As discussed in the first part of this series, the framing for play in Solitaire TacOps: Ortona, both for standard scenarios and the open campaign, revolves around expanding allied control to clear the individual maps. In the last part of the series we saw this play out through an example using elements of the Loyal […]
Solitaire TacOps: Ortona — Contact Contests Control Read Post »
Designer Blogsby Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) Hello, my young friend, it is good to see you once again. I note that you have a bandage on your left arm. Is something amiss at your machine shop? I see, so your associate purchased a lower grade of bituminous coal for your forge. And some
In the previous installment of this series we talked about some of the influences that went into the framing of the Solitaire TacOps campaign system. This connects operational planning with tactical decision making. The impacts at both scales directly affect the player’s ability to win or lose the campaign. This article will use an actual
Solitaire TacOps: Ortona — Edge of Town Part 1 Read Post »
Designer BlogsThe second edition of Illusions of Glory: The Great War on the Eastern Front (“IoG”) is currently on the P-500 list. Links to prototype unit counters, player aid cards, mapboard, and playbook can be found on the IoG webpage. The following discussion includes rule references in parentheses. The rulebook can also be found on the
The Effect of Troop Quality in Illusions of Glory Read Post »
Designer BlogsIntroduction by Congress of Vienna Assistant Designer & Editor, Fred Schachter: Game Designer Frank Esparrago here concludes his four parts “How to Play” treatise, one for each Congress of Vienna Major Power: France, Austria, Russia, and now Britain which readers and prospective players of the game will hopefully find edifying and enjoyable. The goal of
How to Play with Each Major Congress of Vienna Game Power: Britain (2024 Edition) Read Post »
Designer Blogs, Strategy ArticlesIn the previous series of InsideGMT articles for Solitaire TacOps: Ortona, I shared some of the inspiration for the design, discussed the role scale, effectiveness and maneuver play in the game, the structure of play from turn to turn, and what differentiates it as a hex and counter game. This article introduces the next series
Solitaire TacOps: Ortona — The Campaign Game as a Roguelike OODA Loop Read Post »
Designer BlogsThe second edition of Illusions of Glory: The Great War on the Eastern Front (“IoG”) is currently on the P-500 list. Links to prototype unit counters, player aid cards, mapboard, and playbook can be found on the IoG webpage. The following discussion includes rule references in parentheses. The rulebook can also be found on the
The National Will Death Spiral in Illusions of Glory Read Post »
Designer BlogsIntroduction by Congress of Vienna Assistant Designer & Editor, Fred Schachter: Game Designer Frank Esparrago continues his InsideGMT exposition of CoV Major Power Strategy pieces, the last presented through a “Strategies for Austria” piece: How to Play with Each Major Congress of Vienna Game Power: Austria (2024 Edition) | Inside GMT blog . This link
How to Play with Each Major Congress of Vienna Game Power: Russia (2024 Edition) Read Post »
Designer Blogs, Strategy ArticlesIt’s been a very exciting few weeks for the development of Order & Opportunity. Over here in Europe, the Essen Spiel Fair 2024 took place in early October. With a little bit of help from a friend, the Estonian designer and publisher Aigar Alaveer, I was able to get some table space and demo Order
Order & Opportunity: November 2024 Development Update Read Post »
Designer Blogs, Development UpdatesIn the previous article, we covered the Production phase of each Season and saw the differences between Summer and Winter. In this final installment, we’ll explore the Propaganda phase of the Season and conclude with some strategic thoughts for how each faction can maximize their chances of victory. Hope is born in [the people’s] hearts,
Propaganda and Strategy in Hammer and Sickle Read Post »
Designer Blogs