BoB:SE is a squad level WWII game focusing on the 101st Airborne from Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge. Counters represent squads of 10-15 men, a weapons team, an individual gun and its crew or an armoured vehicle. Ground scale is, so far as I can gather, around 40 yards to the hex, with a turn representing 2-3 minutes of real time.
There are five double-sided geomorphic maps, done in the style of the old Commando comics. I quite like this, though I believe it rankles with some.
The counters are large and attractive, but while the game contains two counter sheets, half a sheet's worth of them are blank! The ones that actually are counters do however look very good set up. The pictures below do not show a real scenario but should give you some idea of the overall effect...
Also included are 16 historical scenarios that vary in size from one map to five, a quick reference card, and a rulebook, containing some excellent designer's notes.
The rules are for the most part clear, but there are a couple of errata issues caused by typos. I had no trouble skimming through them quickly and starting a game immediately.
The lot:
So far I've found it very enjoyable solo, even though it's really meant to be a two-player game. It's simple enough to pick up and quite straightforward in play, but still seems to require skill and reasonably historical tactics (to my untrained eye!) to play well. It was ridiculously expensive in the game shop I got it from, but I think it's going to be worth it. After all, an expensive game that gets play is much better than any number of cheaper ones that don't!
Work calls me right at this moment but I will be back with some more thoughts on rules and a game report or two as time allows.
( Here is a link to a report of the first scenario, day of days ).
Sounds like an interesting wee game. Looking forward to see a report on how it plays.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting and well-illustrated game. Should be adaptable for figures? Best, Dean
ReplyDeleteThanks, gents. Dean - it has hidden/dummy elements in some scenarios so as long as you had markers for that (and a big hex mat and plenty of terrain!) I think there'd be no reason why it couldn't be used for figure games. Once I get an AAR or two up it might give a better idea on that score.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Aaron
Awesome! I think you've just pointed out my next gaming purchase.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that does look cool. I used to love those comics. How could one be rankled? :) (of course, that's coming from someone who's only real experience with anything remotely wargamish is Risk and Shogun... oh and Lord of the Rings Risk... which were all enjoyable. Chess is the game for me these days, though... speaking of which, Mr Prufrock... ;)
ReplyDeleteHint noted, Nige ;)
ReplyDeleteNice review. Is it ok for me to post the review on BGG and also include a link?
ReplyDeleteBy all means, Atsgamer. It's not a complete review by any stretch, but if you want to share it as it is then go ahead.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I submitted it. Looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteI never played the game but when you read the other reviews or watch the video reviews on bgg you learn that this games strategy comes in a rare appealing form. seems this review missed those special perks about this game. I recommend you read BGG if any of you are interested. This is perhaps one of the few wargames that sounds appealing and non linear.
ReplyDeleteHi Meee, thanks for dropping by and for pointing readers to the reviews on BGG. There are some very comprehensive ones about, and Marco Arnaudo's video review is especially good.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that I haven't gone into many details here, but I hope to do that through game reports and so on as I get a better feel for the game.