Some of you out there may have noticed a lack of posts or project updates of late. This is definitely NOT intentional! I've accepted a new position at work that comes with much less "free" time than I used to have as my old job was shift work with alternating days of the week off, and this new job is strictly Monday through Friday.
While this is good for my family, it's not quite as good for my toy soldiers and miniatures!
As of late, this means less posts and less opportunity for hobby time but I'm working on that! I still have a heap of projects to get finished, and everyone who reads this blog knows that I'm not one to give up easily.
In fact there is a squadron of Union ACW Cavalry awaiting their final paint job this weekend, then it's on to Napoleonics and specifically the GORGEOUS Eureka 15mm Bavarians who arrived in the mail last week for a joint project with Ken.
Also - I'm looking for gaming options that take up less time than most, in addition to the Neil Thomas One Hour Wargames.
Hex Based games immediately come to mind and I'm thinking specifically of trying out Battle Cry and CCN on my table with my miniatures soon.
I'm also thinking of revisiting Squad Leader in Miniature soon and once I get my hex mat, trying it out on my tabletop.
Anyways, if you all have suggestions for some games that are light on time, feel free to comment on it below.
Thanks for your patience!
I received a message by courier... your toy soldiers miss you but they understand. Throw some extra fake mini-chow their way and all will be fine!
ReplyDeleteJohn,
DeleteThank you for relaying the message! :)
Good to see you back sir. Will be interesting to see Squad Leader in miniature. How about 'The Last Hundred Yards' as a playtest too :)
ReplyDeleteCheers, Darren
DeleteI am very anxious to play both TLHY and SLIM as they fill that void where a unit = a squad.
Stay tuned - progress is coming - promise!
Hi Steven,
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you are familiar with Ross MacFarlane's rules over on Battle Game of the Month, but in my experience they play well and quickly (unless you suffer from analysis paralysis like me).
Neil Thomas' other rules (Wargaming: an Introduction) seem better to me than OHW, but I haven't tried them yet so I can't comment on the time factor. They are still simple rules, though.
Of course there are scads of free rules sets on http://freewargamesrules.wikia.com/wiki/Freewargamesrules_Wiki, many of them designed for quick play, but you would need to verify that. I have tried some that are fine, somewhere around here, but I usually tinker with them. Personally when I see a 30+ page set of "quick play" rules, my BS detector starts to glow. Old age, I guess.
I can relate to your time situation; besides weekends I rarely get more than an hour every few days to work on my toys. Better than nothing though, and it is progress. Maybe once you get the hang of the new schedule you can find opportunities to sneak in some hobby time. Or sleep less. :\
Good luck with that, because I do enjoy your posts.
Regards,
John
Thank you, John. I follow battle game of the month on my reader and head over there from time to time. I will check that out.
DeleteI occasionally suffer from the illness you speak of :)
I have NT's Wargaming: And Introduction as well as his Napoleonic set and I like them all, very much. I've played quite a few Napoleonic battles and they play very well.
Also - those WW2 rules in the back of his book are a real gem. Good tactical flavor and all handled in a very elegant way.
I tried waking up at 4:00am to paint and that actually has been where most of my painting has gotten done - everyone in the house is still asleep! Maybe I could try a game at that time as well.
And not to worry - posts I'm not going anywhere - voluntarily at least! Thanks for commenting sir!
I just checked out your blog and am loving it! Where can I get a copy of Soldiers East? Your Eastern Front game looks like a ton of fun.
Umm, the Soldier's East rules were disappointing IMHO. They are still on mediafire here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/x72q3qtdnmqm11p/Soldiers_East.doc . I am re-writing them - again - like everyone else I guess.
DeleteMy blog has been dormant for over 5 years; long boring story. But I have been making new terrain for several months and will someday start prepping my armies for action with my new rules. Or that's the plan.
The WW2 rules in NT's Wargaming: an Introduction DO look like a lot of fun. I may try them first when the troops are ready.
Regards,
John
You wont be disappointed! I love the way HE fire is adjudicated. And infantry are absolutely deadly in the close fight.
DeleteChanges to life always creates less time for awhile. You just need to fit it in when your partners watching TV your less interested in etc.
ReplyDeleteC&C makes a great base for figure games. Try just using the combat system with your favourite rules
Ian
Ian, I couldn't agree more. I had recently participated in a CCN game with miniatures and the entire battle of Talavera was played in about 4 hours and that was also with conversation and snacking! Count me in!
DeleteMy dad prophecy comes true. I had a feeling that it would be water to your fire. Yes, pull out some hex and chit games as well as looming at a perhaps a new game or two. There are a good few options for games that are designed for solo play as well as those that rate "high" in suitability. Look on ebay as there are often good prices to be had if one is patient.
ReplyDeleteI'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet, good sir! I just have to be more creative about when, what, and how I'm going about things.
DeleteI'm looking back at my old board wargames with fondness and maybe hex boardgames adopted for tabletop play might me an expeditious answer. CCN and Battlecry are both very appealing to me lately, as is Squad Leader in Miniature and Panzerblitz/Leader. Stay tuned!
I know the pain all to well my friend - you may have noticed a similar lack of progress and post at my own blog.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand by Battlegroup Wacht Am Rhein was just delivered so maybe they will help me regain my mojo!
In the meantime might I suggest some of these gems:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/great-solo-wargames.html
Thanks Paul! Loving the solo wargames list! Probably going to be my new best friend!
DeleteSteven,
ReplyDeleteIf you are considering tactical WWII boardgames check out Academy Games' Conflict of Heroes series. IMO better than PzB/PzL, SL/ASL, Retro, Panzer Grenadier, ATS, or any other I have tried. Plus they have a new solo system expansion that is excellent, and a scenario generator too. And they are the most attractive games I have ever seen. The only thing missing is leaders, which they handle with abstract command points and also tactical cards.
https://academygames.com
The best designed-for-solo game I have tried is Raid on St. Nazaire, if you can get a copy.
Regards,
John
Thank you John, I'm headed over there now!
Delete