Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Rules => Topic started by: Phobos on 10 May 2013, 08:51:59 PM

Title: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Phobos on 10 May 2013, 08:51:59 PM
Hello there,

Me and my friends were thinking about trying some ruleset of WWII, but we are quite lost in the maremagnum of rules. Any suggestion?
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: petercooman on 10 May 2013, 09:36:08 PM
I'll hop in before anyone else says so: blitzkrieg commander II

Gooed rulesystem based o the warmaster system.

http://www.blitzkrieg-commander.com/

There are quite some battle reports on that site!
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: TinyTerrain on 10 May 2013, 10:09:44 PM
Absolutely agree regarding BKC II, great for company sized shenanigans. As for skirmishing I am waiting for chain of command from too fat lardies
Due out this summer

Cheers

Craig
Tiny Terrain Models
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Phobos on 10 May 2013, 11:44:56 PM
True, sorry, I forgot to say that we want something in the company-battallion level. BC sounds good... more?
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Derek H on 11 May 2013, 06:41:40 AM
I Ain't Been Shot Mum for Company sized actions.

A great game with hundreds of historical scenarios published.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: GordonY on 11 May 2013, 06:53:24 AM
BKC II for brigade level action, 4 or 5 battalions a side and it shines, but that assumes that you accept Pete's design notes that each infantry stand/vehicle is actually a platoon. If you do then removing all the hits at the end of the turn makes sense, if you dont then it just seems wonky.

Panzer Grenadier is ok for company sized actions.

Rapid Fire is a great skirmish set, the only down side is it pretends its for much larger actions, ignore the stupid 15:1 and 5:1 figure/tank ratios and play it as 1 man = 1 man and 1 tank = 1 tank and it'll give you a good game.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 11 May 2013, 06:54:53 AM
BKCII can be for company or battalion level actions, you the choice is really up to you. I tend to do the latter as it is a great way to replicate larger scale actions.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 11 May 2013, 07:49:36 AM
For a more detailed set join : -

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/BGMR_WWII/

Might even let you in. You also get access to the most accurate, and FREE organisational info covering SCW to Korea.

IanS  :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 11 May 2013, 10:02:37 AM
What does the "BGMR" stand for Ian?
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: nikharwood on 11 May 2013, 10:16:00 AM
Quote from: Steve J on 11 May 2013, 10:02:37 AM
What does the "BGMR" stand for Ian?

Big Grumpy Merseyside Rascal?  :P ;) :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: NTM on 11 May 2013, 10:17:41 AM
Company to Battalion level my preferred set is Battlefront WWII from Fire and Fury. Each infantry stand represents a section and each vehicle/gun model represents 2-3 of the real thing. Stands are organised in to company sized manoevre elements of around 8-12. Battlegroup Panzer Grenadier also plays at the same level and looks interesting but I've not tried it yet. For larger games i use BKC where stands are platoons so the manoevre elements from BFWWII become battalions. For up to company level either IABSM or the Battlegroup Kursk/Overlord series 9can be used. Both are 1:1 level and can be used for bttln actions but I don't have the space for them. Looking forward to Chain of Command too for lower level games. Each of these I consider good systems offering very different stlyes of game to reflect what I want to potray or just what mood i'm in at the time. e.g. BFWWII & IABSM are best suited for refighting historical scenarios and BKC & Battlegroup are good for pick up games (although you can use them for either if you want)

You'll get lots of advise on this but the best is to go for the one that gives what you want from a game and/or whatever everyone else in your club/area is playing.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 11 May 2013, 10:26:11 AM
QuoteYou'll get lots of advise on this but the best is to go for the one that gives what you want from a game and/or whatever everyone else in your club/area is playing.

Yep, spot on there NTM. If you can 'try before you buy' to avoid disapointment.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Nosher on 11 May 2013, 10:32:54 AM
Love BKC but would also suggest Battlegroup Kursk/Overlord which is currently popular at the club
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Shedman on 11 May 2013, 12:36:00 PM
I played my first game of Bolt Action at Penarth on Tuesday - I quite enjoyed it - very simple rules at a 1 to 1 level

Although it's aimed at single based 28mm figures I'm thinking of doing it in 10mm with multi-based figures

Alan
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Phobos on 11 May 2013, 04:56:18 PM
Wow! thanks guys! I see that BKC and BKC II have a lot of supporters, I´ll give it a try, and also to battlefront and the others ;)
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: GordonY on 11 May 2013, 05:07:19 PM
You can get a PDF of BKC II here http://www.blitzkrieg-commander.com/default.aspx?Area=BKC
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 12 May 2013, 08:33:36 AM
The acronym BGMR stands for Battle Group Modern Rules, there is a modern set and a WWII set. That's the one I pointed you to.

IanS
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Luddite on 12 May 2013, 08:40:59 AM
Quote from: Phobos on 10 May 2013, 11:44:56 PM
True, sorry, I forgot to say that we want something in the company-battallion level. BC sounds good... more?

Company scale - Crossfire.
Battalion scale - Spearhead (best WWII rules available).

Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: rexhurley on 12 May 2013, 10:19:33 AM
if you want a game with lots of support and public availability.........Flames of War

Now watch the screams  :d :d
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: GordonY on 12 May 2013, 10:29:51 AM
If you wanna play Farty Kay in WW2 clothes then agreed, Flames of War is indeed the way to go.

User Warning!! "Any resemblance between this game and WW2 is entirely unintentional, and in no way reflects the plans/machinations of the company known as Battlefront."
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: fsn on 12 May 2013, 11:19:13 AM
Stuff all the overpriced commercial rule sets. It just leads to rule lawyers and "Oh but that was only true in v4.2, we're using 4.3 with the Mega Apocalypse add on."

Write your own. You've got a brain in your head.  8)


Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Phobos on 12 May 2013, 07:21:57 PM
Quote from: fsn on 12 May 2013, 11:19:13 AM
Stuff all the overpriced commercial rule sets. It just leads to rule lawyers and "Oh but that was only true in v4.2, we're using 4.3 with the Mega Apocalypse add on."

Write your own. You've got a brain in your head.  8)




Yep, I got one of that mass of jelly full of neurons, but I haven´t enough time :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Luddite on 12 May 2013, 10:57:40 PM
Quote from: rexhurley on 12 May 2013, 10:19:33 AM
if you want a game with lots of support and public availability.........Flames of War

Now watch the screams  :d :d

That's basically the same as mentioning 'female space marines' on a 40k forum.


(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk295/bigmikemdz/Blog%20Photos/WalterSobchak.jpg)


;D ;D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Womble67 on 13 May 2013, 11:09:39 AM
 Hi
    I'm a recent convert to Blitzkrieg Commander so another vote added

Take care

Andy
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Nosher on 13 May 2013, 03:51:33 PM
Quote from: Luddite on 12 May 2013, 10:57:40 PM
That's basically the same as mentioning 'female space marines' on a 40k forum.

That's because 40k forum members haven't touched a girl yet other than their own mums and aren't likely to in this lifetime or the next... :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: petercooman on 13 May 2013, 05:55:53 PM
Quote from: Nosher on 13 May 2013, 03:51:33 PM
That's because 40k forum members haven't touched a girl yet other than their own mums and aren't likely to in this lifetime or the next... :D

Unless they play sisters of battle that is :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Phobos on 14 May 2013, 05:49:38 PM
Bad boys! No, you just are right about 40k players, ups!
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Last Hussar on 14 May 2013, 11:43:18 PM
If you buy BKC it is very important that before opening the covers you TAKE IT OUTSIDE AND BURN IT.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Orcs on 15 May 2013, 03:58:15 AM
Quote from: Last Hussar on 14 May 2013, 11:43:18 PM
If you buy BKC it is very important that before opening the covers you TAKE IT OUTSIDE AND BURN IT.

Please excuse LH for his tantrums >:(- Its just he has been very unlucky on BKC games at club :d

No doubt he will start extolling the virtues of "Two Fat Lardies" rulesets. Especialy Troops, Weapons and Tactics.


LH is a religious man.  O:-) He prays like this

Our Two Fat Lardies in heaven,
hallowed be your rules.
Your rulesets come,  your games  be played,
At home and club as they are heaven.
Give us this day our set of cards , and forgive us for playing other rules
as we also have forgiven those who play them .
And lead us not into the temptation of BKC, but deliver us from the evil of GW

Amen   :d :d

Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 15 May 2013, 06:53:38 AM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Hertsblue on 15 May 2013, 09:38:25 AM
Try going to www.freewargamesrules.co.uk/ (http://www.freewargamesrules.co.uk/) and having a look thtough the literally dozens of rulesets available for nothing.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Nellkyn on 15 May 2013, 11:50:22 AM
Quote from: Just a few Orcs on 15 May 2013, 03:58:15 AMOur Two Fat Lardies in heaven,
I think you'll find that they're called TOO Fat Lardies. :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Orcs on 15 May 2013, 10:46:43 PM
Quote from: Nellkyn on 15 May 2013, 11:50:22 AM
I think you'll find that they're called TOO Fat Lardies. :D

But there are Two of them. or are they saying that the rulles must be played by "too fat lardies" in which case LH should not be allowed anywhere near them as he does not have the physique of a "Proper Wargame"  ;D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Last Hussar on 16 May 2013, 01:49:16 AM
Mark

Just because I don't like fantasy dressed in WW2 costumes there is no need to sulk.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: rexhurley on 16 May 2013, 06:05:43 AM
Quote from: GordonY on 12 May 2013, 10:29:51 AM
If you wanna play Farty Kay in WW2 clothes then agreed, Flames of War is indeed the way to go.

User Warning!! "Any resemblance between this game and WW2 is entirely unintentional, and in no way reflects the plans/machinations of the company known as Battlefront."

Statement above comes from a user who chooses in the democracy he lives in to not use the rules or if they have in the past to vehemently dislike them now.

Statement from a user and ex development manager of said company (thats me if your wondering) "Said company mentioned this is a game to encourage those who wish to play game using WWII mini's to do that have game and have fun."  Not never nor has it been stated by my ex employer that this was meant to be a simulation or anything else and it never fails to amaze me just how many people on this Forum bag a set of rules and a company that put historical gaming back on the map and reached/reaches millions of people around the world.

Now reaches for flak jacket and returns to bunker to weather the next rain of tirades from the ignorant.   ??? ???

Oh one more note company name is actually Battlefront Miniatures not just Battlefront  :P :P would be nice if those who bag Company's actually get their facts right first.

Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: fsn on 16 May 2013, 06:35:33 AM
"Flames of War" is something I wouldn't touch. I offers everything on a plate. New gamers, excited by viewing "A Bridge too Far" can pop out and buy a squadron of British tanks and a company of US paras etc.

If this encourages the young to begin historical gaming, isn't that a good thing? If the Flames of War game system is Warhammer 40k (never played either so don't know) then doen't that make it easier to encourage new gamers into WWII gaming? Whatever our personal dislikes, Warhammer 40k is a huge seller. It's probably the most reconised brand on the high street.

"Flames of War" rolls everything into a nice, neat package and presents it to those who don't have the time or inclination to do a lot of the research and work that I (and probably most of you) have done for years. 

Just think of some poor sod who, having watched the aforementioned "A Bridge too Far" is keen to have a go. There are no shops selling figures and rule sets with an avuncular and knowledgeable old sage sucking on an empty pipe behind the counter. Some research in magazines aand on the internet will show her she can choose 40mm, 30mm, 28mm, 25mm, 20mm, 15mm, Pendraken, 6mm, and bless me, 2mm. There's no guarantee that the 25mm figs from  one manufacturer will look right with those from another manufacturer. There are rule sets up the wazoo (witness a thread on this very forum) that offer different persepctives, and what about terrain? How then is the poor girl to choose?

Then there's "Flames of War". Plonk. A rule set, a range of figures with a web site telling you how to paint them. Everything you need in a box. 15mm, can be used for skirmish up to company. It's a dream, a god-send.

We all have the right to play our own rules and in our own scales. Like I say, FoW is too neat for me, but for the Warhammer 40k generation it's easy and recognisable and glamorous in a way that I suspect Pendraken would sell Leon to wandering gypsies for.

So, gentlemen, I emplore you to see FoW as a youngster's first drink. It's the Budweiser of wargames. It's light and it's cool, but perhaps there are some older, wiser heads who can lean over and say "you don't want to drink that piss. Have a pint of Pendraken."
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 16 May 2013, 07:02:26 AM
FoW has brought many gamers back to historical war gaming (myself included), that's for sure. I tried them as a rule set but they're not for me. I found I was having to play the rules to have a chance of winning, rather than use appropriate tactics to. That's where it falls down as a rule set IMHO. Personally I love BKCII, but they're not for everyone. Each to there own.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: GordonY on 16 May 2013, 07:08:30 AM
Rex, I was merely stating that FoW isnt and will never give any real flavour of WW2 gaming, it is very 40K like in that it requires a monstrous big rulebook and a bunch of codexes supplements for all the "special" rules, but I will hold my hands up and say that I do own a copy of 2nd edition but purely for the porn eye-candy. I did play 40k (a long time ago), I did play FoW and one thing I noticed about both games eventually was that essentially the game was over once the army list was written. Both rulesets appeal to power gamers who want to min/max their lists and have read to death all these special rules for both their army and whatever they are playing against, that and the fact I've never yet seen a FoW game where the tanks weren't being run bogie to bogie.

If I had to describe FoW to anyone I'd have to be calling it WW2 Lite.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 16 May 2013, 07:33:15 AM
At the club it was known as 40KWWII. Oh and power gamers at the club ruined it as a game. When we tried balanced forces it wasn't too bad, but it was always a tank fight first and foremost, with infantry only coming into the game later on :(.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: fsn on 16 May 2013, 08:43:32 AM
Now isn't that better?

Group Hug!  :)
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Hertsblue on 16 May 2013, 08:50:56 AM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 16 May 2013, 08:57:16 AM
Quote from: GordonY on 16 May 2013, 07:08:30 AM
Both rulesets appeal to power gamers who want to min/max their lists and have read to death all these special rules for both their army and whatever they are playing against, that and the fact I've never yet seen a FoW game where the tanks weren't being run bogie to bogie.

If I had to describe FoW to anyone I'd have to be calling it WW2 Lite.
Lite - you forgot the sh off the front of that!  :P

I know I'm in the minority here, but I play it because I cannot get on with BKC... :-[

I REALLY enjoy FOW, most of all because it's fun!  :-$
I have to agree in some areas, but at least you get a result in 3 hours! Also, not all power gamers succeed (unless you are Lord Charlton).
If I can run 60 players in a tournament this last weekend, it can't be all bad! I use 1940 British armour, one of the worst lists around, but one of the best too, but I was in a minority with tanks in the Early War players this weekend as most Early War lists are infantry. As actually are Late War, it's the Soviets and Italians who dominate mid-war tanks!
FOW can be bad, but tanks don't run bogie to bogie when they are under an artillery template! Players who do that don't last long!


There are faults, but I just like it (mad, I know).  8-} It's like Napoleonics, you never quite find a rule set that is perfect for a period. but you make the best of what you can.
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Steve J on 16 May 2013, 10:23:42 AM
As long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters at the end of the day. It is after all a game, whether FoW, BKC, Spearhead etc. It's how you play the game that counts.

Quote
    There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night—
    Ten to make and the match to win—
    A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
    An hour to play and the last man in.
    And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
    Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
    But his captain's hand on his shoulder smote
    "Play up! play up! and play the game!"

    The sand of the desert is sodden red,—
    Red with the wreck of a square that broke;—
    The Gatling's jammed and the Colonel dead,
    And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.
    The river of death has brimmed his banks,
    And England's far, and Honour a name,
    But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks:
    "Play up! play up! and play the game!"

    This is the word that year by year,
    While in her place the school is set,
    Every one of her sons must hear,
    And none that hears it dare forget.
    This they all with a joyful mind
    Bear through life like a torch in flame,
    And falling fling to the host behind—
    "Play up! play up! and play the game!"
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 16 May 2013, 10:39:55 AM
Too true
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: sunjester on 16 May 2013, 10:48:31 AM
I'd like to apologise for Last Hussar and Just a Few Orcs. ;)

We don't let them out very often because they get over excited very easily. I'll increase their medications and shut them both in a darkened room until they calm down a bit. 8-}

Perhaps I'll make sure they are both accompanied by medical staff the next time they come out in public. If anyone from the forum should happen to encounter them I'd be grateful if you did not mention WW2 wargaming or name any particular set of rules. :d
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: NTM on 16 May 2013, 12:05:27 PM
I don't see 'millions' of youngsters being introduced to historical gaming, seems to be mainly gamers who are older than me that are playing the game and tha vast majority were already historical gamers and had atleast dabbled in WWII before. I've dabbled with FoW but it just doesn't float my boat don't feel the need to hate the system or the company either (although they do seem to make some daft decisions)
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: rexhurley on 17 May 2013, 02:37:37 AM
Quote from: NTM on 16 May 2013, 12:05:27 PM
I don't see 'millions' of youngsters being introduced to historical gaming, seems to be mainly gamers who are older than me that are playing the game and tha vast majority were already historical gamers and had atleast dabbled in WWII before. I've dabbled with FoW but it just doesn't float my boat don't feel the need to hate the system or the company either (although they do seem to make some daft decisions)

Lols the last statement in brackets and it has a fair bit to do with why I'm no longer with them amongst other things.

Onward and upward lads and lols been re-reading "spearhead" again at work, hilarious.... :D
Title: Re: Rulesets for WWII
Post by: Orcs on 19 May 2013, 09:57:24 PM
Quote from: sunjester on 16 May 2013, 10:48:31 AM
I'd like to apologise for Last Hussar and Just a Few Orcs. ;)

We don't let them out very often because they get over excited very easily. I'll increase their medications and shut them both in a darkened room until they calm down a bit. 8-}

Perhaps I'll make sure they are both accompanied by medical staff the next time they come out in public. If anyone from the forum should happen to encounter them I'd be grateful if you did not mention WW2 wargaming or name any particular set of rules. :d

I won't be able to drive you to Normandy in two weeks in a straight jacket  ;D