Monthly Archives: October 2023

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(Not So) Minor Powers in Imperial Fever

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Imperial Fever is a game of Great Power competition in the period 1880-1914. However, the term “Great Power” is difficult to define and open to discussion. The four players in the game take on the roles of the United Kingdom, France, the Central Empires (which for game purposes comprise Germany and Austria-Hungary), and the Emergent Powers (which include the United States and Japan). However, there are other powers, both in Europe and outside Europe, that were very active or important in this period. Russia, Italy and most certainly China come to mind. On the other hand, other powers such as Spain, Portugal, or the Netherlands, had been major imperial actors until very recently and were still active in the international stage. Even Leopold II, the king of a small and recent country like Belgium, secured an important if notorious role in the colonial race starting in the 1880s.

The role of all these international actors is not neglected in Imperial Fever, even if they do not appear as player factions. The aim of this article is to explain and analyse how Imperial Fever incorporates their actions and influence.

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Filipinos Play People Power

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I was 15 and in the middle of junior high when the titular People Power EDSA revolution took place. As such, the events surrounding People Power stand out as a watershed historical moment during my youth. Interestingly enough, much of the same factions are still involved in Philippine politics, 37 years hence, and the son of then President Ferdinand Marcos, Bongbong, is once again head of state; and is mainly opposed by leftists and factions associating themselves with Cory and Benigno Aquino. Old wounds and issues were once again headlined during the elections and the different sides clashed in social media, and sometimes in real life.

Thus the introduction of the game People Power comes at a precarious time. Many reference the events and personalities of that titular era, and political lines are drawn (You can check my full review of People Power here). I found it interesting to let different types of Filipinos try out the game. From casual gamers, to GMT fans; from people who lived thru the events to millennials who know little about Imelda Marcos; to people with different political leanings and those who are apolitical themselves. Below are excepts from my game sessions with these Filipinos and their reactions and comments on People Power the game.

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Battle Command: The Bulge After Action Report Part 5 — German Turn 3

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German Turn 3 – Searching for the breakthrough.

Card draws are the same on Turn 3 as on Turn 2. The Germans get a lot of fuel to power their advance, particularly for 5th Panzer Army (yellow), whilst 6th Panzer Army get a valuable Force March. Importantly, the US gets another Garrison, 2 Replacements, and 2 Engineers.

More US units stream onto the battlefield, including three Elite 3-strength formations (20th Infantry, 82nd Airborne, and 101st Airborne. There won’t be any US reinforcements next turn, however, so these will need to be positioned wisely.

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Resisting Revolution: The Resistance

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The new Cuban government that came to power in 1959 was initially very popular, replacing the Batista dictatorship with an apparently moderate liberal regime, and with ambitious plans to stamp out political corruption, to enact land, labor, and education reforms, and to normalize relationships with important trade partners like the United States. However, as Castro and his allies began to strengthen their grip on power and expand the scope of their economic reforms, resistance began to grow, including not only wealthy landowners but also revolutionary veterans concerned by the political direction of the new regime. The Resistance faction in Resisting Revolution represents a loose coalition of urban political opposition, clandestine rural cells, and a guerrilla insurgency in the central Escambray Mountains, united by their commitment to overthrowing Castro but without much popular support or organized structure. In this article I will outline some key features of the Resistance faction and their new menu of Operations and Special Activities.