Hi, for those who are interested, Carrier Battles 4 Guadalcanal is currently on sale. The base game is available for approximately 13 euros, while the complete package including all DLCs is priced at 27 euros.

Whenever I check there, even on special the prices seem to be higher than they are on Steam or GoG. Only time I actually used it now was for Armored Brigade II. Does anybody regularly buy their games there? If so, why?

Why did Maj Ian Campbell tell the Japs about Lt. Jim Yankee meeting that lady in the woods? What did he hope to gain?

Hello all,

I've been playing video games since the 80s: Strike Fleet, Star Wars, F-15 Strike Eagle II, M1 Tank Platoon, Sid Meier's civil war titles, and Combat Mission since 2009.

One thing was common throughout the decades - the QWERTY keyboard. (Remember the laminated keyboard overlays? XD).

The point of this post is to let you all know that many games can be enhanced by a custom keypad.

The regular keyboard great for typing, but for games with many commands, sometimes not so much. I've known for years that small custom keypads exist, with knobs and buttons, used by expert users Photoshop, music etc.

That these could be used for my games never entered my mind.

This fall I took on too many Combat Mission matches at once (two tournaments, and a large side game). My time got very crunched - was there a way to speed up my turn moves? CM has lots of commands, all over the keyboard. you're constantly looking up and down, making occasional errors.

I thought of those keypads ... could they help? After looking for a few hours, I bought a Razer Tartarus V2, and in three weeks had it perfectly customized so that I never even look at the keyboard anymore and my hands barely move as I churn out orders into this perfectly ergonomic device. It goes perfectly with a Logitech 720 mouse. I've achieved what you flight sim guys knows as HOTAS - Hands On Throttle And Stick.

I'll just post some pictures of my device, and others. Think of the games that you all play - could any benefit from a custom pad? As a bonus, virtually all are designed for macros, not just mere button assignments.

I made a similar post last week on r/CombatMission , https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatMission/comments/1h20x2e/controller_perfect_for_combat_mission_hotas/ but wanted to spread the news to all wargamers.

It's only a few hours left in Cyber Monday 2024 . I took a gamble that a $80 cool looking pad with buttons, a roller, and directional stick would make Combat Mission, with its notorious micromanagement, much easier and even more fun to play. It totally did. You are all above average smart guys - treat yourself! It boosts not just gaming, but productivity as well: browsing, video, programming.

Also - importantly - anyone with arthritis or injury could find that the ergonomics greatly reduce fatigue. I read testimonies to this in many of the reviews.

I'm not going to post links to the sites to buy them, because Reddit annoyingly visits it with sales bots showing historical price and other crap. Just enjoy the pics and take a look for yourself!

2 pages of commands for Combat Mission Engine (Version 4)

The Razer Tartarus V2. I LOVE IT for COMBAT MISSION! (not to be confused with the Tartarus Pro, which I don't own and can't speak for)

First level of commands, with move and target buttons grouped logically, instead of the rando placements on the regular keyboard

second level of commands with the \"Hypershift\" button

I laid these movement and cover arcs WAY faster and easier with the V2 than the ol fashioned keyboard

This one from Beastron has 60 buttons, my V2 only has ~25

lotsa buttons at low price

An exotic one you adjust to your hand and finger length

This one wraps around your regular keyboard left side.

a deluxe type with a lil screen to show what profile or layer is active

Very ergonomic

My Logitech has remove trees and zoom unzoom and recent unit if i miss click and lose unit

Okay guys that's all. My gaming hobby was made more comfortable and faster and "funner" by a custom keyboard. I bought a cheap $20 9-button 2-knob box from Walmart and it makes general browsing on my laptop much easier.

I'd like to hear your thoughts. Too much? Too many buttons? To be honest, I'm not the most mentally flexible person ever, I tend to "stick with what i know". But this took me out of my comfort zone. I really enjoyed trying many different key assignments until I arrived at one that works best.

I share these with you all because I hope that you have the result I did - enjoying gaming and computing even more.

Cheers,

OgrishVet

Scenario 1: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Scenario 2: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Scenario 3: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Scenario 4: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Scenario 5: Part 1 Part 2
Scenario 6: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

22/9/1941

The Byzantine assault on Tepelene fires up: the enemy tanks and motorized infantry isolate a Regiment of the Royalists’ 95th Hoplitai Division and prepare an all-out assault on the town. The 12th Clibanarii Division takes the brunt of the first attack since it was guarding the eastern outskirts of the forest, and I’m forced to retreat one of its Regiments. However, the combined counterattack of the 7th “Arretium”, the 24° Arditi, and the 14th Clibanarii catches the enemy unprepared. The overwhelming firepower and numerical superiority shatter the enemy units, routing two Regiments of the 6th Katafraktoi Division, a Koursorses Regiment, and crippling another two.

In the north, the 112th Hoplitai Division’s attack is faltering.

At Prrenjas, the Loyalists have decisively defeated the Royalist 88th Hoplitai Division, but the 5th “Veio” and the 25° Arditi Brigade have beaten back the 24th Hoplitai Division’s attempt to attack the town from the south. The Royalist 27th Hoplitai Division is still fighting, so I’ll assist it as much as possible.

In the southeast and southwest, the few remaining Byzantine units have established defensive positions, too weak to further threaten the III or VI Coorte.

https://preview.redd.it/mxfqeyyx8f4e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1cbcb27f1d9f8224aed0de486d0ae783023a1f42

23/9/1941

The Byzantine offensive on Tepelene is failing: my counterattack has shattered almost all enemy units, with only a few Regiments still in fighting shape around an anti-tank Regiment. The 112th Hoplitai Division is still pushing in the northern woods, but the Royalists are holding well.The 5th “Veio” is advancing toward Prrenjas, pushing aside the Byzantine units in the area. The Royalist 27th Hoplitai Division is still resisting.

The rest of the front is stabilized: local attacks in the southeast by the 17° Varangian Brigade have failed to become a serious threat. The 13th Divisione Motorizzata takes Rreshen, but the nearby bridge is mined.

https://preview.redd.it/xa4wsmwy8f4e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73588b5c6fcb0b9f8eaec648725ef75e4fde6a22

24/9/1941

The 5th “Veio” links up with the 27th Hoplitai Division, cutting off the entire area around Sukth and Fier. The Byzantines launch the last combat-worthy Regiment of the 6th Katafraktoi through the woods northeast of Tepelene, trying to rush toward the Royalist HQ. The Royalist 90th Hoplitai Division is holding the line, but has been fighting the 112th Hoplitai Division as well and is being worn down quickly, being reduced to only roughly half of its combat strength. I intensify the operations in the plains to finish off the rest of the Byzantine XVI Thema, starting with the encirclement of the remaining troops of the 15th Koursorses Division.

https://preview.redd.it/a17uaoxz8f4e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ef36f5e002d9c345581822767ae39a81d0eb50e

https://preview.redd.it/8u4z6m809f4e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=40a7c08adae0af9e0abe9c7abf768637aa301f39

25/9/1941

The Byzantines are desperately pushing toward Tepelene; they have almost overrun the airfield, and the 95th Hoplitai Division is cracking under the pressure. The 24° Arditi Brigade forces the encircled 15th Koursorses Division to surrender, the 7th “Arretium” clears the field from the last stragglers, and I send the 14th Clibanarii around the woods to flank the enemy troops advancing on Tepelene.

The 5th “Veio” is still pushing toward Prrenjas, defeating the various Byzantine infantry units on the way.

In the southeast I decide to engage the enemy’s III Thema HQ, and to beat back the remnants of a Varangian Brigade that were positioning themselves in front of Burrel.

https://preview.redd.it/f0ukrv919f4e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d91d7a5c631e5cecc16ad835da0b982754979cb7

26-27/9/1941

The last assaults on Tepelene manage to overrun the airfields, but our mechanized troops are quick to seal the gap, and the flanking move of the 14th Clibanarii dooms the Byzantine units in the area. The Byzantines start pulling out their troops from the area, giving up the battle. With the Royalist uprising in full swing, the defense of Valona is doomed. The battle wasn’t very difficult, I’ll probably add some more minefields and Hoplitai Divisions to strengthen the enemy’s first line of defense and force the player to focus more on a single attack vector.

https://preview.redd.it/86h5qqa29f4e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0abc59410542ee12c319a2e1145123773b01bcc8

I remember someone posted an old cheap. Hex-based computer wargame on here recently. I can't remember the exact name. It was volume three in a series. It said it was set in the years 1858-1905 (I think). It's selling on steam for super cheap. Anyone have any idea what it is?

It is encouraging to see so many of you discussing your computer wargaming here. In an effort to promote a bit more discussion from people who don't normally post up (the lurkers, if you will)... give us your opinion on:

a) What computer wargame are you playing at the moment?

b) What do you like about it, the experience it gives you?

c) What do you plan on playing next?

Join in, tell us your views on your wargaming now!

anybody know modern time set wargames with concept like ATG, i seek for it snice i own command modern operations but i would play trun based settings.

What are some wargames with abstract and/or symmetrical forces that focus completely on strategy and tactics or unique gameplay rather than historical simulation or reenactment? The ones that inspired the thought for me are Empire Deluxe, Empires of Steel, Advanced Tactics, Waronoi, Advance Wars, and Battle Isle.

edit: Universal Military Simulator came to mind, which I think is in a similar vein

Here's a link to the game:

http://schwerpunkt.games/misc/games/world-war-ii-europe-1939-1945/#:\~:text=World%20War%20II%20%E2%80%93%20Europe%20(WWII,September%201939%20to%205May%201945.&text=The%20WWII%2DE%20map%20is,Northern%20Finland%20to%20North%20Africa.&text=There%20are%20TBD%20villages%2C%20towns%20and%20cities%20on%20the%20map.

Has anyone tried it? What's the hive mind consensus?

Hello! I wrote this article with some sale suggestions on Strategy and Wargaming. But here he is in full:

25 - Marvel's Midnight Suns

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a standout title that’s not only one of the best strategy games of 2022 but arguably one of the best in the turn-based strategy genre. I even went so far as to call it “perfect.” This tactical, turn-based RPG blends in some social elements between missions, which serve as both character-building moments and story progression. With its base of operations resembling the management system of XCOM, it’s no surprise—this game comes from the same team behind the classic XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2.

The concept is refreshingly simple: Create your own superhero and fight back against Lilith, who’s causing chaos. Whether you’re taking on main story missions or procedurally generated side quests, you’ll return to The Abbey, where you can explore, develop relationships with fellow heroes, and upgrade your abilities and base. It’s a familiar loop that captures the essence of XCOM but with a Marvel superhero twist. Don’t miss your chance to grab Marvel: Midnight Suns during the Steam Autumn Sale if you’re looking for an engaging, story-rich strategy game for pennies on the dollar.

24 - Field of Glory II: Medieval

If Crusader Kings 3 reigns as the king of grand strategy and medieval politics, then Field of Glory II: Medieval serves as its turn-based tactical counterpart. This game is a masterpiece of interconnected battle mechanics that perfectly simulates the realistic outcomes of medieval warfare. As a former historian, I can wholeheartedly recommend it as an exceptional teaching tool that'll give you plausible outcomes almost 100% of the time. For enthusiasts of medieval combat, this game is a must. No Total War title, no matter how grand, can match FoG in its meticulous attention to detail, currently there’s no comparison when it comes to crafting realistic medieval battles.

23 - Into The Breach

Into The Breach—everyone’s favourite turn-based Kaiju extermination simulator of 2018—became a massive indie success. It’s truly one of the best turn-based games ever made. I’ve completed its campaign multiple times, experimenting with nearly every available squad. In the game, you control a team of three mechs tasked with fighting off an alien invasion, but instead of direct combat, your strategy revolves around manipulating the aliens' positions. You’ll trick them into attacking their own, throw them into obstacles, or even off the map. It’s a brilliantly crafted experience that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The game also has a bucketload of content and a lot of different mech teams to unlock and play around with.

22 - They Are Billions

Zombies provide the perfect backdrop for a real-time strategy game centred around the concept of "turtling." Turtling, the tactic we all loved as kids, involves building a massive base with impenetrable defences and then sitting back, watching as wave after wave of AI enemies try (and hopefully fail) to breach your fortress. Inside, life goes on peacefully—your people live in a thriving, self-sustaining economy, blissfully unaware of the death and chaos just beyond your city walls.

They Are Billions is exactly that kind of game. As the mayor, your job is to construct defences so formidable they can withstand the onslaught of billions of zombies… or, more realistically, a few thousand. Released in 2019, They Are Billions is an underappreciated gem that never quite received the recognition it deserved, quickly fading from the public eye.

21 - The Great War: Western Front

Another unappreciated gem, The Great War: Western Front stands out as one of the best RTS games set during World War I (maybe the best), delivering a unique and captivating experience about one of humanity's worst moments. Completing a single campaign can take well over 30 hours, with more time required if you decide to engage in every real-time battle. Set on the Western Front, the game naturally turns most encounters into brutal, meat-grinding struggles.

I praised it as one of the best RTS games of 2023. The Great War: Western Front blends large-scale strategic planning with the tactical control of units on the ground. This combination works remarkably well, despite some repetitiveness in the battles. Persistent terrain damage and evolving trench layouts across campaigns help keep things fresh, ensuring that even familiar battlegrounds remain engaging. The game’s ability to authentically capture the essence of World War I is especially impressive.

20 - Starship Troopers: Terran Command

Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a game that truly pays homage to the 1997 film, capturing their spirit with uncanny detail. With its stellar presentation and a campaign that will keep you engaged for a solid dozen hours, Starship Troopers: Terran Command delivers both combat depth and silly fun. The game features a massive variety of friendly and enemy units that are both movie-accurate and enjoyable to play with/against, all while presenting tactical challenges that will get your brain working. It's an obvious must-buy for any fan of the series or anyone who loves a great real-time strategy experience.

If you’re a fan of the Starship Troopers universe or just looking for one of the best RTS campaigns since the days of Company of Heroes and Starcraft II, this game is for you. I even gave Terran Command a Strategy and Wargaming Golden Seal of Approval in 2021.

19 - Gates of Hell: Ostfront

Gates of Hell: Ostfront, personally, is the true successor to Men of War. Launching in 2021 after five years of development. It was not only highly praised by the Men of War community who flocked to it after being neglected for years, after the release of Assault Squad 2 but also built on a solid foundation to become what is arguably the best World War II RTS currently available—and certainly my personal favourite.

Gates of Hell has it all: expansive and scripted single-player campaigns, dynamic campaigns that last for dozens of hours, hundreds of meticulously detailed units and vehicles, an active multiplayer community, Steam Workshop integration with a thriving modding scene, and, best of all, the game's constantly getting new updates and DLC. I have played the Airborne one, and it's always a pleasure to be reunited with the 101st Airborne Division.s

It improves on everything Men of War did before, and as someone who played and reviewed Men of War 2, I can confidently say Gates of Hell is better in every aspect here to stay.

18 - Classified France '44

Some might glance at the score I gave it in my review and think it’s a bit generous. My initial reaction was similar, but as you dive deeper into Classified France ’44, you’ll quickly discover plenty to be pleasantly surprised by. The very unique setting of operation behind the enemy lines as a resistance fighter in Classified France '44 perfectly fits the expertly crafted turn-based tactical mechanics. The missions are thoughtfully designed. The squad management is fantastic, and an impressive variety of enemies all come together to make Classified France ’44 one of the standout strategy games of 2024. Let's be honest, XCOM in World War 2, who wouldn't love that?

17 - Tactical Breach Wizards

Tactical Breach Wizards is a charming, witty, and mostly well-designed game that definitely deserves your attention. Set in a World where magic is real, and used by special forces to throw people out of windows, it blends puzzle-solving with turn-based strategy in a way that feels mostly balanced throughout the campaign, allowing players to experiment with different moves and strategies without feeling overly restricted. The character dialogues between missions are hilarious, the game looks great, and at its price, it's hard not to recommend. My only gripes with it are its somewhat uninspired unit abilities and the fact that it leans a bit too heavily into puzzle elements for my personal taste, but I'm clearly in the minority here, as the game packs an impressive 98% rating on Steam.

16 - Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front

Graviteam Tactics: Mius Front offers the ultimate World War II tactical experience with a 1:1 scale, and no game does it better—not even Combat Mission, and that's my favourite series of wargames. This also means that Graviteam Tactics: Mius Front is a tough one to get into, requiring some tutorial watching and manual reading, but once you understand the intricacies, there’s nothing quite like it. Before diving in, you’ll need to learn how units lay wires on the field, which squads are within shouting range, and which require radio contact to perform their duties. No radio link? Your artillery commander won’t know where or when to fire. This game demands that you understand WWII tactics and unit organization. Mius Front doesn’t hold your hand, but it’s an absolutely marvellous experience.

There's no better, more gritty, or realistic game, and for many, this might just be the best wargame ever made.

15 - RimWorld

By now, everyone and their grandmother should know about RimWorld. It’s the poster child for sci-fi colony management games where you guide a group of survivors stranded on a remote planet through their often chaotic, and rather unfortunate, misadventures. As the colony’s leader, you’ll manage their needs, assign tasks, and build shelters to protect them from harsh environmental conditions and hostile creatures. The game is centred around the idea that things will inevitably go wrong- much like Dwarf Fortress- and your job is to delay disaster as long as possible before everything falls apart.

RimWorld boasts a thriving modding community, with a huge range of user-generated content available through the Steam Workshop. You can customize your gameplay experience with mods that introduce new features, expand mechanics, or create entirely new scenarios. It’s very much in the vein of Dwarf Fortress, offering endless replayability and the chance to share stories with the community about how everything went horribly wrong.

14 - Cities: Skylines

This list is packed with genre staples! Cities: Skylines is the city-building simulation game to have, especially if you’re into urban planning or nostalgic for the golden days of SimCity 4. The game empowers players to unleash their creativity and build any city, small village, or seaside hamlet they can imagine. With one of the largest modding communities in gaming, all available through the Steam Workshop, the possibilities are nearly limitless.

It also features the most realistic traffic simulation mechanics in any game. If you’re one of those people who don’t see how managing traffic can be engaging, it’s time to give Cities: Skylines a try. Test your planning skills as you watch your vision come to life in this highly acclaimed city-building game. Whether you’re constructing sprawling metropolises or quaint little towns, this game is the ultimate playground for any aspiring urban planner. Cities Skylines 2 is getting better with every update, but this one costs 2 dollars, so…

13 - Phantom Brigade

After quietly making its way to Steam following its brief stint on the Epic Games Store, Phantom Brigade has, for me, earned its place as a must-play turn-based tactics game. More Into the Breach than XCOM, it revolves around a unique premise where your units (massive, building-sized mechs) are equipped with time devices, allowing them to peer five seconds into the future. This gives you the chance to see the enemy's actions and counter, intercept, or prevent them from achieving their objectives.

Much like other games in the genre, Phantom Brigade is split between two main layers: the world map and the tactical battlefield. The world map offers the usual fare—unit customization, research and development, upgrades, and building new weapons and mechs while hunting for fights. While this part of the game is fairly standard, the mech customization is fantastic. You can swap out arms, legs, and torsos, equip various weapons (each with a specific use and optimal range), and assemble your dream squad. You can even paint your mechs. The game also boasts excellent building destruction, making each tactical battle feel like a true clash between massive, stomping machines.

12 - Battle Brothers

I haven't heard people talking about Battle Brothers for the longest time, it's a shame because it's still an amazing game. Battle Brothers takes place in a gritty, low-fantasy medieval world where you lead a ragtag band of mercenaries through brutal, challenging battles and perilous quests. In this game, you’ll recruit, equip, and manage a diverse roster of warriors, bandits, and other dubious characters, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. What sets Battle Brothers apart from other strategy games is its unforgiving combat system: units can suffer broken bones, deep wounds, head trauma, and more, with each injury affecting their performance and behaviour in different ways. The game sets you free in a world full of "wonderful" opportunities. Battle Brothers is a brutal, yet deeply satisfying strategy experience unlike any other. The team of Battle Brothers is working with Hooded Horse on their upcoming game, MENACE.

11 - Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive

My review of Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive was my first article to reach over 1.000 people. I know that's not a lot, but we're currently sitting at over 1 million, and I enjoy looking back at it fondly. So it will always have a special place in my heart. It was also my wargaming darling of 2021, because Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive, is hands down the best operational-level wargame I’ve ever played. It completely redefines the genre by eschewing the abstract mechanics common in other operational-level games and embracing bold, innovative features. This decision not only revitalized the genre but set a new benchmark for what operational wargames can achieve. It’s a textbook example of how a genre, once seen as stale and past its prime, can be elevated to new heights with the right mix of knowledge, passion, and creativity.

For going above and beyond, Decisive Campaigns was awarded the first-ever Golden Strategy and Wargaming Seal of Approval. Trust me, you’ll want to read my full five-star review to understand why it stands out as one of the finest wargames available. If you’re into the genre or want a perfect gateway into wargaming, this one is a must-play. Go check it out!

10 - Total War: Rome 2

Total War: Rome II has come a long way since its disastrous launch. Creative Assembly, despite their earlier failures, has managed to transform what was once a borderline unplayable mess into one of the best entries in the Total War series. While I personally still prefer the original, especially with the remastered edition now available, there’s no denying that Rome II has improved significantly over the years.

After a decade of updates and refinements, Rome II offers a more developed campaign than its predecessor, with enhanced building chains and a "deeper" political system. However, it does have its drawbacks. The battles in Rome II are much faster-paced compared to the original, and the first Rome featured a more nuanced battle system that accounted for unit collision, mass, and experience—simulating these factors independently, rather than relying almost entirely on hard class counters and health bars. Despite these flaws, Rome II is a solid strategy experience, especially for those who enjoy the ongoing updates and improvements and love the spectacle of battle.

9 - Age of Empires IV

Whenever anyone mentions the Real-Time Strategy genre, Age of Empires II is usually the first game that comes to mind. However, the classic RTS from 1999 is very well represented in this day and age by its most recent entry, Age of Empires IV.

I dove into Age of Empires IV suspicious about its quality, after a less-than-stellar demo, but found myself having an absolute blast, particularly enjoying the English and Russian campaigns. While it may never reach the legendary status or cultural impact of its predecessors, Age of Empires IV stands out as a fantastic RTS in its own right. Each faction in Age of Empires IV feels distinct, and the different evolutionary paths as you progress through the ages offer an intriguing and varied gameplay experience.

8 - Darkest Dungeon

The pioneer of the PTSD-RPG genre, Darkest Dungeon emerged as one of the most impressive success cases of an Early Access darling and remains one of the best RPG/turn-based strategy games ever made. This game takes players on a harrowing journey through the darkest corners of twisted caves, sending fragile human heroes deeper into the abyss, each step taking them closer to madness as they face ancient creatures from aeons past. All the while, you’re also trying to piece together the mystery of what led to the ruin of your family estate.

The game’s striking aesthetic, unique character classes, and punishing combat mechanics set it apart from other RPGs. But what truly makes Darkest Dungeon unforgettable is its focus on the mental health of your heroes. These are not invincible warriors; they’re frail-minded humans who, in one moment, can deliver a devastating critical strike to win the day, only to descend into an irreversible mental breakdown during their next dungeon run. This focus on madness and its real, tangible impact on gameplay underscores the game’s theme that madness and death go hand in hand in the darkest of dungeons. It’s a brutal, unforgiving, and deeply immersive experience, unlike anything else out there.

7 - FTL: Faster Than Light

FTL: Faster Than Light, one of the original Kickstarter success stories, offers a thrilling rogue-like experience where players take on the role of a ship captain. You’ll be tasked with overseeing the ship’s crew, managing modules, choosing weapon targets, distributing power, defending against boarding parties, and keeping fires at bay— all while striving to survive at any cost. The game features the best video game soundtrack ever, a masterpiece that’s as exhilarating as it is memorable. I find myself constantly smiling as I listen to it while writing and driving during long voyages.

6 - News Tower

Unfortunately, I never got around to reviewing News Tower, even though it’s easily my favourite strategy-tycoon game to be released in over a decade, and probably ever. With an impressive 97% positive rating on Steam, this game truly captures the inner workings of a newsroom (and I speak from experience, even if I didn't work during the 1930s). You’ll assign journalists to tasks, optimize the entire building, manage supporting staff, purchase raw materials for your printer, and carefully design cohesive, eye-catching newspaper pages. It’s a labour of love, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a solid management game. What’s more, it avoids the pitfalls of modern-day journalism—there’s no preachy agenda here. Set in an era where managing a publication required much more than simply handling an army of under-educated, ideologically-driven journalists, it offers a refreshing, less politically charged take on the business of news.

5 - Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from playing both Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and Desperados 3, it’s that Mimimi Games are true masters of their craft. They’ve perfected the stealth-strategy genre, breathing new life into a style of gameplay that had long since faded into obscurity, so it's a shame that they decided to close their doors after the release of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew.

I’m recommending Shadow Tactics over Desperados 3 mainly due to the price difference. If your budget allows for Desperados 3, you won’t be disappointed—it’s an excellent game as well, and the basics are exactly the same. You can even go with Shadow Gambit for an "open world" take on the stealth genre. But if you’re on the fence or need to save a few bucks, Shadow Tactics is an outstanding experience in its own right. It’s a masterclass in blending tactical decision-making with stealth mechanics, and I can’t recommend it enough.

4 - Manor Lords

I'm surprised that Manor Lords is on sale, especially since it was released just a couple of months ago to massive commercial success and critical acclaim! At the core of Manor Lords lies a captivating mix of city-building and real-time strategy that redefines the genre. Manor Lords is to strategy games what Baldur’s Gate 3 is to RPGs. It’s the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare of shooters and the Company of Heroes of real-time strategy—setting a new, elevated standard for future games in the genre. This is not just an outstanding game, but a benchmark that will influence how every other title in the Total War, Age of Empires, Cities: Skylines, and Stronghold lineage is measured from now on. If you're looking for the next big thing in strategy, be sure to grab Manor Lords during the Steam Autumn Sale.

3 - XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown single-handedly revitalized the turn-based strategy genre, paving the way for a wave of similar games that followed. Released during a time when MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota were dominating the gaming scene and Twitch was gaining traction, it helped this niche genre break into the mainstream. A complete remake and reimagining of the original XCOM: UFO Defense, Enemy Unknown captured the hearts of gamers as soon as it hit stores, both physical and digital. With its massive campaign, menacing alien foes, brutal difficulty, intricate turn-based combat, squad management, and solid expansions, it became a standout experience—one of, if not the, best strategy games ever made. XCOM 2 is also on sale and, if you can, you should buy both titles.

2 - Crusader Kings III

Crusader Kings III is essentially Crusader Kings 2 with upgraded visuals and even more depth. If you’re searching for a game that perfectly captures the complexity of medieval politics, look no further. There's nothing else quite like it. Plot, scheme, bribe, assassinate, imprison, lie, cheat, and steal your way to power, transforming humble dynasties into vast empires. Every campaign is an epic in itself, even if things go sideways very fast, in fact, that's where the most memorable stories come from. I love Crusader Kings III.

1 - Jagged Alliance 3

This year I'm changing things around a bit, and throwing an unexpected curveball at the number one spot. Otherwise, these lists would always be dominated by XCOM. This year, the number 1 recommendation I have is Jagged Alliance 3 and it's a triumphant return to form. Jagged Alliance 3 is also a clear example that the turn-based tactical genre can evolve and improve when in capable hands. After years of uneven releases, it's exciting to finally say that Jagged Alliance is no longer just a series that peaked in the mid-'90s, but it's thriving in 2024. Jagged Alliance 3 is not only one of the best games in the series, but it also stands as one of the top strategy titles of 2023, and being on sale, at 50% off, it's well worth your time and money. If you're a fan of tactical combat, and love the idea of leading a team of wild mercenaries that look like they came out of an action movie, don't miss the chance to pick it up during the Steam Autum25 - Marvel's Midnight Suns

Some great games on big sales, most notably War in the Pacific (an amazing game) is 16 USD.

Saw this got asked a couple of months ago, but thought I should bring the topic back up again.

Bonus points if the game is set outside of WW2

I used to play mostly PC until around the early 2010s when I switched to console for some unknown reason. Now I'm building a PC again, ordered all the parts and I'm looking for some good singleplayer smaller scale wargames (no 4x) or in general simulation games set during war time. They can be RTS or round based. I used to play a lot of World in Conflict back in the day, and already bought it on GOG again. I'm also looking at Warno, Broken Arrow, ICBM Escalation and Regiments but I do not know if they are good for singleplayer. I'm especially interested in Cold War era or modern. WW2 and earlier works too tho. Also are there any tactical games on a platoon level?

I have Hex of Steel, Regiments, and Strategic Command WWII: War in the Pacific on my wish list. Please post your Autumn Sale recommendations.

I have had my eyes on AB II for a while. I know its out on Matrix store but I am not seeing any reviews. I see some threads on this subreddit, some first looks on youtube. Anyone have some first hand experience or direct me to vids/blogs that cover this game? Maybe I wait till 2025 for steam release/reviews.

He was my favorite PC wargamer YouTuber because he was always trying new / obscure wargames / mods so his videos were a great way to discover new games. I'd have his videos on my second monitor while working. He seems to have deleted both his YouTube account and his Patreon account.

Title it looks like fun but I'm not a fan of strict turn limits.

Since COVID, I have been getting more and more into hardcore wargaming.

I have tried many, and have excelled and spent lots of time with Paradox's CK3 and EU4. The one thing that keeps me coming back is the high production value and slickness of it all. These games run well, react well, and generally have very good and modern design elements when it comes to UI and information illustration. (I've also tried Hoi4, but the whole macro economic management and production is a complete turn off to me, I just want to focus on combat/supply for the most part hehe)

Can this same level of quality or slickness be found in any of the more 'hardcore' wargames? I've tried Strategic Command: World at War, I wanted to love it, but the clunkiness of the overall UI and engine killed it for me. I do not want to wait around for just under 10 minutes for turns to complete nor do I want to stutter around the map with an old engine behind the hood, squinting at outdated sprites that look like they come from the 90's.

I've also tried Order of Battle which definitely seems more updated and slick in terms of it's design and UI elements, however it seems to be a much smaller scale than say SC: WaW or Grand Strategy gems from Paradox.

At this point, I'm interested in any war games that ultimately run well and have some semblance of modern design and polish, any good options out there? (And i've already tried Panzer Corps 2, it's not for me- the cartoony aesthetic just makes the game so bland and boring.)

1. For the US blockade, what union ship gets the best results? Gunships, Monitors, Ironclads, other?

2. Do multiple ships on the blockade running routes help? Or is a single ship as good as 2 or more?

3. Should frigates and ships of the line be placed on the blockade runner routes farther out? Are multiple ships better than a single ship in that role?

4. Do ships of the line get better results than frigates in the blockade role?

5. What else can frigates and ships of the line be used for besides blockade interdiction?

Scenario 1: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Scenario 2: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Scenario 3: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Scenario 4: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Scenario 5: Part 1 Part 2
Scenario 6: Part 1 Part 2

18/9/1941

The fall of Peshkopi has secured the breakthrough, and now my objective is to put at least three units in a range of three hexes from the Royalist HQ at Tepelene.

While my forces eliminate the XIII Thema, enemy troops push suddenly from the northeast toward Peshkopi: the 66th Koursorses Division launches a daring advance against my advancing infantry, threatening to retake Peshkopi. Fortunately, the advance is not very coordinated, and the 24th Limitanei Division with the help of the 13th Divisione Motorizzata manage to encircle the enemy’s leading Regiment.

Despite the loss of the 40° Varangian Brigade, the enemy’s VIII Thema is still pushing against the III Coorte. I’m limiting the amount of supplies and reinforcements going to this Coorte because it’s a secondary front, but the constant fighting is wearing its units down, even though I’m cycling them out of combat as necessary. The artillery Regiments supporting the Coorte are exhausted and low on ammo.

https://preview.redd.it/23kqobvsjf3e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49f13a8370feb07dc93a211218ad1cc41daee9a1

19/9/1941

The aviation is helping the III Coorte resisting the enemy attacks; a daring flanking attempt of an enemy Hoplitai Regiment is met with disaster when the 22nd Limitanei closes its ranks behind it and our artillery starts shelling it. The following desperate battle leads to the surrender of the enemy unit.

The 66th Kourorses Division’s advance has been stopped cold: its surrounded Regiment has surrendered after a full day of infantry assaults from all sides, and the rest of the Division is facing superior numbers and/or entrenched units.

The XIII Thema is all but destroyed, and I’m starting to move troops closer to Tepelene.A recon flight by the 44° Stormo Caccia spots another enemy armored formation in the northeast, near Puke.

https://preview.redd.it/g2a03nstjf3e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7942f6cbbaa36d5a402375c2e26eb14286407f24

20/9/1941

The X Legione’s Consul has met General Xhosa of the XV Thema in Tepelene. As per secret negotiations, General Xhosa has declared his allegiance to King Zog and ordered his troops to assist the Italian allies. In the west, the Royalist 27th and 88th Hoplitai Divisions opened fire against the Loyalist 89th Hoplitai Division; the latter is soon joined by the 114th Hoplitai Division. Prrenjas’ garrison declares for King Zog, as well as the 77th Anachaitistis Group based near Tepelene.

The XVI Thema, part of which was spotted yesterday by the 44° Stormo Caccia, is seen moving southwest. Fearing an advance toward Peshkopi, I send the 7th “Arretium” southeast to intercept a possible offensive. It’s supported by an Artillery Regiment and by the II Coorte’s HQ.

The 5th “Veio” and the 14th Clibanarii Division are sent southwest, to shield Tepelene by the multiple Byzantine infantry units concentrating in the area. The I Coorte’s HQ is coordinating the maneuver.

In the north, the 112th Hoplitai Division is attacking the Royalist troops north of Tepelene. The Royalist positions here are supported by the X Legione’s HQ, the 12th Clibanarii Division, the 24° Arditi Brigade, and two Artillery Regiments.

My Caccia Wings help the Royalist aviation wipe out what’s left of the Loyalists’ aviation.

https://preview.redd.it/tetfk3zujf3e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=628f48764af408df46aadcab6f0f78c0c966796a

https://preview.redd.it/gpm38abvjf3e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6bbb73bfb48f904619fd61adf59d02178dd3f1e0

21/9/1941

The Byzantines are furious about the Royalists’ treachery, and they are focusing all their forces against the traitor units: the 6th Katafraktoi Division moves straight for Tepelene, and I have to intercept it before it hits the Royalist lines. After a preliminary artillery barrage, the 12th Clibanarii Division engages the leading enemy armored Regiment and pushes it back with high losses. The loyalist 112th Hoplitai Division has started its attack through the heavily forested areas north of the town, but it’s meeting stiff resistance from the Royalist’s 90th Hoplitai Division.

The 21st Hoplitai Division previously defending Sukht moves north to help the 89th Hoplitai Division. When linked, the two loyalist units cut off a Regiment of the Royalist 27th Division, compromising the Royalist defenses around Prrenjas. I send the 5th “Veio” Division and the 25° Arditi Brigade to help them, and they immediately link up with the cut off Royalist units after beating back an Hoplitai Regiment.

It seems the enemy push toward Peshkopi has been vanquished. I advance the 13th Divisione Motorizzata northeast toward Rreshen. The 7th “Arretium” is then sent north to help with the defense of Tepelene. A single Regiment of the 25th Hoplitai Division tries to advance toward Peshkopi from the northwest, but it’s promptly intercepted and cut off from its supply lines.

Once again I use the 44° Stormo Caccia for reconnaissance purposes, and it spots an entire Thema (XVI) moving against Tepelene from the east. It comprises two Koursorses Divisions (15th and 67th) as well as the 6th Katafraktoi Division that I already engaged in battle. The decision to pull the 7th “Arretium” north was the right one. I double down by sending the 14th Clibanarii Division there as well.

https://preview.redd.it/p6nlrfpxjf3e1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=15653d10d3c8ac4ac0757abba1786f3ea382943d

So I'm trying to play one of the TOAW4 Market Garden scenarios and I'm finding that there seems no way to use my airborne forces effectively. The paratroop units split when they land (which is fair enough since you want to model the dispersion effect), but all they can do in turn 1 is to land. Then on turn 2 every German unit on the map seems to zoom straight in on them, knocking the cr@p out of them and destroying the bridges.

Hmmm..... So what gives?

I posted this question over on the Matrix forum and got very few replies which suggests this is a for-dummies-level question, but I'd like to understand what is going on.

* Is TOAW4 incapable of representing what went on in Market Garden?

* Should I play ahistorically and either try to land directly on the bridge hexes or land a zillion miles away and march up?

One thing that occurs to me is that, as a relatively new player, I'm playing with FOW off. Maybe that's why every German unit becomes borg-like aware of my landings. I'd have thought that a scenario like this would have delays to represent the slow-ish German reaction to the landings but perhaps not.

Hey fellow wargamers!

After recently optimizing and migrating my blog. I’m looking to improve AvidWargamer.com, and love to get your thoughts. What would make it a better blog for you?

Be honest—what does your ideal wargaming blog look like? Do you think it needs:

• Frequent content
• Better writing?
• More or different types of content?
• Wider coverage of other games or topics?
• Do you like more ARR, Reviews or interviews?

I’m open to any suggestions or even brutal critiques. This is as much for you as it is for me, so your input would mean a lot!

Check it out if you haven’t already, and let me know what you think. Thanks in advance!

I've coerced some friends into getting WitP:AE when it goes on its yearly 18 dollar sale alongside a bunch of other Wargames, which historically happened on Nov 20 last year, and around the same time each year. Anyone have any hunches or insights as to when this big sale may occur this year?

Wargames are best enjoyed with a thinking opponent. Interested in finding an opponent for your newest game interest? Post a thread here with the particulars! Be sure to include the name of the game in bold, wether your looking for PBEM or Live, and your timezone offset if live.

Looking for inspiration? Browse the PBEM Coordination List to see who might play a game your interested in!

Picked up Armored Brigade 2 and played around with a few scenarios, Specifically twin valleys scenario.

You play as a US mechanized company defending against a Soviet motorized rifle battalion.

At the start of the mission the Soviets use smoke to cover their advance, great start. Except the smoke hits far beyond the objective and does nothing.

Next, the Soviets send their armored personnel carriers to get massacred by my Bradley’s. Only at the end do the tanks come in.

Compare this to Combat Mission Cold War where a Russian attack happens according to doctrine. Artillery hits possible ATGM positions and smoke conceals the attack. Then, tanks move up first to cover the APC’s. It’s not perfect but much better than the first scenario.

After a couple hours of Armored Brigade 2 I just went back to Combat Mission. I appreciate that it gave me a new appreciation for a game I took a break from.