Anyone play "Flames of War? "

[getagrip]

Hi all.

I'm looking at getting into a simple, easy to pick up, quick to play, WW2 skirmish game:

1. Is FOW easy to learn;
2. Is it 10mm;
3.  Could I use PD minis?

Cheers,

Grip

[Luddite]

Bolt Action is FAR superior.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Yes, no (but could easily be so), yes!
Basic rules are very simple, then add layers of cheese.

[getagrip]

Bolt Action is FAR superior.

Why?

[Ithoriel]

Simple easy to play WW2 skirmish rules? I'd go with TFL's Chain of Command every time. I've been using 15mm figures, because the few people I might play against were, but I see no reason why you couldn't use 10mm figures.

My only problem with it is that people use the acronym CoC for it and I wonder why they're talking about Call of Cthulu! 

[Leman]

I believe Chain of Command is the way to go theses days. FOW is Warhammer for WWII.

[getagrip]

Thanks for the thoughts guy: really helpful.

I believe Chain of Command is the way to go theses days. FOW is Warhammer for WWII.

Weirdly, WW2 Warhammer maybe what I'm looking for: nothing too heavy or too clever 

[NTM]

Would not describe FoW as a skirmish game. Figures are based as teams and each force is a heavily reinforced company. 10mm would easily work for the game and it probably wouldn't look as ridiculous as it often does in 15mm. Chain of Command works as a skirmish game platoon per side and a vehicle or two. If you want more tanks Battlegroup may be worth a look.

[Luddite]

Why?

Its a skirmish game for a start.  Its also better written and plays a much superior game.  FOW is indeed popularly referred to as World War II-hammer, but actually in my view its not.  It plays significantly differently.  For me its an overly complex company-based game that is unbalanced, and not terribly fun.

That said, it is a popular game so maybe i've missed something!?

Bolt Action plays much closer to 40k i think, although without the grimdark bonkers-ness, 'big model' syndrome, unbalanced play etc (although flamethrowers are insane!).  I've generally enjoyed BA but haven't played a game of FOW that i found fun.  And at 10mm, using 1:1 figures you could get a Bolt Action force together at a very reasonable price.   

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

After the three hammerings I took yesterday, not sure I want to keep playing mind!

[barbarian]

My problem with FOW is there is no consideration for Command and they stretch there formet to include divisional support to a game at the company level. (and I don't like the rules too)
Can't talk about BA but if you stay away from Tigers and IS2, it seems a valid skirmish casual set.

[jchaos79]

Let me suggest Blitzkrieg commander,

It is warmaster in the WWII. As you know WM mechanics you could start playing reading Blitzkrieg in a morning.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Bolt Action - sold it after 1 game. Cant use tactics - pro german. FOW - some odd mechanisms, and some factual errors, despite prompts from a modest expert  , but playable if you leave out some of the heavier vehicles, and role play aspects like "Heroes" and "Tiger" dice. Yes you can play in 10mm. Gave a friend a game - he reckoned 6mm would be better. You might also look at CoC.

IanS

[sunjester]

My personal opinion:
Skirmish level - Chain of Command by Too Fat lardies
Company level - I Ain't Been Shot Mum 3 also by TFL
For anything larger use Blitzkrieg Commander 2

[GordonY]

Skirmish - Flying Lead by Ganeshaq Games
Company - sorry dont do that
Battalion to Division - BKC2

FoW is just rediculous, seen way too many games with a platroon of tanks running bogie to bogie, why? Because the rules reward unhistoric play, as mentioned above its just Warhammmer 2K. Get onto ebay and buy a copy of BKC2, then ask that nice Mr Leon for 2 army packs that match Early Desert War is a hoot, with tanks clad in tinfoil armout and armed with popguns. Plus being desert the terrain is dead wasy.

[getagrip]

Skirmish - Flying Lead by Ganeshaq Games
Company - sorry dont do that
Battalion to Division - BKC2

FoW is just rediculous, seen way too many games with a platroon of tanks running bogie to bogie, why? Because the rules reward unhistoric play, as mentioned above its just Warhammmer 2K. Get onto ebay and buy a copy of BKC2, then ask that nice Mr Leon for 2 army packs that match Early Desert War is a hoot, with tanks clad in tinfoil armout and armed with popguns. Plus being desert the terrain is dead wasy.

Let me suggest Blitzkrieg commander,

It is warmaster in the WWII. As you know WM mechanics you could start playing reading Blitzkrieg in a morning.

Think we have a winner here gents; thanks for all the ideas.  Problem with this is it's so subjective and based in personal preference

Chaos's comment is the money shot; if it's like WM then that works for me!

Here we go then, next question.

I want two realistic German / Russian armies (a la Stalingrad) which would play in about 2-3 hours.

Any thoughts (Leon, get the burners ready )

[Fenton]

If you can stilll find it then Crossfire by Arty Conliffe is a great little game. the armour rules are a little weird but the game plays well. Not sure how well it would work playing solo though

A quick mention of FoW. For what is described as a quick WW2 game. I think it is perhaps one of the most over complicated sets of WW2 rules I have ever played with all its add ons and special rules. Seems to take far longer to play than it should

[getagrip]

If you can stilll find it then Crossfire by Arty Conliffe is a great little game. the armour rules are a little weird but the game plays well. Not sure how well it would work playing solo though

A quick mention of FoW. For what is described as a quick WW2 game. I think it is perhaps one of the most over complicated sets of WW2 rules I have ever played with all its add ons and special rules. Seems to take far longer to play than it should

Cheers Steve, FoW has been shelved; BK2 it is (which you have recommended to me previously.

[Fenton]

Gareth

If your buying BKC on ebay  make sure you get the 2nd edition. It doesnt say on the front cover that it is 2nd edition but it will be grey rather than green

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Better yet get it via the web site and Lulu....

IanS