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celebratoryTopic: Join the Ranks!
Poster from: India Wargamers
Do you enjoy reading articles on military history? Do you find yourself watching The History Channel until the wee hours of the morning? Does the mere mention of A Bridge Too Far or Saving Private Ryan cause you to spontaneously begin debating the historical accuracy of these films with anyone within a 10 meter radius? If so, a career in wargaming might be for you!
What is wargaming, you ask? Well, odds are you already have wargamed at some point in your past (doubly-so if you are male and of over-average intelligence). If you have ever played a game of chess, you have wargamed (indeed, chess is the world’s most ancient wargame at 1300 years old)! If you have ever played Risk or Axis and Allies, you have wargamed. And, needless to say, if you enjoy the athletic sport of paintball, you have wargamed. Indeed, any game that mimics the elements of warfare can rightly be called a wargame.
Now, don’t be ashamed, lots of people wargame. Even celebrities have wargamed! For example, did you know that Curt Schilling, the Boston Red Sox pitcher, is an avid wargamer? It’s true! In fact, he is so enamored with the hobby that he is part-owner of Multi-Man Publishing, a producer of the classic wargame Advanced Squad Leader. He once remarked that he likes to prepare mentally for the coming ballgame by indulging in a little wargaming!
I bet you didn’t know that H. G. Wells, the famed science fiction author, was a wargamer? It’s true! He was so addicted to the avocation that he crafted and published a set of wargame rules, as well as his thoughts on the hobby, in a wonderful little booklet called Little Wars (now available at my companion website WarTech Consolidated). As Mr. Wells remarked:
“Here is a homeopathic remedy for the imaginative strategist.
Here is the premeditation, the thrill, the strain of accumulating victory or disaster--- and no smashed nor sanguinary bodies, no shattered fine buildings nor devastated country sides, no petty cruelties….”
Even when it comes to wargaming, Mr. Wells displays his usual acumen.
People of all types and descriptions, of every conceivably age, not to mention the professional armed forces, all engage in wargaming. It is a truly worldwide phenomenon---and one that is growing. Why? Due to affordable yet powerful personal computers and the internet, wargaming has become more accessible than ever before. Gone are the days of complex, “bookkeeping-heavy” board games, and crude computer simulations which were as ugly to behold as they were difficult to master. Today’s wargamer has an impressive library of elegant and inviting non-computerized wargames as well as a huge selection of computerized wargames that are easy to use, ultra-realistic, and downright beautiful! Best of all, because of the internet, wargamers can now organize on a global level ensuring a ready opponent at any time of the day or night! In short, wargamers have gone from small, scattered groups to a large, vibrant community on the verge of going mainstream in the near future. Talk about the speed of progress….
By now you are probably hankering, or at least curious, about exploring this wonderful pastime. But how to begin? There are two principal methods of wargaming: with and without a PC.
Without a personal computer involves two options. The first, often known as ‘American-style’ wargaming, involves a paper map, usually subdivided by hexes, and a set of cardboard chits to mark the location of various units. Using these chits, and a set of rules that govern play like any other game, the wargame is conducted by moving the chits across the map and, usually, rolling a die (or dice) to determine the outcome of a battle. Like a game of chess, the battle is primarily in the mind as the map and chits provide little excuse for visual excitement. Grognards (hardcore wargamers) often prefer this method, but I do not recommend novices to begin here.
Which brings us to our second non-PC option: miniatures wargaming. This format, which has always been very popular in Great Britain and mainland Europe, and has only recently traveled across the Atlantic to the States, utilizes plastic or lead models and figurines, faux terrain, and, of course, a set of rules. The best way to think of this method of wargaming is by imagining an elaborate toy train set, complete with little people and houses, and then visualizing the destruction of that world with charging troops and falling artillery! That is wargaming with miniatures. As can be imagined, it is probably the most aesthetically pleasing method of wargaming. It is also the most creative method as you often build and paint the units, trees, bunkers, etcetera, yourself. The problem with this technique is the cost, which can be formidable, and the time commitment to build an army and scenery, which can be substantial. Therefore, I recommend this means only for those with deep pockets, a demonstrated love of wargaming, and an abundance of free time (did I mention a lot of space too?).
Therefore, if you are completely new to wargaming, I suggest you start with a computer wargame. Why? Nowadays these often combine the best elements of wargaming: exciting play, military realism, and ease of play (as the computer handles all the behind-the-scenes details that can often overwhelm a new player). And of computer wargames, I strongly urge you begin with Battlefront’s Combat Mission series of World War Two tactical-level wargames (please see Battlefront Software for more info). In my long years of wargaming, on the PC and off, these wargames are damn-near perfect in every way.
The carnage of the Battle of Beda Fomm (CMAK)
Combat Mission (henceforth, CM), of which there are three variants (Beyond Overlord, Barbarrosa to Berlin, and Afrika Korps) provides everything that any wargamer, especially novice wargamers, could want:
1) Point and click play: unlike other computerized wargames which often utilize an interface that requires some expertise to navigate, CM is almost completely point and click. Just select your unit, select an order (move, attack, hide, etcetera), specify a destination / target, and you are done! Like real generalship, you are encouraged to focus on the tactics and strategy and not on the minutiae of command. In the best spirit of wargaming, CM elevates gameplay beyond the nuts-and-bolts of game mechanics to the intellectual plane of sublime enjoyment.
2) Incredible realism: Every conceivable, quantifiable dynamic is factored in, not to mention just about every conceivable piece of equipment that fought in WWII!
3) Beautiful graphics: As I indicated above, the great strength of miniatures wargaming is the beauty of all the little models and soldiers that function as an ersatz army. However, since the initial release of Combat Mission, wargamers no longer have to envy our lead-pushing counterparts as CM captures the beauty of miniatures wargaming unlike any other PC wargame every created. Soldiers, their equipment, as well as the surrounding terrain, are all simply stunning in their detail. Even weather, from sunny days to blizzards, is included for your enjoyment (and their very real affect on combat). Best of all, unlike real miniatures, these will move and fight as we call the tune! In many ways, CM can be considered virtual miniatures.
The Waffen-SS has a winter surprise for the Allies! (CMBO)
4) WEGO play. This is a wonderful way to wargame. Unlike traditional “I Go-You Go” play where both sides alternate taking turns (think chess), or Real Time Strategy games where everyone goes simultaneously in a chaotic mass, WEGO is a unique system whereby BOTH SIDES enter their moves and then BOTH SIDES watch the results play out in a sixty second movie. Not only is this a realistic manner of play, but it also ratchets up the tension when entering your orders. For example, will your squad of infantry make it to the objective or get gunned down by an unseen MG 42? You simply don’t know until the turn plays out and the movie is shown! Best of all, unlike a chaotic RTS wargame, where you are often too busy managing the battle to enjoy the impressive graphics, the passive nature of the sixty second movie allows you to sit back and marvel at the realist war film you and your opponent have unwittingly created!
5) Quick Battles: Simply put: enduring value. Battlefront’s decision not to just include a detailed scenario creator, but also the ability to whip up a ‘quick battle’ via a few parameter selections (year, size of battle, type of terrain, etc.), provides an infinite amount of replayability. So whether you are the type of wargamer that likes to place each pine tree on a custom map, or the lazy variety who just wants a fresh, new scenario created with a minimum of effort, now we have a game that caters to both parties. And, best of all, no matter how you go about creating a new scenario, the program’s AI will be available as a ready opponent!
These are the reasons why I believe Battlefront’s Combat Mission is the finest wargame ever and the ideal place to start for green wargamers. Neophytes will get to fully experience the excitement and intellectual thrill that can only be achieved by the development and execution of a realistic battle plan. And, like the glitzier games of other genres, CM provides a healthy does of eye candy as well! Best of all, the enduring, and swelling, CM community provides a wide variety of new opponents as well as new scenario and “mods”.
Whether or not you decide to play Combat Mission, I urge you to give some method of wargaming a try. Why confine your love of militaria to passive experiences? Why limit yourself to watching movies or reading articles? Isn’t it time that you try your hand at command? Isn’t it time to find out whether or not there is a real armchair general within you? Wargaming provides you with a safe and fascinating opportunity to find out. Enlist today!
