One of the major strengths of historical board games – be they classical wargames, political games or something in between – is that they let players experience the joy of “playing history”, of creating contra-factual situations based on historically accurate premises. Through exploration of the what if?-scenarios that most readers of history delight in, and […]
Introduction to The Weimar Republic: Key Mechanics Read Post »
Designer BlogsThe first set of six characters from Banish the Snakes that we described were contemporaries of Patrick — or even his predecessors. We now begin the first of six characters that rose to prominence in the following century or so, and played prominent roles in completing the conversion of Ireland to Christianity. In a historic
Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Brigid Read Post »
Designer Blogs, Inside the Game as HistoryBelow is the first in a series of articles from Mark McLaughlin showcasing the 16 civilizations in Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East.
Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East: Meet the Sumerians Read Post »
Designer BlogsLast weekend I was at the GMT Weekend at the Warehouse gathering and Gene was kind enough to give me an open copy of Nevsky. To set the stage, I am friends with the designer, so if I did not like the game I would never post anything. If I liked the game I would
Nevsky: Pleskau 1240 Strategy Discussion Read Post »
Strategy ArticlesAt first glance, The Barracks Emperors seems to be a bit of an unusual game to appear on the GMT Games website. It’s not a wargame, although it does feature player conflict. It’s not a historical simulation, although it is historically themed. And it’s not part of a great series, although it does share its setting and some
The Barracks Emperors: Trick Taking, Weaponized Read Post »
Designer Blogs, Strategy ArticlesFAB Crusader has turned into being several games within a game design. There are the overall operations, which can best be likened to a combination of three seashells combined with roulette. You have to bluff, feint, and maneuver to be strong where your opponent is weak and take victory points in sudden rushes to push
Introduction to FAB: Crusader Part 2 – Use the Right Tools for the Job Read Post »
Designer BlogsThis is the last of six installments describing the characters represented in the historic “at start” cards. Over the following weeks, I will describe each of the six cards that are shuffled into the deck at the beginning of the game, representing characters that rose to prominence after the initial group did their work in
Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Secundinus Read Post »
Designer Blogs, Inside the Game as HistoryAncient Civilizations of the Middle East offers gamers the opportunity to play – and play against – 16 nations, peoples, kingdoms, and empires which rose, fought, prospered, and perished over the course of 4,000 years. As many as six – or as few as two – of these civilizations may be present in a single game.
The 16+ Civs in Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East Read Post »
Designer Blogsor Why spend your precious game time researching pottery when you can defend an empire? There are no shortage of civilization building games out there. Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea, however, is MORE than just another Civilization BUILDING game – it is a Civilization SURVIVAL game – and one with an elegantly built-in, if subtle,
Any Fool Can Build an Empire – It Takes a Great Ruler to Keep It Read Post »
Designer BlogsThe Weimar Republic was a complex and dynamic period in German history. The years between the Great War and Hitler’s appointment as chancellor witnessed both economic collapse and severe political violence – some of which almost led to civil war – but also major cultural and scientific achievements. The fledgling democracy was under constant attack
Introduction to The Weimar Republic: Factions Read Post »
Designer Blogs