The War Times Journal has published 1916, a set of free wargames rules for the First World War. For many years, World War I has not been considered gameable in miniature. I think, however, that with the proper rules set, it can be an interesting experience. The authors write:
These miniature wargame rules are designed to simulate battalion and regimental level ground combat during World War One. Players represent field commanders who must maneuver their various units against the enemy in the face of many factors outside their control. Elements such as artillery support, air power, defensive positions, and reinforcements are only randomly available. The game's setup rules allow the possibility of both tantalizing mismatches and dead-even slugouts, preventing players from "calculating" too many of their options. After all, field commanders are rarely able to work out evenly matched scenarios with their enemies, so be prepared... you never know exactly what's coming next!
Miniature Wargaming is part of the "adventure games" hobby, which includes r ole p laying and board games. Wargamers recreate battles on the tabletop with toy soldiers, like a more complicated game of chess. Models range in height from 6mm to 28mm tall, with 15mm and 25mm being the most popular. There also is a growing interest in toy soldiers and military models, such as the 1/32 and 1/35 scale plastic soldiers from Conte, and Marx.
The most popular miniature wargames are fantasy and science fiction based, such as Warhammer, Warhammer 40K, Warmachine and The Lord of the Rings. World War II games such as Flames of War and Axis and Allies are new favorites. Other favorite historical periods include Napoleonics, the American Civil War, and ancients, such as Romans or Greeks. Other gamers enjoy miniature naval wargames, recreating battles like Trafalgar, Jutland and the Coral Sea.
Hobbyists research historical periods and paint their tiny soldiers in accurate uniforms. Others develop "historically realistic" rules sets or build scale battlefield terrain using model railroad techniques.
For pictures, visit the gallery.
Some of the bigger hobby companies are Games Workshop, which produces Warhammer, Wargames Foundry and Old Glory Miniatures. Wizards of the Coast produces several lines of pre-painted miniatures games, such as the Star Wars and Dungeons and Dragons miniatures games, and a historical game with pre-painted miniatures: The new Axis and Allies game. Wizkids produces a fantasy collectable miniatures game, such as the Mage Knight and Heroclick fantasy games, the science fiction games MechWarrior and Rocketmen, as well as the quasi-historical Pirates of the Spanish Main.
Comments:
No comments yet.