Five Wargames you SHOULD play

[spelk]

Following on from my round up of Indie games last Xmas, I thought I'd run a shorter article discussing the five wargames that gamers should consider. This isn't a list I think Wargamers should play, this is a list I think non-wargamers should try. In a vain hope of attracting more gamers to the genre.

Five Wargames you SHOULD play
http://sugarfreegamer.com/?p=988

[junk2drive]

It's a short read and pretty straight. Worth a look if you normally don't click on links for fear of a big long essay.

[Hertston]

I haven't played '3' and '2' but from what I've heard of them they are reasonable inclusions. I'd agree with including WitE as well, for the reason stated. The one question I would have is regarding what is probably actually my favourite of the lot, BftB. I'd probably substitute Scourge of War: Gettysburg as a draw for the real-time fans.

[Les_the_Sarge_9_1]

I have 1,3 and 4, and I must state, that the list in general fails utterly.

Why, well you are targeting the 'non wargamer' right? What would make a non wargamer, into a wargamer, from that list?

I think BBC BA is very entry friendly, but the others, they are totally serious wargames for the most part, and Gary's WitE is so over the top ultimate wargame, it is likely of zero capacity in making a 'non wargamer' into a interested wargamer.

I love the game, I'm just willing to admit it IS what it is. Massively complex.

Command Ops Battles from the Bulge, is additionally a very serious wargamer's wargame.
It has to popular aspect of real time, but the graphics are all about not needing graphically pleasing.

To score a non wargamer, you need something to draw them in, without overwhelming them.

All you will enterain with the games on the list offered, is a person that is already a wargamer.

That, and if you want to grab the attention of non wargamers, you have to go where they live. Maybe if we put more games like BBC BA onto consoles, we might get their attention.

[junk2drive]

I think the hobby will gain from the .99 iPad games that somebody tries and decides to look into the hobby.

[spelk]

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1
I have 1,3 and 4, and I must state, that the list in general fails utterly.

Why, well you are targeting the 'non wargamer' right? What would make a non wargamer, into a wargamer, from that list?

I think BBC BA is very entry friendly, but the others, they are totally serious wargames for the most part, and Gary's WitE is so over the top ultimate wargame, it is likely of zero capacity in making a 'non wargamer' into a interested wargamer.

I love the game, I'm just willing to admit it IS what it is. Massively complex.

The introduction text I posted with the link mentions non-wargamer its true, but my intention with the list on my blog is not to highlight gateway games for the mainstream really, but to open the door and peek in at the features of these *real* wargames, and show at how accessible they can be. Obviously WitE isn't going to be the gateway game to wargaming, but I mentioned it, because as a wargamer lightweight myself, I found it provided some layered features that allows even the utter novice to enjoy it on the shallower chit shuffling manoeuvre level. I totally agree that WitE is a monster wargame, and it has so much grognard depth and detail that its not a gateway game.

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1
Command Ops Battles from the Bulge, is additionally a very serious wargamer's wargame.
It has to popular aspect of real time, but the graphics are all about not needing graphically pleasing.

As a wargamer lightweight, BftB was one of the first true wargames that I managed to appreciate and understand, and I think its because of the macro-management feature and the real-time progression of the combat that really makes it accessible. Obviously its graphics are there to serve a wargame simulation, but out of all of them its the most approachable, I think, for a novice to wargamer to have a go and enjoy it.

The real gateway games are Battlefield Academy and Field of Glory to some extent, but the elegance of the AI and the RTS feel of BftB won me over. And I've used that as a springboard into the other games, more than I have with BA.

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1
To score a non wargamer, you need something to draw them in, without overwhelming them.
All you will enterain with the games on the list offered, is a person that is already a wargamer.

I think the gamer would have to have an interest in War and conflict in games to enjoy any of the games listed to be honest. I think, the impenetrable walls many strategy gamers come up against in wargames, have doors in them, and it just takes some familiarisation and understanding of the process of playing wargames to take that first step and put your foot in that door. Thats what I was attempting to do with the list. To show the games I feel have a door open to strategy gamers who might be potential wargamers. I'm not trying to convert any Call of Duty fans to turn based chit shuffling.

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1
That, and if you want to grab the attention of non wargamers, you have to go where they live. Maybe if we put more games like BBC BA onto consoles, we might get their attention.

This is true, and Slitherine are trying their best to mainstream some of their wargames, especially with console and handheld releases.

I think I used the term non-wargamer incorrectly in the intro text to be honest, I should have said strategy gamer interested in war

[rowech]

As a newcomer to wargames, I can tell you there's no way I'm buying a game that costs $80 or $60 as my first entry into the hobby.  Cost has to be a factor.  

[junk2drive]

You signed up for this forum 5 years ago and you're still on the fence?

There are several free games available here. Give one a try and ask for help if you need it.

[V22 Osprey]

My list for a newcomer to wargames?

Steel Panthers(Whether it be SPWAW, WInSPWW2, or WinSPMBT) - SPWAW was my first wargame. It's what started it all for me.
John Tiller's Campaign Series
Advanced Tactics
Any John Tiller game.(His interface is good for newcomers. Panzer Campaigns Market Garden '44 was my very second wargame after SPWAW.)

[spelk]

ORIGINAL: rowech
As a newcomer to wargames, I can tell you there's no way I'm buying a game that costs $80 or $60 as my first entry into the hobby.  Cost has to be a factor.  

Oh sure, I reckon that takes at least WitE and BftB out of the reckoning. Although in the recent sale BftB was reduced to a more palatable price. Its not really a shopping list as such, more a list of suggestions to keep your eye on

[Hertston]

ORIGINAL: Les_the_Sarge_9_1

I love the game, I'm just willing to admit it IS what it is. Massively complex.

Nobody is NOT 'admitting' it but I, at least, agree that WitE is perfectly accessable to new wargamers and that while that complexity is there it is perfectly possible to grow into the game without being 'overwhelmed'. It's a much better game in that respect than TOAW or Battles in Normandy.

Fancy graphics and simplicity are not necessarily required.. how many folks out there are playing Dwarf Fortress? What probably is needed is some interest in the subject matter of the game.

[jomni]

3 out 5 of those games use sever-based multiplayer. 
This is a standard feature for non-wargames (FPS).
I commend Slitherine / Matrix for bringing it to the realm of wargames.
This will surely be appreciated by the new breed of wargamers (those who never did manual email shuffling).

[GaryChildress]

I have to agree that WitE sounds a bit like a dive into the deep end for a non-wargamer. I would think something a little simpler and more recognizable would make a better introduction, something like one of the Close Combat titles, Commander Europe at War and John Tiller's Campaign Series.

Then maybe a little later, Uncommon Valor, though relatively complex compared to much on the market would be a good introduction into the basic guts of WitP:AE, probably one of the most complex wargames in existence.

[Fallschirmjager]

Uncommon Valor I think would be a good entry level game and at $21 dollars would make an excellent gift.

[rowech]

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

You signed up for this forum 5 years ago and you're still on the fence?

There are several free games available here. Give one a try and ask for help if you need it.

I joined when I bought Puresim baseball. I've been off and on the forum here for probably two years or so. I've played games here and there but have yet to find the one game that makes me say I'm a wargamer. It sure as heck seems personality wise I should be a wargamer but having not happened with my time with it, I'm starting to think it's just not for me.

[junk2drive]

Most of the games here are based on history. If you are into history, something should grab you. If not, maybe one of the space games like Distant Worlds or Armada?

[Zakhal]

Non-wargamers propably wonder why latest call of duty isnt on the list.

[V22 Osprey]

ORIGINAL: Zakhal

Non-wargamers propably wonder why latest call of duty isnt on the list.

Agreed. Most(if not all) non-wargames don't even know the difference between a wargame and a game based on war. The average non-wargamer coming across this list is thinking game based on war rather than a simulation.

[Hertston]

If cost is a major factor for our wannabee wargamers, I see Gamersgate are selling Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943 at 70% off. Excellent game.

[bairdlander2]

Almost every time I say I enjoy strategy wargames to freinds or co-workers they always say "You mean like Starcraft?".[:D]As for WitE being too "grognard" or complex for the casuel user,I dont think it is.