Into The Gamescape

Into the Gamescape - Show 49

Mike — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:43:24 +0000

Ok, the first show of 2010 - and it’s average at best!

We give you a run through of the games we got and played at Christmas, natter a bit about Tobago and Metropolys and then give it some super-waffle about games in general!

We are introducing a new idea - borrowed heavily from the Chris Evans Breakfast Show - the SuperBlooper! If we get something wrong, and lets face it we all do from time to time, then email the podcast at comments@thegamescape.co.uk and we will read it out the SuperBloopers on the next show and you get a mention! We are only talking about things we dont notice, and not stuff we correct.

Into the Gamescape - Show 48

Mike — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:29:23 +0000

…the one where Paul whispers.

We had a small amount of technical tomfoolery this time, it involves someone (no name, no pack drill heh Pauly?) forgetting to turn their mic on, so the rest of the show is heavily processed - so apologies for any oddities in the sound quality!

We chat a bit about this and that, and wander on and off terget a bit in a Donnie Darko tangental manner - nothing really new I guess. We have a review of Automobile, well, we call it a review, but thats for you to judge.

Into the Gamescpae - Show 47

Mike — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:24:29 +0000

Dum dum, da da, dadum dadum dadum dadum, dum dum, da da, dadum dadum dadum dadum, “geeetar!!” nah nah naaah nanana……

Here is it folks, show 47 of the Gamescape, we finish the Decathlon (at last heh!), and then natter about gaming goodness.

Go on, download it, you know you want to!

Into the Gamescape - Show 46

Mike — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:56:10 +0000

And, we’re back!

Feels like a long time we have been away for, but absence makes the heart grow fonder!

This time, we catch up with what we have been doing for the last couple of month, and then genrally waffle on a bit - ho hum, nothing changes…..

Into the Gamescape - show 45

Mike — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:44:57 +0000

Ooooh, it’s another long one, just in time for you to listen to on the journey to the UK Games Expo!

This time we cover the Decathlon, Confucius, Zeus on the Loose, and a plethora of waffly stuff, hope you enjoy it!

Into the Gamescape - show 44

Mike — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:27:35 +0000

Crikey!

It’s show 44 of Into the Gamescape, where let’s face it, we are gonna blather on a bit about games. So, what’s on the menu? Well, some D&D 4th, some Cuba, a bit of subbuteo Angling (Oh joy!), some Dominion and a bit of whitter to boot.

Have fun!

Into the Gamescape - Show 43

Mike — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:19:17 +0000

Blah blah podcast, blah blah guild feedback, blah blah Monsterpocalypse, blah, gamesday, blah blah decathlon, where we play Brass.
You know the drill, download, listen, giggle, forget!

Into the Gamescape - Show 42

Mike — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:31:05 +0000

Howdo chaps, it’s time for show 42 of Into the Gamescape. This time we play the decathlon, chat about D&D 4th Edition, and have a round up of all the games we have been playing!

Into the Gamescape - Show 41

Mike — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:49:18 +0000

Hello folks, here’s show 41 for you, and it’s rather a whopper!

We dip into the Randomiser to bring you a plethora of ramble and dither, including Battlestar Galactica (well, it would be rude not to!), Tier auf Tier, the decathlon, and loads of our usual style of British Waffle.

Have fun!

Into the Gamescape Show 40

Mike — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:43:19 +0000

Well it’s the B-I-G-4-0 for us here at Gamescape Towers, so how do we celebrate it? Well, mostly by waffling on about some games! There’s a whole bunch of stuff for your delight and delectation, what we are hoping to get for Christmas, the Decathlon, the grogscape etc! Will the wonder never cease? Well, yeah, about a minute of so after you start listening

Have fun, and have a great Christmas, from the Gamescape boys.

Warhammer Online - the Podcast

Mike — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:05:16 +0000

Mike and Si sit down to discuss their latest venture, Warhammer Online, and for that they need an expert. So introducing Chris, the MMORPGer that we drag along for a chat.

We discuss the game from a newbie’s position, what it offers and in some cases how it relates to gaming. Have a listen, we hope you will like it and give WAR a go yourselves.

There are a couple of places where we discuss events, so they may be considered spoilers, but we certainly don’t give away any secrets. We recorded this a few weeks ago, so some of the events may well have changed since then!

Into the Gamescape Show 39

Mike — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:34:49 +0000

Howdy folks, it’s Show 39!

This week we kick back and have a more relaxed time, nattering over a few games, and generally having a frolic. We have a review of an older classic (no, not Paul!), a first impression of Through the Ages and some “stuff”.

And, Happy Birthday Paul!!

Into the Gamescape Show 38

Mike — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:19:21 +0000

Happy days are here again!

Show 38 of Into the Gamescape - this time we talk about Mike’s obsession with WoW TCG (ooooh TLAs!), Pickomino, Settlers of Catan (whoohoo!) and some general blather about all things gaming!

Into the Gamescape - Show 37

Mike — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:18:50 +0000

Tune in for your latest dose of inane waffle and random drivel, mercifully it’s mostly about games! This time we cover D&D 4th Edition, our trip to Gencon UK and a review of Ice Flow.

Into the Gamescape - Show 36

Mike — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:29:09 +0000

They say that the best things come to those that wait, however, in this case Show 36 comes instead!

In this show we discuss…
New Format

Gamescape Randomizer

Set
Hanging Gardens
King of Siam
Agricola
Age of Steam

Guild Maintenance

Decathalon

Kids Game

Make and Break

Into the Gamescape - 35 Scott Alden on the Sofa

Mike — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:26:43 +0000

Howdy folks, it’s time for Into the Gamescape show 35!

Coming up in the show, Mike and Si go to the UK Games Expo and play Tinners’ Trail and Monastery. We have a new player in Master Gamer, when a nice young chap called Scott Alden drops by for a chat on the giant Gamescape Sofa.
We have a review of a kid’s game, Kai Pirahna, and a whole host of waffle and banter. Plus another of Adam’s famous quizes!

Into the Gamescape Show 35

2:15 Uk Games Expo
7:48 Symbotica
12:46 Tinners Tale
33:38 Monastery

46:45 Master Gamer - scene setting

48:06 Interview with Scot Alden

1:05:54 Alea Quiz by Adam Smiles

1:17:58 Decathlon

1:20:51 Kia Piranha

1:27:50 Gamescape Guild

1:31:14 Master Gamer

Into the Gamescape - Show 34

Mike — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:38:53 +0000

Loads of Gaming Goodness here for you this week, so pull up a chair, set the volume to 11 and relax, while we bring you show 34 of Into the Gamescape

Into the Gamescape Show 34

1:37 Master Gamer (Scene setting)
2:40 Container
11:40 Uptown
18:41 Games Expo
20:04 Railroad Tycoon

Guild
22:40 Command & Colours Ancients Tournament
22:52 SBWATHLON

28:08 Quiz Update

31:45 Decathlon

Review
35:30 Ticket to Ride, the Card Game

Grogscape
56:06 Federation Commander

Review
1:15:56 Rat-atat-cat

1:25:48 Master Gamer

Into the Gamescape - Show 33

Mike — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:33:45 +0000

Show 33 of Into the Gamescape is now ready for you! In this show we discuss (often at length!!)…

Master Gamer (intro)
Road Trip
Masons

Bausack
Jungle Treasure
Volle Walle
Legretto

Guild News

Grogscape
Paths of Glory
ASL Starter Kit 1
Manoeuvre

Quiz - by Adam Smiles

Master Gamer

Into the Gamescape - Show 32

Mike — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:03:19 +0000

We’re back! Older, wiser and more wittery - not sure who is who, but I’m fairly sure Paul is “older”!!

What’s on the show this time then? Well, the time track will tell all!

5:15 Lost Valley
19:50 Lord of the Rings
20:35 Pandemic
25:30 Crokinole
26:53 Midgard
34:15 Quiz
48:50 Guild News
49:24 T&E Tournament

Grogscape
51:56 What Grogscape Games should we play?
55:22 Grogscape tournament

59:36 Glory to Rome
1:19:04 Master Gamer

Into the Gamescape - Show 31

Mike — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:05:58 +0000

Finally! We managed to get sorted and record show 31, and we got some fun stuff for you!

1:00 Tigris & Euphrates
4:50 Guild happenings
6:00 Amyitis
15:40 Thebes
24:10 Gary Gygax
34:38 Medici
43:44 Boomtown

Grogscape
48:12 Commands & Colors: Ancients
56:43 A Victory Lost
57:32 Paths of Glory
58:33 Choose a wargame

1:00:12 SPWATHlon
1:03:57 Race for the Galaxy
1:19:01 Master Gamer

Into the Gamescape - Show 30

Mike — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:19:18 +0000

Sorry for the delay folks, but fear not, it’s here now! As usual there’s a whole host of rambling, Paul has put together a little track listing for you…

Round Up
	King of Siam	4:25
	Take Stock	7:32
	Legretto	8:06
	Tigris & Euphrates	9:31
	Gordon’s Travels	13:13
	SPWAthlon	15:22
Rumble on the Roundel
	Antike	18:25
Grogscape
	Hannibal	29:44
	Hannibal (feed forward)	1:16:20
	CC Europe (scenario 10)	44:22
	CC Ancients	47:18
	A Victory Lost	49:33
Brass		51:40
Master Gamer		1:21:18

Into the Gamescape - Show 29

Mike — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:23:06 +0000

Hello ‘Scapers, welcome to the first show of 2008!

So, what’s in store for you this time then? Well, that clever chap Paul has put together a time listing so you know exactly what’s coming!

1:20	Games Day
28:12	Christmas Games
36:15	Top 10
43:54	Rumble on the Rondel
1:03:31	Key Harvest Review
1:21:30	Guild News

As ever, if you want to feedback we’d love to hear from you, either via email to comments@thegamescape.co.uk or why not join our guild on BGG?

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/371

Into the Gamescape - Show 28

Mike — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:39:27 +0000

The end of 2007 is upon us, so join us as we review the highlights of the year in the Gamescape. Find out what have been the winners in the following categories….

Gamers’ game of the year

Social game of the year - these are games that are a bit lighter in gameplay

Two-player game of the year

Wargame of the year

Filler of the year

Gamescape moment of the year
Have we got it right? Or what do you think we should have gone for instead?

Into the Gamescape - Show 27

Mike — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:35:25 +0000

It’s taken months of research, the combined intellect of the finest scientific minds known to Man, and a steadfast belief in “going the extra mile”, but finally, the boys have discovered how to get the “waffle-o-meter” all the way up to 11.

Oh yes, your hosts blather, waffle and yabber about Age of Empires III, Agricola, Race for the Galaxy, Neuroshima Hex, and A Victory Lost.

Into the Gamescape - Show 26

Mike — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:01:36 +0000

Back, despite popular demand - it’s show 26 of Into the Gamescape!

In this show, we tend to ramble a bit about the games we have played recently…

Roads & Boats
Cutthroat Caverns
Dvonn
Clans
Ys
Space Dealer
1960: Making of the President

As well as finishing off the decathlan and a raft of other gaming goodies!

Into the Gamescape - Essen Special

Mike — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 17:24:55 +0000

Hello Folks, we promised you an Essen special and here it is!

Those good people up at Surprised Stare Games went to Essen, and Si and Mike went to meet up with them for a chat about the “Big Weekend”.

Tune in to find out, what happened, what was hot, and how the weekend went.

Into the Gamescape - Show 25

Mike — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:41:29 +0000

Well it’s a long one this time!

We have a couple of reviews for you, the Jambo Expansion and Ticket to Ride:Switzerland. We have a fairly full and frank chat about ASL Starter Kit 1 and Combat Commander:Europe in the Grogscape. The usual banter and chitchat, and the Gamescape Decathlon, and finally another Sink or Save, this time Citadels, Take Stock and San Juan face the plunge into the depths!

As ever, loads of feedback is appreciated!

Into the Gamescape - Show 24

Mike — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:45:53 +0000

Yep, it’s that time again, the nights are drawing in, the fires are being lit in the grate, so pull your chair closer and listen to show 24 of “Into the Gamescape”.

This week, we have a review of Space Junkyard, a session report of Notre Dame, Mike and Si visit the Grogscape, we have another Sink or Save, and generally much drivelous blather to be had by all.

Results of the 7th round of the Decathlon.

Paul — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 14:11:10 +0000

The results of the Into the Gamescape decathlon after 7 rounds are as follows.

Event	Mike	Si	Paul
Canal Mania	2	4
Power Grid		4	2
Through the Desert	4	2
Pitch Car	2		4
Perikles	2	4
Ticket to Ride Europe	2	4
El Grande	2	4
	14	22	6

The 8th event is Hansa.

With a maximum of 12 points available from the final three games only Mike and Si can now win. But it is not a foregone conclusion that Si has won. Similarly Paul could still come second with an inspired final three games.

Listen to next episode of Into the Gamescape for the results of the 8th round. You will also be given the opportunity to vote to choose the 10th and final game. So keep an eye out for Episode 24.

Into the Gamescape - Show 23

Mike — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:11:32 +0000

Hello and welcome to show 23 of Into the Gamescape. We have a fun filled and action packed show for you this week. We pay a visit to the Grogscape, review Il Principe and Medici vs Strozzi and we have the return of an old favourite Sink or Save - thanks go to David Franklin for reminding us to pick this up again! Add this to the pile of banter, witter and general mayhem, and you have episode 23!
If you want to join our guild we’s be happy to see you, think of it as the idyllic little pub in the heart of the the village, log fire flicking and spitting in the corner, a couple of Golden Retrievers sprawled out in front of it. The kind of place that you have your own seat, the landlord knows your name, and always welcomes you with a pint of Spitfire.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/371

Into the Gamescape - Show 22

Mike — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 19:04:29 +0000

Well, what a feast we have instore for you this time!

First off, “Five went off to The Cast are Dice” - it sounds like the next Famous Five story but trust us, this was even more fun! Thats right, The Gamescape had a trip up to Stoke on Trent to attend the excellent TCAD convention, so expect lots of session reports!

Follow that up with an interview with the ever-so-slightly-mad(*) Hamster of Fury, Mr Luke Morris and you have a recipe for a fun filled 75 minutes so why not have a listen!?

Don’t forget to join up to the “Into the Gamescape” guild on Board Game Geek!

* - But thoroughly all-round decent chap!

BGG Gamescape Guild

Mike — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:04:13 +0000

Many thanks to Virre, in a demonstration of listener loyalty we now have a Guild on BGG.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/371

Come along and join us, think of it as a virtual Gamescape Sofa, where you chill out, relax with friends, and listen to laid back music (as long as you have a very strong imagination). Plus, you all get a voice, why not let us know what you want to hear on the podcast!?

The Decathlon results after round 6

Paul — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 14:28:01 +0000

The results of the Into the Gamescape decathlon after 6 rounds are as follows.

Event	Mike	Si	Paul
Canal Mania	2	4
Power Grid		4	2
Through the Desert	4	2
Pitch Car	2		4
Perikles	2	4
Ticket to Ride Europe	2	4
	12	18	6

The next and 7th event is El Grande. ~~Listen to the Into the Gamescape show 22 for the results.~~ Apologies, but I might not have been telling the entire truth here. We now have Show 22 in the can. But …… We did not get time to play El Grande due to the summer holidays. However we will give a commitment to have played the game before Show 23.

Into the Gamescape - Show 21

Mike — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 21:04:32 +0000

It’s Show 21 of Into The Gamescape, recorded on 29 July.

This show has the usual discussion, banter and opinions on the games we’ve been playing recently including Kingdoms, Iliad and Vinci. Plus Si still can’t make his mind up about Tide of Iron and Paul gets the giggles (and sets the rest us off!) over Elfenland!

And of course it’s game 6 of the Gamescape Decathlon, Ticket to Ride: Europe.

We’ve also got new music, so kudos and thanks to Bruiser for the tunes!

Hope you enjoy it!

Into the Gamescape - Show 20

Mike — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 20:54:27 +0000

It’s that time again, the three brits who like to blather about Board Games are back!

This time we review Pyramid of the Jaguar, look at out collection of 2 player Kosmos games, give a short review of (hey) Cartagena, visit the Grogscape, and have event 5 of the Gamescape Decathlon!

Session report: Twilight Struggle - part 2

Si — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:19:23 +0000

Here’s part two of our Twilight Struggle session report – as a reminder, I’m playing the USSR and Mike’s the USA and I was 8 VPs to the good at the end of Turn 1. So what happened next?

Turn 2 – Headline Phase

USSR headline: Fidel
USA headline: CIA Created

I had a terrible hand for Turn 2 and to make it even worse, Mike played ‘CIA Created’ which meant I had to play with my cards face up (I flipped them all in my hand on VASSAL)! Taking control of Cuba wasn’t likely to do me much good in the short term but I played ‘Fidel’ because it was the only USSR card I had in my hand!

Turn 2 – Phase 1

USSR plays ‘European Scoring’

My position in Europe was strong and was only going to get worse throughout this turn thanks to the cards I’d drawn. Also Mike would be able to see the scoring card and play accordingly so I made the most of playing first. With Domination and two more Battleground Countries than Mike ‘European Scoring’ netted me 9VPs making the game score a very healthy +17VPs for me.

USA plays ‘De-Stalinization’ for 3 Coup D’Etat points

Mike made a successful Coup attempt in Egypt costing me all my Influence, gaining him 3 Military Ops points and degrading Defcon to 4.

This was also a USSR Event, which allowed me to relocate 4 Influence points. My Cuban Influence proved useful after all as I moved it to:

Egypt 1
Saudi Arabia 2

Score: USSR +17

Turn 2 – Phase 2

USSR plays ‘East European Unrest’ for 3 Ops points

I needed 3VPs to take the win and considered playing ‘Indo-Pakistani War’ to try for 2VPs. A success would leave me 1VP away – which I could get with a successful Space Race attempt. But knowing my luck with dice I chickened out and decided to play the longer-term strategy of improving my board position.

So in reaction to Mike’s attack on Egypt I continued to strengthen my position in the Middle East by playing the Ops points in:

Saudi Arabia 1 (for control)
Egypt 1 (for control)
Libya 1

Mike then used this US Event to remove my Influence by 1 in:

East Germany (costing me control)
Poland (costing me control)
Yugoslavia (costing me control)

See what I meant about my European position getting worse?!

USA plays ‘Containment’ for 3 Ops points

The battle for the Middle East continued, though I couldn’t tell you why as the scoring card had been played in Turn 1! I think we’d forgotten it had already gone! Mike played his Influence in:

Israel 3 (for control)

Score: Still USSR +17

Turn 2 – Phase 3

USSR plays ‘Formosan Resolution’ for 2 Realigment points

More Middle East action! I tried a Realignment in Israel with an overall +1 bonus to me. The dice rolls cost Mike 1 Influence in Israel. I then attempted a Realignment in Iran, again with a overall +1 to me. This time the dice rolls cost Mike 2 Influence in Iran. While I would have hoped for more, I couldn’t complain – both Realignments were successful and Mike lost control of 2 Battleground Countries in the Middle East.

The Event meant that Taiwan became a Battleground country for the US for scoring purposes.

USA plays ‘Duck and Cover’ for 3 Ops points

It was Middle East again as Mike played his Influence in:

Israel 1 (for control)
Iran 2 (for control)

Score: Still USSR +17

Turn 2 – Phase 4

USSR plays ‘Indo-Pakistani War’ for 2 Coup D’Etat points

Trying to undo Mike’s work of the last phase I attempted a Coup in Iran. The Coup was successful but only cost Mike 1 Influence – this did however mean Mike lost control of Iran. I gained 2 Military Ops points and the Defcon degraded to 3.

USA plays ‘Defectors’ for 2 Coup D’Etat points

Mike followed my Coup attempt with one of his own – in Egypt again. His attempt was successful and cost me both of my Influence in Egypt (again!). Mike gained 2 Military Ops points and the Defcon degraded to 2. So no more Coup attempts this turn!

Score: Still USSR +17

Turn 2 – Phase 5

USSR plays ‘Marshall Plan’ for 4 Ops points

With only US Event cards left in my hand things were going to get tricky from here on in! I played my Ops points first into:

Libya 1 (for control)
Egypt 2 (for control)
Lebanon 1 (for control)

Mike used the Event to add Influence in:

West Germany 1 (for control)
France 1 (for control)
Italy 1 (for control)
Greece 1
Benelux 1
Denmark 1
Turkey 1

I was now really hoping that Mike didn’t draw ‘European Scoring’ after the reshuffle for Turn 3!

USA plays ‘De Gaulle Leads France’ to the Space Race

Mike made his roll and advanced in the Space Race – he could now play 2 cards to the Space Race in a turn and I was still to get off the ground!

Score: Still USSR +17

Turn 2 – Phase 6

USSR plays ‘Independent Reds’ to the Space Race

With the Middle East under control and not wanting to make a bad position even worse in Europe I decided to throw this Event to the Space Race. Unfortunately my die roll wasn’t up to it and the USSR remained grounded.

USA plays ‘Comecon’ to the Space Race

Making the most of his new ability to play 2 cards to the Space Race Mike dumped another of my Events, made his roll again and gained 2VPs.

Score: USSR +15

End of turn

Both of us had played enough Military Ops to meet the Defcon level of 2, so no VPs gained for either side this turn.

End of turn score: USSR +15

Summary

A good turn for scoring and my position in the Middle East, a bad turn for my European standing due to all the US Events I’d drawn this turn. Still +15 was a good lead to take into Turn 3 as it meant I was in a position to win the game with a good scoring card.

One of us would have to draw ‘Asia Scoring’ in Turn 3 and with 3 Battleground Countries to Mike’s 0 I was in a fairly good position to take the game. A redraw of ‘Middle East Scoring’ would also be a bonus, but if Mike redrew ‘Europe Scoring’ I’d be in big trouble.

Into the Gamescape - Show 19

Mike — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:53:38 +0000

It’s Show 19 of ‘Into the Gamescape’!

This time among other things we discuss ‘Zooloretto’, ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Fire and Axe’.

Then we go ‘Into the Grogscape’ to talk about the fabulous Twilight Struggle - a wargame so good even Paul’s tempted to play it.

And as The Gamescape Decathlon reaches event 5, commentator Formula Dave introduces the thrills and spills of the inaugural Gamescape Towers GP.

Hope you enjoy it!

Session report: Twilight Struggle - part 1

Si — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:15:06 +0000

Mike and I have been playing a few games of Twilight Struggle recently and we’re thoroughly enjoying it. To get even more gameplay in we decided to give it a try in play-by-email format using VASSAL. Despite my initial concerns about getting my head around making log files, this is actually really straightforward and we’ve found the game works well when played in this way – there’s plenty to think about and do on your go so you don’t end up sending files back and forth and making very little progress.

The other advantage of VASSAL is that by creating the log files you’re effectively recording the game. So I’m going to use that record to create a blow-by-blow account of our game with commentary. Obviously we’re both new to the game so we’re probably making loads of newbie mistakes – if there are any experienced players reading this, please feel free to point them out by leaving a comment!

Because I imagine this is going to get quite long, I’ll do a report on each turn. As I write we’re nearing the end of the second turn, but here’s the first one to be going on with.

I’m playing the USSR and Mike’s the USA.

Game setup – USSR

I placed my additional influence in:

Hungary 2
Poland 1
Yugoslavia 2
Bulgaria 1

With no real idea of what to do I was kind of hedging my bets. We’ve played a couple more games since this and in hindsight I think I should have placed at least 1 more in Poland (probably at the expense of Bulgaria) as it’s a Battleground country.

Game setup – USA

Mike placed his additional influence in:

West Germany 2
France 1
Italy 2 (for control)
South Korea 2 (for control)

I was quite happy to see Mike take control of South Korea as I’d drawn ‘Korean War’. I’d fallen foul of this card in one of our previous games and consequently as the US I wouldn’t play into South Korea without securing at least Japan first.

Turn 1 – Headline Phase

USSR headline: Red Scare/Purge
USA headline: Truman Doctrine

My Headline meant Mike’s cards would be one Ops point less during the turn. My thinking was simply that playing this as my Headline would cost Mike the most Ops points during the turn – not much point in playing it as an Event in Phase 6!

Mike used ‘Truman Doctrine’ to remove my 2 influence in Yugoslavia. As ‘Truman Doctrine’ only affects uncontrolled countries I may have been better to use my additional influence to control countries rather than spreading it around.

Turn 1 – Phase 1

USSR plays ‘Nuclear Test Ban’ for Ops points

Rather than use this to grab 3 early VPs I decided to use it to improve my board position. I played my influence points in:

Poland 2 (for control)
Hungary 1 (for control)
Yugoslavia 1

USA plays ‘Vietnam Revolts’ to the Space Race

Mike’s roll succeeds and he’s 2VPs to the good.

Score: USA +2

Turn 1 – Phase 2

USSR plays ‘NATO’ for Ops points

The ‘NATO’ Event can’t happen until ‘Marshall Plan’ or ‘Warsaw Pact’ have been played so even though this was a US Event I was safe playing it. With ‘Middle East Scoring’ in my hand it was time to make my bid for control in that area. I therefore played my influence in:

Syria 1 (for control)
Iraq 2 (for control)
Iran 1 (to counter Mike’s influence from the game setup)

USA plays ‘Japan Mutual Defence Pact’ for Ops points

This would normally be a 4 Ops card but my Headline reduced it to 3

Mike played his influence in:

Iran 2 (for control)
West Germany 1

Score: Still USA +2

Turn 1 – Phase 3

USSR plays ‘Nasser’ as an Event

A great card to have when you have ‘Middle East Scoring’ in your hand! This gave me 2 influence in Egypt and control of the country.

USA plays ‘Suez Crisis’ for Ops points plus ‘UN Intervention’

‘UN Intervention’ cancelled the ‘Suez Crisis’ Event that would have triggered for me, and Mike played his Ops in:

West Germany 1 (for control)
Philippines 1 (for control)

Score: Still USA +2

Turn 1 – Phase 4

USSR plays ‘Middle East Scoring’

Time to capitalise on my lead in the Middle East. With more Battleground countries and more countries overall I achieved Domination and scored 5VPs. I also had 1 more Battleground country than Mike for an extra 1VP – so 6 VPs to me.

USA plays ‘Warsaw Pact Formed’ for Ops points

Mike played the Ops points first, adding influence in:

Indonesia 1 (for control)
Japan 1

With the Event I chose to add influence as Mike had none in Eastern Europe. I therefore added influence in:

Yugoslavia 2 (for control)
Bulgaria 2 (for control)
Romania 1

Score: USSR +4

Turn 1 – Phase 5

USSR plays ‘Korean War’ for the Event

With Mike having control of South Korea this would be a good one to win. There were no modifiers on the die roll as Mike didn’t control any of the adjacent countries, so I needed a 4 or better. I rolled a 6 for the win! This gave me 2 military ops points, 2 VPs and swapped Mike’s influence for mine, giving me control of South Korea.

US plays ‘Romanian Abdication’ for Ops points

Mike added 1 influence in France and I gained 2 influence in Romania and control of the country through the Event.

Score: USSR +6

Turn 1 – Phase 6

USSR plays ‘Olympic Games’ for Ops points

I added 2 influence in Pakistan for control.

USA plays ‘Socialist Governments’ for Ops points

Mike added 2 influence in France for control and I used the Event to remove Mike’s influence in:

West Germany 1
France 1
Italy 1

This cost him control of all three of these Battleground countries.

Score: USSR +6

End of turn

I’d played 2 Military Ops points in the turn (thanks to ‘Korean War’) and Mike had played none. So with the Defcon level at 4, that meant a balance of 2VPs to me.

End of turn score: USSR +8

Summary

Overall this was a good turn for me for three reasons.

The Red Scare worked well because Mike had a load of my Events in his hand that he had to play for Ops points – this was a double-whammy for him as I’d benefit from the Events too. These Events really strengthened my position in Europe and weakened Mike’s.

I was able to gain an advantage in the Middle East early and turn that into VPs with the ‘Middle East Scoring’ card.

‘Korean War’ was also a winner – it actually netted me 4VPs in total thanks to the Military Ops points it gave me and the fact that Mike didn’t play any during the turn.

Session report - Combat Commander: Europe (Fat Lipki)

Si — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:46:22 +0000

I haven’t blogged for a while as the fortnightly schedule for the show tends to use up everything I want to say! But I’m going to try to get back into the habit of writing something at least once a week, even if it’s just an expansion of a point we made in the show.

We’ve talked quite a lot about Combat Commander: Europe on the show but here’s a quick session report and some thoughts on wargaming in general.

Wargames and euros

My gaming tastes are definitely turning towards wargames these days. Part of it is the novelty value - it’s still a pretty new gaming area for me and I’m enjoying being made to think in different ways. For example, it strikes me that while euros are primarily about efficiency (of movement, resource use or whatever) wargames are more about positioning. You have to think carefully all the time about where your units are and what this will mean - both when attacking and defending. I’m enjoying exploring this aspect.

I’m also enjoying the narrative aspect of wargames. Whether the game follows the historical course or veers off into a ‘what if?’ alternative scenario there’s a story unfolding as you play. Currently I’m finding this more engaging than the more abstract nature of euros - my unit winning a melee to take objective 4 is simply more fun than placing three more cubes in an area and gaining the majority!

This all sounds like I’m in a bit of an anti-euro phase, which isn’t really the case - I’m still more than happy to play them (particularly the heavier ones like Perikles). It’s just that currently I’m enjoying the contrasting playing styleof wargames.

Our last Wednesday night games session was a good example. I’d promised Alan a game of Combat Commander: Europe so while the rest of the crew played euros we got out the plexiglass and sat down to play Scenario 1.

Combat Commander: Europe

This was the scenario that I’d played with Paul (as discussed in Show 18) so I knew a bit about what to expect in terms of how it would play out. This was Alan’s first game of CC:E but he’s an experienced wargamer, making the rules explanation pretty simple from my point of view as he already understood all of the basic concepts.

Alan took the Russians and I took the Germans. We then drew objective chits. The open objective made a single objective (I forget which one!) worth 1VP. My secret objective made one of the buildings towards my side of the board (objective 5) worth 4VP. Alan had no secret objective - he drew the chit that makes units exiting the map worth double points and this is always open.

With these objectives in mind I placed my units to a) grab and defend the valuable objective 5 building in the middle of the board and b) try to prevent Alan from moving his numerically superior units off the map for loads of VPs.

Alan went first but a lack of Move cards meant he couldn’t grab the building on his left flank (objective 4). This was good news for me as I was able to move my units far enough to be first into both that building and objective 5. So, much as in my previous playing of this scenario, the Germans were cast into the role of defender while the Russians had to press an attack against well-fortified units.

After this initial positioning the game bogged down for a bit as we both discarded quite a bit in search of cards the Order cards we needed (Moves for Alan and Fires for me). In a game with no artillery there are more ‘useless’ Order cards so you can find your hand filled with cards you just can’t use. Also with fewer units you have fewer options for using your Order cards - there was no way I was moving my units out of the buildings (so Moves were no good to me) and Alan needed Move cards to get his units into position to attack (so Fire cards were no good to him). I think the later scenarios probably experience this problem less with more units and a more complex situation.

I managed to hold off the attacks Alan was able to make but wasn’t able to inflict any damage either. Alan was quite rightly being more circumspect than I had been against Paul and was sticking to the cover of the woods rather than trying to assault the objectives across the open ground. He’d also gained a couple of foxholes through playing ‘Dig In’ actions. The upshot was that fire attacks were pretty ineffectual the whole game - both of us stuck to cover and were able to Recover the occasional units that did become broken. As I recall I only managed to eliminate one of Alan’s units in the whole game.

With time moving on, Alan was finally able to advance his left wing through the woods, passing the objective building I held while I had no fire cards in my hand! This was looking dangerous for me because if he exited the whole lot off the map there was going to be no way for me to make up the VP deficit. While his advance would have left my right flank units free to do the same thing, Alan had more units than me so it was always going to be a losing strategy to simply let him march them off. I therefore moved my central unit, which had been holding down objective 3, to head him off (the objective remains in the hands of the last person to occupy it, so I would be okay as long as Alan didn’t subsequently move onto it).

Knowing that the interception would probably result in a melee at some point I kept the Ambush action that I’d picked up in my hand and waited for an Advance order. However, Alan got there first, advancing a unit and a leader into my hex. I revealed my Ambush card… and so did Alan. Breaking his leader wasn’t enough to win the melee and my unit made its way to the casualty track.

Things were not looking good. Only a few Move orders stood between Alan and a hatful of victory points for advancing his Russians off my side of the map. I needed Time advances to end the game quickly! Then things got worse! An Event gave Alan a new unit - he chose a Weapon Team and Mortar - which the random hex draw placed on my map edge!

Fortunately for me Alan chose to use his Move order to bring the new unit into position to attack my units in the central building rather than exiting the map. I countered by moving one of my right flank units up the road to Alan’s map edge ready to exit, but a Time advance and a Sudden Death roll ended the game before either of us could bring our plans to fruition.

When we counted up VPs I’d won by seven, primarily thanks to my valuable secret objective and time running out before Alan could advance his units off the map. Despite the rather static mid-game I enjoyed the game and I’m looking forward to playing Alan at a more advanced scenario soon.

Into the Gamescape - Show 18

Mike — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:57:21 +0000

Well, it’s here at last - I’m not just referring to Show 18 of Into the Gamescape, but also the arrival of my little meeple. Sam was born on the 30th May, and is bringing joy (and a lot of noise) every day!

Show 18 then - Si and I bring Paul along to the Grogscape, Si visits the UK games expo, and we chat about our gaming life in general.

Into the Gamescape - Show 17

Mike — Mon, 14 May 2007 17:33:43 +0000

Hello Hello, it’s good to be back!

Here it is, show 17 of Into the Gamescape.

In this show, we ramble at length about the games we have played recently, we go deep undercover in the Grogscape, you get to discover who won in the gamescape decathalon, and we have a chat about 18xx with Mike Garrett.

All good honest fun!

Into the Gamescape - Show 16

Mike — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:14:31 +0000

Well well well, the weeks just fly by, it’s that time again, grab hold of your headphones, it’s Into the Gamescape - Show 16!

The Gamescape went on holiday to the Seaside, well we went there, but didn’t pack a bucket and spade, oh no, we went to Baycon UK, one of our Top 2 conventions here in Blighty. So, tune in and find out what we played, what we liked, and what makes Paul put his head in his hands and whimper.

Also, the results of the first game from the Gamescape Decathalon - who won at Canal Mania - oooh, you’ll have to listen to find out!

Into the Gamescape - Show 15

Mike — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 08:06:18 +0000

Another action packed, fun filled, and waffle-tastic episode of “Into The Gamescape”.

This week, we discuss the games night we had recently, talk about Baycon, introduce the new feature “The Gamescape Decathalon” and we all troop off the the Grogscape where we discuss “Combat Commander:Europe”

Into the Gamescape - Show 14

Mike — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:24:11 +0000

It’s that time again, show 14 of Into the Gamescape!

This time, we have a review of Fagin’s Gang for you, plus an interview with Dean Conrad the designer. We have some more fun and games in the Grogscape (that scary place we don’t let Paul come to!) where we give a first impressions of Action Front: Watchtower , and much in the way of general chatter and banter

Into the Gamescape - Show 13 (uh oh - unlucky 13!)

Mike — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:46:08 +0000

It’s show 13 of ‘Into The Gamescape’.

Paul’s back from his travels!

And Richard Breese joins us as our Gamescape Guest!

Plus our usual chat about games played, our first ‘Into the Grogscape’ segment and a review of our favourite Richard Breese game ‘Reef Encounter’.

Hope you enjoy it!

Into the Gamescape - Show 12

Mike — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:23:08 +0000

It’s show 12 of Into The Gamescape!
No Paul again this time – but don’t worry Paul fans, he’ll be back soon! We start the show with our usual discussion segment. This time we talk a bit about our first forays into wargaming with ‘Storm Over Arnhem’, discuss how we’re changing our views on the age-old ‘new vs old’ games dilemma and chat about some of the games we’ve been playing recently.Then it’s on to a review of one of our favourite brain burners ‘The Bridges Of Shangri-La’, before finishing with the highlight of the show, as Gwen Dons joins us as our ‘Gamescape Guest’.

Hope you enjoy it!

The Bridges of Shangri-La - A review

Si — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 20:00:23 +0000

A review by Si

Designer: Leo Colovini
Publisher: Uberplay
No. of players: 3-4

In The Bridges of Shangri-La the players are trying to populate the villages of Shangri-La with more Masters than their opponents. Each village can hold just one of each of the seven different types of Master – it’s your job to make sure that most of them are yours when each village becomes cut off from the outside world.

The board shows 13 villages (of which only 12 are used in the three-player game) and these are connected by wooden bridges that you place on the board at the beginning of the game.

Each player begins the game with six of each of the seven different Masters and with the bridges placed it’s time to place your starting Master tiles on the board. You can do this in one of two ways. First, there are cards with the game showing suggested setups for three and four players. But if you prefer, you can use the rules for placing Masters and create your own starting positions. We usually go with the suggested set up for two reasons 1) it saves time and 2) we quite often seem to be introducing someone new to the game and this method means experienced players can’t gain an advantage from the off.

With the board set up, it’s time to get playing. On your go you can do one of the following three things.

Place a Master

This option allows you to place one of your tiles on the board. You must place the tile in an unoccupied space in a village that already contains one of your Masters. When placed, that tile become a Master in that village.

Place two Students

This option allows you to place two of your tiles on the board. You can place these tiles on top of matching Masters you already have on the board. When placed, these tiles become Students.

Send the Students on a journey

This option allows you to send all of the Students from one village to another, as long as you have at least one Student in that village. To do so they must cross an intact bridge, which then collapses behind them and is removed from the board. What happens next depends on the relative strengths of the village from which the Students started their journey and their destination. This strength is measured by the number of tiles in each of the two villages before the journey begins – the village with the most tiles is the strongest.

If the originating village is stronger then the Students will displace any rival Masters and Students in the destination village (who are returned to their owner’s supply) and become Masters themselves. Any Students who end up on a space with a Master of their own colour remain as Students and are placed on top of the existing Master. If there is already a Master and a Student of the travelling Student’s colour on the space, the travelling Student is returned to its owner’s supply.

If the originating village is weaker then only Students moving to empty spaces will become Masters. Any Students attempting to move to an occupied space are returned to their owner’s supply. Importantly, the journey has still happened and the bridge is still destroyed and removed from the board.

The vast majority of journeys will be from stronger villages to weaker ones, as this is the way you will spread your influence to new villages – remember that you can’t place a Master in a village unless you already have a Master there. But sometimes it does pay to sacrifice Students by moving from a weaker to a stronger village simply to destroy the bridge and prevent your Masters from being displaced by a journey from a stronger village.

Playing the game

As with all the best games, the rules quickly take second place to the on-board action. You have three straightforward options – how hard can it be to choose which one to go for? Well, just watch your opponents’ expressions when they are desperately trying to decide what to do!

The main reason for this is that with clever play you can force your opponents’ hands. Let’s say there’s a village full of Masters and I place two Students on my Masters there. There are two weaker villages connected to that village by intact bridges. I’ve therefore created a threat to those villages and from my opponents’ board positions I can have a good idea of how they’ll respond. I can probably rely on someone to add Students to the stronger village to 1) make sure they don’t miss out on the upcoming journey and 2) have a chance to decide where the Students will journey to if I don’t. Another opponent may want to protect their presence in one of the weaker villages and they have a number of ways to do that – one of which I may well be planning on! One thing is for certain, you’ll see the other players agonising over the the best course of action while trying not to do what you want them to! But don’t show too much glee, because they’ll be doing the same thing to you shortly!

The journeying mechanic creates shifting alliances as you try to piggyback on other players’ journeys, effectively giving you a free move! Even the potential for a journey to happen creates tense situations – fill a village with Masters and Students and watch everyone shy away from playing in the villages that surround it through fear of being swamped when the journey eventually happens!

On the face of it the ‘place Students’ action seems stronger – you get to place two tiles on the board rather than one. While this is true, you’ll find that if you use only this action you’ll soon run out of one or more types of tile, weakening your ability to react to other players’ moves. For this reason it’s important to use the ‘place Masters’ option to maintain a strong and diversified position on the board.

The final move into or out of an area is the decisive one – while there are two or more bridges remaining, even an overwhelming presence can be easily swept away so you need to keep an eye on the whole picture when planning your moves. Also when Students journey from a strong village it becomes weaker, and an easy target for surrounding villages. As more villages are isolated the options become fewer and weaknesses in your overall position become more obvious – so you need to make sure you have enough presence in the remaining villages to be competitive to the end.

Game over

When all of the bridges to a village have been destroyed by journeys, that village is isolated and a ‘Stone of the Wise Men’ (aka a glass bead!) is placed on it. Points for that village are then locked in – one point for every Master you have in that village. Any Students trapped in the village don’t score and you don’t get them back either, so try to avoid this happening!

Once all but one of the villages contain a ‘Stone of the Wise Men’ the game is over and each village is scored. The player with the most Masters on the board at this point is the winner.

My experience with this game is that the scores are often pretty close, with the winner taking the game by just one or two points. Players often seem to have stronger and weaker areas on the board – for the simple reason that you can’t win everywhere! – making for a tense and exciting count up.

Si’s verdict

The Bridges of Shangri-La is one of my favourite brain burners. As a perfect information game there’s no luck to hide behind – it’s just you against the other players. I really like the ability you have to ‘force’ other players into going along with you, and trying to outwit other players when they try to make you support their plans. The shifting alliances make for a tense game where everyone is out for themselves but is willing to support anyone else if it suits their purpose at that moment. You need to deal with the current board position while also thinking ahead and being aware of the wider picture.

While it’s a confrontational game, the shifting alliances also mean no one ever feels consistently put upon by the other players. This is particularly noticeable in the three-player game where you don’t get the two-against-one situation that arises in other games.

The only downside of ‘Bridges’ that I can think of is that it only supports three or four players. However, it works equally well with either and in our group it will be a hot contender for table time when we have those numbers – better a great game with a restricted player range than a mediocre game with a wider range!

Wholeheartedly recommended.

Into the Gamescape - Show 11

Mike — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:16:57 +0000

It’s show 11 of Into the Gamescape!

This time we start with a bit of a ramble about the games we’ve been playing recently and respond to some feedback (more please!). We then talk about our experiences of playing games on BrettSpielWelt before rounding off the show by chatting with our first Gamescape Guest, Robert Wesley aka GROGnads.

Hope you enjoy it - let us know what you think!

Battleground Fantasy Warfare - A session from Mike and Si…

Mike — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:12:01 +0000

Army selection

Si decided to play the human army as he figured it would be ideal for a first game due to its flexibility. However, even with the cards in the starter deck you get plenty of choices of how you want your army to play. Si decided that he’d go for a rough, tough, ‘bring it on’ kind of army, with ranged units protected by a solid front line made up of the Heavy Infantry, Swordsmen and Spearmen.

On game day Mike decided he was going to play the Dwarves, which put Si in a bit of a predicament – solid? tough? reliable? he was now in the position of trying to out-Dwarf the Dwarves! Ah well! Had he known Mike was going to use the Dwarven army he would have replaced the Bowmen, Militia and Peasant Mob with whatever cavalry he could afford in order to make the most of the Dwarves limited maneuverability.

Anyway, here’s the army that Si brought to the table.

Men of Hawkshold (1989 points)

2 x Swordsmen
2 x Spearmen
2x Bowmen
Longbowmen
Heavy Infantry
Militia
Peasant Mob

And here’s the army that Mike fought with

Dwarves of Runegard (1934 points)

2 x Dwarven Bowmen
2 x Shortbeards
2 x Dwarven Spearmen
2 x Dwarven Militia
Dwarven Ballista
Dwarven Hammermen

Si’s Deployment

Si stuck to his original plan – heavy hitters in the middle with Spearmen to protect the flanks, supported by the Peasant Mob (he wanted to keep them well out of harm’s way but able to reinforce the line or take advantage of any opportunities to flank). The ranged units would sit tight behind the line to rain arrows down on the approaching Dwarves.

Mike’s Deployment

Mike’s plan was to use the Ballista flanked by Bowmen to disrupt Si’s lines as much as possible, while using two groups (each containing a spearman, Shortbeards and militia) linked by the Hammermen (the strongest melee unit). If the Hammermen failed then the two grounds could still be effective

Starting orders

Pretty straightforward – we both gave the melee units orders to close and told the archers/ballista to advance into range.

Turn 1

The two army’s begin their advance towards the inevitable clash of arms. The wider Human line begins to turn in slightly at the ends.

The Human Longbowmen score two hits on the Dwarven Hammermen. The Dwarven Ballista even up the score with two hits on one of the Human Swordsmen units.

Si’s comments

I wanted to try to envelope Mike’s narrower, deeper line, but under the rules you have to head directly for the nearest enemy unit, which meant turning my Spearmen in towards the centre. I would have to watch this in later rounds as I didn’t want my units tripping over each other.

Mike’s comments

Starting with a narrow tight pack seemed to have worked, Si’s flank men needed to turn in and I could see that in the future they would be getting in each other’s way. In the meantime, the surly Dwarves headed into the battle.

Turn 2

The Human Bowmen send volleys into the air but fail to damage the doughty and well-armoured Dwarves. The more highly skilled Longbowmen score a hit against the Dwarven Hammermen, who decide they’ve had enough and turn back. First success to the Humans! But the Hammermen quickly return to their senses and rally.

The Dwarven archers and Ballista exact revenge, damaging the already bloodied Swordsmen unit. However, the Men of Hawkshold are famous for their bravery and hold.

Si’s comments

My ranged units were completely ineffectual in this turn and this was to prove a bit of a theme for the rest of the game – the Dwarves were just too tough for them to cause any damage.

It was good to get the first ’success’ of the battle, but Mike was able to rally the Hammermen straight away on his turn and my units weren’t close enough to take advantage.

It was only the Human’s special ability of Bravery that kept my Swordsmen from running this turn, which meant they lost its effect.

Mike’s comments

Yes, first blood to the Humans indeed, but as Si says, I was able to immediately rally the Hammermen and the potential problem was gone as quickly as it came. So far it was all going roughly to plan

Turn 3

The Human centre comes to a halt, waiting for the Dwarves to get close enough to charge them, while the Spearmen on the flank continue to move up and in towards the Dwarf’s line.

The Human archers let loose another volley but the Dwarves ignore it and continue their implacable advance.

First contact is made on the Dwarven right as the Dwarven Militia crash into the Human Spearmen. The Dwarven Ballista fires into the ensuing melee, while the archers continue to cause problems for the beleaguered Swordsmen in the centre – once again however they stand firm.

Si’s comments

I wanted to be able to charge into combat with my Swordsmen and Heavy Infantry, so halted to let the Dwarves get into range.

My archers are now becoming a bit of a joke – that Dwarven armour is just too thick!

Mike’s comments

Still marching steadily onwards, phhhh – Dwarves have such little legs! Never mind the ballista and Bowmen are still doing their job.

Turn 4

Chaos breaks out at the two lines crash together.

The Dwarven Militia find themselves up against two units – Spearmen and Heavy Infantry. They soon lose their stomach for the fight and turn tail to run only to find out that their path is blocked by one of their own units. The unit is quickly destroyed as a result.

All of the remaining units hold the line.

Si’s comments

As the lines came together I was pretty happy with the result. Once units are engaged you can’t order them, so their fate would be down to good cards and dice rolls!

Mike’s comments

Hmmmm, I was disappointed in the Hammermen, turning into a troop of runaway surrender monkeys! But other than that things were looking ok for me.

Turn 5

The Longbowmen move up in order to close the range to the battle line.

In the thick of the melee three units break under the pressure – the Dwarven Shortbeards and the Human Spearmen and Swordsmen (who have been taking punishment ever since the opening volleys).

The Shortbeards cannot run quickly enough to escape their triumphant pursuers and are destroyed. The Swordsmen continue to feel the wrath of the Dwarves – their famous bravery deserts them again and they scatter across the field.

The Spearmen move away from the enemy – they are down but not out.

Si’s comments

Disaster! My Swordsmen fail a courage check then take enough to force another which they also fail – a routing unit that fails a courage check is destroyed so I’m left with a gaping hole in the centre of my line.

The annoying thing is I could have saved them had I remembered to play the ‘Uncommon Valor’ card I had in my hand. This was a rookie mistake and a costly one.

The Dwarves special army ability ‘Rune of Ungur’ seems incredibly powerful – Mike is rolling an extra die for all of his units in melee combat, which at this stage of the game is a big advantage.

Mike is well on top now – I can’t see a way back at this point.

Mike’s comments

Now that was a decisive round! I managed to split the pack up a bit, and I felt that once I had done that I could really begin to press home an advantage. By now all my units had the Rune of Uruz, which was giving me an extra dice in combat, This was a huge advantage, and one I intended to exploit!

Turn 6

The Peasant Mob that has been moving around the left flank now engages with the Dwarven Shortbeards. The Shortbeards feel the points of the Mob’s pitchforks and decide enough is enough.

The routing Human Spearmen rally and hold their position ready to return to the fight, but their comrades in arms fail to inflict any damage against their foes.

The Dwarven missile battery lets fly again, causing serious damage to the Human Spearmen that have ended up behind the Dwarven line.

Si’s comments

A mixed turn this one with the success of the Peasant Mob being offset by the damage taken by my Spearmen from ranged fire. Mike’s missile units have been far more effective than mine thanks to a combination of good dice rolling and my army’s generally lighter armour.

Mike’s comments

Good dice rolling eh!? Si clearly means superb and cunning commanding of the Dwarven Army! Well, ok, I guess there was an element of good fortune that come my way this round, but when you are shaking an extra dice each round luck comes your way more often I guess.

Turn 7

The battle continues to rage along the line and it takes its toll on a number of units.

The Dwarven Spearmen and Hammermen and the Human Heavy Infantry have their resolve tested but stand firm.

The Dwarven Spearmen are soon put under pressure again though, and this time they turn from the fight. Not wanting to miss this opportunity the Human Heavy Infantry strike at the Dwarves fleeing backs, destroying them.

Si’s comments

My best turn for a while sees some chaos sown in the Dwarven ranks while my units stay in the fight. However, the gaps in the line mean my archers are now looking vulnerable to a Dwarven unit breaking through.

Mike’s comments

Uh oh! Things didn’t go to plan this round and I’m definitely on the back foot this round, I need a good next round!

Turn 8

Having seen off the Shortbeards the Peasant Mob wheel around and charge the Dwarven Militia in the rear. But even the combined forces of the Mob and the much-depleted Spearmen are not enough to finish off the Militia who even decide to stay in the fight despite their unenviable position.

Meanwhile the Human Bowmen are shooting for their lives as they see the Dwarves breaking through the line and bearing down on them. What looks like a dangerous volley of arrows is shrugged off by the Dwarven Hammermen.

It’s too little too late for the Bowmen on the Human left though, as a Dwarven Spearmen unit crashes into them causing serious damage.

Trying to hit back, the Bowmen take even more damage from the Dwarves and turn to run. The Dwarves spears in their backs dissuade the survivors from remaining together and the Bowmen cease to exist as a unit.

The Dwarven Militia that has held out for so long is finally destroyed by the Human units to its front and rear.

Finishing Up

We’d decided to make this the last turn due to time constraints and determine the victor by adding up the points values of the units destroyed. The final tally was:

Si 797
Mike 894

This was a lot closer than I expected it to be, and if Mike hadn’t played ‘Mettle’ on his Dwarven Hammermen in the last turn they would have been destroyed and I would have won! Still, never mind the ‘if onlys’ Mike’s Dwarven army took the honours fair and square.

Si’s analysis

As I said at the beginning, I had completely the wrong army for facing the Dwarves. My Bowmen were ineffective and I was never going to able to win by going toe-to-toe with the tougher Dwarven units, particularly with their special army ability (which does seem massively strong!).

If I play the Humans against the Dwarves again I’ll drop the Bowmen and whatever else it takes to put in another Heavy Infantry and a couple of Cavalry units. Had I been able to get around the back of Mike’s line I could have found some easy pickings in the form of his missile units that were a thorn in my army’s side (and front and rear!) for the whole game.

I made a crucial mistake in not playing ‘Uncommon Valor’ to keep my Swordsmen in the fight on turn 5, but until you’ve played this game you won’t believe how easy it is to get swept away by events on the field and to totally forget about your Command Cards. Clever card play seems to be crucial if you want to win the battles that matter – though which ones those are won’t always be obvious I’m sure!

All in all this was a great game. While it takes a bit of effort to get into, it’s well worth putting the time and energy in as the result is a rewarding experience that I imagine will improve further with more experience.

Mike’s Analysis

It was a 50-50 choice about playing the Dwarves or the Orks, I chose the Dwarves as I though they looked the more interesting, and I was right. The Dwarves have got a fantastic special ability, which as Si says does seem very strong. However, seeing the game appears to be well balanced, I believe that this is offset by soe other weakness that the dwarves have (sloooooow movement maybe?)

Next time we play this I will double up my Hammermen and maybe drop the Shortbeards, this will tighten up the ranks further and make it even harder to break the rank.

As Si says, card play is king, and playing the right command card is key, we both made command card errors, but I think with experience this will become second nature, and no more will the cry of ‘Doh! I meant to play this last go!’ be heard!

Again, cracking game, good fun, and every bit as close as it sounds!

Into the Gamescape - Show 10

Mike — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:41:06 +0000

Show ten (double figures!) of ‘Into the Gamescape’ is now available for your delectation and delight.

First up is an extensive look at Batteground: Fantasy Warfare which we’ve been trying out over the last couple of weeks.

We follow this up with Paul’s new feature ‘Short, sweet and not very deep’ where we discuss a particular strategy for a particular game – this show it’s the third beanfield in Bohnanza. Is it a surefire recipe for success or will you just be shouting in the wind if you use it?

As ever, any feedback will be gratefully received!