"Battlegroup and IABSM - solo play feedback" Topic

Well, not sure what happened to my post…

I'd love to hear comments from those who have played either set of rules solo and what you think about them.

Shortcomings?
Strengths?

I've played CoC but I want to play something at home Company level and when I can't together with my regular group.

I've not played IABSM, but have played many games of BG. IMO, BG would play fine solo.

BG is my "go to" WW2 rule set and I think it's well suited to solo play due to the variable unit activation and chit pull break point systems. I find there is just enough crunchiness in the rules without bogging down. Everything runs smoothly after a few turns and you quickly focus on what to do with your troops rather than how to do things with them.

Things to note: The artillery indirect fire system is a bit involved for some. Its not hard but may feel a little clunky compared to the direct fire process. Also I've found that infantry melt away startlingly fast under fire. The MG is king in this game. Tank combat pretty deadly and I think rewards good tactics.

The solo play suitability of any given set of rules really depends on the sequencing.

From this POV IABSM are quite good with each unit being activated separately and sequentially. The only difficulty is the blinds which don't hide much in a solo game. But if you treat them as mainly a rapid deployment and un-spotted status marker they still work. Certainly not insurmountable. The real benefit is the unpredictable element of the cards and tea breaks, both sides are fighting "friction" as much as the enemy.

I've not played Battlegroup. On the face of it (being IgoUgo) they should be practical, but whether the order mechanic and things like reaction work I'll leave to those who have the experience of actual play.

Cheers
David

I guess I could try one and then the other and judge for myself! :)

I don't have a lot of time to invest in gaming so my apprehension is picking a set of rules that aren't as good for solo play as another might be, but that's a decision for me to make.

Thanks

@acctingman1869, if you're on Facebook and join the Battlegroup group (a great source of info and help about the game) there's a recent discussion about playing solo in this thread:

link

Battlegroup Facebook Group home:
link

Both work great, try both and see which you like the best.