"Review Notes" Topic

The following factors about Battalions In Crisis! are important, but are not usually covered in game reviews:

• We made a concerted effort to produce a product that is player-oriented. By this, we mean that it is easy to read and understand.
• The rules have a Table of Contents, a Listing of Tables in the rules, and a detailed Index.
• The rules are covered in organized sections – you do not need to look in four places to know how to do one thing.
• We organized the hard data into charts. The information looks like a lot, but it is very easy to use, especially as all the information for one vehicle is in one place.
• We used a size 12 font that is easy on the eyes.
• The basic game comes in a three-ring binder for ease of use, and the modules are already three-hole punched.
• Our address and phone number are in the game, with instructions to call or write if you have any questions. So far this has not been a problem. While we do get some questions, every call has been complimentary and positive. We have not yet gotten one letter or call from someone who was disappointed or upset with the rules.
• WWII gamers will find that the game is fast-moving, and historically accurate as to the use and effects of combined-arms, small-unit tactics. I just ran a game with 8 new players at a convention. We got in 17 turns in 4 hours or less. With experienced players, I get 5 turns an hour on the average. This means that you can actually complete a game and know who won. It also means that infantry can maneuver normally and not make Banzai charges as the only way to get into the game.

In combination with playability, our other goal was to make a historically accurate simulation. We have a number of active and retired military people who say that the game provides a good simulation. One particularly important aspect is the use of artillery. Most games cannot simulate the effects of artillery, but our game does this very well, and with a simple-to-use method.

Battalions In Crisis! emphasizes combined arms. Infantry is a major part of combined arms. Neither our rules nor our scenarios are oriented towards just tank battles. Some of our scenarios have no tanks. Also, you will not find our scenarios with tanks fighting wheel hub to wheel hub across the width of the tabletop. Finally, since the scale is one to one, real terrain and facing become important. A building is a building, not a village, and a vehicle or figure is one tank or man. This makes for a more realistic use of equipment and terrain features.

– Michael E. Kelly, president of Phoenix Military Simulations

This rule set is based on TRACTICS copyright Michael Reese 1971. Anyone having knowledge of the authors, publishers, or Phoenix Military Simulations or sales of this rule set please contact Tank Guy at mrtank688@gmail.com