Hi Marco. Thanks for this wonderfull video and sharing your opinion and tips for solitary wargaming. Since wargamers are rare where I live, I play wargames very often solitary. But I have to say, that I have a sad feeling about it, always feeling it would be more fun to play with others. Your psychological insight on the subject is a big motivation for me to go on and play more of my wargames solitary. Thanks alot for motivating me again!
Great video blog Marco, I really enjoyed it, and it gave plenty of food for thought! I use solitaire war gaming particularly to play through Memoir '44 scenarios prior to playing with a group, it generally gives enough feedback to determine that a particular scenario would not play well and maybe put others off who are not familiar with the system. All of Two Hour Wargames products are designed to be played solo from the outset, with multi-player cooperatively or in opposition given equal cover
Re: your comments about sympathy/attraction to one faction - it really does happen and I find it's usually the underdog and YES it's a real rush when you manage to pull a victory out of what was imminent defeat! I also liked the way you explained how after moving your armies you innevitably notice what might have been a better move…. Solitaire is a great way to learn from your mistakes and improve your play. Looking at ones moves from the other side of the board works well for that!
Wow... It's as if this blog's subject was aimed directly at me. I'm a solitaire gamer but have shied away from soloing a two player game. You've inspired me to give it a shot :) Love your reviews, BTW.
Interesting ideas here. Solitaire wargaming is something that I have found to be quite rewarding. I love the huge games with lots of folks, but it is also quite relaxing at times to run a game alone.
LOL - I haven't seen those holders in a LONG time! I started gaming with AH & SSI 40+ years ago. I dreamt about having a wall using those amazing holders and little cases to hold all my many game chits! But I married, moved away and could not find anyone to play against - most of my collection my mother "housecleaned" after I had left. Those I still had were played solitaire for MANY years! Excellent pointers and hints, the best key is to play both sides as best you can and enjoy the results!
I'm enjoying the video blog format. Thanks for saying positive things about soloing. I got hooked on TOI playing solo because of the great narrative and rooting for the underdog as i try to destroy them from the opposing side. Happy late night wargaming!
My suggestion for a new Video Blog Episode: Reading rules and any tips you have on learning them. As a wargamer you are in the constant need to read a lot of pages of rules and remembering them. You have for sure your own tricks of handeling this (I noticed a lot of marking and notes in your rulebook in one of your videos.). I'm thankful for every tip I can get, to make this task easier, especially since English is not my native language.
Solo gaming is great if you can devote the time to it. I just don't know how you managed to do all that packing and shipping and STILL find time to play! That is admirable. Those two GMT games, (Roads to Leningrad/Moscow) look very interesting, and I look forward to hearing your take on them. I know you have to do your monster game first. Your video blogs are something I am looking forward to them. Well done.
Very interesting points you made. I have "felt" most of them but you put them in splendid words. I support the reading tips on complex rules for "next topics". May be you can review your current process on Normandy rules.
I always and only play the physical copy if I am playing solo, no matter the pains of set up. I just enjoy the different sensory experience of playing with an actual copy. I use vassal only for long distance games with others.
"Reading about a period in time makes me want to game it, and vice versa." I totaly agree here. Many books made me buy new wargames and even more wargames made me buy books on the topic. Right now I'm reading "The Saxon Stories" books from Bernard Cornwell and I'm allready in the desperate need of a wargame about early medieval Britain.
About motivation for solitaire wargaming: I am a history-buff that uses games as "time-machines" to transport myself into a certain perod of time, and face the same political-, tactical-, and strategic-situation that the real commander/nation was facing. So I like games with a high degree of realism, so I can simulate the past. There is a circular relationship between history-studies and gaming. Reading about a period in time makes me want to "game it", and vice versa. Cheers,
I have never really appreciated playing multiplayer wargames solitaire. However, I did try Combat Commander: Europe solo and it worked quite nicely. The fact that you have cards that constrain what you can do and that you don't have to look at the newly drawn cards until each sides next turn makes it a bit exciting also. Not all options are open for the player at all times. I would recommend people trying this game if they are looking for a wargame to play solitaire.
I have to admit that I was expecting something like how to adjust certain wargames to a solitaire mode, so I felt like the message behind your video is: 'Hey, playing both sides is just as fun, so try it!' On the other hand, this is still very convincing :) Oh, and maybe a hint for another topic: 'wargame and complexity', how much you can sacrifice in terms of historical/military accuracy to call a wargame still a good game, and what makes some games just okay or maybe even bad ones. regards!
Marco: I always enjoy your reviews. They are straight to the point and well-articulated. Have you ever considered reviewing Reconquista by White Dog Games? Right now it is my favorite in the solitaire genre and I have some highly regarded games from other publishers.
How awesome is it that we look for solo versions of social interaction games because we either don't have friends to play with, or don't like playing with others.
I am loving Red Winter (which I bought because of your review) but unfortunately my dad is so busy with work that I am stuck playing solitaire. I bought Pathfinder RPG to play with my little brother and I am absolutely loving it.
You've inspired me! I'm going to try doing a solo play though of Chaos of the Old World. Been watching you and Game Box doing that for years.. finally going ot give it a try.. should make a nice change form co-ops!
Thanks for shipping the KS stuff Marco. Copy of Dawn of the Zeds safely received in the UK (after paying some VAT). Man is that one scary zombie on the front cover ;-)
I know how that can feel haha, I have a number of games I've ended up playing solitaire due to my dad being too busy. Hope you enjoy it even though you're playing on your own :)
Is it possible to play "world in flames". One turn at least, to see how it works. I have the game but i can't play yet because of difficulty of the game. Thank you Marco!.
Folding the Normandy map on the bottom may be a bit problematic, as a good deal of action takes place around the Caen vicinity. Good luck. Looks really interesting.
I did once try a simple AI mechanics of my own to simulate the 1813 allies' "Trachenburg-Reichenbach" strategy to solo one of Kevin Zucker's Napoleonics (AH's "The Struggle of Nations" - tiny hexes!!! ). Sadly didn't get chance to finish the game. My mechanic was a bit like the AI "Field Commander Napoleon" sort of system you reviewed (still on my wish list!!). I must admit that review made me think of tailoring some more simple schemes to see how they work out. Have you tried any OSG games?
Hi, great video as usual. Have you played any game from compass games like Silent War and what did you think about them? It looks promising (uboats, solitaire, nice looking) but is rather expensive. And have you played combat commander, it always seems to rank high when people talk about wargames, is it any good solitaire? Really looking forward the next episode :)
Is it possible to play "world in flames". One turn at least, to see how it works. I have the game but i can't play yet because of difficulty of the game. Thank you Marco!.
"Buying playboy to do crossword puzzles" genious choise of words there Marco. 6:25
Hi Marco. Thanks for this wonderfull video and sharing your opinion and tips for solitary wargaming. Since wargamers are rare where I live, I play wargames very often solitary. But I have to say, that I have a sad feeling about it, always feeling it would be more fun to play with others. Your psychological insight on the subject is a big motivation for me to go on and play more of my wargames solitary. Thanks alot for motivating me again!
Great video blog Marco, I really enjoyed it, and it gave plenty of food for thought!
I use solitaire war gaming particularly to play through Memoir '44 scenarios prior to playing with a group, it generally gives enough feedback to determine that a particular scenario would not play well and maybe put others off who are not familiar with the system.
All of Two Hour Wargames products are designed to be played solo from the outset, with multi-player cooperatively or in opposition given equal cover
Re: your comments about sympathy/attraction to one faction - it really does happen and I find it's usually the underdog and YES it's a real rush when you manage to pull a victory out of what was imminent defeat!
I also liked the way you explained how after moving your armies you innevitably notice what might have been a better move…. Solitaire is a great way to learn from your mistakes and improve your play. Looking at ones moves from the other side of the board works well for that!
Wow... It's as if this blog's subject was aimed directly at me. I'm a solitaire gamer but have shied away from soloing a two player game. You've inspired me to give it a shot :) Love your reviews, BTW.
Interesting ideas here. Solitaire wargaming is something that I have found to be quite rewarding. I love the huge games with lots of folks, but it is also quite relaxing at times to run a game alone.
LOL - I haven't seen those holders in a LONG time! I started gaming with AH & SSI 40+ years ago. I dreamt about having a wall using those amazing holders and little cases to hold all my many game chits!
But I married, moved away and could not find anyone to play against - most of my collection my mother "housecleaned" after I had left.
Those I still had were played solitaire for MANY years! Excellent pointers and hints, the best key is to play both sides as best you can and enjoy the results!
I'm enjoying the video blog format. Thanks for saying positive things about soloing. I got hooked on TOI playing solo because of the great narrative and rooting for the underdog as i try to destroy them from the opposing side. Happy late night wargaming!
Very pleasant show,inspiring and funny,thank you for your efforts.
Respect to you my friend.
Terry
My suggestion for a new Video Blog Episode: Reading rules and any tips you have on learning them. As a wargamer you are in the constant need to read a lot of pages of rules and remembering them. You have for sure your own tricks of handeling this (I noticed a lot of marking and notes in your rulebook in one of your videos.). I'm thankful for every tip I can get, to make this task easier, especially since English is not my native language.
Marco you're the king of youtube wargamers and a great inspiration - keep on the good job!
Solo gaming is great if you can devote the time to it. I just don't know how you managed to do all that packing and shipping and STILL find time to play! That is admirable. Those two GMT games, (Roads to Leningrad/Moscow) look very interesting, and I look forward to hearing your take on them. I know you have to do your monster game first. Your video blogs are something I am looking forward to them. Well done.
Humorous and informative - well done!
Great blog. I agree with everything you say about solo gaming. It can be an awesome experience.
Very interesting points you made. I have "felt" most of them but you put them in splendid words.
I support the reading tips on complex rules for "next topics". May be you can review your current process on Normandy rules.
I always and only play the physical copy if I am playing solo, no matter the pains of set up. I just enjoy the different sensory experience of playing with an actual copy. I use vassal only for long distance games with others.
"Reading about a period in time makes me want to game it, and vice versa."
I totaly agree here. Many books made me buy new wargames and even more wargames made me buy books on the topic. Right now I'm reading "The Saxon Stories" books from Bernard Cornwell and I'm allready in the desperate need of a wargame about early medieval Britain.
About motivation for solitaire wargaming:
I am a history-buff that uses games as "time-machines" to transport myself into a certain perod of time, and face the same political-, tactical-, and strategic-situation that the real commander/nation was facing. So I like games with a high degree of realism, so I can simulate the past.
There is a circular relationship between history-studies and gaming. Reading about a period in time makes me want to "game it", and vice versa.
Cheers,
I have never really appreciated playing multiplayer wargames solitaire. However, I did try Combat Commander: Europe solo and it worked quite nicely. The fact that you have cards that constrain what you can do and that you don't have to look at the newly drawn cards until each sides next turn makes it a bit exciting also. Not all options are open for the player at all times. I would recommend people trying this game if they are looking for a wargame to play solitaire.
glad I am not the only rooting-for-the-underdog soloist around!
Great video, Marco. Thanks!
I have to admit that I was expecting something like how to adjust certain wargames to a solitaire mode, so I felt like the message behind your video is: 'Hey, playing both sides is just as fun, so try it!' On the other hand, this is still very convincing :)
Oh, and maybe a hint for another topic: 'wargame and complexity', how much you can sacrifice in terms of historical/military accuracy to call a wargame still a good game, and what makes some games just okay or maybe even bad ones.
regards!
Marco:
I always enjoy your reviews. They are straight to the point and well-articulated. Have you ever considered reviewing Reconquista by White Dog Games? Right now it is my favorite in the solitaire genre and I have some highly regarded games from other publishers.
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You must be a genius. I really do not have your daring to start such a game as Normandy!
How awesome is it that we look for solo versions of social interaction games because we either don't have friends to play with, or don't like playing with others.
Some of that may have something to do with COVID19, huh?
Hi Marco,
I agree with everything you say about playing solitaire. I've been playing tat way since the 60's.
2017, it is time for a refresh of this list! :)
I am loving Red Winter (which I bought because of your review) but unfortunately my dad is so busy with work that I am stuck playing solitaire. I bought Pathfinder RPG to play with my little brother and I am absolutely loving it.
How interesting. A magnetic wall! Wow!
You've inspired me! I'm going to try doing a solo play though of Chaos of the Old World. Been watching you and Game Box doing that for years.. finally going ot give it a try.. should make a nice change form co-ops!
The tiny rare-earth magnets are also used by miniatures gamers to hold the turrets on to their tank models during play.
Thanks for shipping the KS stuff Marco. Copy of Dawn of the Zeds safely received in the UK (after paying some VAT). Man is that one scary zombie on the front cover ;-)
Very helpful video, thanks. Have your thoughts on solitaire wargaming changed at all, or have you had further ones, since you made this video?
I know how that can feel haha, I have a number of games I've ended up playing solitaire due to my dad being too busy. Hope you enjoy it even though you're playing on your own :)
Is it possible to play "world in flames". One turn at least, to see how it works. I have the game but i can't play yet because of difficulty of the game.
Thank you Marco!.
Magnetic counter holders (and magnetic board) - the perfect thing for Kickstarter. I'd pledge for an official Marco Arnaudo Wargame Wall Kit.
Folding the Normandy map on the bottom may be a bit problematic, as a good deal of action takes place around the Caen vicinity. Good luck. Looks really interesting.
I did once try a simple AI mechanics of my own to simulate the 1813 allies' "Trachenburg-Reichenbach" strategy to solo one of Kevin Zucker's Napoleonics (AH's "The Struggle of Nations" - tiny hexes!!! ). Sadly didn't get chance to finish the game. My mechanic was a bit like the AI "Field Commander Napoleon" sort of system you reviewed (still on my wish list!!). I must admit that review made me think of tailoring some more simple schemes to see how they work out. Have you tried any OSG games?
The wall map is cool..but at that point i am going to just go play Panzer Campaigns Normandy 44 by John Tiller and keep it on the computer :)
Stuka Joes solo CDG rules are very interesting, even for use of cards that interupt play
DO IT!! And then feel free to add your comments here.
The magnets use to be sold under the name "Counter Clips" back int he late 70s early 80s. They were advertized in S&T.
Marco, have you thought about reviewing any of the HPS Games in the Panzer Campaigns or Squad Battles series?
Hi, great video as usual. Have you played any game from compass games like Silent War and what did you think about them? It looks promising (uboats, solitaire, nice looking) but is rather expensive. And have you played combat commander, it always seems to rank high when people talk about wargames, is it any good solitaire? Really looking forward the next episode :)
When you say huge you really did mean HUGE!! You'd have to give up a room for that bad boy!
Hmmm..I am getting motivated to play Tide of Iron solo again..it's been almost a year since I last touched it!
hey! I love the playboy crosswords!
Hi Marco, How about a review of Two hour wargames solo?
Same for me. Tonight I'm gonna try "Battle of Westeros" solo.
I respect that, but my point is about buying the magazine specifically for those. :-)
whoo-hoo!!
I only buy Playboy for the stimulating articles.
the folded part is quite far from Caen. We'll see.
Lol yeah I know. By the way I love your videos Marco! keep it up.
Well now you have me curious as to why Tide of Iron is so good solitaire?
have not. But my suggestion is to try it without an AI, just you, just the I :-)
if I think that I sold my copy of ToI in a moment of weakness... and I've regretted it more than once... one day I'll have to buy a new copy
Inches? Where are you from? :)
How about a "joke" review of tic-tac-toe?
Is it possible to play "world in flames". One turn at least, to see how it works. I have the game but i can't play yet because of difficulty of the game.
Thank you Marco!.