Have dark summer set up for the third (and a half) time. Haven’t played Normandy 44, so maybe it’s in there, but I find the dark summer unique in that the German units are pretty slow and weak and really force you to be reactive and fight the fighting withdrawal as exactly that. I’m having trouble with the German side for that reason, as I’m used to trying to hold the line as best as possible and deny victory points at all times. Very interesting decision space
I’ve played Dark Summer a good 10 times, and have come to the conclusion that the Germans have to get as many Kampfgruppen and Tiger battalions as possible into the Eastern Exit Box. Use the other units as cannon fodder to slow down the Allied advance. Even still, the😮 Germans will still be hard-pressed to achieve victory. I finally came up with some extra VP awards for the pitiful Germans to level the playing field a bit.
Very interesting and informative. Currently studying the rules for Normandy 44, in preparation for a solo play, inspired by the fact that a relative of mine was in the 101st Airborne and was awarded a Silver Star for his actions on D-day. Received DS a few weeks ago and will eventually play that too.
It is a very good idea to review games by comparing them. Both games appeal to different people but it is never easy to know which one you will like better until some comparison is made.
Thanks, yeah these were inspired by my own interest. I'm often wondering how similar games are and, in my relatively modest collection, if I really need multiple topics on a situation...
Great review and comparison! Have you tried the “expansion” for N44 that is in one of the c3i magazines? You play an alternate history where the Germans are more prepared for the Allied landings. I think Trevor Bender (of Labyrinth expansion fame) created it. Haven’t played it yet but am very interested in doing a back-to-back playing of it and the original for some comparing some day.
The victory conditions for Dark Summer queered the game for me. Played it through three times including both sides and just found myself and my opponents doing gamey, ahistorical stuff with the Germans to get the VP's.
I really prefer the Dark series because of the Chit pull mechanic which causes “Chaos of command. I do not enjoy game that have perfect intelligence. I have spoken to Mark S. The designer of Normandy ‘44 and doesn’t like random events of “Chaos” in his games, which is fine I just prefer the disruptions of command the chit pull causes.
It's hard to say which is 'better'. They both work VERY well solo. Normandy '44 is IGO-UGO, open information, and you can plan your actions carefully. Dark Summer is chit-pull, so you never know what will happen next. It really depends on what you like in a solo game, more control and planning [N44] or more chaos, tension, and uncertainty [DS]?
Late to the party, sorry! Good vid. I like the side by side review but graphically showing only the boxes in the intro and not much after limits your production value. Are you trying to limit copyright exposure by not showing maps at all? I think so many board game videos show more detail, regardless. For example when you flash the combat charts there isn't enough detail to support what you are saying about them. You did flash a portion of the TECs for about 5 seconds each and waved them around at the camera. Holding up the charts and waving them at us doesn't support your arguments sufficiently :) I know a lot of people say they like your side by sides and I like the idea too, very much. However, while it's nice to watch you explain everything as you have an excellent presentation style, it's not as good as having some more visuals of the game components to get a good feel for each game:) then interweave that with your exceptional presentational skills. cheers. PS love the couch!
![Operational Combat Series (OCS) [MMP] and East Front Series [GMT] - Game Series Comparison.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZBxW3r6DEFU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Operational Combat Series (OCS) [MMP] and East Front Series [GMT] - Game Series Comparison.](/img/tr.png)
Very informative. I wish more side by side reviews were done.
Excellent comparison. Very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for this vid!
Interesting to note the differences and similarities among different games on the same subject.
Good video!
First comparison video I've seen. Really like the idea for first time buyers or for buyers who might consider both.
Thanks Ray Gun! I have a few others on the channel if they're of interest.
Here's the playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLmFy8BF_U1cSjb-fY3JO2lbT089EGvpwK.html
Have dark summer set up for the third (and a half) time. Haven’t played Normandy 44, so maybe it’s in there, but I find the dark summer unique in that the German units are pretty slow and weak and really force you to be reactive and fight the fighting withdrawal as exactly that. I’m having trouble with the German side for that reason, as I’m used to trying to hold the line as best as possible and deny victory points at all times. Very interesting decision space
I’ve played Dark Summer a good 10 times, and have come to the conclusion that the Germans have to get as many Kampfgruppen and Tiger battalions as possible into the Eastern Exit Box. Use the other units as cannon fodder to slow down the Allied advance. Even still, the😮 Germans will still be hard-pressed to achieve victory. I finally came up with some extra VP awards for the pitiful Germans to level the playing field a bit.
An excellent comparison of the two! Keep up the good work!
That’s why I think these are best to compare is their scale compared to those others you mentioned.
Nice overview
Very interesting and informative. Currently studying the rules for Normandy 44, in preparation for a solo play, inspired by the fact that a relative of mine was in the 101st Airborne and was awarded a Silver Star for his actions on D-day. Received DS a few weeks ago and will eventually play that too.
Which did you prefer?
It is a very good idea to review games by comparing them. Both games appeal to different people but it is never easy to know which one you will like better until some comparison is made.
Thanks, yeah these were inspired by my own interest. I'm often wondering how similar games are and, in my relatively modest collection, if I really need multiple topics on a situation...
Excellent evaluation! Thanks for your hard work.
Thanks for answering the question I didn’t think to ask. Just got Dark summer!
Great videos thanks - I'm looking forward to playing both, N44 solo and DS with my wife I reckon.
Great review and comparison! Have you tried the “expansion” for N44 that is in one of the c3i magazines? You play an alternate history where the Germans are more prepared for the Allied landings. I think Trevor Bender (of Labyrinth expansion fame) created it. Haven’t played it yet but am very interested in doing a back-to-back playing of it and the original for some comparing some day.
I didn't even know that existed, will check it out, thanks!
Luv your content!
Thanks mate!
Nice, objective, interesting comparison. Thanks.
IF you set up Normandy '44 again, consider using the optional or historical weather rules to compare that against past N44 games.
Another great idea for a side-by-side comparison!!!
Thanks Allen!
The victory conditions for Dark Summer queered the game for me. Played it through three times including both sides and just found myself and my opponents doing gamey, ahistorical stuff with the Germans to get the VP's.
Right on time!
I really prefer the Dark series because of the Chit pull mechanic which causes “Chaos of command. I do not enjoy game that have perfect intelligence. I have spoken to Mark S. The designer of Normandy ‘44 and doesn’t like random events of “Chaos” in his games, which is fine I just prefer the disruptions of command the chit pull causes.
Great video, love the comparison idea. Have a question for you. I am primarily a solo gamer. Which game plays better as a solo game?
It's hard to say which is 'better'. They both work VERY well solo. Normandy '44 is IGO-UGO, open information, and you can plan your actions carefully. Dark Summer is chit-pull, so you never know what will happen next. It really depends on what you like in a solo game, more control and planning [N44] or more chaos, tension, and uncertainty [DS]?
I ordered Normandy 44 at the end of August 2020. It still hasn't arrived yet.
On P500?
@@WiseGuyHistory yes
ha- googled for a comparison of these not 30 mins ago...
Great timing
Late to the party, sorry! Good vid. I like the side by side review but graphically showing only the boxes in the intro and not much after limits your production value. Are you trying to limit copyright exposure by not showing maps at all? I think so many board game videos show more detail, regardless. For example when you flash the combat charts there isn't enough detail to support what you are saying about them. You did flash a portion of the TECs for about 5 seconds each and waved them around at the camera. Holding up the charts and waving them at us doesn't support your arguments sufficiently :)
I know a lot of people say they like your side by sides and I like the idea too, very much. However, while it's nice to watch you explain everything as you have an excellent presentation style, it's not as good as having some more visuals of the game components to get a good feel for each game:) then interweave that with your exceptional presentational skills. cheers. PS love the couch!
Anyone want to vassal the c3i N44 variant?
Hit me up.
PLEASE TURN UP YOUR VOLUME when you are recording. I have my speakers all the way up and it is very hard to hear you.
Yeah I know; an oversight in editing, my apologies.
Not interested in any Normandy game that leaves out Cherbourg.