* Matt’s co-worker is walking halfway around the world for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, go stop by here and giver her some support.

* The Warhammer guild is still going on!  Get out and join us!

* Let’s talk about what is’t like owning a small business in the gaming industry

* One-Shotter Day Announcement!  Details below.

* Long Warmachine discussion among Walker and Luke, Adam was zoning out

* What’s new and interesting in the gaming community

One-Shotter Day!

On Saturday, December 6th, The Podge Cast will be hosting a one-shotter day at Game On, in West County St. Louis.  If you’re interested in playing, shoot an e-mail to Adam or Luke (or if you’re in Arizona, Matt), drop a comment, or post on the forums.

Hosts: Adam, Luke, Matt, Walker

Flames of War is not a new game. The 2nd edition rulebook released in 2006; however, New Zealand-based Battlefront Miniatures’ World War II, 15mm-miniatures game is gaining wider exposure in the United States due to the company’s recent partnership with Alliance Game Distributors. The game places players in the role of company commander and allows them to direct battles at the tactical level. While the game does have its negatives they are far outweighed by the positives.

Aspects of the game that excel are the combination of realism and playability, background detail, and the excellent support provided by Battlefront Miniatures. In an attempt to capture historical accuracy, other historical games I have played utilize extensive rule sets that stomp out any fun, giving the game the feel of an algebra final. Flames of War avoids this by using a level of abstraction that allows the game to flow quickly without losing much realism. The action is dynamic while stressing such battlefield realities as tactical movement and cover. For example, your “to hit” number is not based on the experience of the soldiers doing the shooting but the experience of the soldiers being shot at. This represents the unit’s ability to effectively use cover. Elite soldiers make the most of every nook and cranny while greenhorns stand upright as the artillery starts to fall.

The game’s solid mechanics are essential but expected. What is unexpected is the fascinating history provided in the various Intelligence Briefings. The game divides the war into three periods: Early War (1939-1941), Mid-War (1942-1943) and Late War (1944-1945). All the rules needed are provided in the 256 page core rulebook, but supplemental information is included in the Intelligence Briefings. Bloody Omaha, for example, gives force charts for the US 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions and the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions that took part in the D-Day landings. It also includes charts for the German 352 and 716 Infanteriedivisions and Kampfgruppe Meyer that opposed them. It discusses how the battles were planned and unfolded as well as tells the stories of men like Brigadier General Norman Cota, Lieutenant-Colonel R.G. Pine-Coffin and Lieutenant Turner Turnbull. Men you’ve probably never heard of (I hadn’t) but probably should have. These books provide an entertaining and educational retelling of key battles during the war.

While the game has many good points it also has some bad ones as well: cost and relative complexity. This is not a cheap game to get into. The main rulebook costs $50 dollars as does an American rifle company box set. Add to that the various Intelligence Briefings and support platoons and the numbers start climbing. However, with the 15mm scale you do get a lot of figures for your money. That $50 rifle company box set includes 122 infantry figures. Taking this into account, it is not any more expensive then other big miniature games out there but.

While the game has excellent playability, it is still complex. It requires some reading and figuring out as you go along. Happily, one of the most confusing parts, the old force composition charts are being phased out for much more user-friendly versions (one of the improvements in Fortress Europe). You will spend the first few games frequently referencing the rulebook. While they are written simply, there are a lot of them. After a few games you should only need to consult the rulebook occasionally.

While very few games are perfect, Flames of War offers an excellent system with great historical background by a company that provides good support. If you have a passion for World War II, miniature games, or the modern battlefield, this is a game that you should check out. More information can be found at www.flamesofwar.com (the “Bootcamp” section is a good place to start) or you can PM me (@Jim Brown) on the forums. To borrow a phrase, fast, furious combat awaits those willing to pick up the dice.