This channel has become my go to channel for finding new war games, and particular solo war games. I think a huge part is your delivery. You get so excited/animated with certain games, which really makes me want to get and play the game. Thanks for your videos, has got me back into a hobby I left long ago.
Thanks, Jeff, for the kind words! I'm glad you're liking the channel and the content, and even more glad if it's helped you find enjoyment in a long lost hobby. :)
Yeah, awhile back I had found Shut Up & Sit Down which is great for NON-war games. They only have ever covered a couple of the most 'approachable' ones, as most are too heavy for them. The videos I watch from Boardgame Geek have all been general interest ones as well; I don't go to the site itself to see mention of, ya know, actual board games. lol. (Guess that's on me.) So yeah, when I stumbled on Zilla, found he filled the wargame niche extremely well!
War gaming isn’t really my genre but im really glad there is a dedicated channel for it. Im grateful that this hobby has informative channels dedicated for everything! #Tussle
Excellent video. Your channel has really influenced a number of my purchasing decisions already. It was your video on Song for War, that convinced me to back it. I would also highly recommend 8th Air Force, since I was an original backer. It's a great game.
Thanks, Vince, for the kind words, and I'm glad you've found the videos helpful in making purchasing decisions. And I'm glad to hear about 8th Air Force too. I'm really looking forward to that one and 20th Air Force. :)
Hi Zilla,found your channel by chance l'm into computer rather than board wargames but found it really interesting enough to subscribe,might even be tempted into board games yet
Thanks, Phil! Much appreciated. Boardgames are a great break from screens, and I like PC wargames as well. There are a number of video series on the channel for PC games too, and I have more in the works. :)
LOTS of advantages to computer war games: it knows the supply status of all the units, it knows how to set up the hundreds (if not thousands!) of pieces to get the game going, it (usually) nicely handles stacks of units without having to use tweezers, it (usually) knows the rules but always enforces what it knows them to be impartially on both players, and usually has a solo option that you may have to create on your own for a given board game. BUT, what board games have is: you OWN a physical thing! And it can be a work-of-art. There is that tactile sense of reading the manual, of clicking down the pieces, just the sense of being a general and looking down on a tabletop map of operations to decide what to do next. (Might be my youth talking, though, when I got all my board games--computers weren't a thing, yet! ;-p Now I, too, prefer computer versions.) Disadvantage is board games are more expensive, AND being a physical item, can all of a sudden take up a lot of storage room!
@@pterrok5495 l get what you mean about the tactile nature of reading the manual,l'm just getting my head round War in the East 2 on pc,its got a 500 page hard back manual
Great video Zilla, thanks! All those games look interesting, "The Hunt" really unique and fun? Btw, "8th Air Force" is the US bombing campaign against Germany, not Battle of Britain. Thanks for bringing these games out! (And I love your living room!)
Whoops! My apologies about 8th Air Force! I'll add a note to the description and pin a comment to the top here later today explaining that. I don't know why I had it locked in my head that it was Battle of Britain. I even was looking at screen shots and thinking, "Why do all these British cities have German-sounding names?" What a dummy I am. :) And thanks on the living room. I wish that were my real living room, but it's fun to live the green screen dream. Thanks for dropping in, and good luck with the rest of the Kickstarter!
Not a war gamer myself but I can see that you are very knowledgeable in the field, I got some friends that are into war gaming and I will definitely recommend your channel to them! #Tussle
Most excellent! I saw that it was shipping, that's fantastic! I hope you enjoy it. That reminds to get back to learning the system and to create some videos for it too. And thanks, I'm glad you like the channel! :)
Love the A's hat (A's fan, well, former-A's fan myself. MLB just not my thing anymore and the A's F/O doesn't help things either). Also, I like how you pronounced "pique". I always thought it was like "peak" and I know a lot of ppl misspell it that way too, probably thinking it really means "peak", like zenith/pinnacle. Anyway, it's neat to see a series dedicated to these more obscure wargames. I used to really be into wargames, so it's nice to see this. #Tussle
I'm actually mainly a Red Sox fan but a good friend is an A's fan so I support them when it doesn't create a conflict of interest. Times are tough for Red Sox fans at the moment, too, but yeah, those A's really need to sort out the stadium issue and get moving forward. Pique is such an underrated word, I think. Thanks for stopping in! :)
I've really enjoyed your channel for some time now, and the original Philadelphia A's cap put me over the top. You've got a true fan now! Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks Richard, I'm glad you've been enjoying the channel. Not to disappoint, but the hat is actually an Oakland alternative hat... sorry. Not that I wouldn't wear an original Philadelphia A's hat!
I've been looking to get into wargaming for a bit but don't have anyone to play with. I see that you're covering many solitaire experiences and now I know where to go to get quality suggestions, thanks!!!! #Tussle
Happy to help, and in case it helps more, here's a link to a Best Solitaire Wargames video from a few months ago. I'll be updating it again in a few months. :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0ugLY3-rwJw.html
Great look at upcoming war games. New to the channel and enjoyed your video. Subscribed! ‘85 Graveyard of empires looks interesting. Several ways to engage and a lot going on. Who knew playing war could be so fun? Thanks for the great video. Looking forward to seeing what you cover next. #Tussle
Thanks for stopping in and for the sub! '85 Graveyard of Empires sounds like it could be very good, yes. I've not played '65 but I hope to play the new one at some point. So many games, so little time. :)
Thanks for the video! Yes, the Twitter feed from the Assault Games dev is tantalizing. I'm keeping my eye on Gela. I just got a 4X game in the mail that, while not strictly a wargame, definitely includes armies and is area control: Spring and Autumn: Story of China. It must be the only KS I've ever done where the game came out earlier than expected.
I'm not a wargamer at all (too long and complicated despite loving expert games and being an ex infantry officer) but I like your videos, your permanent smile and good spirit!
I honestly wasn't super aware of war specific games. Really interesting. And I do enjoy history. I'll have to check some of these out. thanks for the info! #Tussle
Great video and I am honored you mentioned us. Interesting to see in the comments how many gamers are interested into wargames. Please allow me to mention, the HOTAS series by Sound of Drums is more a strategy and civilization biulding game than a war game. But the option exists. And by the way the AI is really a tough opponent. Not easy to win against. THIS IS SPARTA!!! 🙂
Thanks for stopping in, Uwe, and my pleasure mentioning the game. I tend to use the term "wargame" somewhat loosely, and am happy exploring more general strategy games as well. That AI opponent sounds intriguing, and good luck with the rest of development!
I really liked your analysis of tactical games complex/playable. I think the gold standard is a playable game that captures an authentic feel through clever design. Anyone can come up with complex systems, the trick is to create simple systems that do the same thing.
Yes, I think that if/when I try to design a game, I'll instantly make it too complex and unintelligible. That skill of making a complex system simple to execute is the true art behind a lot of this, I imagine.
@@ZillaBlitz If I was building a fireplace set up I would go with that one. Just make sure you don't fall backwards and knock over the green screen hah.
You missed out Mark Simonitch's "North Africa '41" Zilla ;-) I love '65 and if '85 is half as good you'll love it. I haven't splashed out on '85 as Vietnam interests me far more than Afghanistan. Fantastically fun gun system. Can't remember if you have it or not, but definitely pick up GMT's "Skies Above Britain" if you haven't got it. Incredible solo game with loads of atmosphere and huge amounts of tactical decision-making. Best Battle of Britain game on the market. On a different note and recommendation, put in a pre-order for GMT's 2nd edition of "Commands and Colors Samurai Battles". I picked up a 1st edition copy just recently to play with my eldest child who is developing an interest in Japanese history and it has turned out to be one of my favourites. It was my first Commands and Colors and it's an absolute blast. Less complicated than a lot of wargames I play but just so, so much fun. And an enormous 40 scenarios to play through. Great fun and very highly recommended. Thanks for the great video! Tim
I really should add North Africa '41 and Panzer North Africa to one of these upcoming episodes. I've got both on P500. :) I'm very curious about '85, especially given all the good things I've heard about '65. And yep, I have Skies above Britain. It's sitting on my Shelf of Opportunity. :) Commands and Colors sounds like a great suggestion, I have the base Ancients game and was thinking to try that before expanding out in the others. Also Memoir '44 which is based on the C&C system. Glad to hear that you like it and if I like Ancients I'll likely add more in the future. Thanks for stopping in, Tim!
I want to thank you for your coverage and playthrougs. It's made my solo adventures much better as I'm both able to find what out there and learn the style of play.
I have been anticipating the release of Red Winter second edition which is also about the Winter War (more specifically about the battle of Tolvajärvi).
Interesting, I just saw someone talking about that one on Mastadon, I think it was. I hadn't spotted it on GMT's site. It looks like it's been in P500 for a while, but it's made the cut?
The Hunt is quite different from Resist! but they both are very accessible wargamey games. The Hunt is a wonderful 2-player experience. And yeah, the Away Team looks amazing! Much excite for that one. :)
I am super excited about 'Storm over Jerusalem' by mmp and 'Roma Victrix' by Compass games (I don't really know if this last one will be published this year or the next) :D however I really enjoy your videos and analysis
Thanks for the ideas! I was looking at Storm over Jerusalem and while back, but something about the reviews on the previous game in the system gave me pause, despite thinking the game idea looked really cool. I'll have to take another look. And I'm not familiar with Roma Vitrix yet, I'll check it out. Thanks!
#tussle Great video! Hopefully, these games are able to teach modern generations about the amount of sacrifice there was to get us to where we are now. And also be a lot of fun.
Yes Tetsuya Nakamura is a great example of one of the BEST designers out of Japan. They do bring a japanese sensability to the project; minimal rules, broken doesnt mean discarded - its investigated for its own value, a respect for nature etc. for example Okinawa is a very underserved battlefront in the west but its been done a number of times in Japan for obvious reasons Id especially like to see Okinawa Sunset done by someone like Vuka. If you havent played any of Tetsuya Nakamura designs I highly recomed Storm over Starlingrad, A Victory lost and A Victory Awaits.
Thanks, Ian! A couple of other people, including the developer, mentioned that error as well. I don't know how i had it in my head that it was about the Battle of Britain, and I even remember looking at the screen shots and thinking, "Why do all these British cities sound so German?" 🤓
80 hours! Unbelievable! Got my first John Butterfield title coming in the mail tomorrow. WWII Commander Battle of the Bulge. Hoping I can intercept the package this time before the GF finds it lol!
@@ZillaBlitz Arriving tomorrow! I'm hoping to use some DRM to intercept the package before the GF does as I failed that mission on Monday's delivery lol!
@@ZillaBlitz Mission success! Also in the delivery was The plains Indian wars and Nato Air Commander and Thunder Alley, that one for a friend. On a side note I seem to encounter one very particular game every week; A Glorious Chance: The Naval Struggle for Lake Ontario in the War of 1812 Something similar perhaps to Aces of Valor this title is also from Legion but a campaign with ships of the line. Might be worth investigating!
I know, right? It's such a fantastic concept, and with the esteemed Mr. Butterfield working on it, I feel a bit comfortable in letting my hopes and expectations run wild. Really looking forward to it. :) And Night Witches is on my list for the next episode, I'm planning to be present for your session this weekend. I wanted to attend that before including it in one of these. :)
I'm looking forward to it. And no worries on the development. If it makes sense to wait a few months before including it in a later episode, I could do that as well. I'm very excited about the concept and vision of the game though. :)
I am really interested in Assault 41 and Sicily 43 . I nearly bit the bullet last year but am doubly interested now. I really hope they can get North American distribution - the shipping is what held me back.
Nice that you are interested in RH41 and SI43. Of course, it's a pity about the NA shipping. But I think $37 for a 4-5kg (game box size 430x310x80mm) package is not too expensive compared to domestic via USPS. Back then, as newbies, we underestimated the issue and with the print run quantity, a retailer was not profitable.
@@larryoconnor9160 You mean, the game available in the English language? If so, yep, Salt & Pepper are in Spain, but there will be an English version for sure. I played the English prototype. :)
Oh, interesting! I think I may vaguely recall that sort of thing. I think the design was started quite a ways back and has had a winding path to where it is now.
"The Battle for Germany" cover's the war in Europe from late '44 to the end plus a hypothetical conflict with Russia. This new game appears to retrofit the conflict to 1942. It should be interesting
In case it helps and you'd like to watch something else, I have a video for Best Beginner Wargames: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5ikpr0MbITo.html
At some point I'll have to make a video about finding opponents. There are lots of ways to find people interested in playing, some in person, some live online, and other asynchronously online. But yes, it can be a challenge, depending on where you live as well.
I’m unfamiliar with war gaming but I do enjoy history and find war a fascinating part of that. My dad fought and survived the Vietnam War so I certainly am compelled by both the strategic side of conflict as well as the human component. Thanks for sharing a very informative video. #Tussle
Thanks, Lonnie. That's one of the things I really like about these games, how they connect to history. A lot of them slide into non-military elements of conflict too. :)
Really loved the video. I also get a kick out of your enthusiasm. My 1st comment is I like the artwork in all these games. As far as tactical games I kinda stay away. As I am a fan of ASL been playing it since it came out and have a lot of money invested. I have to admit I am intrigued be Away Team.
Thanks, Douglas! And I totally get the wanted to stay with a known system, especially something like ASL, which involves a significant investment in time to learn. And yeah, Away Team really caught my eye. I'm particularly interested in that one. :)
@@ZillaBlitz Thank you. I am getting addicted to your channel. I like you style. I am turning 67 on the 25th and have been playing miniature WW2 since I was 7. Got into board gaming 1965. First game was Lou Zochi's Battle of Britan then AH Jutland and Afrika Korps. Sorry for being long winded just want you to know my background.
Great video Zilla. I love your enthusiasm. But, as a recent returnee to board wargaming, and slightly bamboozled by all the great new games coming out, I can't help wondering if this hobby is going to become a bit like another wonderful hobby of mine, plastic modelling, where so much new stuff is released every year, and you can only hope to build a fraction of the ones you want, or buy? Are we in danger of merely collecting lots of games and playing only a few of them?? Or has it always been thus? Discuss... 😃
Short answer: yes. :) I do think it's probably always been this way to a degree, but with the pandemic largely behind us and shipping logjams clearing/cleared, I think we're seeing a particular surge in games to play. I also think we have a large and growing number of smaller companies that are making really interesting stuff. So while there's always been more games than you can play, I think there definitely is a LOT more to choose from. I intentionally picked up more than I could play last year because coming back to the hobby I wanted to build up a library with some of the iconic games I missed from the past 2.5 decades, and am now enjoying playing them. I think the purchasing of games can mean many different things to people, and the biggest question is how to find as much joy as possible from the hobby. For some that might mean having a number of games that don't get played, for others it might mean having a smaller collection of highly played games. :)
I have learned quickly today about the #tussle invasion. 😀7th Sea looks quite good, is it in any way related to 7th Continent? Thematically it seems similar to me, but I've not played 7th Sea.
