Monthly Archives: December 2014
Tuesday Screenshot – Divinity Dragon Commander
Toys? Gaming? Both?!
Monty, 23 December 2014
click to enlarge
Toys for everyone
Even in video games
Must be holidays
First Impressions: World War II in Europe
Published by Schwerpunkt
Michael Eckenfels, 20 December 2014
Click images to enlarge, in some cases, a LOT…
If you want to look for a ‘labor of love’ wargame, look no further than the massive, latest game by Schwerpunkt: World War II Europe (hereafter referred to as WW2E). The game, including graphics, engine, scenarios, and documentation, were all put together by two individuals (Ron Dockal and KC). In the true spirit of a “ma and pa” organization (as Schwerpunkt itself puts it on their own website), this game has been a long time coming and has been greatly anticipated. As it has just been released in recent weeks, GrogHeads is pleased to give you this “first impression” of the game; a full review, and quite possibly some AARs, will be forthcoming.
The Help file looks incredibly wordy, but it walks you step-by-step through how the game works.
Since the release of AGW (Anglo-German War) about ten years ago, Schwerpunkt put itself on the radar of many grog-minded gamers, and WW2E looks like much more of the same, at least at an initial glance. The game covers tons of scenarios across the entire scope of World War II in Europe, with a promised upcoming ‘Grand Campaign’ that will allow one to battle across the entire map of Europe. In the meantime, there are dozens of scenarios to wade around in.
Take your pick of scenarios – though some are still forthcoming and not complete yet.
GrogHeads Advanced Research on Projects Advisory #60
Look, we know you don’t have a bunch of coin to drop on games right before Christmas. So we tried to find GARPA entries that don’t close until after 25 December, so you can refund that soap-on-a-rope and put the cash towards what you really want – MOAR GAMEZ!
Night of Man (Flying Pig Games)
$8500 of $11000, ends 31 December 2014
Well, Mark sure didn’t wait too long to get his new venture launched. Flying Pig Games has been open about 5 weeks, and already has Night of Man on Kickstarter and chugging towards publication. A military sci-fi game that features an alien invasion of Earth, Night of Man’s card-driven mechanics will help non-Grogs get into the game, and that data-rich counters will appeal to your inner wargamer. Stretch goals include more maps, new alien races, and additional scenarios. Yes, it’s a new company, but it’s hardly an inexperienced one, so pledge with confidence and save the world.
A Distant Worlds AAR – Part 7
By Brandon “Kushan” Johnson, December 18, 2014
Click images to enlarge
I’m running a huge deficit at the moment. Expanding or upgrading the fleet is out of the question until I can get back into the positive in terms of cash flow. I’m considering changing governments in the near future. The +10% maintenance cost for being a republic isn’t the worst thing in the world but it is contributing to the negative cash flow.
GrogHeads’ 2014 Holiday Buying Guide Extra – For the Junior Gamers!
Christmas Suggestions for Potential Junior Gamers
Avery Abernethy, 17 December 2014
Any great hobby needs new converts and Christmas is a great time to provide unexpected gifts to unsuspecting grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and the like to encourage them to join our hobby. A good gift for a novice should be relatively easy to play, provide wonderful fun examples of classic game genres, should work on a wide range of inexpensive PCs, have multiple difficulty settings for a range of intellectual and ability levels. A good section should also include major elements of the game genre.
An unexpected and unrequested gift should also be inexpensive. Honestly, if you are providing a true “surprise gift” to get the next generation interested in PC gaming you will probably make a number of gifts to several youngsters before finding that special, gifted young person who will truly appreciate the gift and enjoy the hobby for years to come.
But the most important element is fun. You want the game to be relatively easy to learn but a lot of fun. Nothing drives away potential converts than thick rule books, complicated play, and less than fun games. Do not give your novice grandchildren War in the Pacific, War in the East, or Dominions 4. I’m not recommending any shooters since any youngster with even a minimum of interest has played Call of Duty or some other shooter on a game system.
Tactical Wargame
Panzer Corps – available on sale from Slitherine on sale now for $10
Features:
- Fog of war
- Zones of Control
- Combined Arms Tactics
- Range of difficulty settings
- Limited number of units
- Some limited ability to recognize European maps
- Kids get to learn the difference between a Panzer 3, Panzer 4, Panther and Tiger tank!
- Kids get to learn why the German 88 was such a beast
- Very fun!
Because this game has some very easy settings it can appeal to the absolute novice. Yet the game introduces many critical components of tactical wargames. This game has had remarkable popularity and is a good start to this side of our hobby.
