"Rules request - a little overwhelmed :)" Topic

So, I currently play IABSM and LOVE them, however, I'm looking for a set of rules to simulate larger engagements.

I currently have a decent collection of 6mm but I'm really thinking of going down the 3mm rabbit hole

Here are my requirements.

1) Solo play

2) Some flexibility to scale (Battalion to Division per side)

3) Some complexity. A good balance between "chrome" and quicker play

4) Good C&C and friction. The one thing I love about IABSM is the friction present when issuing orders.

One last request!

I'd appreciate some US online suggestions for 3mm terrain. Also, any suggestions on home made terrain? It's such a small scale I'm not sure where to start :)

Appreciate any tips and suggestions.

Could give these a try….I like them

link

I'd also recommend "Kampfgruppe Commander III" (available on Wargames Vault)

Terrain: link

Just a thought…

What you probably want is a set of rules where 1 stand = 1 platoon, and the company is the maneuver element. That gives you some granularity but allows for sizable formations.

Once you have one you like, layering on C&C/friction is usually pretty easy. Maybe just tweak the friction from IABSM and go with that?

Try looking at Combat HQ, they have an interesting dice mechanic that models friction well and is similar in some respects to Chain Of Command, another Lardies rule set. One stand equals a platoon

The old Tank Charts can be modified for solo play.
A question is concerning Memoir 44, is there a variant for solo play on their group site.

No one has mentioned Fist Full of TOW's 3? I just watched some videos on it.

What are people's opinion? They seem good.

Nuts! Big Battles from Two Hour Wargames but sold by Rebel Minis is escifically to be played solo: link

CaptainCold, my buddy has used FFT3 for 10 years+, and he likes it very much – it can deliver good games (if you're playing it with well-designed scenarios of course).

He has taken on a lot of tabletop markers to track things in-game though, which I think gets distracting.

Maybe someone here can relate more on FFT's solo suitability?

FFT3 is my go-to for this kind of game. But it has no real C&C or friction rules of the usual sort. They cover 1918 up to today almost, and are modular so you can start small and grow into them, Plus they have all the weapon stats right in the book. I love them.

It's pretty much an IGOUGO kind of game with opp fire.

Memoir 44 is a fun game but not at all a real "wargame." There is no morale, no chain of command, co C&C. Unit are generic. I think of it as a "war themed game." But that's just me.

Captain,
See you ported over the discussion to a new thread. I like IABSM. It is easy to play solo and you can differentiate leaders. It can drag a little with too many cards though.
I have been on the hunt for the perfect battalion level game with much the same criteria you have. I don't really want to go above battalion level though.
Since you asked here are some posts that might help you in your quest:
first a review of O group
link
Again, O group wouldn't work for battles your size.
Second a review of Battlefront
link
As I stated, this is my base ruleset now. I have made a few tweaks and as EC said above, I have just added on my C+C.
Battlefront with O group found here
link
Battlefront with Piquet found here:
link

I realize these battles are smaller than what you are looking for but I have played bigger and they still work. Given that you like IABSM I think would like Piquet for C+C but their battle routine is only okay. I must say that I really like Battlefront for that; it is slick and appears accurate.
My suggestion is Battlefront and then add IABSM cards for C+C or try Piquet as I have done. That said, there could be a great ruleset out there that I haven't tried.
I am not sure if any of this helps or just confuses you more! Happy to discuss.

Cheers

Joe

@ Extra Crispy….thanks for that. I'm wondering if I could "port over" the dice activation system I use for IABSM?

What scale minis are you using? I have a bunch of 6mm but I'm really thinking of deep diving into 3mm for the variety and the amount of nations I can have at a fraction of the cost.

I'd second Dave Jackson's recommendations of GBWW2 and Kampfgruppe Commander III.

The C+C for Kampfgruppe Commander is great and really brings out the differences between Armies.

The combat in KGIII is OK but you can plug in whatever combat rules you like. I use Fire+Fury Battlefront for Inf and artillery and use Yacquinto Panzer/Armor/88 for tank stuff.

You could even use FFOT3 for the combat if you liked.

I would give O-Group a try. It is a battalion level game that focuses on C&C.

I Ain't Been Shot, Mum Rules Review

link

I Ain't Been Shot, Mum: North of Caen Battle Report

link

'O' Group WW2 Battalion Level Wargaming Rules Review

link

O Group: Kursk 1943, Solo AAR

link

Sounds like Panzer Korps to me. One stand = 1 company, but a maneuver element is a reinforced battalion. It has a good mix of complexity and simplicity… for example, you resolve an entire battalion's attack by rolling a single die and adding a couple of modifiers (defender also rolls one die but doesn't have to deal with modifiers). Most other game effects are resolved by rolling a single die and trying to beat a number. The game really shines with about a brigade per side and solos well.

If you wish to command a divisions, this video lists suitable rules: youtu.be/aN6drWHVhUI
If you wish to command a Brigade/Regiment, this video lists suitable rules: youtu.be/wCqX9HK7AkQ
This video provides some hints on 6mm terrain, which may be suitable for 3mm. The BUA's used are all 1:1000 scale, so would be suitable for 3mm. youtu.be/QRrqBH_LKPs