Several new games have arrived, now adding to the games waiting to be played. I’m hoping to play some of them with my local Wargames buddies. So let’s take a look at what’s on the line.
Most games have a medium to high rule complexity. Because I play ASL, I’m familiar with complex rules. Learning them seems like a good exercise for my gray matter. And the more I play complex games, the easier it becomes to understand other rule systems.
INTO THE WOODS is the latest release in GMT’s GBACW series. The rule system is popular with some in our group. That should ensure that I soon take this complex set of rules to heart. I acquired BARBAROSSA: Army Group Center, 1941, because I was impressed by the extremely positive comments about the BGG. I will probably need some time before I actually start to get involved in this game.
I added Storm in the West to my portfolio while researching the games and history of WW1. This publication adds a dimension to the fictional what-if story. After reading a lot about the course of the First World War, I don’t think Germany could have lasted the war until 1919. Nevertheless, I hope that this game will provide an interesting insight into the late western campaign.
Arquebus, on the other hand, is a tribute to my brother, who is more into ancient and medieval wargames than modern ones. He should like the entire MEN of IRON series. Next time we meet to play I’ll invite him to try one of the publications, i.e. Arquebus, Infidel, and Blood & Roses.
To my local wargame friends: I really hope to get you to try some of the above games with me.
Attenzionen!!! 
Welcome to GBACW! Outstanding series. As an ASL player, you’ll have no worries about digesting this system. It’s definitely on the higher end of “Medium” complexity, but once I got familiar enough with its parts to be able to see the integrated whole from the top down, so to speak, I was as fascinated by its representation of ACW command and maneuver as I am with ASL’s concept of its Defensive Fire mechanism. Together with MMPs Great Campaigns of the American Civil War, the two systems’ portrayal of ACW tactical combat and operational movement gives a wargaming experience like no other I’ve found.
Thanks for your comment Tom. I hope I can win over my local Wargaming friends for the ACW flag. I play a lot solo, but I’m glad that the board game scene in Germany includes more and more wargames. So looking forward to f-t-f games from Into the Woods.
I play mostly solo (and PBEM) as well and rest assured that the GBACW system solos beautifully.
And I find that unlike ASL, which also solos very well (for my purposes) but plays with a bit more eagerly anticipated surprise against a live opponent, GBACW plays more the same – or less differently, if you will – opposed as it does live. I think that aspects of both the ASL and GBACW designs brilliant for different reasons, but I find it easier to get opponents willing to play ASL than the latter.
But I get it – both are full feasts and not everybody wants to consume a full rich 7-course meal every time you sit down to wargame. I too just received the Shiloh release and will be diving into it when I finish some ongoing games of my favorite “Go To” American Civil War series (the Blind Swords system).