My first wargame was Avalon's Gettysburg. I was 12 years old and had my parents buy the game while we were at Gettysburg for the 100th Anniversary of the battle. No hexes but squares. I am now 73 and playing the Panzer Campaign PC Games with players around the world. Someday I would like to challenge you via email with this turn based series. Keep up the great work you are doing. PC wargames allow you to have a map that is larger than you can put on any table and not be able to reach across to play..
My first Wargame(s) were AH Midway, along with France 1940 (Blitzkrieg in the West) !! Bought in a department store in Calgary nearly 45 years ago!! Still have them.
Avalon Hill's Luftwaffe was my first wargame in 1974. I think that might be due to the "bookcase" boxes being more appealing and appearing more organized on a store shelf. I saw AH games in Hobby Stores, book stores, and department stores. I first saw an advertizement for SPI's "The Fast Carriers" in a 1976 issue of the USNI's Proceedings. At the time I thought SPI was mail order only. I didn't see a SPI wargame on a shelf until the Christmas of 1977 at the Harvard Coop. The games weren't as visually appealing the AH bookcase games. However, playing a few SPI games, I forgot about AH and my collection was almost all SPI ... except for Squad Leader ... and Battleline.
The bookcase design and how it compared to SPI's games is a great point, yes. Especially as to how they would have appeared on store shelves. Great point.
My shelf of shame has stalled. In April, I was 4 turns away from completing my 1985 Pleasant Hill ACW game when it was vacation time. I play in the guest room and we had grandkids coming and going so that kept it under the bed. then I GMd two miniature games at our clubs June1st con so there goes May preparing for thatu. So now I am catching up on home chores before my wife gives me the evil eye for putting hobby ahead of home 😅
Awesome update Michael, thanks! keep up the great work. Shelf of shame? Don't feel too bad. I have more shrink wrap in my house than Glad has sandwich bags. :)
My first wargame, Squad Leader! This month been playing a lot of The Last Hundred Yards volume 1. Later this month I got something fun and I hope interesting for my channel and I am looking forward to it. After that I think in July I will dive into Musket & Pike volume 1
Hi from the UK Love the channel - first game was AH Russian Campaign at age 13 loved the game and played a lot until it fell apart! May buy the updated version in the near future. Keep up the good work 👍🇬🇧
Oh man, so exciting to see you have a copy of 1812. Brian, Vuca and me, as the visual artist, have been working hard on it - looking forward a lot to hear your thoughts on it.
@@ZillaBlitz, I still enjoy it and it turns out that I like these, almost journaling rpg style, war games. Recently bought Nightfighter Ace from Greg Smith, which is an equally great game.
Congrats Thomas! There are a couple of ways we can connect. If you look on the main page of the channel and click on the channel information, you'll be able to get to my email address at the bottom of that. Alternatively, I'm on Twitter: @gzblitz. Then all I need is the mail address that is attached to your Noble Knight account. (UA-cam usually automatically deletes email addresses in comments, so it usually doesn't work for you to post that information in a comment.) Thanks!
Zilla, Another great video. Sorry about impingement of "real life" on your gaming. I appreciate your dedication to slug through it. I feel more busy since is retired than when I was working. I look forward to seeing your next set of videos. Vuc Sims 1812 is a beautiful game. Hopefully you will tease out a way to play it solitaire, like you did with their Bismarck game.
Thunderbolt Apache Leader is so good! I've tried the others, but the only one I really like is Thunderbolt. If you're into it, try to get scale miniatures for the tanks and choppers and add some tiny flames from Litko. It's not necessary, but it really makes it more fun and adds to the table presence.
My first introduction to wargames is Stratego. Although abstract, it taught me the concept of strategy and area control. My first "real" wargame is Stand & Die: Battle of Borodino by GDW. I saw it at the thrift store back in '94 and had no idea what it was until I opened it up. Definitely my real intro into serious wargaming
I’ve taken a significant bite out of my own shelf of shame in the last week, by finally getting GMT’s MBT to the table. I’m still digesting some of the advanced rules, but so far I’m really enjoying the added wrinkles (as compared to Panzer North Africa, which I also like) of different gunsight capabilities as well as special armors.
I'm guessing Risk would also be my first war game....or maybe battleships!! That said, I love risk, I remember making an alternative version where I could travel by boat to additional locations.
That's awesome. We had a lot of great family battles with Risk too. The modified rule sounds like a fun variant too. Sounds like a potential game designer in the making! :)
Great update. My first was either Waterloo or Gettysburg by AH, not sure which! But then I was hooked on AH and will resist boring you with the very long list of AH games I played to death.
My first war game, believe it or not, was “The Longest Day” Avalon Hill; under the tree Christmas morning 1981 (after begging like only an obsessed 13 y/o could). Managed only about 1 and a half scenarios before my friends bailed. Even so it gave me hours and hours of satisfaction just organizing. Biggest rookie move… Punching all of those counters at once before knowing what to do with them.
After playing Thunderbolt/Apache it's hard to go back to the other games in the series. The addition of the tactical map that you build fresh for each mission just adds so much to gameplay!
I know my first wargame was Tactics II because I was just 12 and had to convince my mom to buy it for me. I was playing the uber-sensible card, by pointing out that Tactics II was only $5, whereas D-Day was an unthinkable $7.50!
I'd love to bring more stuff like that to the channel, but I'm not sure when those might make it. I did get to play Burning Banners yesterday, was quite fun. :)
I went with a heavy hitter for my first game - The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich from Avalon Hill at 13 yrs old. Was extremely interested in World War II and this fit the bill.
Pretty sure AH’s TOBRUK was my first. However, there was a Korean War game around then as well. Darned if I can remember the title now though. This would be late ‘70’s.
@@ZillaBlitz Lol No no!! A game based on the Korean War!!🤣 I seem to remember it was a 2 in 1 kind of thing. Inchon was a separate scenario /mini game. I can’t recall if it was hex based or not, but fairly simplistic to play as I wasn’t very old. *coffs*😜
I bought WINGSPAN a couple of weeks ago. It was right next to WYRMSPAN. I wanted dragons but I was sure my wife would play if it was birds. Haven't tried it yet but good reviews.
I would love to see more coverage from you on PC wargames, especially WDS and SGS games. What you have covered so far is great; we just need more of it. ;)
Zilla, I see that White Dog Games has just released a game about the Mexican revolution (1910-1920). You might want to check that out. I plan on purchasing it.
I already did the Buy 2 Get 3 special from Noble Knight. Very useful to get things like game markers and the like. Also, waiting for your Flying Pig Games: Armageddon War play through!
That's a great idea to get markers and whatnot during the sale. While I'd like to do a playthrough for everything I buy, I'm pretty backed up at the moment on games I've promised content for. I don't think I'll be creating a playthrough for Armageddon War in the near future.
Another fun packed update. Plum Island a game my wife purchased, which we both enjoy along with a few friends. Burning Banners looks great but had to hold off as games to learn and play pile is out of control. Some awaiting Washington’s War, Thunder in the East, Rebel Fury, A Most Fearful Sacrifice, GW Commander & expansions, Austerlitz 1815 & Lingny 1815, Panzer Grenadier Afrika Corps & Desert Rats. For the People just need to check the rules with the original game for any changes, Panzer NA need to play a lot more, also spent a week playing Skies Over Britain, might be me as enjoyable as game was seemed to lack something. Awaiting release of Traces of Hubris. Really like Legion Games just live in hope the ones I like the look of get released at some point. Currently have Undaunted NA, Manoeuvre & Distant Lands on the table to play in between the footie & watching YT content. Thanks for the update.
Sounds like you've got a great collection of upcoming games there. It really is a remarkable time in board gaming. And that's interesting on Skies of Britain, I look forward to getting that one to the table.
Cool video. What's your job? I typically don't like UA-camrs who spend too much time talking about their personal issues and failed plans (TMI...), but yours is an exception.
Yeah, I definitely don't want to unload on people will too much behind the scenes stuff, finding a balance between "never share anything" and "TMI" can be tricky. Glad that it hasn't appeared over burdensome. I work in education in a variety of roles, so the end of the school year tends to be the busiest stretch for me.
waiting for EotS! :) would be nice if you could play Burma scenario from C3i #35 also for start things up ;) no gameplay videos about Burma on youtube sadly
The Burma one would be a good one to create video for because of its size, but I don't have the magazine yet. EotS is still one of the shelf of shame targets for this year to play, though, although I don't know if I'll create video for the game. Having to focus on real work for two months kind of got me stacked up for video projects.
I'll be very interested in your take on Atlantic Sentinels. Other games of this pedigree tend to be dice-rollers with few substantive decisions to make. Will this one break the mold?
I know some people want more decision-making, but I'm good with the decision making in the original games. But yes, I'm curious to see how Sentinels handles it, for sure.
Do you have Stuka Joe's Solo CDG set from GMT, One of the games in the first set has For the People so that might make an interesting video if you were to incorporate it.
I've found it helpful sometimes to Google search for the game and restrict results to the NK site. So, type something like this into the Google Search bar: site:www.nobleknight.com D-Day
Offhand, it probably wouldn't be a system I'd try to apply to a typical Civil War battle, or even a typical battle in general. But it wouldn't surprise me if someone pulled it off. :)
Thanks John! There are still a few games in front of it. I've seen a few tutorial sessions on it, so I might be okay, but I'll definitely reach out if things seem confusing. Thanks for the kind offer!
I think my first game was B-17: Queen of the Skies. But I think my first experience with a game that was set in a war was found in a book about the ficticious character James Bigglesworth. It was a very simple WWI dog fight game.
I feel you about work. Still, it does pay the bills. Or at least it's supposed to LOL. Glad to have you back in full effect. I have been hip deep in Schutztruppe 1914-1918 for the past few weeks, and can proudly announce that weinerschnitzel is now served in Nairobi. I'm curious if any old heads admitted to playing those old MB games like Battlecry, Dogfight or Hit the Beach? They all hold a special place in my heart.
@@friendofenkidu3391 Geezer recognizes geezer! Or should I say grognard? Those games were so much FUN! And when Panzerblitz and Wooden Ships & Iron Men came to me, I was ready! I was very, very lucky to have a best friend whose parents bought him every game he asked for. Have you seen what copies of those games go for online? LOL!!!
@@ZillaBlitz I like the game a lot. It would REALLY have to be bad for me not to, as this campaign is my obsession. Still...it lacks a system accounting for leadership (and lack thereof) and morale (and lack thereof). Both factors were pivotal to the entire conduct of this campaign. Still would recommend 7/10.
At 58, my answers are pretty much the same on first wargames. Panzer Blitz, Luftwaffe and Bismarck come to mind. I don't know if it counts but Feudal was probably the very first.
My first wargame/boardgame was playing Milton Bradley's Dogfight! with my uncle Ralph. I still have his original copy. Awesome!! MAG23 - excellent choice to demo and play!
I started with Russian Front and Empires in Arms from Avalon Hill at the early age of 14. Sometimes I am surprised I stuck with the hobby and didnt break my back on Empires in Arms :D So happy to hear you are getting into my 1812 and am super excited to hear your reactions to it later on!
Wow, Empires in Arms is another Avalon Hill game I wasn't familiar with, and it does look like a daunting introduction to the hobby. So glad you persevered and we get 1812 because of it. :)
First game back in the late 70s was Rise and Decline of the Third Reich. Had only played chess and stratego at that point. Had no clue what i was getting myself into! Enjoyed it thoroughly and even graduated to playing PBM with stock tables for die rolls! Thanks for the channel.
First war game was Combat Commander Europe - I came to the hobby later in life and am having fun catching up! Also - where did you get your Hanshin Tigers cap? Love it!
As always, I really enjoyed your latest video! Also, REALLY liked your enthusiasm over not giving up on the Shelf of Shame ! This gives me hope as well😅
#noblelnight Star Fleet Battles was awesome and followed with Air War. The latter was too complex for a 13 year old with no experience, but that didn't slow me down.
I do think there is something to be said for picking one where the theme really appeals to you. I don't have enough experience to speak (yet!) as to which ones might have better gameplay. :)
Like you I got placed in a new position. It has been ugly. I haven't even 'looked' at a game since April. I expect it to 'maybe' get better around August.
AH's Bismark. My uncle had a dozen of these AH games and gave them to me when I was 12, he was moving on to bigger and better things, I guess. Unfortunately, I have none of those games - 12 year olds don't take care of things too well, and when you go off to the USMC, your brother does even a worse job...
That's one I've never played, but I remember seeing the box. The good thing with many of those Avalon Hill games is that they are usually very reasonably priced on places like Noble Knight and EBay. I filled out a handful of them about a year ago in a couple of NK orders and it was way less than I would have imagined.
@@ZillaBlitz I like the Guadalcanal game. Waterloo was a problem with killer stacks. Blitzkreig was also good, presented a lot of interesting issues. The old CRT's from those days weren't too good. And of course, Bismark/Midway are tough to play solitaire. I also liked Jutland - just the fleet action with the special yard markers and turning gauges on the floor. Anyone else remember that game on the floor?
I think I saw Jutland, but I've not played it yet. I might have to take a look at the Guadalcanal game though. That might be a fun little slice of gaming history to look at. :)
It'd be nice to be able to get them together, but looking at the total cost, price-wise it's pretty comparable to a regular game price. There is a good bit of stuff in the Mag23 box too. :)
My first wargame... Segunda Guerra Mundial, from nac (nike and cooper española). 35 years have passed... 😅 Congratulations for the Channel and hi from Spain!
My first wargame(s) used Operation Warboard rules by Gavin and Bernard Lyall. I've been trying to get through my unpainted plastic boxes of shame. I've turned it into a spreadsheet which has a max score at the moment of 1224, my current score is 494 so 40% done. I've found the need to track to get it done. Like you, had a bad time playing in May and June 7 hours across the 2 months, July is at 24 hours played with 2 days left, may get to 28 hours if I'm lucky with the gaming group.
@@ZillaBlitz 1224 painted and based minis, I started the year at 984 unpainted/ painted minis. I've "collected" a further 240 this year (oops). But they're then factored, 0.05 for being made, 0.1 post priming, 0.4 for being on the paint table, 0.85 post finished painting, 0.9 post basing, .95 post static grass, 1 when varnished and finished. A % didn't work when I kept adding minis, it went down despite stuff getting finished, hence the scoring. I tend to keep only 5-15 in paint but I prime, base, static grass, varnish in 30-50s. I've actually completed some 212 minis this year . Last year I got 145 completed. What gets measured gets done! But it's the balance between play and paint. Plays gone up, paint progress has gone down. But play when you can, paint when you can't. Have fun
@@ZillaBlitz I detest the painting, I love the playing, but if I get task focussed I can get it sorted. I find it difficult to go more than 90 minutes at a time before my eyes get too tired. Also I can only paint when my wife and I are at home. The boys are home from uni, so can't use their rooms as a paint studio at the moment. Hour or so before work or when I get in or before popping to bed soon gets the painting done, if you can do it regularly. Have fun
The Hunters/Silent Victory series of games are among my all time favorite games. The first wargame I ever played was a Tobruk game but cannot remember which company it was from. I know it was from the 70s era. The first wargame I played when I decided to get into the hobby was Brazen Chariots from MMP.
@@ZillaBlitz I've heard that some of the mechanics in the BCS can mess up your mind if you are so use to the normal way of gaming. Fortunately Brazen Chariots was my first game so I was so new that the interesting mechanics did not bother me. Get it on the table if you got it Zilla!
Ha! World in Flames! You might have had more people with that as their first wargame if all the rest hadn't also made it their LAST wargame! "You keep using that word GAME, I don't think it means what you think it means."
Yeah, I would definitely think World in Flames could be a first and last game all in once. Not that it's bad, but it's like sitting down to eat an entire cow for your first meal.
@@ZillaBlitz I was hoping to see you there I watch your videos all the time and don’t know where you are based. Loved the Hunters series you did!!! This will be my first visit to Origins with my wargame buddy Mark. We have made several Gencon’s and had it on the bucket list to do Origins
Very nice, have fun at Origins, and I'm glad you are enjoying the channel. I'd love to go to Origins at some point. Cost/time means that as of now I have to be selective in which conferences I can attend. :)
My first wargame was The Thin Red Line by Yaquinto in the mid 80's. I was in middle school and my older brother got it because the was studying Napoleon in his World History class. I remember not knowing anything about the battle, but winning the game as my brother tried to do the historical maneuvers, while I just looked at tactically.
Ha! Funny story about The Thin Red Line. I've not heard of that one before, but yeah, one of the joys of wargaming is the mindset we bring to the table.
Thanks for you videos, which led me to come back play wargames. My first one was "Amirauté", 40 years ago yet, a French game using ship figurines and anything to compute with angles (for the torpedoes), distances,size of ships, calibers etc...
I remember seeing War of the Ring, the old one. I thought I actually had it in my box of old SPI games, but it's not there. I wonder if I gave it away or something.
Wow, I've not heard of that one. Very cool! I distinctly remember playing Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and being blown away by the fact that economies and production were modeled in the game. :)
My first wargame was Empire of the Sun which I got after watching your video on it. I was definitely in over my head but after 1 year of playing other wargames I have enjoyed it more every time I've attempted a playthrough.
Nice! That's definitely a challenging first game, but I think your plan to keep coming back to it will work out very well. Learning other games will help make Empire of the Sun easier.
I can honestly say that watching your videos is almost as much fun as playing games. Thank you for your videos.
Thanks Carlos! This comment made me smile, much appreciated. :)
Shelf of Shame? I've got a Room of Shame.
Hahaha! I feel seen too. :)
I feel ya!!!
As Tom Vassal from the Dice Tower would say “play with your toys”.
My first wargame was Avalon's Gettysburg. I was 12 years old and had my parents buy the game while we were at Gettysburg for the 100th Anniversary of the battle. No hexes but squares. I am now 73 and playing the Panzer Campaign PC Games with players around the world. Someday I would like to challenge you via email with this turn based series. Keep up the great work you are doing. PC wargames allow you to have a map that is larger than you can put on any table and not be able to reach across to play..
Sounds like you've had a great time playing a ton of games! :)
My first Wargame(s) were AH Midway, along with France 1940 (Blitzkrieg in the West) !! Bought in a department store in Calgary nearly 45 years ago!! Still have them.
France 1940 was mine as well, bought back then too, in a toy store in Virginia.
I'm still amazed that wargames were in department stores. :)
My first war game was "War At Sea" from Avalon Hill. You could even say that was the first "hobby" game that I played.
I think that'd be a great one to start with. :)
Avalon Hill's Luftwaffe was my first wargame in 1974. I think that might be due to the "bookcase" boxes being more appealing and appearing more organized on a store shelf. I saw AH games in Hobby Stores, book stores, and department stores. I first saw an advertizement for SPI's "The Fast Carriers" in a 1976 issue of the USNI's Proceedings. At the time I thought SPI was mail order only. I didn't see a SPI wargame on a shelf until the Christmas of 1977 at the Harvard Coop. The games weren't as visually appealing the AH bookcase games. However, playing a few SPI games, I forgot about AH and my collection was almost all SPI ... except for Squad Leader ... and Battleline.
The bookcase design and how it compared to SPI's games is a great point, yes. Especially as to how they would have appeared on store shelves. Great point.
My first wargame was probably squad leader , but hard to remember
That's a great start, and a bold one as well. :)
My shelf of shame has stalled. In April, I was 4 turns away from completing my 1985 Pleasant Hill ACW game when it was vacation time. I play in the guest room and we had grandkids coming and going so that kept it under the bed. then I GMd two miniature games at our clubs June1st con so there goes May preparing for thatu. So now I am catching up on home chores before my wife gives me the evil eye for putting hobby ahead of home 😅
I hear you! I'm determined to get back to mine this week, though. Not giving up yet. :)
Awesome update Michael, thanks! keep up the great work. Shelf of shame? Don't feel too bad. I have more shrink wrap in my house than Glad has sandwich bags. :)
Hahaha! I suppose not having to buy Saran Wrap is a bonus that comes with a Shelf of Shame. :)
My first wargame, Squad Leader!
This month been playing a lot of The Last Hundred Yards volume 1.
Later this month I got something fun and I hope interesting for my channel and I am looking forward to it. After that I think in July I will dive into Musket & Pike volume 1
Sounds like you're enjoying The Last Hundred Yards then?
Hi from the UK Love the channel - first game was AH Russian Campaign at age 13 loved the game and played a lot until it fell apart! May buy the updated version in the near future. Keep up the good work 👍🇬🇧
That's a great first game and I can see how people play it until it falls apart. :)
Shelf of Shame hit with play of Skies Above Britain, first 2 Campaigns. Great game.
Nice! Way to make progress!
Looking forward to your thoughts on all the Leader games! You got your work cut out for you!
It'll be fun to play them, but yeah, definitely a long term project. :)
My very first wargame experience was BROADSIDE. My first real wargame was Avalon Hill's 1776
Great games to start with. I remember that Broadside game, with its removable masts. Such fun to demast ships. :)
Oh man, so exciting to see you have a copy of 1812. Brian, Vuca and me, as the visual artist, have been working hard on it - looking forward a lot to hear your thoughts on it.
Congrats on a great-looking game! I've started in on the rules now, and am hoping to have the First Look video up sooner than later. :)
My first modern war game was Silent Victory, which was inspired by your The Hunters playthrough.
Oh, happy to hear that, thanks for letting me know and I hope you've enjoyed the game. :)
@@ZillaBlitz, I still enjoy it and it turns out that I like these, almost journaling rpg style, war games. Recently bought Nightfighter Ace from Greg Smith, which is an equally great game.
I have Nightfighter Ace on my Shelf of Opportunity. I've heard great things about it and found it on sale a while back.
Hello Zilla. I did see that I one the store credit. Thank you.
Congrats Thomas! There are a couple of ways we can connect. If you look on the main page of the channel and click on the channel information, you'll be able to get to my email address at the bottom of that. Alternatively, I'm on Twitter: @gzblitz. Then all I need is the mail address that is attached to your Noble Knight account.
(UA-cam usually automatically deletes email addresses in comments, so it usually doesn't work for you to post that information in a comment.)
Thanks!
Zilla,
Another great video. Sorry about impingement of "real life" on your gaming. I appreciate your dedication to slug through it. I feel more busy since is retired than when I was working. I look forward to seeing your next set of videos. Vuc Sims 1812 is a beautiful game. Hopefully you will tease out a way to play it solitaire, like you did with their Bismarck game.
I'm hoping to show some 1812 gameplay, yes. I'm not sure yet how it will work solo, but at the very least I can show gameplay. :)
Thunderbolt Apache Leader is so good! I've tried the others, but the only one I really like is Thunderbolt. If you're into it, try to get scale miniatures for the tanks and choppers and add some tiny flames from Litko. It's not necessary, but it really makes it more fun and adds to the table presence.
I've heard a lot of people say that Thunderbolt is there favorite as well. I'm curious to see if I'll feel the same way. :)
My first introduction to wargames is Stratego. Although abstract, it taught me the concept of strategy and area control. My first "real" wargame is Stand & Die: Battle of Borodino by GDW. I saw it at the thrift store back in '94 and had no idea what it was until I opened it up. Definitely my real intro into serious wargaming
I have many fond memories of my spy taking out enemy generals in Stratego. Good times. :)
I’ve taken a significant bite out of my own shelf of shame in the last week, by finally getting GMT’s MBT to the table. I’m still digesting some of the advanced rules, but so far I’m really enjoying the added wrinkles (as compared to Panzer North Africa, which I also like) of different gunsight capabilities as well as special armors.
Most excellent, that sounds like great progress. MBT is a lift, I've heard, a great one to move into the "Played" column. :)
I'm guessing Risk would also be my first war game....or maybe battleships!! That said, I love risk, I remember making an alternative version where I could travel by boat to additional locations.
That's awesome. We had a lot of great family battles with Risk too. The modified rule sounds like a fun variant too. Sounds like a potential game designer in the making! :)
Great update. My first was either Waterloo or Gettysburg by AH, not sure which! But then I was hooked on AH and will resist boring you with the very long list of AH games I played to death.
It's so interesting how many times those Avalon Hill games got played. I think nowadays we move on to new games more quickly.
What amazes me is how complex games like Panzerblitz were considered at the time, and how almost remedial they seem now.
Ain't that the truth, we've gotten smarter! ... I think. :)
My first war game, believe it or not, was “The Longest Day” Avalon Hill; under the tree Christmas morning 1981 (after begging like only an obsessed 13 y/o could). Managed only about 1 and a half scenarios before my friends bailed. Even so it gave me hours and hours of satisfaction just organizing.
Biggest rookie move…
Punching all of those counters at once before knowing what to do with them.
Oh, the sorting after punching like that! That's too funny. Thanks for sharing. :)
After playing Thunderbolt/Apache it's hard to go back to the other games in the series. The addition of the tactical map that you build fresh for each mission just adds so much to gameplay!
Interesting, thanks! I've heard a number of people who really sing Thunderbolt's praises, so I'm happy that I'll get a chance to check it out.
I know my first wargame was Tactics II because I was just 12 and had to convince my mom to buy it for me. I was playing the uber-sensible card, by pointing out that Tactics II was only $5, whereas D-Day was an unthinkable $7.50!
Haha! $7.50 would really require a second job to afford. :)
Really looking forward to some Atlantic Sentinels and Burning Banners gameplay!
I'd love to bring more stuff like that to the channel, but I'm not sure when those might make it. I did get to play Burning Banners yesterday, was quite fun. :)
I went with a heavy hitter for my first game - The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich from Avalon Hill at 13 yrs old. Was extremely interested in World War II and this fit the bill.
That's such an awesome first game! I'm not sure I could have survived it though as a first game. That was a hefty rulebook.
Pretty sure AH’s TOBRUK was my first. However, there was a Korean War game around then as well. Darned if I can remember the title now though. This would be late ‘70’s.
Oh, interesting that you would have a Korean game as a starter. Were you in Korea?
@@ZillaBlitz Lol
No no!! A game based on the Korean War!!🤣
I seem to remember it was a 2 in 1 kind of thing. Inchon was a separate scenario /mini game. I can’t recall if it was hex based or not, but fairly simplistic to play as I wasn’t very old.
*coffs*😜
@@johncostigan8747 Oh, haha! That makes more sense, not sure why I thought the other way. :)
I bought WINGSPAN a couple of weeks ago. It was right next to WYRMSPAN. I wanted dragons but I was sure my wife would play if it was birds. Haven't tried it yet but good reviews.
Nice! It's my mental health game. :) I think getting Wingspan before Wyrmspan makes sense.
I would love to see more coverage from you on PC wargames, especially WDS and SGS games. What you have covered so far is great; we just need more of it. ;)
I want to cover more as well. :)
Good to have these back!
Thanks! Fun to be back. :)
Zilla, I see that White Dog Games has just released a game about the Mexican revolution (1910-1920). You might want to check that out. I plan on purchasing it.
Thanks! I'll add it to the list to learn more about.
That should be WON.
Congrats Thomas!
My first was 1977 Air Assault on Crete
Very nice! I still have that one. :)
I already did the Buy 2 Get 3 special from Noble Knight. Very useful to get things like game markers and the like. Also, waiting for your Flying Pig Games: Armageddon War play through!
That's a great idea to get markers and whatnot during the sale.
While I'd like to do a playthrough for everything I buy, I'm pretty backed up at the moment on games I've promised content for. I don't think I'll be creating a playthrough for Armageddon War in the near future.
@@ZillaBlitz I'm a patient man. BTW, I picked up Invasion Malta today. Looks great!
Another fun packed update. Plum Island a game my wife purchased, which we both enjoy along with a few friends. Burning Banners looks great but had to hold off as games to learn and play pile is out of control. Some awaiting Washington’s War, Thunder in the East, Rebel Fury, A Most Fearful Sacrifice, GW Commander & expansions, Austerlitz 1815 & Lingny 1815, Panzer Grenadier Afrika Corps & Desert Rats.
For the People just need to check the rules with the original game for any changes, Panzer NA need to play a lot more, also spent a week playing Skies Over Britain, might be me as enjoyable as game was seemed to lack something. Awaiting release of Traces of Hubris.
Really like Legion Games just live in hope the ones I like the look of get released at some point.
Currently have Undaunted NA, Manoeuvre & Distant Lands on the table to play in between the footie & watching YT content.
Thanks for the update.
Sounds like you've got a great collection of upcoming games there. It really is a remarkable time in board gaming. And that's interesting on Skies of Britain, I look forward to getting that one to the table.
Avalon Hill’s D-Day around 1964 or 1965.
Nice!
Cool video. What's your job? I typically don't like UA-camrs who spend too much time talking about their personal issues and failed plans (TMI...), but yours is an exception.
Yeah, I definitely don't want to unload on people will too much behind the scenes stuff, finding a balance between "never share anything" and "TMI" can be tricky. Glad that it hasn't appeared over burdensome. I work in education in a variety of roles, so the end of the school year tends to be the busiest stretch for me.
Fellow educator here. I get it.
Ha! Yeah, it was that time of the year. :)
My first game was Panzer Leader. Bought it new, and it's still on the shelf.
What a fun start to wargaming, great that you still have it. I still have mine too. :)
waiting for EotS! :) would be nice if you could play Burma scenario from C3i #35 also for start things up ;) no gameplay videos about Burma on youtube sadly
The Burma one would be a good one to create video for because of its size, but I don't have the magazine yet. EotS is still one of the shelf of shame targets for this year to play, though, although I don't know if I'll create video for the game. Having to focus on real work for two months kind of got me stacked up for video projects.
@@ZillaBlitz good luck. love your channel and voice! keep up a good work :) thanks
My pleasure, thanks for stopping in. :)
I'll be very interested in your take on Atlantic Sentinels. Other games of this pedigree tend to be dice-rollers with few substantive decisions to make. Will this one break the mold?
I know some people want more decision-making, but I'm good with the decision making in the original games. But yes, I'm curious to see how Sentinels handles it, for sure.
You could do a giveaway for the FOR THE PEOPLE box and map
I thought about that but it's a smaller subset of people. I'm pretty confident I'll be able to figure out something to do with it locally. :)
Speaking of Japanese and Japan... Have you thought about a dive into GMT's Sekigahara and/or Bushido? (I think it is called Bushido.)
I've wanted to play Sekigahara, but I think I read that it's not very solo friendly, so it'd be hard to create video for it on the channel.
Do you have Stuka Joe's Solo CDG set from GMT, One of the games in the first set has For the People so that might make an interesting video if you were to incorporate it.
Oh, yes, I have the first CDG set. For the People is one of those? I didn't realize that. Yes, that would make for a fun video. :)
I just cannot figure out how to easily search NK’s sales. Just a massive headache.
I've found it helpful sometimes to Google search for the game and restrict results to the NK site. So, type something like this into the Google Search bar:
site:www.nobleknight.com D-Day
@@ZillaBlitz I agree but I usually browse and filter. But yes your method overcomes the awful interface.
Do you think that an ACW based COIN game is possible?
Perhaps Bleeding Kansas??
Offhand, it probably wouldn't be a system I'd try to apply to a typical Civil War battle, or even a typical battle in general. But it wouldn't surprise me if someone pulled it off. :)
@@ZillaBlitz I don't know the system at all, but I was thinking of the ACW as an insurgency...
Ah, makes sense. Perhaps?
Is that Shia Labeouf??!!
I think so. :)
Please try to get nach paris, i would like to know your opinion about that game
I've heard good things about it, but I don't have the game yet. So many things to play. :)
If you want, I can help you with Empire of the Sun
Thanks John! There are still a few games in front of it. I've seen a few tutorial sessions on it, so I might be okay, but I'll definitely reach out if things seem confusing. Thanks for the kind offer!
@@ZillaBlitz If you need an opponent, I can play you on Vassal. It has been a couple of years though
@@johnsy4306 Thanks!
I think my first game was B-17: Queen of the Skies. But I think my first experience with a game that was set in a war was found in a book about the ficticious character James Bigglesworth. It was a very simple WWI dog fight game.
Interesting, that Bigglesworth game. :)
I feel you about work. Still, it does pay the bills. Or at least it's supposed to LOL. Glad to have you back in full effect.
I have been hip deep in Schutztruppe 1914-1918 for the past few weeks, and can proudly announce that weinerschnitzel is now served in Nairobi.
I'm curious if any old heads admitted to playing those old MB games like Battlecry, Dogfight or Hit the Beach? They all hold a special place in my heart.
Glad to be back. :)
Now that's a cultural culinary achievement, congrats! You're liking the game, I take it?
@@friendofenkidu3391 Geezer recognizes geezer! Or should I say grognard?
Those games were so much FUN! And when Panzerblitz and Wooden Ships & Iron Men came to me, I was ready! I was very, very lucky to have a best friend whose parents bought him every game he asked for.
Have you seen what copies of those games go for online? LOL!!!
@@ZillaBlitz I like the game a lot. It would REALLY have to be bad for me not to, as this campaign is my obsession. Still...it lacks a system accounting for leadership (and lack thereof) and morale (and lack thereof). Both factors were pivotal to the entire conduct of this campaign.
Still would recommend 7/10.
Good to know, Joey, thanks. :)
MAG-23 is an amazing game. extremely well researched. i suspect you will love this one.
Good to hear, thanks!
At 58, my answers are pretty much the same on first wargames. Panzer Blitz, Luftwaffe and Bismarck come to mind. I don't know if it counts but Feudal was probably the very first.
I'm not familiar with Feudal but the others are certainly historic games. So many of us started out with Avalon Hill. :)
AH- Victory in the Pacific
First AH game was Paydirt
Paydirt! Gosh, I played that game obsessively with a friend for 2-3 years. Bought the game each year for the new teams. Loved that game.
My first wargame/boardgame was playing Milton Bradley's Dogfight! with my uncle Ralph. I still have his original copy. Awesome!! MAG23 - excellent choice to demo and play!
I remember that one too. Fun game!
I started with Russian Front and Empires in Arms from Avalon Hill at the early age of 14. Sometimes I am surprised I stuck with the hobby and didnt break my back on Empires in Arms :D
So happy to hear you are getting into my 1812 and am super excited to hear your reactions to it later on!
Wow, Empires in Arms is another Avalon Hill game I wasn't familiar with, and it does look like a daunting introduction to the hobby. So glad you persevered and we get 1812 because of it. :)
I did the exact same thing on Lincoln's War! Lol! I got the box and map only! Ahhhhh...😄 First war game...Midway!
Haha! I don't feel so alone anymore. Too funny. :)
First game back in the late 70s was Rise and Decline of the Third Reich. Had only played chess and stratego at that point. Had no clue what i was getting myself into! Enjoyed it thoroughly and even graduated to playing PBM with stock tables for die rolls! Thanks for the channel.
That's a daring first game, I think it would have crushed me if I had started with it. Kudos!
First war game was Combat Commander Europe - I came to the hobby later in life and am having fun catching up! Also - where did you get your Hanshin Tigers cap? Love it!
That's a great first game, welcome to the hobby! ~ I got the hat on Amazon, wasn't that expensive:
amzn.to/3KU75yZ
As always, I really enjoyed your latest video!
Also, REALLY liked your enthusiasm over not giving up on the Shelf of Shame ! This gives me hope as well😅
I'm glad you're enjoying the content and yep, we'll get this Shelf of Shame. Just one rule, one turn, one game at a time. :)
#noblelnight Star Fleet Battles was awesome and followed with Air War. The latter was too complex for a 13 year old with no experience, but that didn't slow me down.
Nice! I'm not familiar with either of those, but I can relate to struggling with games I half understood as a teenager. :)
ugh my shelf of shame is only growing (Tomahawks and Bayonets and Rebel Fury both just arrived in the last month) . . . need to game more!
I've been thinking to start my day an hour earlier with some quality solo gaming. :)
the "Leader" games have always been on my wishlist, but I don't know where to start. I like the WW2 planes and tanks, so maybe I should start there?
I do think there is something to be said for picking one where the theme really appeals to you. I don't have enough experience to speak (yet!) as to which ones might have better gameplay. :)
Like you I got placed in a new position. It has been ugly. I haven't even 'looked' at a game since April. I expect it to 'maybe' get better around August.
I hope things get sorted out for you too, it was a big adjustment for me, but it's finally settled down. :)
My first wargame was Air Assault on Crete, also by AH. Still have it, but haven't played it for a long time.
I have that one as well. I wonder how it holds up.
I did the exact same thing when I ordered for the people. But I can always use a box for games that don't fit in one box, or my magazine games
Haha! Glad I wasn't alone. I imagine I can give it away to someone as well.
My first war-game was called Tactics II. It was a long time ago.
There are a lot of you who started with Tactics II. Amazing how the game brought so many people to the hobby.
I understand work getting in the way. I'd give it up in a minute if wargames were free. And my kids didn't eat so much...
Yeah, at some point I'd love it if the activity on the channel could allow me to cut back on work, but that's a long ways away.
Started playing AH games several years before SPI had a presence in my game store.
Yes, I suspect that was the case for many people. AH had a bigger marketing footprint, and for a while was the only player in the market too.
Firepower by Avalon Hill was my first war game.
I thought I'd heard of all the Avalon Hill games but apparently not. That one is new to me. :)
Diplomacy
AH's Bismark. My uncle had a dozen of these AH games and gave them to me when I was 12, he was moving on to bigger and better things, I guess. Unfortunately, I have none of those games - 12 year olds don't take care of things too well, and when you go off to the USMC, your brother does even a worse job...
That's one I've never played, but I remember seeing the box. The good thing with many of those Avalon Hill games is that they are usually very reasonably priced on places like Noble Knight and EBay. I filled out a handful of them about a year ago in a couple of NK orders and it was way less than I would have imagined.
@@ZillaBlitz I like the Guadalcanal game. Waterloo was a problem with killer stacks. Blitzkreig was also good, presented a lot of interesting issues. The old CRT's from those days weren't too good. And of course, Bismark/Midway are tough to play solitaire.
I also liked Jutland - just the fleet action with the special yard markers and turning gauges on the floor. Anyone else remember that game on the floor?
I think I saw Jutland, but I've not played it yet. I might have to take a look at the Guadalcanal game though. That might be a fun little slice of gaming history to look at. :)
I want to pull the trigger on Mag-23 from Blue Panther, but having a hard time with already owning the book game, and spending extra for the game box.
It'd be nice to be able to get them together, but looking at the total cost, price-wise it's pretty comparable to a regular game price. There is a good bit of stuff in the Mag23 box too. :)
My first wargame... Segunda Guerra Mundial, from nac (nike and cooper española). 35 years have passed... 😅
Congratulations for the Channel and hi from Spain!
Hola! Welcome to Spain! 35 years of wargaming sounds like there are probably lots of great memories. :) Thanks for stopping in.
First game 1776.
Very nice!
My first wargame(s) used Operation Warboard rules by Gavin and Bernard Lyall. I've been trying to get through my unpainted plastic boxes of shame. I've turned it into a spreadsheet which has a max score at the moment of 1224, my current score is 494 so 40% done. I've found the need to track to get it done.
Like you, had a bad time playing in May and June 7 hours across the 2 months, July is at 24 hours played with 2 days left, may get to 28 hours if I'm lucky with the gaming group.
Nice to see the progress in July, tracking it like that seems like a good way to measure things.
What does the max score signify?
@@ZillaBlitz 1224 painted and based minis, I started the year at 984 unpainted/ painted minis. I've "collected" a further 240 this year (oops). But they're then factored, 0.05 for being made, 0.1 post priming, 0.4 for being on the paint table, 0.85 post finished painting, 0.9 post basing, .95 post static grass, 1 when varnished and finished. A % didn't work when I kept adding minis, it went down despite stuff getting finished, hence the scoring. I tend to keep only 5-15 in paint but I prime, base, static grass, varnish in 30-50s. I've actually completed some 212 minis this year . Last year I got 145 completed. What gets measured gets done! But it's the balance between play and paint. Plays gone up, paint progress has gone down. But play when you can, paint when you can't. Have fun
Wow! That's a lot of painting! You must really enjoy it. That's fantastic. :)
@@ZillaBlitz I detest the painting, I love the playing, but if I get task focussed I can get it sorted. I find it difficult to go more than 90 minutes at a time before my eyes get too tired. Also I can only paint when my wife and I are at home. The boys are home from uni, so can't use their rooms as a paint studio at the moment. Hour or so before work or when I get in or before popping to bed soon gets the painting done, if you can do it regularly. Have fun
@@argy8141 Yeah, I can relate the life changing when the kids are home from school. :)
The Hunters/Silent Victory series of games are among my all time favorite games. The first wargame I ever played was a Tobruk game but cannot remember which company it was from. I know it was from the 70s era. The first wargame I played when I decided to get into the hobby was Brazen Chariots from MMP.
Tobruk was a fun game, yes, from Avalon Hill it was. I've heard such great things about Brazen Chariots. :)
@@ZillaBlitz I've heard that some of the mechanics in the BCS can mess up your mind if you are so use to the normal way of gaming. Fortunately Brazen Chariots was my first game so I was so new that the interesting mechanics did not bother me. Get it on the table if you got it Zilla!
Ha! World in Flames! You might have had more people with that as their first wargame if all the rest hadn't also made it their LAST wargame! "You keep using that word GAME, I don't think it means what you think it means."
Yeah, I would definitely think World in Flames could be a first and last game all in once. Not that it's bad, but it's like sitting down to eat an entire cow for your first meal.
Are you going to ORIGINS????
No, I hope to go sometime, though. :)
@@ZillaBlitz I was hoping to see you there I watch your videos all the time and don’t know where you are based. Loved the Hunters series you did!!! This will be my first visit to Origins with my wargame buddy Mark. We have made several Gencon’s and had it on the bucket list to do Origins
Very nice, have fun at Origins, and I'm glad you are enjoying the channel. I'd love to go to Origins at some point. Cost/time means that as of now I have to be selective in which conferences I can attend. :)
My first wargame was The Thin Red Line by Yaquinto in the mid 80's. I was in middle school and my older brother got it because the was studying Napoleon in his World History class. I remember not knowing anything about the battle, but winning the game as my brother tried to do the historical maneuvers, while I just looked at tactically.
Ha! Funny story about The Thin Red Line. I've not heard of that one before, but yeah, one of the joys of wargaming is the mindset we bring to the table.
Thanks for you videos, which led me to come back play wargames.
My first one was "Amirauté", 40 years ago yet, a French game using ship figurines and anything to compute with angles (for the torpedoes), distances,size of ships, calibers etc...
My pleasure, I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. Amirauté sounds very interesting and a fun way to start. :)
1979 first war game, SPI's War of the Ring that included the mini games, Sauron and Minas Tirith...wish I still had them.
The Howard Barasch and the late Richard Berg's design for War of the Ring was WAY ahead of it's time. Great game!!!!!!!
Nick Stasnopolis
... and Noble Knight has two reasonably priced copies for sale. And, no, I don't get a commission. 🙂
I remember seeing War of the Ring, the old one. I thought I actually had it in my box of old SPI games, but it's not there. I wonder if I gave it away or something.
@@ZillaBlitz Mike, if you want my copy, as is, you can have it.
Thanks for the very kind offer, but I would like to clear more games off my Shelf of Opportunity first. :)
My first wargame was Tac-AIR (Avalon Hill). And it was a epiphany to me. Because wargames were hard to find in Belgium in the 80's.
Wow, I've not heard of that one. Very cool! I distinctly remember playing Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and being blown away by the fact that economies and production were modeled in the game. :)
My first wargame was Empire of the Sun which I got after watching your video on it. I was definitely in over my head but after 1 year of playing other wargames I have enjoyed it more every time I've attempted a playthrough.
Nice! That's definitely a challenging first game, but I think your plan to keep coming back to it will work out very well. Learning other games will help make Empire of the Sun easier.
Great video! My first wargame was G.E.V. from Steve Jackson Games. It (and OGRE) are still in my grouping of favorite games.
Those little plastic envelope games were a lot of fun. OGRE was one of my favorites.
Panzer Leader.
A fun first game indeed. :)
Nice show of support for the Hanshin Tigers. Cheers for the videos. I enjoy your enthusiasm and thoughts.
Go Tigers! :)
Hanshin Tigers! 🫡🇯🇵
はい！：）
@@ZillaBlitz You are too kakkoii in that hat, my friend. However, I have my Tokyo Giants hat. 😎
@@myk646 Oh, that's surely a great hat as well. I lived in Kyoto and worked in Osaka, so no choice: Tigers. :)
I remember that, and you can speak Japanese! 😄