i guess im randomly asking but does someone know of a way to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot the login password. I love any tips you can give me.
Definitely going to check out the games on your list. For me Combat Commander would be near the top for WWII games. I own but still have to try No Retreat and The Supreme Commander in the WWII genre. Will break out No Retreat soon as it's been sitting on my shelf for ages.
These are just great reviews, Marco. So much interesting material and so many helpful insights. Thank you! One day, if you get around to it, it would be informative (and fun) to see a review of some bad games and what you think makes them unsuccessful. Possible? Eiher way, thanks again.
Nice list - I wholeheartedly agree with Unconditional Surrender, Triumph and Tragedy and Liberty Roads - simply fantastic games. Have you had a chance to play Victory Roads yet? You might mention that Unconditional Surrender! Case Blue from C3i Number 28 is a great way to sample and get a feel for what the USE system has to offer.
I've had Empire of the Sun(reprint) since it came out and I still haven't got my arms wrapped around it, not the easiest games to get into, I am still convinced there's a great game there though.
+MarcoWarGamer, great trilogy series, thanks for the insights, your advice will encourage me to try some of these other games. *However when you said a video trilogy of your top 10 World War II games was posted, starting with the Western Front, it seemed the other 2 videos would be Eastern Front and Pacific Front*, and therefore there would be no game overlap between videos. But alas no Top 10 Pacific Front video, even though there are plenty of games covering that theatre. A top 10 Pacific front video would tie into the other 2 videos like a missing puzzle piece. Each piece being separate stand alone, but linking the other two. Maybe you're not into the Japanese War and don't have enough game play to produce a Pacific Top 10,? Would have been nice to hear your views on the Pacific. Your third video is more of a general top 10 unrelated and unbounded to the other 2 videos, and therefore had some overlap. As for any apprehension regarding whether the Battle of the Atlantic, North Africa and Battle of Britain were Western front they all are, although it could be argued that all are sub categories of the Western Front, Atlantic Front, Mediterranean Front, North Africa, etc. anyhow consider a Top 10 World War II Pacific front video. Keep up the great work.
Regarding the Learning Curve for Empire of the Sun... Mark Herman has produced two smaller versions of EotS. Each game focuses on a smaller scenario and thusly a smaller slice of the rules set. Each can be considered as "training wheels" for EotS! They are, 'Plan Orange', and 'South Pacific'. Both are "magazine" games, from C3i magazine. Look up all their info on BGG, to include custom box artwork.
Thank you Marco for the number of good games you made me discover in your trilogy of video (I'm now exp. interested in The Hunters/Silent Victory and Triumph and Tragedy). My two "additions" would be OCS' "The Last Blitzkrieg" and the classic "World in Flames". Regarding TLB, I feel it belongs to at least the Top 10 Western Front Games due to the following factors: - The sheer excellence of the OCS system. - It is more "compact" and playable than monstrosities like "Guderian Blitzkrieg II + Plan Blue". - The two main modes of play, "historical" and "if I were in command" cover what any good wargame should be about: understanding why things went in a certain way due to historical (and political) limitation forced on commanders, and then experimenting with coming up with your own plan. This means that you can learn why France was doomed, but, after that, also check if it was a foregone outcome. - The half-turn learning scenario centered on the crossing of the Meuse is worth the price of the whole game. I'm not joking! - And, finally, I noticed how both your Western Front and WWII top 10 lacked a game about the fall of France. This would be my call. Regarding WiF, it may seem a banal choice, but it is the only WWII strategic game (among those which I have played) which fully integrates land, air and naval warfare (along with politics, production and economics) with no element being accessory to others. In addition, it covers both the ETO and the PTO with a single set of rules - a remarkable feat. True, it is a monster, but I found it surprisingly playable, and today play-aids like VASSAL make easier to organize winter-long "marathons" with 4 or more players. Thank you again for your videos! My wallet is already suffering!
Thank you for sharing. I’m surprised Conflict of Heroes didn’t make the list considering you gave it an 11 out of 10. Probably you hadn’t played it yet.
Thanks Marco I love your dry sense of humour. Your taste in war games is both a help and a hindrance. I see games to add to my list and realise these can be named by my wife in any future divorce case. Joking aside thanks again. Disclaimer This is the definitive reply to your video so no need to read any other.... :)
Hearing your praises of "Unconditional Surrender!", I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on "Totaler Krieg!", which I've heard has similar virtues, and which also has (in its latest edition, "Axis Empires: Totaler Krieg!") Salvatore Vasta as a designer.
1. Conflict of Heroes 2 Ed - Solo Expansion - John Butterfield -Eickert 2. D Day series from John Butterfield (4 games total) 3. Ambush series + Battle Hymn 4. The Russian Campaign 5. Rise and Decline of the 3rd Reich (4 edition - Avalon Hill) Since our games are played for 99 solitaire ...
Marco, I see you're not in the habit of responding to UA-cam comments (and probably wisely so), but still, I'll ask anyway... While considering games for your lists, have you considered these three games?: * 'Ardennes: The Battle of the Bulge', by Compass Games. The box contains both a 2-player and a solitaire version. The 2-player is every bit of a monster as 'Ardennes '44', and is reported to be every bit as good, but more so, if that makes sense. I'm only half way through the solitaire version and haven't played 'Ardennes '44', so I can't comment further. But it receives very high praise across the board. * 'The Fires of Midway', by Clash of Arms Games. This is a VERY immersive and FUN, tactical level WWII game focused on the 1942 CARRIER BATTLES in the south Pacific. A VERY good, and much under appreciated game! * Speaking of another fun, light game, yet with a large dose of realism and chrome... '1944: Race to the Rhine', by Phalanx Games. This is more of a Euro, but still belongs on any wargamer's shelf. It focuses on the logistics of moving supplies in order to support Patton's, Montgomery's, and Bradley's corps as they race to be the first to cross the Rhine river. Another Fun, engrossing game worthy of consideration!
@Marco; Hi mate. Re-watched this in 2024 to enjoy the nostalgia - still haven't managed to play Liberty roads yet. Hard to get a copy down-under. the video left me with a question is Unconditional Surrender still the #1 WWII game? let me know - Im wondering if you have had any other goodies pop up?
OK, Marco... "Liberty Road"... AH's D-Day gives you all the alternate landings you could ask for. Why aren't you interested in Tactical games? Have you tried "Warfighter: WWII"??? What I can't understand is that EVERYBODY has forgotten PanzerBlitz and Panzer Leader? It has more options than most other games. Just me? I guess.
Are there any good Mediterranean or Italian campaign-centric board games out there? I know of GMTs Combat Commander Med expansion, but I'm more looking for pure stand alone games.
The old GDW Europa series game...Marita-Mekur.... Balkans. Or Compass Games...Forgotten Legions... 2 games: Drive on Damascus and Bloody Keren-Near East/East Africa. There is lots of Paratroop games for invading Crete/Malta. I am sure there are plenty of more knowledgeable people that can give you more game titles.
Just your opinion and not my list of the best games. Each person has their own likes and dislikes. You throwing it up on a video doesn’t qualify as “an expert” opinion.
If Unconditional Surrender had used a better map projection for Europe instead of this ugly, bizarre projection which ruins the whole look and feel, I would have already bought it. It just looks so amateurish.
We need and updated version of this!
I'm honored Unconditional Surrender made the list and the spot it earned. Great series and more proof I need more games. :)
i guess im randomly asking but does someone know of a way to log back into an instagram account?
I was dumb forgot the login password. I love any tips you can give me.
@Francis Cash instablaster =)
Definitely going to check out the games on your list. For me Combat Commander would be near the top for WWII games. I own but still have to try No Retreat and The Supreme Commander in the WWII genre. Will break out No Retreat soon as it's been sitting on my shelf for ages.
That game collection, with some classic SPI! :)
Well, that's my retirement taken care of. Thanks! Excellent video series.
Love your picks, Grand strategy with the global picture is the ultimate game and many of your picks reflect this, I heartily agree!
These are just great reviews, Marco. So much interesting material and so many helpful insights. Thank you!
One day, if you get around to it, it would be informative (and fun) to see a review of some bad games and what you think makes them unsuccessful. Possible?
Eiher way, thanks again.
I really hope you consider playing Advanced Squad Leader - a truly fantastic WWII squad level game with almost endless content and complexity levels.
I just discovered this game... and oh boy am I about to go down a rabbit hole.
Nice list - I wholeheartedly agree with Unconditional Surrender, Triumph and Tragedy and Liberty Roads - simply fantastic games. Have you had a chance to play Victory Roads yet? You might mention that Unconditional Surrender! Case Blue from C3i Number 28 is a great way to sample and get a feel for what the USE system has to offer.
i like your list...and your midwestern Indiana accent! I bought Totensonntag based upon your strong recommendation and I love Silent Victory.
Thank you so much! This is so helpful for newcomers to war gaming!
Thanks, Marco!
You're going to turn me into a wargamer, I know it...
Planes | Trains | Automobiles in sequence. Kudos for the great movie reference. :)
I've had Empire of the Sun(reprint) since it came out and I still haven't got my arms wrapped around it, not the easiest games to get into, I am still convinced there's a great game there though.
The 42 scenario is brilliant. It's totally worth the effort.
Love all of those games. I really want to buy some of them. Wow! I am really interested in historical wars and events, especially ww2
+MarcoWarGamer, great trilogy series, thanks for the insights, your advice will encourage me to try some of these other games. *However when you said a video trilogy of your top 10 World War II games was posted, starting with the Western Front, it seemed the other 2 videos would be Eastern Front and Pacific Front*, and therefore there would be no game overlap between videos. But alas no Top 10 Pacific Front video, even though there are plenty of games covering that theatre. A top 10 Pacific front video would tie into the other 2 videos like a missing puzzle piece. Each piece being separate stand alone, but linking the other two. Maybe you're not into the Japanese War and don't have enough game play to produce a Pacific Top 10,? Would have been nice to hear your views on the Pacific. Your third video is more of a general top 10 unrelated and unbounded to the other 2 videos, and therefore had some overlap. As for any apprehension regarding whether the Battle of the Atlantic, North Africa and Battle of Britain were Western front they all are, although it could be argued that all are sub categories of the Western Front, Atlantic Front, Mediterranean Front, North Africa, etc. anyhow consider a Top 10 World War II Pacific front video. Keep up the great work.
Regarding the Learning Curve for Empire of the Sun... Mark Herman has produced two smaller versions of EotS. Each game focuses on a smaller scenario and thusly a smaller slice of the rules set. Each can be considered as "training wheels" for EotS! They are, 'Plan Orange', and 'South Pacific'. Both are "magazine" games, from C3i magazine. Look up all their info on BGG, to include custom box artwork.
I like watching the hair changes. ;)
Gillette might be interested in hiring him too
Same face, same voice, same "kill me now, please!" affect.
Thank you Marco for the number of good games you made me discover in your trilogy of video (I'm now exp. interested in The Hunters/Silent Victory and Triumph and Tragedy).
My two "additions" would be OCS' "The Last Blitzkrieg" and the classic "World in Flames".
Regarding TLB, I feel it belongs to at least the Top 10 Western Front Games due to the following factors:
- The sheer excellence of the OCS system.
- It is more "compact" and playable than monstrosities like "Guderian Blitzkrieg II + Plan Blue".
- The two main modes of play, "historical" and "if I were in command" cover what any good wargame should be about: understanding why things went in a certain way due to historical (and political) limitation forced on commanders, and then experimenting with coming up with your own plan. This means that you can learn why France was doomed, but, after that, also check if it was a foregone outcome.
- The half-turn learning scenario centered on the crossing of the Meuse is worth the price of the whole game. I'm not joking!
- And, finally, I noticed how both your Western Front and WWII top 10 lacked a game about the fall of France. This would be my call.
Regarding WiF, it may seem a banal choice, but it is the only WWII strategic game (among those which I have played) which fully integrates land, air and naval warfare (along with politics, production and economics) with no element being accessory to others. In addition, it covers both the ETO and the PTO with a single set of rules - a remarkable feat. True, it is a monster, but I found it surprisingly playable, and today play-aids like VASSAL make easier to organize winter-long "marathons" with 4 or more players.
Thank you again for your videos! My wallet is already suffering!
Sorcerers cave. Not often I see anyone else that has it. :) First game i ever owned a long long time ago.
Thanks for these reviews! I hope you make a Pacific War Top Ten as well.
Thank you for sharing. I’m surprised Conflict of Heroes didn’t make the list considering you gave it an 11 out of 10. Probably you hadn’t played it yet.
Rommel in the Desert... is a game about Rommel in the Desert... I had not expected that Marco! :)
Thanks Marco I love your dry sense of humour. Your taste in war games is both a help and a hindrance. I see games to add to my list and realise these can be named by my wife in any future divorce case. Joking aside thanks again. Disclaimer This is the definitive reply to your video so no need to read any other.... :)
AH classics...battle of the bulge, Bismarck, Africa corps, Stalingrad, Midway, day, are all fantastic
Hearing your praises of "Unconditional Surrender!", I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on "Totaler Krieg!", which I've heard has similar virtues, and which also has (in its latest edition, "Axis Empires: Totaler Krieg!") Salvatore Vasta as a designer.
Can't wait for Triumph & Tragedy to be reprinted. Very high on my want-list.
1. Conflict of Heroes 2 Ed - Solo Expansion - John Butterfield -Eickert
2. D Day series from John Butterfield (4 games total)
3. Ambush series + Battle Hymn
4. The Russian Campaign
5. Rise and Decline of the 3rd Reich (4 edition - Avalon Hill)
Since our games are played for 99 solitaire ...
i have update my wish list ! THANKSSS
Hello Marco, do you plan to make a top ten Napoleonic wargames? Would be great. :)
would love that indeed
or just 19th century era
That would be awesome, love that period.
I love your reviews, Marco. Could you do a top 10 WWI games as well? There's not many of those on UA-cam, so I think you could get a lot of views.
Marco,
I see you're not in the habit of responding to UA-cam comments (and probably wisely so), but still, I'll ask anyway...
While considering games for your lists, have you considered these three games?:
* 'Ardennes: The Battle of the Bulge', by Compass Games. The box contains both a 2-player and a solitaire version. The 2-player is every bit of a monster as 'Ardennes '44', and is reported to be every bit as good, but more so, if that makes sense. I'm only half way through the solitaire version and haven't played 'Ardennes '44', so I can't comment further. But it receives very high praise across the board.
* 'The Fires of Midway', by Clash of Arms Games. This is a VERY immersive and FUN, tactical level WWII game focused on the 1942 CARRIER BATTLES in the south Pacific. A VERY good, and much under appreciated game!
* Speaking of another fun, light game, yet with a large dose of realism and chrome... '1944: Race to the Rhine', by Phalanx Games. This is more of a Euro, but still belongs on any wargamer's shelf. It focuses on the logistics of moving supplies in order to support Patton's, Montgomery's, and Bradley's corps as they race to be the first to cross the Rhine river. Another Fun, engrossing game worthy of consideration!
@Marco; Hi mate. Re-watched this in 2024 to enjoy the nostalgia - still haven't managed to play Liberty roads yet. Hard to get a copy down-under. the video left me with a question is Unconditional Surrender still the #1 WWII game? let me know - Im wondering if you have had any other goodies pop up?
loved your ironic whiteboard - another great video -thanks
please make a top WW2 solitaire wargames! Greatings from Buenos Aires
the longest day from avalon hill is the best , then the european theater of war and the pacific theater of war
With Panzer North Africa on the P500 list, I have to wonder where it will end up in a future top ten list :)
5月22日宇徳丸２７００ｔと流星丸と遭遇したダニエルが両方撃沈したしかし負傷したレオンに指揮権が移るダニエルは勲章もらった
What!? No Combat Commander on the list? :O That game should deserve to be on the list by the Random Scenario Generator alone ^_^
thanks a LOT MARK ! very very useful video , i want to buy EMPIRE OF THE SUN
I wonder if 6 years later this list has pretty much changed...
I'm not sure I get why ASL isn't in here somewhere.
He mentions during Empire of the Sun that he doesn't play ASL.
How easy is it to solo Unconditional surrender? Also, do you view the western campaigns as worth it or no?
Hello, Great video thank you quick question. If someone was going to get a cop of Totensonntag. Which edition would you recommend first or second?
thanks so much.
Lots of operational level games...too bad since I prefer tactical level games such as Up Front etc..maybe another list for tactical level games.
Too much Grand Strategy for my island :)
TSR/SPI World War 2 for the win!
thank you. Have you ever played Europe Engulfed?
OK, Marco... "Liberty Road"... AH's D-Day gives you all the alternate landings you could ask for. Why aren't you interested in Tactical games? Have you tried "Warfighter: WWII"??? What I can't understand is that EVERYBODY has forgotten PanzerBlitz and Panzer Leader? It has more options than most other games. Just me? I guess.
PhilipeWELLとダニエルカーク、レオンクルーニーは１９４０年にウエストポイントを卒業した
No Memoire '44, Heroes of Normandie and Rivet Wars I see ..... :P
=?¿??
Rommel in the desert video Marco pls.
My 11 year old said you look like Mr. Bean!
Empire of the Sun hard? Can you review SPI's Campaign For North Africa?
HaHaHaHa
This is an awesome list. Where do you think that Cataclysm would fall within this list? I am just in love with that game.
GMT needs to hurry up and reprint Unconditional Surrender!
荒月、焼、と言う駆逐艦輸送の阻止だった
Philipeのモーパックは２０分と写真７８枚写真に収めた
Top 2 Axis and Allies and Memoir 44
No Flames of war?
NAMEホワイト」ホーエルと言う名前で呼ばれた特殊訓練をした
Hi Marco! I'm a big fan, but I'm curious why this is not part of a quadrilogy rather than a trilogy? No Pacific theatre top 10?
EOTS (Empire of the Sun) got # 6
Have you played UBOOT The Board game?
Are there any good Mediterranean or Italian campaign-centric board games out there? I know of GMTs Combat Commander Med expansion, but I'm more looking for pure stand alone games.
The old GDW Europa series game...Marita-Mekur.... Balkans.
Or Compass Games...Forgotten Legions... 2 games: Drive on Damascus and Bloody Keren-Near East/East Africa. There is lots of Paratroop games for invading Crete/Malta.
I am sure there are plenty of more knowledgeable people that can give you more game titles.
４隻の荒月、焼が５月２７日確認されたしかし確認したが無線兵がパニックを起こしたPTSDだった鎮静剤を打ち縛った
特殊部隊グリァアム、グァム少将指揮かに置かれた
nothing from DVG? I'm a bit surprised.....
3 people prefer subjectivism..
~laughs~
ASL?
No Up Front?
Has anybody found a site or place in Germany or Holland where i could buy unconditional surrender?
1944年中野が動いた少数精鋭で
Axis & Allies?
イー４０３が完成していた
荒月は燃料タンク命中大爆発白川丸２発命中浸水沈没ガトー１
１９４３年5月17日出撃鼠輸送作戦を阻止せよ！
Axis&Allies is not on this list?...... *Blasphemy!*
I agree... The best of the best....
Just your opinion and not my list of the best games. Each person has their own likes and dislikes. You throwing it up on a video doesn’t qualify as “an expert” opinion.
Philipeにモーパックを乗せた
If Unconditional Surrender had used a better map projection for Europe instead of this ugly, bizarre projection which ruins the whole look and feel, I would have already bought it. It just looks so amateurish.
５月２７日夕方ガトー２焼命中１発中破火災福谷丸命中転覆
Please end these now and soon. You could have the same effect if you filmed in front of a mirror, but without harming the greater population at large.