Nice video (and so fast!). Co-published: Revolution Games / Take Aim Designs. Map and counter art by Charles Kibler (who does all my maps and counters). Take Aim Designs has released seven games since 2013, five two-player and two solitaire. The next volume in the solitaire area movement series is Berlin, 1945 and is about to start playtesting.
I've been gathering information on that battle. I've wanted to do a game with Allied forces that are not British and this might be the topic.@@kizersoozie
That would be awesome. My dad served with the 5th Canadian Armoured Division in WWII, and his Regiment took part in Operations Chesterfield, Diadem, Olive, and Cleanser, and played a support role in the battles of Ortona and Cassino. I'm keen to pick up any solo area movement game you produce, especially if it focuses on Italy, Western Europe, or the Pacific.
So, this is a sister game to this company's Stalingrad game. I saw that reviewed online (by the WW2 Solitaire Wargames channel - talk about a great niche channel LOL), and I really like the system! These two are gonna be Must-Haves for me. Finally a pair of true solo games! Thanks for covering this one. While it's not a theater I usually play, I'll happily make an exception for this one.
Now you have done it. Just ordered Manilla off the Revolution Games website and low and behold, Stalingrad was on sale and fell into the cart also. I will make sure they don't end up in my shame stack.
It really looks like a polished game, for sure. I'm excited to play it, but the playthrough video queue is at 9 games at the moment and I want to create those promised videos before thinking about the ones after that. :)
Great video! I only play WWII solo games and I'm very specific when it comes to which ones I'll purchase. This checks all the boxes for me, small footprint, large counters, great play system, small rulebook, top-notch designer, and excellent publisher.
I was surprised by the easily digested rulebook. For whatever reason I had assumed it was going to take more time to learn. I think it'll take me some time to get the nuances of activation, movement, and combat, but on the whole it was smooth sailing. :)
Just got my copy and read the rules. Looking forward to playing this soon. Stalingrad : Advance to the Volga was excellent (and tough to win); this one looks like a winner as well.
I enjoyed the Stalingrad entry in this series quite a bit so pre ordering Manila was a no brainer. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, though my poor wallet weeps once again…
It arrived yesterday - along with Stalingrad. It will be interesting to see if the system gets applied to other urban battles such as Berlin '45, Hue '68, etc.
Did you like the graphics? Have you seen the name of the graphic artist? Charles Kibler was responsible for the graphics on a large number of iconic Avalon Hill titles, including Raid on St. Nazaire. Just amazing.
Yes, the 1st Cavalry is one of the listed divisions and there are a number of counters that represent them in the game. And thanks for the book recommendation! I'll check it out.
Thanks for this first look! Looking forward to receiving my copy. As a person living in Manila, it's really nice to see a not-so-complex wargame set in this city during the final months of the war.
That connection to history must be really strong if you actually live in the city where the battle took place. What a great combination to be able to explore.
That is a good point, for sure. I feel like the battle doesn't get a lot of attention, but as you mention, it's not deserved. I mean, the outcome in the large picture was probably pre-ordained, but that doesn't take away from the intensity and brutality of the battle.
There are only two other games on the topic I'm aware of. One was published in the magazine Strategy and Tactics in 2007 and the other is an ASL module published by MMP in 2022.
Very fun looking game. I am becoming more and more interested in the area movement games. Id like to give a few games a whirl from Revolution Games. Poland Defiant and their American Civil War games look like fun. What have you got on the table now Zilla? I have Into The Woods: Battle of Shiloh going.
I'm not familiar with Poland Defiant yet, I'll have to take a look. At the moment, I've been in a "First Look" run, as I have a number of games I've promised to create those videos for. So mainly reading rules and creating First Looks the past week and probably next. I've got A Most Fearful Sacrifice on the table, but am waiting for the Update Kit to the first version (arrives Sunday) so I have the latest charts/rules/scenario book. And then on the other learning table is We Are Coming Nineveh, but most of my short term energy is on the First Looks. Once I get those done I'll be playing more of these that I've looked at.
I have the first edition of Three Days of Gettysburg but its such a massive battle to undertake solo. Id like to try A Most Fearful Sacrifice but in all honesty how many full battles of Gettysburg games do I need?@@ZillaBlitz
The world war 2 Chanel is coming up on this battle now in February, would be really interesting to play the game alongside their narration… I’m gonna have to buy this one too ain’t I? Are you getting commissions for these excellent presentations? You should 😊
Yes, the timing couldn't be better, really, as the battle started on February 6, which is just around the corner. The games that are on the channel are a mix of review/promotional copies and games I've purchased. I'll always note if it's a review copy in the video description. Stalingrad and Manila I purchased.
One of us! One of us! Welcome! I hope you enjoy the games. The only place that I think takes a bit of careful reading with the rules in the activation/movement/combat rules, for how units can combine in attacks and what restrictions there are. I'd recommend treating the first couple of games as learning games and expect errors in play (as with any game one is learning). You'll have it down soon enough! I'd be curious to hear, as well, how you like them when you get a chance to play.
Lots of comments on this vid, so hopefully this will get 'buried' away from everyone else...;-p Your idea for the 'games of shame' has some merit, BUT, it's hard to se what I would qualify in my own case. I have some games that I knew I only bought to be 'collecting' and played a time or two. And some others that I bought but are just really horrible games--ones I wished I had NOT bought. Those are the ones I am 'ashamed' of--but no way would I want to waste time trying to play them again! I don't really have any games that seem to be 'popular' that I just never played that I could be shamed into giving a go, if that makes sense. So hopefully you've gotten other feedback to allow you to refine the idea before the channel update!
Great points, pterrok, thanks! I have an idea how to refine this now, thanks to this. It makes sense. I'm recording the channel update now, so I'll be able to put it right in. :)
On 3 March 1945, the 37th along with the 1st CavDiv, had liberated Manila and fulfilled the words of General Douglas MacArthur. The fighting had taken its toll on the city and one official stated, "Manila is dead!" The Buckeye Division continued its offensive into the Cagayan Valley of northern Luzon and rested only briefly before beginning preparations for the invasion of Japan. It was many a relieved Buckeye when the news of the Japanese surrender reached the Division and their families anxiously waiting at home
Nice video (and so fast!). Co-published: Revolution Games / Take Aim Designs. Map and counter art by Charles Kibler (who does all my maps and counters). Take Aim Designs has released seven games since 2013, five two-player and two solitaire. The next volume in the solitaire area movement series is Berlin, 1945 and is about to start playtesting.
Thanks for making great games, Michael, and thanks for stopping in. I'm looking forward to Berlin, too! :)
I'm so hoping at some point you do the battle of Ortona using this system.
I've been gathering information on that battle. I've wanted to do a game with Allied forces that are not British and this might be the topic.@@kizersoozie
That would be awesome. My dad served with the 5th Canadian Armoured Division in WWII, and his Regiment took part in Operations Chesterfield, Diadem, Olive, and Cleanser, and played a support role in the battles of Ortona and Cassino. I'm keen to pick up any solo area movement game you produce, especially if it focuses on Italy, Western Europe, or the Pacific.
So, this is a sister game to this company's Stalingrad game. I saw that reviewed online (by the WW2 Solitaire Wargames channel - talk about a great niche channel LOL), and I really like the system! These two are gonna be Must-Haves for me. Finally a pair of true solo games! Thanks for covering this one. While it's not a theater I usually play, I'll happily make an exception for this one.
It's the Stalingrad of the Pacific!
I feel like this is the type of game that will make it to the channel often too. Not a long game and relatively easy rules to digest.
Thank you for your videos! Love it.
My pleasure, thanks for stopping in. :)
Now you have done it. Just ordered Manilla off the Revolution Games website and low and behold, Stalingrad was on sale and fell into the cart also. I will make sure they don't end up in my shame stack.
Easy to setup, easy to play - shame stack resistant!
Yes, there is (was) a $10 off deal if you order Stalingrad at the same time. I stumbled onto that by accident. :)
"Shame Stack Resistant"
Looks great, Mike. Revolution always puts out an excellent product. Will you be doing a playthrough?
It really looks like a polished game, for sure. I'm excited to play it, but the playthrough video queue is at 9 games at the moment and I want to create those promised videos before thinking about the ones after that. :)
Great video! I only play WWII solo games and I'm very specific when it comes to which ones I'll purchase. This checks all the boxes for me, small footprint, large counters, great play system, small rulebook, top-notch designer, and excellent publisher.
I was surprised by the easily digested rulebook. For whatever reason I had assumed it was going to take more time to learn. I think it'll take me some time to get the nuances of activation, movement, and combat, but on the whole it was smooth sailing. :)
Just got my copy and read the rules. Looking forward to playing this soon. Stalingrad : Advance to the Volga was excellent (and tough to win); this one looks like a winner as well.
Awesome! I'm curious how differently the two games will feel, and I agree that both seem like just excellent games. :)
I enjoyed the Stalingrad entry in this series quite a bit so pre ordering Manila was a no brainer. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, though my poor wallet weeps once again…
Sorry about the wallet again, but I hope you enjoy the game! It does look very good. :)
It arrived yesterday - along with Stalingrad.
It will be interesting to see if the system gets applied to other urban battles such as Berlin '45, Hue '68, etc.
Nice! I think Berlin... maybe ... is the scheduled next game in the series. I know there is one more in the works.
Another great review Zilla. I like the look of that game. It looks one that should be easy to pick up, and a nice map and counters to boot!
Yes, with just a few places where the movement and attack get a bit subtle, it should be really accessible and fun to play. :)
Great unboxing. =)
Thanks!
Great video. Thanks for making and sharing. Looks like a very solid, well designed game.
My pleasure, and definitely an accessible game for solo wargamers. :)
Did you like the graphics? Have you seen the name of the graphic artist? Charles Kibler was responsible for the graphics on a large number of iconic Avalon Hill titles, including Raid on St. Nazaire. Just amazing.
Yep, as I mention in the video, I really like the map in particular. That's great to know about Charles, thanks for sharing! :)
Charles is a real pro, and great to work with.
My old army unit 1st Cav was think in that fight. Highly recommend the book Rampage by James Scott.
Yes, the 1st Cavalry is one of the listed divisions and there are a number of counters that represent them in the game. And thanks for the book recommendation! I'll check it out.
@@ZillaBlitz Do they have one for 1/5 Cav?
Yep! A 5-6 Infantry unit. :)
@@ZillaBlitz Scouts Out !
Thanks for this first look! Looking forward to receiving my copy. As a person living in Manila, it's really nice to see a not-so-complex wargame set in this city during the final months of the war.
That connection to history must be really strong if you actually live in the city where the battle took place. What a great combination to be able to explore.
Looks really interesting and I like the map
Map is really good and it looks really accessible.
Tempting. Looks like a nice title on an undeservedly obscure topic.
That is a good point, for sure. I feel like the battle doesn't get a lot of attention, but as you mention, it's not deserved. I mean, the outcome in the large picture was probably pre-ordained, but that doesn't take away from the intensity and brutality of the battle.
There are only two other games on the topic I'm aware of. One was published in the magazine Strategy and Tactics in 2007 and the other is an ASL module published by MMP in 2022.
Great explanation! I have to admit I'm an ETO over Pacific guy, so I'm looking forward to Stalingrad.
Stalingrad looks like a lot of fun too. I'm curious to see how different they might play too.
Happy Republic Day.
Happy Republic Day to you!
Very fun looking game. I am becoming more and more interested in the area movement games. Id like to give a few games a whirl from Revolution Games. Poland Defiant and their American Civil War games look like fun. What have you got on the table now Zilla? I have Into The Woods: Battle of Shiloh going.
I'm not familiar with Poland Defiant yet, I'll have to take a look. At the moment, I've been in a "First Look" run, as I have a number of games I've promised to create those videos for. So mainly reading rules and creating First Looks the past week and probably next. I've got A Most Fearful Sacrifice on the table, but am waiting for the Update Kit to the first version (arrives Sunday) so I have the latest charts/rules/scenario book. And then on the other learning table is We Are Coming Nineveh, but most of my short term energy is on the First Looks. Once I get those done I'll be playing more of these that I've looked at.
I have the first edition of Three Days of Gettysburg but its such a massive battle to undertake solo. Id like to try A Most Fearful Sacrifice but in all honesty how many full battles of Gettysburg games do I need?@@ZillaBlitz
All of them? ;)
This is an acceptable reply lol. I will get the reprint of Three Days of Gettysburg for the added stuff and better maps.@@ZillaBlitz
The world war 2 Chanel is coming up on this battle now in February, would be really interesting to play the game alongside their narration… I’m gonna have to buy this one too ain’t I? Are you getting commissions for these excellent presentations? You should 😊
Yes, the timing couldn't be better, really, as the battle started on February 6, which is just around the corner.
The games that are on the channel are a mix of review/promotional copies and games I've purchased. I'll always note if it's a review copy in the video description. Stalingrad and Manila I purchased.
I'm brand new to wargames and I bought this and Stalingrad this week already. They seemed like some less complex options for me to learn.
One of us! One of us! Welcome! I hope you enjoy the games. The only place that I think takes a bit of careful reading with the rules in the activation/movement/combat rules, for how units can combine in attacks and what restrictions there are. I'd recommend treating the first couple of games as learning games and expect errors in play (as with any game one is learning). You'll have it down soon enough! I'd be curious to hear, as well, how you like them when you get a chance to play.
Definitely good "gateway" titles to historical conflict gaming!
Lots of comments on this vid, so hopefully this will get 'buried' away from everyone else...;-p
Your idea for the 'games of shame' has some merit, BUT, it's hard to se what I would qualify in my own case. I have some games that I knew I only bought to be 'collecting' and played a time or two. And some others that I bought but are just really horrible games--ones I wished I had NOT bought.
Those are the ones I am 'ashamed' of--but no way would I want to waste time trying to play them again!
I don't really have any games that seem to be 'popular' that I just never played that I could be shamed into giving a go, if that makes sense. So hopefully you've gotten other feedback to allow you to refine the idea before the channel update!
Great points, pterrok, thanks! I have an idea how to refine this now, thanks to this. It makes sense. I'm recording the channel update now, so I'll be able to put it right in. :)
On 3 March 1945, the 37th along with the 1st CavDiv, had liberated Manila and fulfilled the words of General Douglas MacArthur. The fighting had taken its toll on the city and one official stated, "Manila is dead!" The Buckeye Division continued its offensive into the Cagayan Valley of northern Luzon and rested only briefly before beginning preparations for the invasion of Japan. It was many a relieved Buckeye when the news of the Japanese surrender reached the Division and their families anxiously waiting at home
Great mini-history lesson, Robert. Thanks! Of all things I'd imagine doing as a soldier, I'd think urban combat would be one of the worst.
I like it