiting a good amount of strategy. Plus, games are short! A WW2 game you can play in an hour or so? Amazing.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

The Undaunted games are fantastic! I really love them a lot.

[@Deus19D]

I backed War Room's latest kickstarter solely on your review and regard for this game! I have very fond memories of Axis & Allies and I enjoy a lot of similar games to you, so I am fairly confident I'll at least like it enough to justify the purchase. I can't wait to try it out when it delivers! Cheers and happy New Year to you and yours!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Happy to help. I know you'll get a kick out of it.

[@kylethieman4254]

I also backed the War Room kickstarter and my group is super excited about it. Talking about dressing up in era outfits based on which country we are playing

[@andrewluchsinger]

Squad Leader is still my favorite board games. I have been playing it since the early to mid 80's and I have not stopped

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I know a lot of people love it.

[@tccrownhart9642]

Always enjoy your videos. I will be trying some of the other games from 10 to 4. I have the rest and love them. Thanks again for your show!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you.

[@FreeFragUK]

War Room is one I warred with getting back when the second kickstarter went up and a big part of me regrets skipping it but just due to how things have played out due to the pandemic, it would still be sat on the shelf. If it goes back to KS for a third time then I'll probably snap it up but the ability to play a game solo is also something important to me. Atlantic Chase is fantastic and I'm so glad I snapped it up, it's also something you rarely see represented in games. I've been looking for a Bulge game for quite some time so may look at the one referenced in your video.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help. Thanks!

[@mikolajwitkowski8093]

So glad you've revisited the topic, it's very interesting to see how tastes change. :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. That's what I thought. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bryangasche3192]

Love the list! Been watching you awhile and always enjoy your take.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

[@DanOldSkoolConditioningMan]

First time I have seen your channel, you have a new fan. Very interesting top ten. Can't wait to play some of these games. As an ameuter WW2 historian I've always had a keen interest in war gaming. I'm looking to get more into board games of WW2. I have a couple of questions. First Are there any games about the Burma campaign, secondly my favourite board game that I have played since childhood, I'm now 52 is Escape from Colditz. I have an original second edition and a first edition original. Have you played this? I love this game its so much fun. Anyway great video I look forward to watching more of your videos, Dan from Great Britain.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@DanOldSkoolConditioningMan Thank you very much. I recently revisited this list and did my top fifty WWII Games. Can’t say tagt any one is dedicated to Burma. Here’s my review for Colditz: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGWwgKObmZZsgqcsi=FO1QLqEGi7LNKTGm

[@DanOldSkoolConditioningMan]

@TheDiscriminatingGamer great, will watch it now, interested to see if you love the game as much as I have since I was 8 years old.

[@Coyotehello]

Congratulations on getting published! Another great video. I am not surprised that WR is your #1. :-) Thank you for the list as I am looking for a solitaire that could also play 2-4 players so a few options in your list there. Here, I am looking forward to receiving WR new edition scheduled for early summer I believe. And to your next video of course.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you. You're gonna love War Room!

[@robertmoffitt1336]

Your tastes in war games lines up quite a bit with mine. Combat Commander & Undaunted, both excellent. Half of the games on your list are in my collection. I built two 42'" lazy susans, as one of my best friends also bought War Room, built one for him. WWII...Never Forget 💝. You recommended the book Rampage to me about 2 and a half years ago and I picked it up on Audible. That started me on an Audible run of 53 more audio books since then. Currently on Under The Southern Cross (book 2 of 4 set) by Tom Cleaver. Thanks for the "knowledge" kick start Cody!🍻 PS- You were right, Rampage became the toughest, hardest, most gruesome book I've ever read/listened to replacing that spot formerly held by Eugene Sledge's With The Old Breed.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help, my friend.

[@LTrotsky21stCentury]

Noticed "A House Divided" on your shelf. I was the House Divided champion at a con in the early 1980s.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Very cool. Great game!

[@-RTC-]

Great video as always Cody. I’m really excited for the second Kickstarter for your #2! I’m definitely backing that one. Take care!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks! Great game!

[@lukaswernig9721]

great list with interesting games! will you do list like this one with revolutionary and civil war setting? please :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Maybe a Civil War one before too long. I don’t know that I’ve played enough Revolutionary War games yet.

[@travisbicklejr]

Cody, this was a great list! I love your content!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[@browe]

I grew up on Squad Leader as a kid, and my go to WWII at that scale of interest is now Conflict of Heroes (3rd ed. with Kursk, Eastern Front for solo.) I got into the system with Attack of the Bear 2nd Ed. Ambush! was also a lot of fun, and I had London's Burning for a long time. I wish I could find a good B-17/RAF/Storm Above the Reich style of game that isn't all dice rolling...

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Haven’t played any of those, just CoH Guadalcanal. Thanks.

[@HistoricalGaming]

Guadalcanal is the best version! The scenarios are so well done

[@SumerNivek]

I may have to try War Room someday, but right now, sticking with Axis and Allies. I just started playing it again last year after not having played it in almost 25 years, and I feel like I am a newbie A&A player all over again, re-discovering strategies and just the game itself. Plus, I am enjoying the new iterations that have come out since I last played and got myself an Anniversary edition before it sold out again. If and when I master and/or grow tired of A&A, I may step my game up to War Room at that time. On another note, however, I just got the third printing of Triumph and Tragedy, so looking forward to trying that game out!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

T&T is great. Hope you get to play War Room soon.

[@SumerNivek]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer thanks for the reply! Will you (or have you, and I am just not seeing it) be reviewing the Pacific version of T&T? Conquest and Consequences, is that what it is called?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@SumerNivek stay tuned!

[@2ManyHobbies16]

List was great my friend, and agree with a few. Great job and I send a recommendation of any of the games in the Undaunted series. Believe you will enjoy. Ty for the list

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Love the Undaunted games. Great fun!

[@jamesnell1999]

I played Origins of World War Two as a teenager in the 1970s. I still own it. The concept of the Political Factor made one think about Political Economy and the various components of foreign policy. The major powers contest for the client states of Europe in the 1930s. The Rheinland and Alsace-Lorraine are also represented. The game is well-balanced especially when you do it as a five player game. Each major power has different values for having the most PFs in the various client states. The game reinforces the idea that integration and free trade in the German speaking lands was low hanging fruit for Germany. Not specifically accounted for was the political violence that the Nazis used in the Anschluss of little Austria, Rheinland, and the Sudetenland. However, it could be argued that that is part of why Germany has so many PF to use. The game is also great for learning about the pre-war leaders of Europe. Leon Blum of France is particularly worth learning about. You simply can't know anything about WWII without understanding Europe in the 1930s. I enjoyed learning about the other nine games which I have not played, but hope to some day.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Origins is indeed a great game. Hope you get a chance to play the others soon.

[@paulprecour3636]

The Panzer Grenadier series by Avalanche Press is also a remarkable find. Brings back memories of playing Squad Leader/Cross of Iron/Crescendo of Doom for the first time, just without the insane level of (oft times self-defeating) minutiae.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks for the recommend.

[@wayland8380]

Are you going to do a video on Company Of Heros? It'd be interesting to see it played

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've done a review of CoH and its solo mode, and I may do a live stream of the solo mode down the road. Here is the review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHSnmnlsptiSY6s. and here is the solo review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2euhoKafN96hck

[@davidthompson7233]

Thanks so much, Dr. C. As always, you rock! :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir.

[@StinkyWizleteets]

Never read the comments. Great list

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks! I'd miss out on a lot of good people and perspectives if I took that advice.

[@GGdeTOURS37]

Nice to ear from you Cody! Plus to say: I'm French but my favorite famous historic man is Sir Winston Churchill by far! Far from Napoleon, Joan of Arc, De Gaulle and all the others. I use to flood my Facebook friends with dozens of quotes from Winston Churchill! What a man!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Very interesting fellow to be sure. Thanks!

[@craigclemens986]

The Frenchman who generated the most wargames is Napoleon.

[@misomiso8228]

Havn't watched the video yet, but we all know what is going to be number 1...

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You know me so well...

[@akelly432]

Great list, love both your channels. Atlantic chase, Pavlov s house and undaunted are on my buy list now. My top three are cataclysm, world in flames and no retreat russian front but unconditional surrender might knock out wif and churchill, with more plays, might knock out russian front... so many great games out there!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed! Thank you!

[@sonnypound]

Congratulations on the publication!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you!

[@RobRiddell37]

I hadn't heard of your #2 and #1 choices. I introduced my friends to Axis & Allies when it first came out. Maybe they'll dive on on War Room now. Thanks for the list!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you. It’s a great game.

[@almonius1]

Best solitaire game ever...B-17 Queen of the Skies.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've heard good things about that one.

[@TheSYPHERIA]

Can you recommend which one of these games is a good starter game for a new player? I'm not a fan of solitaire if that helps and these all look amazing.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think there are a few that are pretty accessible for new players. Undaunted Normandy and Undaunted North Africa are both fantastic games. Unlike other, heavier wargames, they don't have a lot of the details/exceptions/special rules that you often find. They are deck builders, which is an easy concept to learn if you haven't played any before (if you want to learn this DB system, the easiest one to learn is the DC Comics Deck Building Game or Star Realms). But Struggle for Europe is a relatively light, two player. Origins is really good too for multi-player, if you can find it - long out of print. Black Orchestra is a really fun game, not a war game, that is not too difficult to learn. Anyway, happy to help. Best of luck to you.

[@madmike5421]

One of the best WW2 games of all time is and will continue to be Panzer Group Gerderian by SPI. They made so many good games back then wish I still had time to play them.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've heard about it, but haven't played it.

[@gizmophoto3577]

PGG is a great game. I got it with my Strategy &Tactics subscription way back when and still have it today. Another good game with the same system is Cobra, which I played solo several times last year.

[@williammatthews5422]

First time I've seen your channel. Subscribed. I started with Avalon Hill years ago when there were no other major publishers in the US. It would be nice if you could show publisher's logo. You mention some that I have never heard of. Thanks for your review.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help. Good suggestion.

[@eaksgeeks8674]

Ride of iron was a Gem I had the first edition big box back in the day

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fun game.

[@bamaretiredgruntscottb.6533]

Anotheer really good video. You embrace what wargaming is all about. Keep it coming.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, Much appreciated.

[@lauriea2971]

Hi Cody I just found ur channel. I love military history plus I love playin wwii games

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic. Glad to have you on board!

[@Majdi.J]

Excellent video Cody! I'm not sure if you've played it, but my favourite WW2 game is Unconditional Surrender! World War 2 in Europe. It's a grand game but with elegant and streamlined rules. I highly recommend it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. I haven’t played that one.

[@captainnolan5062]

Here are some of my favorites: Squad Leader (original), and Advanced Squad Leader (Avalon Hill); Battles for the Ardennes and Bulge (both by SPI); Pander Leader & Panzerblitz (both by AH), Panzer '44 by SPI; Drive on Stalingrad and Panzer Gruppe Guderian (both by SPI), Ardennes (by the Gamers); East Front by Columbia Games; Hells Highway by Victory games, Saipan (by SPI), Arnhem and Red Devils (Paratroop) by SPI, Russian Campaign (AH though originally by Jedco); France 1940 (AH), Storm Over Arnhem (AH), Panzer Armee Afrika and Rommel in the Desert (SPI); Sicily (SPI); Tobruk (AH); Bastogne (in the Westwall Quad); Battle for Germany (SPI); Third Reich (AH); Drang Nach Osten and Unentschieden(GDW); 1941 (GDW); Pacific War (Victory Games); Leningrad (SPI); Normandy '44; Cobra (SPI and later by TSR); among others.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I’ve played a handful of them. Good list. Thanks!

[@captainnolan5062]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer You bet.

[@christopherwilson2606]

My two favorites are Axis & Allies Anniversary Edition and Castle Itter. But there are so many I haven't played; so many of those are on this list. Great review.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you!

[@johnbrown7858]

This is a great list Cody.. Origins is an absolute classic. Thanks for posting.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you!

[@kallekonttinen1738]

God damn! Born 1974 in Finland we only had Normandy board game around 1985 (hexa board etc.). Nothing else. Then computers came and we change to those. Couple year ago one guy here made board game Finnish Civil War 1918 with crowd funding. Didn't know these are still made commercially..

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Interesting.

[@HulaViking]

The old Avalon Hill games I loved most were Stalingrad and Midway.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@larryd9549]

In my Junior High School years (the late 70's) I played the hell out of Third Reich, Sqaud Leader, Panzer Leader, and Panzer Blitz

[@HulaViking]

@Larry D I was more into the beer and pretzels games. The two I mentioned and Afrika Korps.

[@HulaViking]

Oh and War at Sea.

[@markdolby1436]

@@larryd9549 I've got all 4 of those in the loft (3 copies each of PzL and SqL) plus others like Bismarck, Circus Maximus, Richtofen's War (x2), War and Peace, Wooden ships and Iron men plus others. Great times.

[@vinceA3748]

Loved the video. Totally agree with you on Undaunted. One of my favorites. The expansions make it even better. Also, based on your recommendation, I just ordered 1944 Battle of the Bulge.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic! I think you’ll love it!

[@woody1kenobi763]

Damn you again Cody!!! 😜🤯. Between myself and a friend, our gaming group had completed our goal of owning your last top 10 WW2 list! Now those pesky games publishers have released even more great games and the list shifts once more! Luckily my buddy had all ready secured CoH and it is a worthy number 2, once you’ve played a couple of games and get your head around it. Great video, great list, great channel. Better go and try and find a copy of Pavlov’s now. Thanks mate.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! It’s what I do.

[@Carlos-ok4rv]

Hello Cody, I was wondering what were your thoughts on Global War 1936-1945 ? The 4th edition is coming up and its mechanics look very comparable to Axis & Allies. They also have settings for WW1, Cold War and Modern Conflict. Have you come across any ? Cheers

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I haven’t played any of those. Sorry.

[@Carlos-ok4rv]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer and if may ask further, have you played any from Historical Board Gaming (HBG)?. Maybe you have come across their system before? They seem to have the same rules applied to many conflicts and scenarios. Maybe simpler than War Room though, but the same scale I think 🤔

[@nok6151]

Great video Cody! I love that you do too 10’s. On the topic of world wars, have you ever played Paths of Glory (WW1 game)? I just played the 6th edition and love it and would be stoked to hear your thoughts on the game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I would love to play it. But I haven’t had a chance yet.

[@nok6151]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer that’s understandable, there’s so many good games to play and not always a lot of time

[@kamakazi339]

I haven't had a chance to watch your other video as this is the first video of yours I have ever seen. That being said, what do you think of classic axis and allies? I have many good memories as a kid playing that game and unfortunately I have no one to play my copy with as an adult.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think A&A was a lot of fun back in the day. In fact, and I've mentioned this several times on the show, A&A prompted my interested in WWII when I was a kid and ultimately set my on the course to get my PhD in history with a focus on WWII. I believe it is an honorable mention in my previous video. War Room (my #1) has kind of killed A&A for me. It's from the same designer, and it is always what I wanted A&A to be. A much grander, richer, more epic experience. Thanks!

[@kamakazi339]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Thanks for the reply! I'll have to go see your other video. As I said, this was my first video of yours! I will have to find a copy of war room to hopefully play one day!

[@bravehome4276]

I haven't played board games with lots of pieces in a while (caring for my grandkids, who would take innocent delight in disrupting board game positions), but one I remember enjoying back in the day (80s) was World in Flames. It was one of the first I was aware of that tied in politics, economy, and strategy and tactics into one (big) game. Ah, those were the halcyon days of undisturbed focus.... :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've got one of the WIF sets, but have not yet played it.

[@bravehome4276]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer My recollection of the game goes back 30+ years, so hope they kept up the quality/fun!

[@samhugo5870]

Iam relatively new to Boardgame Terminology, because I am currently fascinated about the 2nd Ed. of Company of Heroes on KS, witch would be my thirdWargame in the Collection if you count "Root" and Twilight Struggle as a Wargame, I wonder where you draw the line here, what makes a Boardgame, a Wargame, and what would not? How do you differentiate between those two?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

That’s a very old question. The reality is that there are no hard and fast rules for the definition of a wargame. Some people will tell you that if it is not a hex and counter simulation then it is not a wargame. I suppose I would say any game that has a “war” theme and some form of direct combat qualifies. Generally, I don’t consider TS a wargame.

[@SmokeRingHalo]

Just picked up the full Tide of Iron collection in great condition for a good price before the holidays. Surprised it didn't make your list. Going to have to check out Company of Heroes now. Already pledged for the next War Room run. Thanks for the list!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help. TOI is a great game, and I think you'll really like War Room. COH just kind of replaced TOI for me.

[@SmokeRingHalo]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I'm sure I'll enjoy War Room. I own almost every version of Axis and Allies and am ready for the next evolution.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@SmokeRingHalo You won't be disappointed.

[@CarlAlex2]

I am lucky in having found a group of friends to play wargames with when I was 15 and we have been playing about weekly for 40 years now - sadly the others are VERY conservative about what games they want to play (Advanced Third Reich(AH), Guns of August (AH), War Between the States (SPI) plus a few Beer and Pretzel games) but I am not complaining. My favourite WW2 games are Advanced Squad Leader (MMP former AH) and World in Flames (ADG).

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@ohalloranjames]

I love A3R and WIF. This is a great listing and its great to see the input on the conversation

[@theblytonian3906]

Original Squad Leader series inc Crescendo of Doom & Cross of Iron (before ASL) was fab. ASL also great, more complex and overwhelming when it first released if an attempt to standardise the fragmented rules of its predecessors, but became unwieldy as the series expanded. Have many of the ASL modules, but haven't played it for many years.

[@CarlAlex2]

@@theblytonian3906 Yes on a scale from 1 to 10 ASL has a complexity level of 11. But you can reduce the load by a lot just by restricting yourself to playing non-Mediterrainian ETO scenarios. Little need for PTO or Dessert rules then and those are IMHO a significant part of the complexity.

[@TheShadowAdmiral]

Great list! Thanks for the recommendations and thoughts! As a fellow WW2 game fan, I like to hear about new games which has come out.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you. Happy to help.

[@michaelwild888]

Thanks again. I also have a Kickstarter for War Room. I notice that you did not include Pacific Victory from Columbia. This is a faster game for two people. A mix of different elements, but really fun. Just a thought.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Pacific Victory is a great game, just didn't make the list. I actually prefer the Pacific scenario from War Room.

[@haroldanderson7327]

Me and my brother loved playing The Avlon Hill Games Tactics and Tactics Two, in fact we just about wore out the game board and it’s pieces. And the Avlon Hill solitaire game Ambush, in fact I played the game and all of its additions, Purple Heart, Move Out, Silver Star. I really enjoyed creating the Soldiers and naming them, when they were killed it was actually sad. In fact Of all the games I played growing up, I still have all of the game parts and original paperwork and lists of the soldiers who I created.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Very cool. Thanks!

[@KSweeney36]

How much would this change for solo? For solo if you do one, put effort/time ratting, please. Sometimes I want to solo, a sit a table long game but other times a unwind coffee table game. Could almost be two different lists.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

This might interest you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpTMm2uCm8ihZpY

[@natskivna]

Curious if you have reviewed any other old Avalon Hill games? A few that come to mind are Third Reich, War at Sea, Squad Leader (and it's follow ups), and my personal favorite...Victory in the Pacific? Great list here too! Makes me want to check out War Room. :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I don’t believe I’ve reviewed any others except Origins. Hope you get to check out War Room.

[@danielgolite]

Avalon Hill games were good. Pander Blitz, Pander Leader, War at Sea, original Squad Leader are all good.

[@concretmixer]

I remember playing Panzer Blitz, and Panzer General as a kid all the time.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I used to play the Panzer General PC game all the time in High School.

[@przemekbozek]

Really good list Cody, thanks for refreshing it

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you!

[@jonathonfreeman9233]

having visited it, I'm really curious about reading your Wendover Airfield article. Any place where I could?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It was published in the Fall 2021 edition of the Journal of America's Military Past.

[@chrisb2942]

Great video! Did I just miss Triumph & Tragedy or didn't it make your list?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It was on my previous list. Great game, but I never got it to the table.

[@KarimTheilgaard]

My current top WWII game that I actually have in my collection is Heroes of Stalingrad. But Memoir44, Tides of Iron and Pavlov’s House are also classics. The latter I often play digitally. I’d love to go in on the new CoH Ks but it’s just too massive for my available space.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Too bad. CoH is a great game.

[@KarimTheilgaard]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I forgot to mention: my most played WWII game is the latest edition of Maquis. A nice and quick little puzzle!

[@graygrumbler4253]

So have you tried any of these? Churchill, Target for Today, or Quartermaster General? All great WWII themed games.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Churchill was on my list last time. Great game, I just never got it the table. I haven't played the other two.

[@vh8542]

nice list! I was able to back War Room 2nd Edition. Big time A&A fan me and a friend have played countless hours on A&A global. Hoping to try this out with him. Wanted to back Company of Heroes so bad but didn't have the funds at the time. Hopefully I will be able to pick it up soon.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think you'll love War Room, and hope you'll be able to play Company of Heroes before too long.

[@WilliamFSteiner]

I agree, WarRoom is probably one of the best WWII Strategic level games. I especially like that everyone simultaneously writes down movement orders and bids for turn order with oil. It feels more realistic. Think of Texas Hold'em comes to Wargames, and you will have an idea what WarRoom is all about.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yeah - it’s got Diplomacy in its DNA, another great game.

[@javierulrich]

I'm surprised you didn't include Triumph & Tragedy or Churchill.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great games - I could just never get them to the table.

[@phasestar7787]

Thanks Cody, it's one of my favorite themes for games as well. I think you chose a great variety of games. I haven't played them all and some of those are definitely on my list to try now. I'm curious when it comes to 1944 Battle of the Bulge, could you elaborate in the future (or have you already in another video?) on what made that stand out against other operations hex and counter games?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It was just relatively straight forward and quick. You can check out my full review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXe3i41snc5qhZI

[@davidburton9690]

Axis and Allies forever. We played it as a family back in the day, so the nostalgia hits. I also like how the macro feels, you can feel the momentum build especially in the fight in Eastern Europe. It is simple enough to learn, but the planning and moves are set up like chess. I would love to pick up a copy of War Room and get a lot more game out of the game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

War Room really feels like an evolution of AA. A much better game all the way around.

[@MrMadmanUSA]

Pavlov’s house is my favorite WW2 game. It covers all the bases and it’s a solo game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game.

[@guillermoortiz149]

Hi! Great video. I love Tide of Iron too. I have Pavlov's House too, and I agree with you this is fantastic. Have you tried Heroes of Normandie? It's a tactical 'like miniatures' game based on WW2 movies. Lot of fun. I will take a look at CC Europe. Thanks for share!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks! I used to own HoN, but never got it to the table.

[@rodufolkart3667]

Cody, I stumbled across this video and you perked my interest to play the many Avalon Hill WWII games I’ve had since the 60’s and 70’s. I used to play as often as I could but finding folks to play became a challenge as life moved on. That said, are the Avalon Hill Games like Tobruk (one of my favorites), Battle of the Bulge and D-Day worth selling today? Thanks for you channel.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You'd probably have to check the secondary market for those games, as I am not familiar with them. Look on BGG and see what they're selling for. I'm sure there are people out there who'd love to buy such games if you can find them. Thanks.

[@craigclemens986]

Russian Campaign is still the best AH game

[@Amiga3000D]

This is my first time watching one of your videos. I did enjoy it but I was surprised to not see Advanced Squad Leader on your list. Have you played it and if so, did you like it. Why or why not?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

No. I have not played it. I know there is a lot of love out there for ASL, but it’s a bit too complicated for my taste. When it comes to war games, I generally prefer light to medium weight games. Thanks.

[@pattilloII]

Keep up the great work, Dr. Cody.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

[@rastamann2009]

Thanks for the video! I do like the visual aspect of both Company of Heroes and Tide of Iron, but I also am a miniatures games, so at a certain point, I end up preferring to play a miniatures wargame other than those two. It's one of those things that "you do you", I suppose. I've been meaning to try out a few hex and counter games, lately - I bought Lock'n'Load Tactical (Heroes in Defiance - France 1940 - which is a tactical level game) and I absolutely adore Lock'n'Load's Nations at War system, for grand tactical. I'm also really looking forward to trying an operational level game from Vuca Sims - Across the Bug River (Volodymyr-Volynskyi 1941) - it has beautiful counters and map and from everything I've been reading about it the rules manual should be the subject of study by wargames designers everywhere! Cheers and thanks, once again!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. Didn't quite grok your first para. TOI and COH are both miniatures wargames.

[@rastamann2009]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Ah, yes, I realize I wasn't very clear - I'm referring to tabletop wargames instead of board wargames :)

[@patriziopastore9895]

I feel like a newbie... I just back War Room second edition on KS, still of course didn't play it but very excited... I read that the 2nd Edition of the Company of Heroes Board Game is in development and will launch on Kickstarter Q2 2022... I miss the first edition but I will jump in the new one!!!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yeah, CoH is great. You will love both it and War Room.

[@derek_davidson]

Have you played Quartermaster General?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Nope. Haven't played that one yet.

[@carrickrichards2457]

I have 4 of these. There is an absolutely enormous catalog to choose from in this field: It might benefit from some breakdown, perhaps Strategy/ Abstract: Operational: Tactical: Economic/Political: Naval: Air categories? Thank you for your video

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed. Great suggestion. Thanks a ton.

[@malcolmsleight9334]

A very good solo game is Combat from Compass Games. It's infantry combat in WWII in the style of Ambush, but with a much improved AI system. There is a lot of variation/randomness as to how each scenario plays out. It is a very worthy successor to Ambush. Compass Games is about to release Combat 2 which adds more to the game as well as a campaign system.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Very cool. I hadn’t heard about that one.

[@malcolmsleight9334]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer There are play through videos here on KZbin.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

Excellent ideas, I will have to get back into games.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Hope you do!

[@pauls3585]

Thanks, Cody, this is a great list. I haven't played any of these games but I would like to play/buy Undaunted.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic game!

[@johnkeith2767]

Where can you purchase Company of Heroes at?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think they are preparing for another Kickstarter.

[@Noobnader]

Is there any reason that AH/MMP's ASL is not included? I see you covered both strategic and tactical games. ASL is by far the most complete, precise tactical game ever made.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Haven’t played it and unlikely to. A little more complex than I enjoy.

[@karlfromthewargame_bootcam7733]

I’m mainly a hex and counter gamer but I still like your opinions, do keep up the good work.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir!

[@douglaspearson4853]

I want to ask do you have The Marshal Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia Of WWII? It has great pictures large print in a 25 vol set. Anyway as I have no family. That could change but if I don't have anybody to leave it to if something should happen to me (I have a defect heart) would you be interested in it. I can;t think of any else who would get more use out of it, I am working on a will and I will leave them to you.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

That's very kind of you. Thanks.

[@brianmichels8941]

How do you obtain the War Room Board Game?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think they just recently had their second KS campaign. You can go to Nightingale Games’ website and email them for availability.

[@tccrownhart9642]

Could you do your favorite WWII miniature games?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I haven't played that many.

[@davidoduffy6168]

Really enjoyed the video, Cody. I do enjoy your other channel too. Am also a mil history nut.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic. Thanks!

[@timothysmith6211]

Is there any way to play war room solitaire. I am sure there are no actual rules but I can play most game solitaire as long as there isn't hidden movement.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Unfortunately, the secret bidding system for turn order is a big part of the game.

[@timothysmith6211]

I was afraid of that. Thanks for the video, always like watching them.

[@timothysmith6211]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I have found some solo rules on BGG where they seem to handle that. I dont own the game yet so obviously cannot speak to how good they are but thought I would mention it in case you wanted to take a look.

[@Norosyn_Industries]

Where can I buy war room? And where can I buy ororgins of war?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You can check Nightingale Games website for War Room. Not sure what other game you are referencing.

[@Norosyn_Industries]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer thanks for helping me, never mind the other game I found it! War room truly looks amazing.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@Norosyn_Industries Origins of World War II? It is out of print currently. Has been for a long time. I got my copy used. You'll have to hunt for that one. Best of luck.

[@Norosyn_Industries]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer thank you so much, I actually found loads of them on ebay shipping from the USA. Some go down to as low as 16 USD with 40 dollar shipping, but its really amazing how many there are that people are selling!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@Norosyn_Industries It is. It is a great game. Too many people invested in the cult of the new, I suppose.

[@tomsamo4211]

Another nice video, thank you. I'm now interested by War Room and Pavlov's House. One of my favorite WW2 game is "No Retreat - The Russian Front" by Carl Paradis (same designer as Absolute War 1941-45). It looks like hex ans counters but there's more than that. It's relatively easy to grasp, it's also card driven which adds to the fun and there's few units on each sides so it's not overwhelming. It's so subtle it feels like chess.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've heard good things about it. Paradis is a great designer.

[@tomsamo4211]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I'd advise you give it a try if you get the chance. I'm not a wargamer or especially fond of the WW2 theme but I'm a fan of this game :)

[@StevenAPowers]

Great to see COH so high on your list. It'd be #1 for me but my copy of War Room is still on its way.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You’re gonna love War Room!

[@varovaro1967]

Thank you. Memoir will always stay in my top ten for sentimental reasons. The same for Axis and Allies although i understand it has been superseded by War Room. I like Holdfast as well. The GMT family is always too complex for my brain…. Maybe i should try that Eastern Front of your list.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Absolute War is a fairly good introduction to Eastern Front games from GMT, but there is still a moderate level of complexity. Still, I think if you invest the time to learn it you will enjoy it.

[@denroy3]

I only write small things when I'm using my phone...the screen size is an issue....

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Very good.