Wayniac | 25 Dec 2022 8:19 p.m. PST |
Hi all, and Merry Christmas as it's 12/25 as I write this! :) I was curious what set of rules are there for smaller scale WW2 combat, that could work on let's say no larger than a 4x4 table if possible (I'm okay with some modification), but have some elements of realism and are not too gamey. Something that fits these criteria: * 1:1 Ratio (i.e. one figure = one man), no stands of figures. * Forces are no more than a platoon of infantry with some support, no more than 1-2 guns or tanks at most. * Ideally the "size" I'm thinking of is like one of the old Airfix or similar (Italeri, Zvezda, etc.) diorama sets where you had like ~40-50 figures per side and then like a tank each or something. I'm actually looking at 1/72 for this based on seeing some of these sets. * Suitable for solo play if possible (although I can probably convince a friend to try it) * Has some realism; doesn't have to be super realistic but not too gamey. E.g. NOT Bolt Action, as it's definitely too gamey despite being a solid set of rules. At a quick glance, I was looking at both Battlegroup and Chain of Command as these seem to fit (albeit Battlegroup at its smaller level). What else is out there? If it matters at all I'm thinking the theatre will be early into the Russian campaign, around the Case Blue offensive but not Stalingrad. I'm also aware of but have not looked much into NUTS and 5 men at Kursk, both of which seem promising at first glance as well. |
Saber6 | 25 Dec 2022 9:07 p.m. PST |
Chain of Command works with a platoon or two per player. You can go Old School with TRACTICS (recently re-released). |
Stryderg | 25 Dec 2022 9:48 p.m. PST |
Look at Nuts some more. If you can adjust to the activation sequence, I think it will check all of your boxes. If you want to see how that works, there's the forum site: twohourwargames.proboards.com and some free rules: link Get 3-6 minis and run a short skirmish with the free rules, see if you like it. |
VonBlucher | 25 Dec 2022 10:22 p.m. PST |
Battlegroup, definitely but I think Piers or Warwick are looking to do a skirmish set of rules also but it might be more squad level actions. |
MILSPEX78 | 25 Dec 2022 11:58 p.m. PST |
I also have sought that perfect skirmish system. Playable but real feel. I however look at late Cold War primarily. Warwick did a man to man skirmish game called Firefight Normandy. I have it, it's pretty good but I had to add in rules for overwatch. NUTS! is cool and different in a good way but sometimes I get lost in the reactions. I think I tried to distill it to a clear flow chart but I'm too dumb so moved onto an old set of rules called also called Fire Fight: Modern Skirmish Rules by Bruce Rhea Taylor and Tabletop Games. That is a beautiful set of rules and does everything I want in a clear cut old school manner that isn't simply I GO U GO. It's for Cold War. The only set of rules that BRT did for World War 2 was Firefly and that is at a larger scale than you want probably but has very granular consideration even though infantry are based as sections and it's mainly about the tanks/AFVs. Saber 6 Tractics is microarmor and not skirmish. |
MILSPEX78 | 26 Dec 2022 12:04 a.m. PST |
When I was studying NUTS! I found this series of videos helpful. Breaks down a small WW2 skirmish using the rules. I also have no friends and of course for solo NUTS! is great because of the PEF mechanic, but you can apply other Solo mechanics to any rules (ie blinds , recommend Platoon Forward for straight forward advice on how to use these) YouTube link |
blacksmith | 26 Dec 2022 3:11 a.m. PST |
I've played Chain of Command, Battlegroup and 5 men at Normandy and Kursk and I can tell you are looking for Nuts! IMHO. Besides, soon it's gonna be a KS with new campaigns. I also play it in 1/72 scale. Here you have batreps of the full campaign of Blood upon the risers: link In my blog you can also read batreps of all the rules mentioned above. |
Dexter Ward | 26 Dec 2022 5:09 a.m. PST |
Chain of Command is excellent for a platoon a side plus supports |
MILSPEX78 | 26 Dec 2022 5:39 a.m. PST |
I don't like the randomness of Chain of Command. I really enjoy the Lardy's podcasts though. Those guys are characters. |
Doug MSC | 26 Dec 2022 6:55 a.m. PST |
We have made a simple rule set for Gaming in the WWII Pacific Theater. Two pages long. We use it for our 60mm figures from Expeditionary Force. The range and movement can be adjusted according to your desires. Send me an email and I will send you off a copy if you like. msc1d@aol.com |
MILSPEX78 | 26 Dec 2022 8:18 a.m. PST |
60mm? Outstanding. Big is better. |
Microbiggie | 26 Dec 2022 9:08 a.m. PST |
Chain of Command seems to do it for us. Plenty of online support. Lots of scenarios and reflects small unit tactics. |
huron725 | 26 Dec 2022 11:28 a.m. PST |
Final Combat by Ben Lacy. Excellent man to man game. He has youtube videos for clarification. Very detailed game system. |
Saber6 | 26 Dec 2022 3:29 p.m. PST |
MILSPEX78 <humor> With all due respect we played with 1/72 and Airfix (Micro armor wasn't a thing yet). </humor> FWIW it does work at the Platoon(-) level with infantry and a few vehicles. I would say the Stumgeshutz and Sorcery was a skirmish game (Classic Tractics scenario) |
Red Dragon 44 | 27 Dec 2022 5:30 a.m. PST |
If you especially want for solo then NUTS! is your friend. |
Herkybird | 27 Dec 2022 1:40 p.m. PST |
Mine are designed to play solo, but I doubt they are better than Hollywood accuracy, but my friends think they are fun! They are free to download from our club website: link Hope you find what you are looking for anyway! |
Tgunner | 29 Dec 2022 12:52 p.m. PST |
I have played at this scale a lot with different rules and I keep coming back to a free rule set called FUBAR. It has simple of mechanics that work great for low level actions. Very tactical in its feel. |
Grumble87106 | 19 May 2023 2:44 p.m. PST |
A group of us is playing a few games of *Combat Patrol* this spring and enjoying it. It's platoon level. Here's a brief description. link There are also introductory videos. |