"Battlegroup and Command Decision: ToB" Topic

Is one or the other easier to play solo?

If you've played both, which did you prefer?

Thanks

I have not played Battlegroup. I've used CD since the 80's, ToB is the best version.

Any game can be solo. Just keep the scenario small to be managable and try not to fudge many die rolls

I have played Battlegroup only once, at a gaming event. I was not familiar with the rules so I was trying it for the first time. I muddled along, and felt the rules deserved another play. Especially if I read the rules.
Command Decision: Testof Battle is my favorite WW II game at that level. I have been playing Command Decision since the second edition, and I feel that CD:ToB is the best of the bunch. I agree with S6. To play solitaire keep the scenario small.

I think the friction generated by pips and random damage chits makes BG perhaps more engaging for solo play. But I like them both!

Dave

Command Decision is excellent. I've settled on it as my main ruleset for WW2 non-skirmish games (for skirmish, you cannot beat Battleground WW2 by Easy Eight). Both of those I play solo as often as not (the other times, I'll be playing with my kids and both games are very "young player" friendly).

One of my favourite aspects of Command Decision is how you can fire from a hidden unit counter. Even playing solo (when I know what is under the counter), it is very entertaining to have a hidden anti-tank gun or the like knock out advancing enemy tanks turn after turn without any successful spotting rolls that would allow them to fire back. Feels like something only a video game can accomplish!

Am, I thought you were still playing battlefront WW II. Switch to CD?

Joe

Joe, yah I do not play much BFWW2 these days. That game is very smart in how it uses turn sequence to create tactical action, but it doesn't play nearly as quickly as CD and it doesn't handle vehicles as well. And a lot of BFWW2's best features, like its artillery fires rules, is pretty much just lifted straight out of CD. BFWW2 will always be a special game for me, but I am finding that I reach for CD much more often. I might swing back to BFWW2 one day, of course!

High praise indeed for CD. Which version is your favorite?

Joe

Sorry Joe, I missed your message. I prefer the 3rd Edition by Old Glory. It has the nicest presentation, I find, and really cleans up and simplifies the rules. 4th Edition has some fans (that's the edition that had very little input from Frank, apparently) but honestly it adds a bunch of nonsense rules changes and adds in gimmicks like cards and other things that make it feel considerably less like a wargame. The change to the hit effects was just regrettable.

But don't take my word for it. You should always read all of the editions and make up your own mind. I rarely find that the latest edition of anything is an improvement (usually quite the opposite) but it is worth reading them to understand it for yourself. Both the most recent two editions are still in print from their respective publishers.