I like this game……I really do. But, for some damn reason I found it hard to start pushing the counters.
Some games you just can’t wait to get to the table and play the next turn. Examples? Can’t roll that one over in my brain right now, have to focus on SOA.
A highly regarded game that has spawned a number of “Storm Over” games. Great area movement map, big counters (no tweezers needed), rules are……hmmmm, well maybe it’s just my learning style. Perhaps the problem is the chrome with tanks, reformed units, bren carriers, and setting fires. This play aide found over at Boardgamegeek was very helpful.
I really like the impulse turn system involving individual sectors, and units becoming more vulnerable after they have either moved or fired. This leads to a cat-and-mouse tactics (at least in my first play). You don’t want to move/shoot a unit that would be “flipped” to a committed status with a lower combat/defense strength with a full-strength enemy adjacent to your area. On the other hand, an area can only be fired on once a turn, so one has to maximize an opportunity to attrit an opponent.
Close-combat is a separate phase with all committed units flipped to their active side, engaging in new combats with any enemies in their sector.
Outcomes are dice-tastic, but generally reasonable. Lots of counter-punching (no pun intended) with one side reacting to their opponents preceding move.
Maybe what I like is the problem; yes isn’t that the way of the world. Constant back and forth with no respite for the solo player. It would be really fun FTF, especially with RAW restricting the time a player has for each impulse.
In my first try I relied on the British set-up used in the Avalon Hill General. My German tactics were relatively ham fisted, blasting away at British units, with results less than optimal. Pretty sure the Brits will prevail.
But, we’ll never know. Time to take it down and make way for System 700. However, this quality game will be back on the table sooner rather than later.
Maybe I can talk Tim into playing……
