Wargamology - Start your wargaming collection (or addiction)

[@yorkoh5880]

I am enjoying your little comedic additions!

[@HomoLudens1871]

HAHA, that's good to know. I didn't want the content to be too serious.

[@brentg2947]

Picked up Conflict of Heroes : Guadalcanal based off of your video. LOVING it. Completely agree with the statement that CoH delivers a reasonably high value tactical experience, but with only a modest rule set. Thanks for the recommendation !!! -Side note : CoH 3rd Rule Book is very well done....color, examples, etc. As a newer wargamer, a digestible / aesthetically pleasing manual can help recruit more gamers into the hobby!

[@HomoLudens1871]

I am happy to read so many years later that people still find value in the video. And yes, CoH 3rd edition has an amazing ruleset.

[@NiceOneChameleon]

@@HomoLudens1871 I’ll most likely be ordering a copy today based on this description. I’ve been looking for a tactical war game, but balked at the rule sets and staccato play of systems like Combat Commander.

[@petercollins5861]

i think i get why you went with the Columbia ABC games (namely, there are several games on the system that reduce the need to learn a new game every time), but those would be the last block games I would recommend for introduction to block games. I would recommend Quebec 1759, War of 1812, Napoleon: the Waterloo Campaign, Rommel in the Desert -- these are the first four block games created (in that order) and are still all in stock at Columbia games. With these four titles, you get to see how block games evolved, the variety of historical periods and strategic/tactical situations that can be modelled and, with the slight exception of Rommel, all games that have brief rulebooks. After that, one could try out the ABC titles, or for another evolution try EastFront. just my opinion. great video.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Peter, I totally agree with you, and I would say that Quebec remains one of my favourite. I love the old-school flavour, the written orders and the overall style and innovative aspect of the game. I recommended the ABC system back then because I think my logic was "find games that introduces you to a wider system", and ABC sparked a lot of games, up to Triumph and Tragedy today. That being said, I love EastFront!

[@petercollins5861]

@@HomoLudens1871 you're right, the ABC system gives a lot of variety. the order of fire system in Triumph and Tragedy is rooted in Victory, i believe, where air units strike before ground units, mechanized before foot infantry, and then naval units in there somewhere. Pacific Victory was also set up this way in first edition, but I think they switched that one to ABC. Rommel is my favorite game of any genre and I still play my Avalon Hill edition of Napoleon whenever I can. Those are classics that simply can't be improved upon (am I controversial saying 2nd ed. Napoleon is better than 3rd or 4th editions?). from your statements, I take it that you are a big Craig Besinque fan? only played EastFront for the first time back in November with Roger Leroux, who I see contributed the Julius Caesar image to your video. Good luck! I'll definitely check out some more or your videos. Cheers!

[@HomoLudens1871]

@@petercollins5861 this one was an old video, I hope you will enjoy the newer stuff. I do like Craig's work, he came on the show for a teach and play of Conquest and Consequences.

[@petercollins5861]

@@HomoLudens1871 Subscribed.

[@gma5607]

What a lovely channel to discover you give great insight for someone like me who’s been interested in wargames for a long time but haven’t gotten much experience actually playing. The first wargames that I bought with my own money were actually Strategy and Tactics magazine back issues out a old game shop in Glasgow. Often they were older than me but I simply adore them, there’s something charming about those doddering old systems that are just a bit too indulgent in minutia.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Happy that you liked it, because this series is literally made for people like you! If you like wargame magazines, take a look at Battles Magazine, great content and great wargames.

[@csudab]

Also massive thank you for ending the video on a written summary! Genius

[@HomoLudens1871]

No worries!

[@rykard72]

Being new to wargaming, it was really interesting and helpful seeing all the varied styles of gameplay.

[@talonkellen3043]

I know it's quite randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to watch newly released movies online?

[@dakaricolin3064]

@Talon Kellen i watch on FlixZone. You can find it on google =)

[@kornelije.h]

Fabulous choices. Of course I disagree with some, but I can see your reasoning. :) My 5 are: 1. Napoleon 1807 2. Hammer of the Scots 3. Verdun, Steel Inferno 4. Sekigahara 5. 878 Vikings

[@HomoLudens1871]

Good stuff! Solid selection, makes me think that I should do a video specifically about what games to pick up to start wargaming.

[@malachor5ve]

@@HomoLudens1871 That's a great idea I'd watch a video on what beginner wargames to start off with

[@rgg1965]

I know I'm a bit late - but great job guys! I thoroughly enjoy your channel having just discovered it. Light humour, a light touch and very informative. You can really offer the gaming community some interesting insights and a design discussion with Brian on his Thirty years War game woudl be very interesting. Keep up the great work...

[@HomoLudens1871]

Thanks a lot for the feedback! Happy that you enjoyed the video. After the interview with Vesa Arponen I'm considering doing more videos about design. Brian has some upcoming games that I would like to talk about on the channel, so we'll certainly see more of him.

[@General_153]

Would love a revised video of the top 5 beginner wargames! and maybe a video teaching us how to use the vassal engine...?

[@HomoLudens1871]

We've been talking about it for a while! Brian will visit in the coming months, we will probably record it then.

[@decb7959]

Great work guys, fun discussion, keep them coming..

[@HomoLudens1871]

Will do! Any idea for a future topic?

[@svenfolkesson7571]

Lovely video. Our tastes differ, naturally, but I totally agree on a few of your picks. PoG is great (although EotS is by far the best CDG! ;)) as is the Storm over X series. I'm more into the complex side of wargaming though I also play lighter fares with family and non-wargaming friends. Anyway, great to have a European YT channel for wargaming - keep up the awesome work!

[@svenfolkesson7571]

Oh, and Liberty Roads is one of my favorite games!

[@HomoLudens1871]

Thanks Sven! Empire of the Sun might have been too much complexity for a new wargame collection, PoG is still manageable, EotS is BRUTAL.

[@VonChoker]

fantastic video with a great topic. Also agree with you about loving the Hamtag series so It is awesome to find another channel that is doing something in a similar style. I look forward to seeing future videos

[@HomoLudens1871]

Hi Von, thanks for the feedback! As this one got a good reception, we're actually preparing a new one to release before Christmas. I hope that you'll like it!

[@michelecarbone2896]

Late to the party. My top 5 is Sekigahara, C&C Ancients, Hammer of The Scots, Maria, Successors. Sekigahara, in particular, manages to juggle politics, risk, fog of war and escalation of conflict with a brilliant hand management system. Hammer of the Scots I think because of its great narrative compared to other block games. Maria because it's simple and tremendously exciting. Successors because it's simply put the best multiplayer wargame ever made!

[@HomoLudens1871]

I love Sekigahara and I need to make content about it on the channel some day. Not entirely sure that I agree with Successors, even though I think it is a great game.

[@michelecarbone2896]

@@HomoLudens1871 what makes Successors so special to me is the many ways in which the players can pursue different victory conditions based on the board state. I have not seen many games do that or at least not at this level of complexity. Plus 4th edition is absolutely gorgeous! I must admit that the most recent incarnation of the system, Rome vs Gaul, is one of the most fun 2p experiences I had in recent times too.

[@HomoLudens1871]

The last edition is magnificent indeed! I only played it once, I would really like to do a full campaign at some point.

[@csudab]

Weird comment but guy on the left makes me nostalgic for when my hair still looked like that 😂

[@HomoLudens1871]

Totally normal comment. The guy on the left is really handsome.

[@General_153]

@@HomoLudens1871 😂

[@colebiere4978]

Excellent work fellows! Thank you.

[@arunasrudis6791]

Good video, please do the video about Fast Action Battles (FAB) series. The comparison video of all 3 games could be interesting and hopefully help FAB Crusader P500 campaign. The GMT, in the last update, threatened to remove it from P500 do to interest is not high enough, this is a sad perspective....

[@HomoLudens1871]

Hi Arunas, thanks for the feedback. I had no idea that Crusader was at risk, I actually pre-ordered it and would very much like to see it released. It looked like it worked well (405 orders to date), but maybe not gathering support fast enough. I'll think about what I could do to support.

[@jakobspankin]

True first wargame is coroner cutter 3R and and counter tweezers. It must be first items in beginners collection.

[@HomoLudens1871]

I'm with you on this one, tweezers is definitely the FIRST item you need to buy!

[@mcguirecrsr]

@@HomoLudens1871 Tweezers? I thought you picked up counters by licking your finger and tapping the counter to get some suction?

[@HomoLudens1871]

@@mcguirecrsr I usually pick a booger. More durable and tasty.

[@KabukiKid]

I miss the proper HAMTAG videos, as well! ^_^ Great list, guys... really enjoyed watching this.

[@HomoLudens1871]

You know what, I was thinking about doing a mini series of live “euro hamtag” shows.

[@KabukiKid]

@@HomoLudens1871 I hope you do it! :-D I'll surely watch.

[@KokoLeMakak]

Very good job. Nice video. I'd love to see more !

[@HomoLudens1871]

Thanks! We're working on it...

[@demoorck]

Great video and I really liked that you and Brian had a different approach but ended with a lot of the same games. Great editing btw. Keep it up!

[@HomoLudens1871]

Thanks Niels! I think that whatever the approach, the fact that I mostly play with Brian has a huge impact on my choices.

[@Haytidaho]

Why is Umberto Tozzi on the cover of Crusader Rex remains a mystery though 😂 You should redo that list. To me Path of Glory is certainly still a very solid choice 😊.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Brian and I have been talking about it, 4 years later our choices would be quite different.

[@esbenarildrasmussen5973]

I just watched this again and it is still a great list for us newcomers. I will try and get my hands on Crusader Rex to try out the block games. It is too bad Academy Games haven't published any of Brian's games yet. Are there any chance you'll cover Brian's Baltic Empires in the near future? My favorite videos of yours are the interviews you do with designers covering their upcoming game, where you delve into both mechanics and history behind the game :)

[@HomoLudens1871]

Hej Esben, thanks for the kind words. When Whales Fight should be released "soon", but it has been the case for the last 3 years, so not sure what soon means for Academy 🤣 I'm working on getting Brian back in front of the camera, but as I don't live in Denmark anymore, it is harder to create an environment as comfortable. But I'm getting there and you should expect content about Baltic Empires next year.

[@esbenarildrasmussen5973]

@@HomoLudens1871 I guess not everyone likes the spotlight of the camera, but will look forward to seeing some coverage of Baltic Empires. And hopefully Academy Games are done publishing space games so they can get back to historical war games again. BTW great playthrough of the British Way today, it looks really interesting.

[@NiceOneChameleon]

What do you think of Burning Banners as an introductory war game, Fred? It looks quite fun, and not too heavy, with an accessible theme.

[@HomoLudens1871]

No idea, haven't played it. I should probably revisit this list and release a new video.

[@mcguirecrsr]

Is that *Zones of Control* in the background? If so, how is it standing up like that? (I would have thought it would have crushed the shelf.) (Seriously, it's a good book. Or a doorstop. Possibly a boat anchor. Two thumbs up!)

[@HomoLudens1871]

My shelf barely stands under the weight of its awesomeness.

[@kirkshelley4268]

As remarkable as it sounds, I have two copies of Zone of Control on my book shelf. I bought a copy for myself and then got a copy as an X-mas present! I decided I like having two copies.

[@lukebillingsley5770]

Great video! I also loved the comedic editing style. One note: the embedded links at the end of the video cover up the Top 5 lists for Fred and Bryan. Maybe move the links or the text higher up.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Luke Billingsley Hej, thanks for your comment Luke. I’ll try to change the end cards when I’m back home.

[@soerena88]

You had Brian on the show - so cool 😍

[@HomoLudens1871]

Hej Søren, yeah it was easier back then, we were neighbours. Now to have him on again I have to wait for my next trip to Denmark.

[@soerena88]

Wait, you used to live in Denmark?

[@HomoLudens1871]

Yes, for three years. I come back regularly as I have some family, and my job's HQ there.

[@soerena88]

@@HomoLudens1871 Who would have thought. If you're in the mood, please do ping me the next time you're here. Would love to buy you a beer and perhaps have a game or two.

[@HomoLudens1871]

@@soerena88 I hat city do you live in?

[@yorkoh5880]

I was on the fence between Conflict of Heroes and Band of Brothers, and went with BoB as it seemed to be a streamlined game with more focus on the actual infantry tactics of the four Fs. I will keep an eye out for the updated CoH though! I unfortunately haven't been able to break BoB out outside of some solo scenarios (which aren't as fun...)

[@NapoleonsTriumph]

Thank you, great video.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Glad you liked it!

[@Toranaboy634]

Thanks for this interesting list

[@HomoLudens1871]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@klapaucius7339]

This was very informative. Question: what made you choose Crusader Rex over Sekigahara?--a game you have mentioned in other videos and that I have read is also a good introduction. Is it due to Crusader Rex being part of a series?

[@HomoLudens1871]

Great question! First of all this video is old, and I probably should revisit it at some point. I think that my motivation for picking Crusader Rex then was because it introduced players to the whole Columbia system. That being said, I would pick Julius Caesar instead today. Sekigahara is still the better game for me, but not as good a point of entry in my opinion because of its uniqueness.

[@klapaucius7339]

@@HomoLudens1871 I've just ordered both of them.

[@arekkrolak6320]

If you are coming from roll and move games like Monopoly then various Risk clones are fine, now if you come from serious boardgames, proposing combat system based on dice is a bit obsolete concept. Sure, there are great games adapting dice but they will rarely appeal to euro style gamers. Better start from combat systems that are based on cards like Sekigahara, Clockwork Wars, Quest for Middle-Earth, Tsukuyumi, Fort Sumter.

[@HomoLudens1871]

I don't really see any mechanical connections between Monopoly or Risk aside from them sharing dice as a component. That being said, some of your suggestions as intro wargames are really good, especially Sekigahara & Fort Sumter that introduces player to some core wargame mechanics that they'll encounter in other wargames.

[@captainnolan5062]

I might include one of the Undaunted series; perhaps Undaunted Normandy.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Good suggestion, but a sharp eye might notice that considering when the video was published, it is very probable that Undaunted wasn't even released yet 😉

[@captainnolan5062]

@@HomoLudens1871 A shaper eye might have noticed that Undaunted Normandy was released in August of 2019. That is 3 years and 9 months ago. Your video was posted three years ago. It is probable that Undaunted Normandy had been released, but perhaps had not come to your attention yet. :)

[@HomoLudens1871]

Those eyes are not sharp enough. Check the date of when the video was published 😉

[@jamiebroughman5626]

lots of good info i own a few of them theme can go a long ways do you all like ost as well

[@HomoLudens1871]

What's OST?

[@jamiebroughman5626]

@@HomoLudens1871 old school tactical and i was asking because thats what i ended up getting instead of coh but may give that one a try when new version comes out you were talking about cheers all the best

[@azaki44]

Excellent video as always ! Is there some more info on « When whales fight » ? I can’t find info on it except a very small reddit thread, and not even a page on bgg.

[@HomoLudens1871]

And the reddit thread is probably mine. Academy hasn't communicated at all on this for now, but a bgg page should be opening at some point. As soon as there is a release date I'll start talking about the game again.

[@maximonteur]

Great video ! I wonder if some prehistorical wargames exist on the market ?

[@pm71241]

BGG says: boardgamegeek.com/geeksearch.php?action=search&advsearch=1&objecttype=boardgame&propertyids[]=1036&propertyids[]=1019&B1=Submit

[@MrFrostyankles]

I am curious if this list has changed since this was filmed nearly 4 years ago?

[@HomoLudens1871]

It has, probably a lot.

[@sebastianacevedo9424]

Great video! Would you say that Combat Commander series is more complicated than Conflict of Heroes?

[@HomoLudens1871]

Well it depends, probably a bit yes, but it’s a good investment as there are so many expansions for Combat Commander. Also Great War Commander is almost 100% the same system so that makes it even more interesting.

[@sebastianacevedo9424]

@@HomoLudens1871 Thanks for the quick answer. Would you think Unconditional Surrender is too far from Liberty Roads?

[@HomoLudens1871]

I never played Unconditional Surrender so would be hard for me to compare them. Really want to try it though.

[@duartemarco]

Do you reccomend any napoleonic wargames?

[@HomoLudens1871]

I should probably a "top 5 games to get into napoleonics" at some point.

[@duartemarco]

@@HomoLudens1871 would love it!

[@Javaslinger7730]

Drop Conflict of Heroes for Last Hundred Yards... Also add ASL Starter Kit#1

[@vimlasharma3455]

「内容を明確にする必要があります」、

[@robs5688]

What nationality is Brian? I'm curious about his accent. It sounds German, but the last name isn't.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Brian is Danish.

[@temirlannurlanbekuluu610]

the video image is too poor, you need to fix it more

[@HomoLudens1871]

Sorry about that, do you want to buy me some video equipment? Happy so send you my paypal email ☺️