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Sam Healey, the veteran Dice Tower reviewer who has contributed to the channel for much of the last 20 years, has resigned after comments he made blaming Alex Pretti and Renee Good for their deaths at the hands of ICE agents began to impact the company’s annual crowdfunding pledge drive.

Healey posted on Facebook and in the comments section of the Dice Tower’s Gamefound campaign yesterday to say he was stepping down from his paid, part-time role at the business, adding that site founder Tom Vasel was “not putting me up to this”.

He said, “I do not want my friends to suffer any longer. Those of you who have cancelled your support because of my presence can feel free to back them once again. They deserve it, and you know it.

“They provide so much content, and they do a great job with everything from daily content creation to putting on no less than three conventions and a cruise each year.

“They deserve your support and with me now out of the way, you should absolutely give it to them without reservation.”

Healey made his comments about Good and Pretti on his Facebook page on January 26, the day after the latter was killed by federal agents during a protest in Minneapolis against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the city.

After sharing a post from American political commentator Armstrong Williams which questioned the judgement of Pretti carrying a concealed firearm at the protest, even though he was legally allowed to do so, Healey began responding to multiple commenters who disagreed with that view.

Replying to one comment which read, “The real issue is ICE executing American citizens on the streets”, Healey responded, “Frankly, the real issue is American citizens being told that it’s okay to illegally impede and/or obstruct legal law enforcement operations because the federal agents aren’t law enforcement officers. That’s the real problem.”

He continued, “We agree that they were needlessly shot. We disagree with where the blame and guilt lie.
These two people should not have put themselves into these situations. They are tragic deaths, make no mistake about that. They could have been prevented by better choices.”

Responding to a separate comment accusing him of victim blaming, Healey wrote, “This isn’t victim blaming. I’m simply stating [Pretti] shouldn’t have been there in the first place, nor should the lady have been that he felt the need to protect.

“He made the choice to go into a volatile situation while carrying, posturing himself against law enforcement officers. From a basic conceal-carry course point of view, he screwed up. That’s not victim blaming, that’s the honest truth. We are ultimately responsible for what we choose to do.”

Two days after that Facebook post negative comments about Healey’s views began appearing on the Dice Tower’s 2026 Pledge Drive on Gamefound, which has been running since January 7 targeting $275,000.

Many of those comments threatened to cancel or hold back support for the pledge drive until the Dice Tower took action over Healey’s public statements, which led to a pushback from other commenters supporting the Dice Tower in not addressing the situation.

The Dice Tower has not made a public statement about Healey’s views, or his resignation. When BoardGameWire contacted Tom Vasel for comment on the situation, a statement on Healey’s time with the Dice Tower, and his decision to leave, he responded, “I don’t give statements about how I deal with my employees. The situation has been dealt with.”

Long-time Contributor

Healey first appeared on the Dice Tower podcast almost exactly 20 years ago, becoming a co-host for about 100 episodes before stepping back from that role in 2009.

He began working full time at the Dice Tower in 2015 across reviews, live-plays and top ten list creation, before leaving four years later for personal reasons which required him to relocate.

Healey joined Darkest Dungeon board game publisher Mythic Games in 2020 as US community director, but left that role two years later amid the company disclosing growing financial problems which ultimately led to the liquidation of the business.

He rejoined the Dice Tower part time in 2024 after the company’s pledge drive that year included his return as a late-announcement $380,000 stretch goal, which the crowdfund managed to beat by $767.

This year’s pledge drive has just passed $281,000 with about 12 hours of the campaign left to run, having cleared its $275,000 goal overnight.

The Dice Tower uses proceeds from its annual crowdfunding drive to pay its ten full-time employees and five part-time staff, saying it gets the majority of its funding each year from the campaign. It also brings in some money from its Patreon, and is currently sponsored by companies including Allplay and Board Game Bliss.

The reviews giant, which has more than 350,000 subscribers on YouTube and has published over 26,000 videos on the site, has been running an annual crowdfund since 2013 – with its debut campaign bringing in just over $69,000 from about 1,400 backers.

Dollars raised through the annual campaign grew steadily for a decade to reach a high of $410,000 in 2023, but fell to about $380,000 the following year and $350,000 in 2025.

Backer numbers have also been falling since a high of nearly 8,500 in 2021, and last year had dropped to more than 40% from that peak to 4,880.

Just over 3,640 backers have supported the campaign so far this year, with 12 hours of the crowdfund remaining. The company is using Gamefound for the crowdfund for the second year in a row, having previously run all of its campaigns on Kickstarter barring a single year on Indiegogo in 2017.

Update 31/1/26: The 2026 pledge drive closed on just over $305,000, down 13% on last year and its lowest level since 2019, while supporter numbers fell 18% to 3,999 – the smallest number of backers in more than a decade.

The Dice Tower has said it plans to use some of the proceeds from this year’s pledge drive to give its employees a cost-of-living raise and improve the lighting and audio across its three studios.

Writing in a community note on the Dice Tower’s YouTube channel on January 28, company founder Tom Vasel listed the goals of the site as being to promote board games, to entertain, to inform and to support the team’s families.

He said, “We are a gaming channel, and my goal is to keep it that way. We aren’t a political, religious, philosophical, or any other type of channel.

“Talk to me in person, and I have thoughts and opinions on many subjects. But that’s not what we want on the Dice Tower channel – we want it to be singularly about gaming.

“Each year when we run our campaign, there is a lot of negative comments that levied at us. This isn’t a “real job”/we were unfair to a game/we are in the pocket of publishers, etc. Despite I feel that our work stands on its own.

“I am proud of what we’ve done, and while we are indeed imperfect people, I believe we’ve created a YouTube channel, podcast, and conventions that are fun and safe for the entire family.

“I look back at where we started twenty years ago, and I hope you can see more improvements and ways we get better.”

The post Veteran Dice Tower reviewer Sam Healey resigns in wake of saying Alex Pretti, Renee Good were to blame for ICE killing them, after comments began impacting review giant’s annual pledge drive first appeared on .

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Board game crowdfunding major CMON says it is exploring further IP sales and licensing opportunities in its ongoing push to fulfil over $14m of undelivered campaigns, as it continues its attempt to recover from massive losses racked up over the past two years.

The publisher – one of the most successful board game crowdfunders of all time with over $110m raised – posted losses of nearly $7m for the first half of last year and another $3m across 2024, figures which dwarf the overall $4.2m profit it had managed to make over the previous nine years combined.

The company has been scrambling to stem the losses since the start of last year, laying off staff and halting new game development and campaign launches in March, and selling off a string of its IPs -including Blood Rage, Rising Sun and its most famous and profitable title, Zombicide – in the summer.

It followed that by selling the IP for former Mythic Games titles Anastyr and Hel: The Last Saga to Don’t Panic Games in September, and parting with the lucrative Cthulhu: Death May Die IP to Asmodee a month later – the latter a series which has raised almost $10m from backers to date.

CMON has now announced more IP sales could be on the way alongside making an apology for the delays to its outstanding crowdfunds – some of which are now running almost two years beyond initial delivery estimates.

The company’s remaining significant IP includes the Massive Darkness series, with the most recent instalment, Massive Darkness: Dungeons of Shadowreach, completing a $2.85m crowdfund on Gamefound early last year – a figure which rose to more than $3.7m including late pledges.

That was CMON’s final crowdfunding campaign before it put all future game development and crowdfunding plans on hold a month later, citing the rising unpredictability of the US tariffs situation.

CMON’s new announcement said its priority remains to deliver all of its unfulfilled crowdfunding campaigns, saying that it is also undertaking ‘batch delivery’ of games to allow retail sales to help fund the manufacturing of remaining products in the line.

The eight undelivered campaigns include DC Super Heroes United, which raised more than $4.4m, and DCeased, which brought in over $2.5m. Both campaigns were initially due to be delivered last year.

CMON said, “We want to be absolutely clear: we are not asking backers for additional money for manufacturing. The responsibility to fulfill these campaigns rests entirely with us.”

The status of one outstanding crowdfunding campaign – Degenesis: Clan Wars – remains in limbo after CMON cancelled the project last July, claiming German design studio SixMoreVodka had terminated its contract with the publisher.

SMV founder Marko Djurdjevic told BoardGameWire at the time that his company disagreed with CMON’s account “in the strongest possible terms”, adding that it was not informed about the publisher’s announcement in advance and “certainly did not expect this attempt to shift the blame for the project’s failure onto our plate”.

The latest CMON announcement does not mention whether the publisher will ask any of its campaign backers for extra contributions to cover shipping costs or further volatility in US tariffs.

Last October the publisher added extra charges for backers of its Marvel United: Witching Hour and Cthulhu: Dark Providence pre-orders, asking them to pay an extra $0.69 and $2.30 respectively to cover tariff costs it said it “cannot absorb given our current financial position”.

CMON also has five undelivered pre-order campaigns on its books, including Dune Desert War and the Assassin’s Creed Role Playing Game.

Communication Frustration

The company’s new announcement its first significant update for its campaign backers since the start of October last year, and only its third since summer 2025 – a situation which has drawn ire from many backers frustrated with what they see as poor communication from the publisher.

CMON acknowledged in its October 2025 update that “rumors and panic” had been spreading given its lack of communication to crowdfunding backers, which it said had “resulted in us experiencing the highest number of refund requests in CMON’s history”.

It said, “This has created a vicious cycle: The slower fulfillment is, the more refund requests we receive. The more refunds we process, the fewer resources we have to accelerate fulfillment.

“With more resources funnelled into refunds over fulfillment, fulfillment slows down even further. This cycle has snowballed and grown into one of the toughest challenges we have ever faced.”

CMON added last October that the staffing cuts it made earlier in the year had pushed its remaining team “to its limits”.

It said, “With a fraction of employees remaining, every day has been a balancing act between managing production, logistics, customer service, and financial obligations. We have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of day-to-day tasks.”

CMON’s other attempts to bolster its bottom line over the past year have included selling off the global headquarters it bought in Singapore in 2017 to claw back about $2.4m – although that total is still a drop in the ocean for a business which saw its revenue slump by more than $12m in the first half of this year.

The company has also suffered two failed attempts to bring in new shareholders to provide much-needed working capital.

It began 2025 with two new shareholders due to invest about $1.39m into the business by picking up a combined 16.66% stake in the company – but those shareholders ultimately failed to hand over the money for their stakes, and the arrangement was scrapped.

Two months ago a push to bring in at least six new shareholders also fell through, with CMON only saying that the conditions for the share sale had “not been fully satisfied”.

The Hong Kong-listed company had hoped to sell more than 360 million newly-created shares in a process which would have valued the company at just over $5m, with the money raised going towards developing new games, marketing and events, and general working capital.

CMON said at the time that it believed the lapsed agreement would have “no material adverse impact on the business” and added that it would continue to seek fundraising opportunities, although it did not provide specific details.

More details about CMON’s current financial situation are set to be unveiled by the end of March, with the publisher required by Hong Kong stock exchange rules to submit its annual results by that date.

Last year CMON missed the stock exchange deadline for publishing its financial results, blaming an understaffed finance department – a situation which saw its shares suspended from trading for several weeks.

The company announced last July that rather than focusing on large scale, miniatures heavy crowdfunding campaigns, it had pivoted to releasing several small-box games direct to retail, which it showed off at the Spiel Essen game fair last October.

Those titles include Collect!, Peanuts Talent Show, Fairy Perfume, Rocket Punch and Yokai Carnival.

The post CMON exploring more IP sales after heavy losses, as it pushes to get $14m of undelivered crowdfunding campaigns to backers first appeared on .

YOKAI FOREST DUEL ist ein kleines Turnier-Duellspiel von GodotGames, das in sehr kurzer Zeit erklärt ist und trotzdem auf Entscheidungen setzt. Die Crowdfunding-Kampagne läuft auf Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/godotgames/yokaiforest/. Das Finanzierungsziel wurde dabei sehr schnell erreicht, und die Kampagne ist sichtbar auf kurze, direkte Partien ausgelegt.

YOKAI FOREST DUEL: So wird gespielt

Im Kern ist es ein Kopf-an-Kopf-Duell. Du spielst Karten aus deiner Hand, die für Angriff, Munition, Verteidigung oder dauerhafte Verbesserungen stehen. Wichtig ist, dass du selbst auswählst, was du spielst. Dadurch geht es weniger um „was kommt als Nächstes im Deck“, sondern um Timing, Einschätzen und kleine Mindgames.

Die Duelle sind als Turnier gedacht. Bei mehr als zwei Personen laufen mehrere Duelle parallel. Eine Box ist für 2–8 Personen ausgelegt. Mit zwei Boxen kann man laut Kampagne Turniere bis 16 Personen spielen. Ein Match läuft im Best-of-3-Format, und zwischen den Duellen entwickelst du dich über Upgrades weiter. Genau dieser Teil macht den Reiz aus, weil du nicht nur den aktuellen Schlagabtausch gewinnst, sondern dich auch für spätere Runden richtig aufstellen willst.

Pledges, Add-ons, Versand und Auslieferung

Die Kampagne bietet drei zentrale Pledges:

• CURSED Pledge (2–8 Personen): Core Game, 20 € (statt 25 €)
• CURSED DELUXE Pledge (2–8 Personen): Core Game + Metallmünzen + Custom Sleeves, 35 € (statt 44 €)
• MULTIPLAYER MAYHEM DELUXE (2–16 Personen): „2x everything“, also zwei Spiele plus Deluxe-Inhalte, 55 € (statt 88 €)

Dazu kommen optionale Add-ons, darunter Premium-Sleeves, Metallmünzen, ein Foil-Upgrade für die Upgrade-Karten sowie zusätzliche Core Games. Wer vor Kampagnenstart als Follower dabei war, bekommt die Foil-Upgrade-Karten laut Kampagne als kostenloses Geschenk dazu.

Für die Zahlung gibt es die übliche Gamefound-Logik: Während der Kampagne lässt sich der Pledge noch anpassen oder auch stornieren. Abgerechnet wird am Ende, wenn die Kampagne erfolgreich finanziert ist. Zusätzlich wird eine Ratenzahlung über StretchPay angeboten, die direkt beim Pledge als Monatsrate angezeigt wird.

Auslieferung: Als geplante Auslieferung wird September 2026 genannt. Wie bei Crowdfunding üblich kann es bei Produktion und Logistik zu Verschiebungen kommen.

Wer schnelle Duelle mag, in kurzer Zeit ein Turnier aufziehen will und auf direkte Entscheidungen statt langen Aufbau setzt, bekommt hier ein sehr fokussiertes Paket. Besonders stark ist der Ansatz, dass Upgrades zwischen den Duellen bleiben und sich die Partie dadurch wie ein echtes kleines Turnier anfühlt.

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Its the New Year! 2026 is here and I am very much looking froward to what we will discover this year. This month, I was able to find 17 games to highlight plus an additional 3 games that were mentioned by our sponsor Lombardy Studios (so really we are talking about 20 games)! Of that total, 4 games were offered on Crowdfunding.

If you missed the December Wargame Watch, you can read that here at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2025/12/01/wargame-watch-whats-new-upcoming-december-2025/

This month, we have a sponsor for the Wargame Watch in Lombardy Studios. Lombardy Studios is a publishing company founded by Dana Lombardy, a designer and editor with extensive experience in historical books and games. The studio publishes history-themed products, ranging from accessible games to in-depth research materials, and has been involved in many successful projects and television appearances. Dana Lombardy, a member of the Charles S. Roberts wargaming Hall of Fame, started his career in 1972 and Lombardy Studios was officially founded in 2010. Dana has designed many classic wargames including titles such as Streets of Stalingrad, which has a special updated edition called Streets of Stalingrad Reborn that is coming to Kickstarter in 2027, MacGowan and Lombardy’s The Great War Card Game which recently had a successful 2nd Edition Kickstarter campaign, and Russia’s Great War – 1914.

Lombardy Studios also has done 2 other recent Kickstarter/BackerKit campaigns for One-Page Bulge 2nd Edition – Special 80th Anniversary Edition and Bloody Omaha: D-Day Amphibious Assault.

Here is some updated information on both of these projects:

Big Red One Project: 2 books, 2 posters, 1 board game

The Big Red One D-Day Project was on BackerKit and included several things including 2 books, featuring the art of Keith Rocco, 2 large posters and a 2-player and solitaire wargame called Bloody Omaha: D-Day Amphibious Assault. That crowdfunding ended so interested gamers should go to LombardyStudios.com for more information and to order a copy of the game. Here is the link to the web page for images, details, and ordering (includes information on the game): https://lombardystudios.com/ddayshop/

We also published an interview covering the game with Dana on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2024/07/08/interview-with-dana-lombardy-designer-of-bloody-omaha-d-day-amphibious-assault-from-lombardy-studios-currently-on-backerkit/

The 2-player version of Bloody Omaha: D-Day Amphibious Assault is not Americans versus Germans. Instead it is a competition between the Big Red One (1st Infantry Division) and the 29th Infantry Division with attached Rangers to see which player can capture the most area on the game map in 10 turns.

The latest update on the production from Dana as of December 2025 is as follows: The files for the game components are going through one final proofreading and will be sent to the printer in January.

One-Page Bulge 2nd Edition

The iconic game One-Page Bulge 2nd Edition by Hall of Fame designer Steve Jackson is a new edition of the solo and 2-player version of the original game published by Steve Jackson Games. The Kickstarter campaign has ended, but gamers can still pledge on the Kickstarter page and order a copy of the solo and 2-player versions, the illustrated historical guidebook, and double-blind components.

Dana has been posting updates on progress with the development of the book and game on the Kickstarter page.

We published an interview covering the game with Dana on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2024/10/30/interview-with-dana-lombardy-one-page-bulge-2nd-edition-special-80th-anniversary-edition-from-lombardy-studios-currently-on-kickstarter/

Here is the link to the web page for images, details, and ordering (includes information on the game): https://lombardystudios.com/one-page-bulge-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOoqls5Unh2E20q1z6zudtCJ3WSeeOci89Pr-FmYHE6Y6Sg1v3Q2F

Norad 3

Not often does a game get a 3rd Edition printing! But, sometimes the classics are given this treatment and the games are well received and even much anticipated. Well, the classic NORAD designed by Dana Lombardy has been recently given a 3rd Edition treatment in the Japanese language wargame magazine Banzai. This new 3rd Edition game can be purchased from the Lombardy Studios website minus the magazine.

We published in interview with Dana on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2025/09/22/interview-with-dana-lombardy-designer-of-norad-3-from-lombardy-studios/

But now onto the games for January!

Pre-Order

1. Queen of Spies from Salt & Pepper Games Currently on Gamefound

From the dynamic duo of David Thompson (Undaunted Series, Valiant Defense Series, General Orders Series and more!) and Liz Davidson (budding designer and operator of Beyond Solitaire YouTube Channel), comes the second game in their collaborations called Queen of Spies. Queen of Spies deals with the operation of a spy ring during World War I set in occupied Belgium. It looks very interesting and I am very eager to see more of this one!

From the game page, we read the following:

Queen of Spies is a solo, story-driven board game of espionage and daring missions set in occupied Belgium during the First World War.

You play as Alice — a former journalist turned spymaster — who runs a secret network from the quiet town of Saint-François de Sales. From the shadows, you’ll recruit courageous operatives, train them in specialized skills, and deploy them across enemy lines to gather intelligence, disrupt plans, and complete critical missions before time runs out.

The game is told through several independent stories, each divided into three tense chapters. Each chapter takes around 20 minutes to play, and completing a full story provides a thrilling, hour-long narrative experience — perfect for solo players who want cinematic tension in a flexible format.

Your decisions shape how each story unfolds: who you recruit, where you strike, and how you adapt when things go wrong. Every mission carries risk, every operative is valuable, and the fate of your entire network may depend on a single move. Will you stay hidden long enough to turn the tide of war — or will the enemy close in before your mission is complete?

We posted an interview with one of the 2 designers Liz Davidson and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2025/12/08/interview-with-liz-davidson-co-designer-of-queen-of-spies-from-salt-pepper-games-currently-on-gamefound/

If you are interested in Queen of Spies, you can back the project on the Gamefound page at the following link: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/saltandpepper/queen-of-spies

As of January 1st, the Gamefound campaign has raised €35,537 ($40,763 in US Dollars) toward its €7,000 ($8,159 in US Dollars) funding goal with 1,366 backers. The campaign will conclude on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00am EST.

2. Tiger Wings: WWII Tactical Air Combat Over East Asia in Against the Odds Magazine Campaign Study No. 2 from LPS Publishing Currently on Kickstarter

I love air war games! They are always supremely interesting and I really like the tactical nature of maneuvers and positioning. A few years ago, we covered the Buffalo Wings Reprint and recently saw an announcement about a new volume in the Fighting Wings Series called Tiger Wings.

From the game page, we read the following:

Five years ago, Against the Odds Magazine provided an “entry ramp” to the joys and realism of the Fighting Wings System of air combat with our own Buffalo Wings. While fully compatible with everything else in Flying Wings, Buffalo Wings included intro and “quick start” rules, so that players not familiar with the complexities of FW could have “training flights” of a sort, enjoying the game and adding more details as they went along. The idea worked, and Buffalo Wings pretty quickly sold out. Gamers have asked for a reprint, but we’ll go one better– we will put the spirit of Buffalo Wings into a whole new situation – the mostly ignored air campaigns of east Asia and the Pacific in WWII. Outside the Flying Tigers not much is gamed from this period/theater and there is much to be explored! 

So Tiger Wings will take us to Burma, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, and–yes– China, for the Flying Tigers. You’ll enjoy the challenge of pitting the P-40 against the Zero, but you’ll also learn the strengths and weaknesses of lessor-known planes, like the Oscar, Nate, and Nick fighters versus the Hawk, the P-35, and–yes– even some Buffalo fighters (very different from what the Finns were using!).  

But we want to include the bombers too! Of course, the Japanese Betty and Sally will be included, but also the lessor-known Nell, Lilly, and the Sonia attack plane.

For the Allies, the veritable Blenheim can appear in several forms, as does the B-17, but you’ll also work with the Hudson, the Dutch “WH-3”, and even the Vickers Vildebeest! Check out Update #4 for a complete list of planes. 

We are working on an interview with the designer J.D. Webster and that should be up on the blog in the next week or so.

If you are interested in Tiger Wings: WWII Tactical Air Combat Over East Asia in Against the Odds Magazine Campaign Study No. 2, you can back the project on the Kickstarter page at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/atomagazine/tiger-wings?ref

As of January 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $42,501 toward its $8,000 funding goal with 447 backers. The campaign will conclude on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01pm EST.

3. On To Berlin! from Multi-Man Publishing

I really do like it when a company reissues a well thought of magazine wargame from the past. Sometimes these pack-in magazine wargames are take it or leave it but sometimes they hit the mark and have one that is just really good. I think that On To Berlin! is one of these good solid games that Multi-Man is now looking to release as a full boxed wargame.

From the game page, we read the following:

Covering all of the European Theater and North Africa from 1939 to 1945, On to Berlin! allows players to be in total control of their forces and decide the strategy to use throughout the war.

By selecting cards to play each turn, the players decide how they will pursue victory or thwart their opponent.

Will you use Diplomacy to get friendly nations to join you in the war?
Will you Develop new weapons to destroy your opponent?
Will you build up their military strength by Mobilizing new armies?
Will you launch devastating Blitzkrieg attacks against your enemies?
Will you destroy your enemies’ resources through Strategic Bombing?

You get to make the choices that will lead your forces to glorious victory or ignominious defeat.

Originally published in Japan in Game Journal Magazine using the same card-play mechanics as “What Price Glory?” this fast-playing game allows for the entire war to be played out in an evening, with tremendous replayabilty as players get to try different strategies. What would happen if German invades France instead of Poland? Can the British convince the USA to join the war before 1942?

I am trying to dig into this one a bit more and get some additional insight to share. I also want to reach out to the designer Tetsuya Nakamura to see if we can do a designer interview.

If you are interested in On To Berlin!, you can pre-order a copy for $36.75 from the Multi-Man Publishing website at the following link: https://mmpgamers.com/on-to-berlin-p-454

4. Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, Combined Edition Vol. I – The War in Spain from GMT Games

The Commands and Colors Series is a simplified and introductory wargaming system designed by Richard Borg. The system is fairly simple and uses a deck of Command Cards, which can be classified as Section cards and Tactics cards, that are used to take actions with various groups of units on a hex board that is divided into 3 sections, including the Left, Center and Right. There are also custom Battle Dice that represent hits, retreats and special actions. The units on the field of battle are made up of figures or blocks. The series have volumes representing various different historical periods, including both modern and ancient, and I have found that there is something to like in the series for anyone’s taste. My favorite of the series is Napoleonics because it has a level of granularity and asymmetry that really is interesting and takes the series to the next level. Recently, GMT announced that they are going to be doing multi-game reprints of the older now out of print volumes in a new Combined Edition Series. In December, they announced the first 2 volumes with Volume I being The War in Spain.

From the game page, we read the following:

The Commands and Colors: Napoleonics system from Richard Borg has long been a favorite with players, largely because it combined a colorful, iconic period of history with a popular gaming system. While the rules at first glance may seem more complex than other Commands & Colors games, if you are familiar with the game system, you are only a few short steps away from taking Command. Even if you have never played before, learning the fundamentals of the game system is straightforward and will be an enjoyable endeavor.

With this new Combined Edition of Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, GMT is changing nothing in the existing C&C Napoleonics game system, but we are combining the first six games of the series into two larger volumes. The impetus for the change is to bring down the overall cost of these first six games by eliminating redundancy in components. All scenarios and units appearing in the first six games remain intact in the two new volumes.

We can now offer the two volumes at a lower cost than purchasing all six of the original games separately, while also making them easier to keep in stock. Here is the financial comparison:

Volume I Contents

• The mounted mapboard
• Rules for the original base game, Spanish Army expansion and Generals, Marshals & Tacticians (GMT)
• Scenario book containing 39 scenarios
• Three card decks (the basic 70 blue-back card command deck, the 80 green-back card GMT command deck and the 50 red-back card GMT tactician deck)
• 2 copies each of the French, British, Spanish/Portuguese national unit cards, terrain effects cards and card lists
• Wood blocks (including spare blocks):
  • 330 18mm x 18mm x 8mm blocks
  • 181 22mm x 22mm x 8mm blocks
  • 84 22mm x 28mm x 6mm blocks
  • sticker sheets for all units
• Terrain tile, national square displays and miscellaneous counter sheets
• 16 custom 18mm silk screen dice (8 per side)

If you wish to play only the base game, Volume I allows you to do this, but it also gives you the option to play with the advanced command and tactician cards which provide greater detail. Adding Volume II vastly expands the universe of Napoleonic battles which can be fought, bringing in new opponents for the French which offer their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

I own all of the volumes and am really glad to see this new offering as it will simply make it more accessible to the wargaming masses and create new opportunities for recruits to the fold.

Here is a link to our Commands & Colors Series ranking video:

If you are interested in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics Combined Edition Vol. I – The War in Spain, you can pre-order a copy for $139.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1206-commands-colors-napoleonics-combined-edition-vol-i-the-war-in-spain.aspx

5. Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, Combined Edition Vol. II – Napoleon’s Continental Enemies from GMT Games

Volume II in this new Combined Edition Series of Commands & Colors Napoleonics is called Napoleon’s Continental Enemies.

From the game page, we read the following:

With this new Combined Edition of Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, GMT is changing nothing in the existing C&C Napoleonics game system, but we are combining the first six games of the series into two larger volumes. The impetus for the change is to bring down the overall cost of these first six games by eliminating redundancy in components. All scenarios and units appearing in the first six games remain intact in the two new volumes. 

We can now offer the two volumes at a lower cost than purchasing all six of the original games separately, while also making the games easier to keep in stock. Here is the financial comparison:

 Volume II Contents

• Rules for the Russian, Austrian and Prussian Army expansions
• Scenario book containing 72 scenarios
• 2 copies each of the Russian, Austrian and Prussian national unit cards
• Wood blocks (including spare blocks):
  • 386 18mm x 18mm x 8mm blocks
  • 222 22mm x 22mm x 8mm blocks
  • 105 22mm x 28mm x 6mm blocks
  • sticker sheets for all units
• Terrain tile, national square displays and miscellaneous counter sheets

If you wish to play only the base game, Volume One allows you to do this, but it also gives you the option to play with the advanced command and tactician cards which provide greater detail. Adding Volume Two vastly expands the universe of Napoleonic battles which can be fought, bringing in new opponents for the French which offer their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

If you are interested in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, Combined Edition Vol. II – Napoleon’s Continental Enemies, you can pre-order a copy for $125.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1208-commands-colors-napoleonics-combined-edition-vol-ii-napoleons-continental-enemies.aspx

6. Simple Great Battles of the American Civil War 4-Pack from GMT Games

Complexity in wargames can be a significant barrier to people interested in playing hex and counter wargames. Complexity is not a bad thing though and typically is associated with detail and historical accuracy in these combat simulation games. I for one do enjoy a good deep game and don’t mind putting in the time and effort required to read through rules, set up the counters, push them around and through trial and error become comfortable with the game and its mechanics. But, this does keep many out of the hobby and I am always glad when a publisher understands that and issues a simplified or modified system for those that want to ease into the more difficult designs. GMT Games has done this before with their Simple Great Battles of History Series and I am glad that they are continuing that effort with the Great Battles of the American Civil War Series. This month they announced the expansion of the introduced Simple Great Battles of the American Civil War Series that was introduced in the Three Days of Gettysburg game with a 4-Pack.

From the game page, we read the following:

Simple Great Battles of the American Civil War (Simple GBACW or the Simple Version), introduced in the soon to be published Three Days of Gettysburg – Deluxe Edition, allows players to fight many of the battles of the American Civil War covered by GMT’s Great Battles of the American Civil War (GBACW) Series using a faster playing, more accessible ruleset. The 16-page Simple Version rules are an alternative to the GBACW Series Rules and are designed both for players new to GBACW who do not want to commit to mastering the Series Rules and for GBACW grognards looking to play and finish the larger scenarios in a quicker time. The Simple GBACW rules have been designed for smooth gameplay without sacrificing the fidelity to history or the game experience.

This Simple GBACW 4-Pack extends Simple GBACW back through several of the previously-published GBACW games: Cedar Mountain (included in Twin Peaks), Death Valley, Battles for the Shenandoah, Into the Woods, and By Swords & Bayonets. The Simple GBACW 4-Pack allows players access to over 50 new Simple Version scenarios, in addition to the eleven included in Three Days in Gettysburg – Deluxe Edition.

Included in the Simple GBACW 4-Pack are six Simple Version Battle Books replace the Series Rules’ Battle Books for Cedar Mountain, Death Valley 1862, Death Valley 1864, Battles for the Shenandoah, Into the Woods, and By Swords & Bayonets. Each Simple Version Battle Book contains all of the set up and game specific information required to play with the Simple Version rules; there is no need to consult the Series Rules’ Battle Books. The Series Rules’ Battle Book rules are converted to the Simple Version rules to retain the history that each designer included to give each battle its own unique feel.

Simple Version Player Aid Cards (PAC’s) are included to replace those found in the original games. Each 8.5”x11” doubled-sided PAC contains all of the charts and tables needed to play Simple GBACW, keeping all of the relevant information at the players’ fingertips. Two copies of each PAC are included for convenience during face-to-face play.

Marker use is kept to a minimum in Simple GBACW. SP Losses are tracked at the brigade level, allowing players to accurately assess the on-map situation at a glance. A few other markers may also be stacked with leaders, but markers for units are removed at the end of their activation.

Simple Version, homogeneous artillery battery counters give players the option to play with single gun type batteries instead of the multi-counter batteries often present in the battle. This option simplifies play and reduces the number of tall stacks of counters.

Bonus counters include Simple Version brigade and division leaders with only the relevant leader rating and additional unit counters for Death Valley so units do not have to be shared among multiple battles.

Note: A copy of at least one of the following games is required to use the Simple GBACW 4-Pack: Cedar Mountain, Death Valley, Battles for the Shenandoah, Into the Woods, By Swords & Bayonets. The Simple GBACW 4-Pack is not a stand-alone game but uses the map, counters, and other components found in the above games as published.

If you are interested in Simple GBACW 4-Pack, you can pre-order a copy for $55.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1203-simple-gbacw-4-pack.aspx

7. The Last Hundred Yards Volume 2: Airborne Over Europe 2nd Printing from GMT Games

If you didn’t know, we loved The Last Hundred Yards! In fact, I loved it so much that it made the top spot in my Top 10 Games of 2019! post. Great game, with some really interesting and unique elements, and I feel that it is becoming one of my favorite tactical games. Not better than Combat Commander in my opinion, but it really gives it a run for its money! In the August 2019 Monthly Update from GMT Games, The Last Hundred Yards Volume 2: Airborne Over Europe was announced and added to the P500. Since that time, it has done well, as has the entire The Last Hundred Yard Series with several expansions and reprints. And now, they are doing a 2nd Printing of Airborne Over Europe.

From the game page, we read the following:

The Last Hundred Yards Volume 2: Airborne Over Europe is the second game in Mike Denson’s Last Hundred Yards series. It includes two major campaigns featuring numerous missions covering small unit actions conducted by US airborne forces in the Normandy and Market Garden operations.

In the Operation Overlord campaign, follow the elements of the American 82nd and 101st Divisions beyond the Normandy beachheads. After being scattered over a large area in Normandy on the night of June 6th, they struggle to assemble and secure their objectives to support the advance of the American units landing at Utah Beach. Later missions feature them defending against the inevitable German reaction and counterattack. Follow Lt. Dick Winters as he leads his platoon in taking out the artillery battery at Brecourt Manor near Ste. Marie-du-Mont and then faces a counterattack from elements of Col. Von Der Heydte’s 6th Fallschirmjäger Regiment.

In the Operation Market Garden campaign, follow the 82nd Airborne Division after landing south of Nijmegen in the early afternoon hours of September 17th as they race to secure critical bridges over the Waal and Maas rivers, as well as those over the canal between them. Follow Lt. Foley and his men as they defend Devil’s Hill against German counterattacks on the Eiesenborne Ridge Groesbeek Heights, a mere 2-3 miles from the German Border.

While the 82nd lands around Nijmegen, the 101st Airborne Division lands north of Eindhoven and begins its own race to secure its assigned bridges over the river Dommel in Eindhoven, the Wilhelmina canal in Son and Best, and the bridges over the Zuid-Willemsvaart and river AA in Veghel. Experience the counterattack by the German Kampfgruppes Hüber and Walther as they cut the main highway near Veghel. It took two critical days of hard fighting for units of 101stAirborne and British XXX Corp to reopen the corridor.

This game will introduce airdrop and night rules, as well as new terrain to the series. Successfully landing airborne troops at night, assembling them from a dispersed condition, and advancing against unknown enemy resistance to secure your objectives will prove a thrilling challenge in this new game. You don’t want to miss it!

Here is a link to our video review:

If you are interested in The Last Hundred Yards Volume 2: Airborne Over Europe 2nd Printing, you can pre-order a copy for $47.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1205-the-last-hundred-yards-volume-2-airborne-over-europe-2nd-printing.aspx

8. Berlin: Fall of the Reich, 1945 from Revolution Games

I have really enjoyed the Solitaire Area Movement Series designed by Mike Rinella and published by Revolution Games/Take Aim Designs. The first 2 volumes, including Stalingrad: Advance to the Volga, 1942 and Manila: The Savage Streets, 1945 are just superb solitaire wargames. The game play is superb and I had a really great time with these games having to manage my troops, as losses mount and morale degrades, and also having to fight for the supply points needed to provide those troops with artillery and air support as well as to bring on reinforcements as the game wears on. The newest volume has been announced called Berlin: Fall of the Reich, 1945 and is currently on pre-order but should ship in early January.

From the game page, we read the following:

Berlin: Fall of the Reich, 1945 is the third game in the Solitaire Area Movement Series. Building on the well received Stalingrad: Advance to the Volga, 1942 and Manila: The Savage Streets, 1945; Berlin puts you in the hands of the Soviet Army trying to finish off the dying Third Reich. 

I am a big fan of this series and have done videos for both of the first 2 entries.

Here is a link to my playthrough of Stalingrad: Advance to the Volga, 1942:

Here is a link to my review:

Here is a link to my playthrough of Manila: The Savage Streets, 1945:

Here is a link to my review:

If you are interested in Berlin: Fall of the Reich, 1945 you can pre-order a copy for $50.00 from the Revolution Games website at the following link: https://stores.revolutiongames.us/berlin-fall-of-the-reich-1945/

9. Merville Battery: D-Day, 6 June 1944 from Dan Verssen Games Coming to Kickstarter January 6th

I have long loved the Valiant Defense Series from Dan Verssen Games designed by David Thompson. In fact, it was one of the few solitaire wargames that really allowed me to gain an appreciation for the genre and I have played all of them many, many times. Vincent Cooper is a new designer that has caught onto the series with his first entry called Volume V: Guadalcanal: The Battle for Henderson Field, Oct 23-26, 1942. But now, Vince is turning this series around a bit and going on the offensive with his new entry called Merville Battery: D-Day, 6 June 1944, which is coming to Kickstarter January 6th.

At the time of my writing this, the published Kickstarter preview page doesn’t have much information but I was able to find the following summary of the game and the historical situation from the designer Vincent Cooper’s Facebook page:

In Merville Battery, you take control of the heroic attackers of the 9th Parachute Battalion, 6th Airborne Division in the moments just before the D-Day beach landings on 6 June, 1944, in a desperate assault against the Merville Battery. Your mission is vital. Fail and the British forces landing at Sword Beach will suffer a devastating artillery barrage as they come ashore from the heavy guns of the German 1st Battery, endangering the entire D-Day operation.

Object of the Game

The goal of Merville Battery is to assault the battery compound by passing over mines and barbed wire, withstanding small and heavy arms fire, then disabling the artillery ensconced in four casemates. Your forces must then withdraw safely before the guns of HMS Arethusa open fire on the compound. Unknown to the men of 9 PARA, Oberleutnant Steiner, the 1st Battery commander, may return at any moment from his observation post on the beach at Franceville-Plage and order the guns of the 2nd and 3rd Batteries, located close by, to fire on his own position, catching the paratroopers in the open. The crew of a roving half-track, modified to utilize an anti-aircraft weapon, seeking shelter from the pre-invasion aerial and naval bombardment of the shoreline and surrounding area, may also make a wholly unexpected and unwelcome arrival.

The actions of the defending German 1st Battery, 1716th Artillery Regiment, 716th (Static) Infantry Division are represented by a deck of cards while you make each critical decision on behalf of the British paratroopers.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Merville Battery was located in Normandy, approximately 6 miles/10 kilometers east from Sword Beach and less than 12 miles/20 kilometers north east from Caen. It lay directly east from Ouistreham and north east of Pegasus Bridge, on the eastern side of the River Orne. The battery was an important part of the Atlantic Wall. The four massive casemates were believed by British Intelligence to house 150mm guns, which were more than capable of causing massive disruption to the British landings at Sword Beach. In fact, it turned out that the artillery pieces were 75mm French howitzers dating from the First World War and captured during the occupation of France. Nevertheless, the site was identified early on in the D-Day planning as a critical target.

The RAF bombed the compound on several occasions, with one attack killing the original commanding officer, Hauptmann Wolter, on 19 May, 1944, leading to Oberleutnant Steiner replacing him. The bombs though had no effect on the casemates and just disrupted and delayed the rapid fortification of the area for short periods of time. A land-based attack was necessary to ensure the (assumed) heavy guns were fully neutralized and the task was given to Lieutenant Colonel Terence Otway and the 9th Parachute Battalion.

Otway’s plan called for the battalion to drop close by in the night of 5-6 June, form up, march to the battery and assault the base just before dawn on 6 June, 1944. Offshore, HMS Arethusa had orders to open fire on the compound if no success message was received. The plan, often criticized for being too complex, immediately went awry with the parachute landing being scattered. Of over 600 men in the battalion, Otway marched to the battery with only a quarter of that. Much of the heavy weapons and the explosives needed to destroy the guns was missing, as were all of the expert combat engineers who knew exactly how to disable the German weapons. The equipment needed to signal the HMS Arethusa had also been lost in the drop. The paratroopers therefore had to get in and out quickly before they ran the risk of being blasted by friendly fire. Given the encroaching deadline, Otway had no choice other than to order the desperate attack.

The defenders, no more than 150, of the battery were led by Oberleutnant Steiner. The men were not trained for close quarters combat and were almost entirely artillerymen or engineers. It is doubtful that few, if any, were psychologically prepared for a fire fight within the compound itself. They did however have the use of a 20mm Anti-Aircraft gun and several machine guns (the precise number is disputed). They were, in short, more heavily armed than the depleted 9 PARA. Furthermore – an event which to this day remains unexplained – a Horsa glider had crash-landed inside the perimeter during the night of 5-6 June. This was not part of any recorded operation and no one knows where the glider came from, who was in it or what the mission was. All the occupants were gunned down and this, along with the paratroopers dropping all around in the darkness had put the defenders on high alert.

If you are interested in Merville Battery: D-Day, 6 June 1944, you can follow the project on the Kickstarter preview page at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/danverssengames/dvg-merville-battery

10. Saving Angels WWII Solitaire Wargame Print and Play from Matt White Currently on Kickstarter

A few years ago, we posted an interview with Matt White, who is a very talented graphic artist and budding game designer, that focused on his artistic talents and love of tanks. He has since designed several very interesting small scale wargames, with his most recent series being a World War II tactical wargame series for 1-2 players pitting the British Airborne versus the German Wehrmacht called Until the Bitter End. He then designed the next entry in that series called Until the Bitter End – US Airborne followed by Until the Bitter End – Tanks. He has also done a few others including Would Be Aces, Operation Biting and Today Another Battle that have done very well. Recently, a new game appeared on Kickstarter from Matt called Saving Angels WWII Solitaire Wargame Print and Play, which is a wargame based on the American and guerrilla raid of the Japanese held Los Baños prison camp in World War II.

From the game page, we read the following:

Welcome to Saving Angels, a solitaire World War II print and play wargame. Set in the Philippines during World War II, you are in command of a group of American Paratroopers (11th Airborne Division) and guerrilla forces on a daring raid on the Los Baños prison camp to rescue the Japanese held captives. 

You must lead your squads, after hopefully surviving the danger and threat of their airborne and amphibious landings, across to the camp, and engage the enemy. You must secure prisoners and escape before the enemy reinforcements arrive.

The game comes complete with two maps. in the first map you will command your forces from their landings to the camp, whilst engaging any enemy forces. Once you have arrived in the camp you will then continue play on the second map. In the second map you will search the camp, gathering together the prisoners whilst dealing with the enemy before making your escape back across the first map.

This is a standalone game in my series of WW2 print and play games. All of the digital PDF files are included (you simply print it out, provide yourself with a couple of regular six sided dice and a pencil). 

The game is quick to setup and play, with a shorter scenario taking around a hour to play and requires very little space. The longer game playing on both maps can be played comfortably in an evening.

If you are interested in Saving Angels WWII Solitaire Wargame Print and Play, you can back the project on the Kickstarter website at the following link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1564988876/saving-angels-ww2-solitaire-wargame?

As of January 1st, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $1,331 toward its $175 funding goal with 55 backers. The campaign will conclude on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 3:00pm EST.

New Release

1. Rattenkrieg! from Tiny Battle Publishing

We love a good solitaire wargame and especially one that is designed by Gottardo Zancani. Recently, Tiny Battle Publishing released their new game, that was actually a magazine wargame found in YAAH! Magazine, called Rattenkrieg!.

From the game page, we read the following:

Rattenkrieg! is an immersive, man-to-man solitaire wargame crafted by one of the industry’s premier solitaire designers, Gottardo Zancani (Rifles in the Ardennes, Rifles in the ‘Nam), set against the brutal backdrop of the Battle of Stalingrad, 1942. Originally published in Yaah! #14, this UPGRADED edition (two additional scenarios, additional counters, scenario PACs, AI bot PACs, multi-color dice, boxed game) plunges players into the brutal close quarters combat that defined one of history’s most grueling urban battles. A battle that changed the tide of the Eastern Front. Rattenkrieg! captures the chaos and intensity of urban warfare, where every street corner and every manhole is a matter of life or death!

At the heart of the game is an innovative AI bot, implemented through a Player Aid Card that outlines the logic governing enemy behavior. This robust system ensures that the opposing forces act in an unpredictable and tactically cunning manner, putting players on their toes. This card recreates the thrill of a real opponent without the logistical limitations!

The game also introduces a unique movement mechanic that sets it apart from traditional grid-based wargames. Movement is determined by the physical size of the unit counters, adding a layer of strategic consideration. This feature reflects the claustrophobic reality of urban warfare where a wrong turn has real consequences.

Rattenkrieg! is a solitaire game that promises an action packed experience for hardened and casual players alike! Including 8 highly replayable scenarios where the outcome always hangs in the balance, with 28 unit counters, 60 admin counters, and 4 maps to use them on. Zancani’s masterful design makes this a standout title for players seeking a challenging solitaire experience! 

If you are interested in Rattenkrieg!, you can order a copy for $44.00 from the Tiny Battle Publishing website at the following link: https://tinybattlepublishing.com/shop/ols/products/rattenkrieg

2. Cuba Libre Calixto Bot Update Pack from GMT Games

It is no secret that I love the COIN Series. In fact, Alexander and I have played all of the volumes multiple times and had the opportunity to teach several sessions for new players at various conventions. So to see the series continue to develop these better operating bot systems to allow for improved solo play is a good thing that I think will lead to a greater appeal and reach for the system. The Cuba Libre Calixto Bot Update Pack brings the successful Jacquard Bot system to Cuba Libre. Like its predecessors in Gandhi and Fall of Saigon, Calixto is quick to use and easy to implement but presents a challenge to any Cuba Libre player.

From the game page, we read the following:

When selecting Operations and Special Activities, cards are drawn from the Calixto deck—there are six cards for each Cuba Libre faction. Each card examines the current state of the game and selects the appropriate action for the active faction. A single, faction-specific table then determines where that action will occur. The same table is used to select spaces for Operations, Special Activities, and Events, minimizing the need to flip between multiple player aids.

One complaint I always have about these Bots is sometimes you can predict their actions and you don’t get a comparable experience to playing with human opponents.

Playing against Calixto feels like playing against a human opponent. It is unpredictable yet responsive to strategic needs, it goes after its enemies while keeping an eye on its ally, and makes moves until now limited to human players—like choosing a Limited Operation to block an opponent’s Event. Calixto can take the place of any faction in a Cuba Libre session and can be used in any combination of player and non-player setups.

Finally, you might be asking where the name of Calixto came from. Well, the game page provides the following:

Calixto is named after Cuban General Calixto García, who led Cuban forces during the Cuban Struggle for Independence from Spain. During the last stages of this struggle, when American forces intervened, Gen. García coordinated with American forces led by General William Shatter and successfully defeated the Spanish in the siege of Santiago de Cuba. Upon the Spanish forces’ surrender, Gen. García was denied entry to Santiago de Cuba and resigned from the Cuban army in protest. García died shortly after the end of the Spanish-American War while on a diplomatic mission to Washington D.C. In his honor, a plaque was erected reading “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” – “It is sweet and fitting to die for the homeland.”

If you are interested in the Cuba Libre Calixto Bot Update Pack, you can order a copy for $27.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-981-cuba-libre-calixto-bot-update-pack.aspx

3. The Plum Island Horror, 3rd Printing from GMT Games

Hermann Luttmann is a very prolific designer and frankly has designed a few of my most favorite games including In Magnificent Style: Pickett’s Charge, Dawn of the Zeds and At Any Cost: Metz 1870 among others. A few years ago, he announced a new game with GMT Games that is a cooperative horror based game where the player fights against zombies (they aren’t actually referred to as that in the design, but we all know what they are!) called The Plum Island Horror. The game is very fun and very, very difficult but enjoyable and has how had a 3rd Printing which is now being shipped.

From the game page, we read the following:

The Plum Island Horror is a 1 to 4 player game featuring cooperative play that combines tactical-level unit management with a tower-defense style survival mechanic. Each player will control one of six unique factions which represent the various groups that populate Plum Island. Each of these Factions has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the system encourages you to optimize for the group’s strengths and marginalize its weaknesses. Players must coordinate with one another, and the resulting synergy will hopefully be enough to successfully evacuate a city under siege and contain the horrific outbreak that threatens to spread beyond the island itself. If the players can succeed, they will win together, and the world will most likely be none the wiser to the averted crisis. If not, they will lose together and share the blame equally for failing humankind.

Turn Order & Player Count

The Plum Island Horror features a variable turn order system accomplished by drawing Turn Order Cubes from a bag made up of four faction-activation cubes, three Horror-activation cubes, and one “Impending Doom” cube. When a player’s activation cube is drawn, they may move each of their units and then select actions to perform. If a Horrors Cube is drawn, the players must Spawn and Activate a number of Horrors units depending on a Fate Card draw. With the Impending Doom Cube, an Event Card is drawn and immediately resolved. There are always eight Turn Order Cubes in the Turn Order Bag regardless of the player count. For the solo mode, the player will simply play the 2-player version and control both Factions. The 2-player mode has each player controlling one Faction. However, each player also has two faction-activation cubes in the bag (two for each faction). In the 3-player game, each player plays one Faction, but there is a “Wild” faction-activation cube added to the bag; when it’s drawn, the players must decide which faction will take the extra activation. Finally, in the 4-player game, each player controls one Faction that receives one Turn Order Cube.

Following

The Plum Island Horror also features a “follow” mechanic, which adds an extra layer of strategy and a “push-your-luck” element that increases the game’s tension (not that it really needs more tension but making players as nervous and anxious as possible is very satisfying to me). After a faction finishes their normal activation, players have an option to Follow. If they choose not to, nothing happens—impending doom is waylaid for the time being, and the next Turn Order Cube is drawn. If a player does choose to Follow however, they may immediately conduct an out of turn Action with an eligible unit. If that sounds too good to be true, well, that’s because it is. After each Follow action, a player must draw a Fate Card. If the entry indicates “No Event,” then nothing further happens, and the next player has the option to Follow. If, however, the entry shows “Draw Event Card,” then all Hell breaks loose. First, no further Follow actions may occur during this round. Second, and perhaps the worst part, the players must draw and resolve the top Event Card, which is almost always pure evil. All of that to say, the Follow mechanic does add an integral layer of cooperative tactical strategy that keeps the whole table on the edge of their seats.

The Cards

The Plum Island Horror features three unique decks of cards that each drive the game along in different ways.

Fate Deck: The central driving force in the game is the Fate Deck. This deck of cards directs the Horrors’ actions, determines if an event occurs, and provides a random number to resolve various actions. Let’s break each of those down. First, when a Horrors Turn Order Cube is drawn, a Fate Card is drawn, and the two main boxes on the card effectively provide the Horrors’ marching orders. As can be seen in the Fate Card graphic, the top box indicates the track on which new Horrors “Spawn.” Then the second box triggers a track to “Activate,” which moves Horrors further into the heart of Greenport and regularly leads to an attack on­ players’ units. Second, all Fate Cards have an “Event” determinant which is used when Following (see above). Finally, each card has a random number listed in the lower right known as the “Fate Number.” The numbers emulate the roll of a die with numbers ranging from “1” through “6” that are evenly spread throughout the deck. Whether you are delving the wreckage of a shop for supplies, trying to steer clear of Horrors, or trying to team up with a buddy to get a key location up and running again, this deck of cards often determines the outcome.

Event Deck: These cards are almost always bad news for the players. The two main times an Event Card is drawn are when the “Impending Doom” Turn Order Cube is drawn or when a player takes a Follow action and gets the “Draw Event Card” instruction. These cards can spawn new Horrors, bring in a super-Horror, “Mutation” unit, affect the Biohazard Track, and create all sorts of other dangerous conditions.

Search Deck: Players can do a “Search” Location Action in certain designated areas. If they choose to use one of their precious action points to search, they get to draw two Search Cards and pick one to keep. These come in a variety of narrative styles—some are choices, some are tests, and others report something that just happens. They provide generally positive news for the players, and deciding on where and when a player uses an action to dip into these waters can be the difference between victory and defeat.

We published an interview with Hermann on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2022/10/31/interview-with-hermann-luttmann-designer-of-the-plum-island-horror-from-gmt-games/

We also posted the following video review:

If you are interested in The Plum Island Horror, you can order a copy for $117.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1137-the-plum-island-horror-3rd-printing.aspx

4. The Plum Island Horror: More of a Bad Thing Expansion from GMT Games

The Plum Island Horror was announced in June 2021 and has done very well as it is currently on its 3rd Printing. The game is not a wargame but designed by a wargame designer who also just happens to have a knack for great designs that are cooperative such as Dawn of the Zeds. This concept and system is very fun. Plus who doesn’t like zombies? And with the success of the game they have decided to add content to make the game even better and more versatile with the announcement of The Plum Island Horror: More of a Bad Thing Expansion.

From the game page, we read the following:

Well, well, well…you just couldn’t get enough of The Plum Island Horror, could you? And now you went and asked for more “stuff.” Well, to quote AC/DC, “if you want blood, you got it.” Despite my better judgment, the GMT bigwigs have harassed, cudgeled, and shamed me into emerging from my quiet, peaceful retirement and designing more pain and agony for you to enjoy. Bang the drums and sound the trumpets! The More of a Bad Thing Expansion is here.

And this time, we’re not taking it easy on you. We’ve asked our elite research team to dig even farther into the historic archives regarding this event, and they’ve uncovered some interesting elements to the story of Plum Island that are not included in the original game (P.S. They’ve all since been fired for not uncovering this stuff for the game in the first place).

NEW FACTIONS
We’ve discovered additional anecdotes and accounts of other groups that were present at the catastrophe and who have their own unique (and quite exciting) stories. To honor them, we’re adding three new Factions for players to choose from:

Oceanside Construction Company: This faction has a personal connection to our developer, Ken Kuhn. Digging deep (pun intended) into his family history, Ken realized that his family owned a construction company on Plum Island during the event! What a coinkydink! So, he has taken the time from his busy schedule and designed this faction for the game.

Rarely does one’s line of work prepare them for an apocalyptic disaster, but once Oceanside’s Supervisor, Becky, got wind of the chaos ensuing on the Island, she steeled her nerves, channeled her favorite actor Ven Dresel, and quoted “YYY” (her favorite movie of his)—”I was born for this sh…”

As a Faction, the Oceanside Construction Company has a “control” style of play. In other words, they focus on controlling the movement of Horrors units and tend to excel in dealing with those really big Murder of Horrors stacks. As can be seen in the Faction Spoiler graphic, Ty “Tuff” Murray’s special ability fully activates when in Close Combat with a Murder of Horrors Stack that is at least seven Tiles tall.

Monkey Island Cult: Secluded on the nearby islet of Monkey Island, the Monkey Monk Cult has been living there for years in preparation for the apocalypse. Their banana-fevered brains initially convinced them that, yes, the arrival of the super-storm and resulting chaos on nearby Plum Island was the sign for which they had been waiting. Jumping aboard their numerous Gilligan’s Island-style rafts, while being escorted by their specially-trained Rhesus monkeys riding even more specially-trained dolphins, they landed on Plum Island to partake in the festivities. Unfortunately, their definition of “partaking” became somewhat fuzzy when the first monk to land on Plum Island was eviscerated by a wandering Horror. Thus, they decided instead to assist the Plum Islanders in fighting off the oncoming hordes. Unfortunately for the islanders, the cultist monks and their entourage were not very well practiced in their preferred method of fighting—the summoning of demons from the Old World.

The sample unit from the Monkey Monk faction is their intrepid leader, Elon Monk. A former billionaire entrepreneur and inventor, he personally trained the monkeys and dolphins on the island (but he had nothing to do with those silly novice cultist monks). And his power of precognition is demonstrated by his “X-Factor” Leader Ability, which allows him to re-draw a Fate Card if adjacent to a faction unit during the Monkey Monk Cult’s Follow action. Pretty cool!

Z.Z.’s Big Top Circus: Hey, who wouldn’t welcome some friendly clowns into their boardgame, right? They’re not scary at all. Our researchers found out that the circus was in town during the catastrophe! We missed it the first time around because, well, frankly, very few people attended this rather dismal and low-budget circus (for example, they only had two rings instead of three). The Z.Z.’s Big Top Circus faction has an interesting variety of characters who will each perform their specialty acts in an effort to rid Plum Island of the Horrors as quickly as possible, so they can re-open the Big Top…to almost no one.

You’ll notice this faction has two sample units. The first is the eagle-eyed Fannie Oakley who can run and still shoot the eyebrow off of a cockroach (yes, she actually did that while fighting a hideous new Mutation unit—see below). The other unit is the faction’s Compound, the Clown Car—another Compound that can conduct movement. It has great handling and thus can dodge the Horrors niftily and has an unlimited capacity for housing Civilians Units (of course).

In addition to the additional factions, there is a new Nightmare Mode, that ratchets up the action, additional cards, new short scenarios and more. This looks like it adds a lot of additional flexibility and options to the players and options are never bad.

If you are interested in The Plum Island Horror: More of a Bad Thing Expansion, you can order a copy for $74.00 from the GMT Games website at the following link: https://www.gmtgames.com/p-1092-the-plum-island-horror-more-of-a-bad-thing.aspx

5. Depths of Courage Volume 9: Operation Source – The X-Craft Attack on Tirpitz, September, 1943 from High Flying Dice Games

Once again, High Flying Dice Games is doing their thing, delving into lesser known conflicts, and bringing us fun and playable little games from history. Paul Rohrbaugh has been working on a series of solo play format games called Depths of Courage, which revolve around small 1 and 2 man submarines and their operations during major wars including the Civil War, World War I and World War II and beyond. The newest entry in the series is Depths of Courage Volume 9: Operation Source – The X-Craft Attack on Tirpitz, September, 1943.

From the game page, we read the following:

Depths of Courage Volume 9: Operation Source is a solitaire game on the British X class mini-sub attacks against the German capital ships in Kåfjord, Norway on September 23, 1943. The main target of the raid was the powerful German battleship Tirpitz. Two other German warships were also anchored not far away; the battle-cruiser Scharnhorst and pocket-battleship Lutzow.

The active player takes on the role of the commanders of the British X class mini-submarines. You must endeavor to overcome the German defenses and night-time visibility to inflict as much damage as possible before being killed, captured or escaping, and then escaping. Can you do as well or better?

If you are interested in Depths of Courage Volume 9: Operation Source – The X-Craft Attack on Tirpitz, September, 1943, you can order a copy for $16.95 from the High Flying Dice Games website at the following link: https://www.hfdgames.com/xcraft.html

6. Iwo Jima: Hell On Earth from Neva Wargames

Neva Wargames is a new publisher who appeared on the scene last year. When I started seeing their posts on Twitter and Facebook, I was immediately impressed with their interesting topic choices for their upcoming games as well as the fact that they are trying to make small footprint wargames that pack a punch. And the art is also very appealing and brings an aesthetically pleasing and attractive look to their games! The day has finally arrived and they have their first game released called Iwo Jima: Hell On Earth and it looks really good!

From the game page, we read the following:

Iwo Jima: Hell On Earth is a hex & counter wargame based on this iconic battle. This challenging solitaire wargame puts you in command of U.S. Marine Regiments as they battle entrenched Japanese Battalions during the iconic 36-day Operation Detachment. Each game turn represents approximately four days, condensing the intense conflict into nine turns of strategic decision-making.

The Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human will and the immense cost of victory. This brutal conflict, fought between the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army, unfolded on the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima, a mere 660 miles south of Tokyo.

From February 19 to March 26, 1945, American forces waged a relentless assault against a well-fortified enemy, determined to seize control of the island’s strategic airfields. Iwo Jima was crucial to the Allied war effort, serving as a vital base for fighter planes escorting long-range bombers on missions to the Japanese mainland.

The battle was marked by fierce resistance from the Japanese defenders, who had meticulously constructed a network of underground tunnels and fortifications. The Marines faced relentless attacks, as they fought their way across the island’s rugged terrain. The iconic image of Marines raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi became a symbol of American determination and sacrifice.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history, with thousands of American and Japanese soldiers losing their lives. The island’s volcanic ash and the intense fighting conditions made it a grueling ordeal for both sides. Despite the heavy casualties, the Marines ultimately achieved their objective, securing Iwo Jima and bringing the United States one step closer to victory in the Pacific War.

We published an interview on the blog with the designer José Manuel Neva and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2025/03/31/interview-with-jose-manuel-neva-designer-of-iwo-jima-hell-on-earth-from-neva-wargames/

If you are interested in Iwo Jima: Hell on Earth, you can order a copy for $50.00 (currently on sale) from the Neva Wargames website at the following link: https://nevawargames.com/product/iwo-jima-hell-on-earth/

7. Sea & Steel: Columbus’ Voyages from Neva Wargames

The 2nd newly released game that Neva has is called Sea & Steel: Columbus’ Voyages and this one also looks very interesting.

From the game page, we read the following:

In 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a historic voyage that would forever change the course of human history. Believing he had reached the Indies, he landed on a Caribbean Island, unaware that he had stumbled upon a new continent. This momentous event, later known as “The Discovery of America,” marked the beginning of an era of exploration, colonization, and cultural clash.

Sea & Steel: Columbus’ Voyages is a historical board game that immerses players in the tumultuous years following Columbus’s arrival in the Caribbean. Players take on the roles of either the Spanish conquistadors or the indigenous peoples, each with their own unique objectives and challenges.

The game spans the period from 1492 to 1505, encompassing the four voyages of discovery led by Columbus and the subsequent Spanish colonization efforts. Players will use Event Cards, to gain control in the 15 distinct Caribbean land zones. The game incorporates historical events and challenges, such as the construction of palisades, gold mining, and the maintenance of Spanish ships. Players must carefully manage their resources, deploy their units effectively, and adapt their strategies to the ever-changing game state.

We published an interview on the blog with the designer Antonio Vaquera and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2025/03/04/interview-with-antonio-vaquera-designer-of-sea-steel-columbus-voyages-from-neva-wargames-coming-to-gamefound-soon/

If you are interested in Sea & Steel: Columbus’ Voyages, you can order a copy for $55.00 (currently on sale) from the Neva Wargames website at the following link: https://nevawargames.com/product/sea-steel-columbus-voyages/

As usual, thanks so much for reading along and sticking with me this month as I navigated through the many websites and game pages looking for new and interesting games to share.

Finally, thanks once again to this month’s sponsor Lombardy Studios!

-Grant

Source

Mit Micro Architects: Big City Vacation geht das Mikro-Städtebauprojekt von Thistroy Games in die nächste Runde. Statt nur Straßen, Parks und Wohnviertel zu planen, verschiebst du den Fokus auf Großstadtflair und Urlaubsstimmung. Hochhäuser, Kreuzfahrtschiffe und Insel-Auszeiten ergänzen das bekannte Stadtbrett und lassen deine Mikro-Metropole deutlich lebendiger wirken.

Micro Architects: Big City Vacation auf Gamefound

Micro Architects selbst ist ein kompaktes Städtebau-Spiel in einer kleinen Box, das mehr Material und Spieltiefe auf den Tisch bringt, als die Größe vermuten lässt. Du legst dir nach und nach deine eigene Stadt zurecht, arbeitest mit Vorgabekarten und besonderen Gebäuden und versuchst, aus begrenztem Platz möglichst viele Siegpunkte zu holen.

Big City Vacation knüpft direkt an dieses Grundgerüst an. Die Erweiterung läuft als eigene Kampagne auf Gamefound und versteht sich als neues Kapitel im Micro-Universum. Inhaltlich dreht sich alles darum, wie sich deine Stadt anfühlt, wenn sie nicht nur funktioniert, sondern auch als Reiseziel taugt.

Die Erweiterung besteht aus zwei Modulen, die du je nach Runde einzeln oder zusammen nutzen kannst. Im „Big City“-Modul ziehen Wolkenkratzer in deine Stadt ein, die mehr Platz brauchen, aber jede Runde Punkte bringen. Im „Vacation“-Modul kommt ein persönliches Inselbrett ins Spiel, auf dem du mit einem Schiff über Inseln ziehst, Boni auslöst und zusätzliche Siegpunkte einsammelst.

Wenn du die Kampagne verfolgen oder direkt unterstützen möchtest, findest du alle Infos und Bilder auf Gamefound:
https://gamefound.com/en/projects/thistroygames/micro-architects-big-city-vacation

Wichtig: Big City Vacation ist als Erweiterung angelegt. Du brauchst das Grundspiel Micro Architects, um alle Inhalte nutzen zu können.

Pledge-Level und Inhalte

Die Gamefound-Kampagne bietet mehrere Pledge-Level, mit denen du je nach Bedarf einsteigen kannst. Als voraussichtlicher Lieferzeitraum ist bei allen Optionen November 2026 angegeben.

Grand Architect – 45,00 €
Du bekommst das komplette Paket aus Grundspiel und Erweiterung:

• Micro Architects [Base Game]
• Big City Vacation [Expansion]
• Follower Gift: Big City Landmark Token (wenn du der Kampagne vor dem Launch gefolgt bist)

Specialist – 20,00 €
Dieses Level richtet sich an alle, die Micro Architects bereits besitzen und nur die neuen Inhalte möchten:

• Big City Vacation [Expansion]
• Follower Gift: Big City Landmark Token (wenn du der Kampagne vor dem Launch gefolgt bist)

Builder – 25,00 €
Hier steigst du mit dem Grundspiel ein, ohne Erweiterung:

• Micro Architects [Base Game]
• Follower Gift: Big City Landmark Token (wenn du der Kampagne vor dem Launch gefolgt bist)

Urban Visionary – 60,00 € / 65,00 €
Für alle, die direkt alles in einer großen Lösung möchten. Auf der Kampagnenseite ist zusätzlich vermerkt, dass der niedrigste Preis in den letzten 30 Tagen bei 60,00 € lag. Das Paket umfasst:

• Micro Architects [Base Game]
• Big City Vacation [Expansion]
• Game Mat
• Follower Gift: Big City Landmark Token (wenn du der Kampagne vor dem Launch gefolgt bist)

So kannst du dir aussuchen, ob du nur die Erweiterung, nur das Grundspiel oder direkt das gesamte Paket mit Spielmatte nimmst. Über den Follower Gift bekommen alle Unterstützenden, die der Kampagne vor dem Start gefolgt sind, zudem den Big City Landmark Token als kleine Zusatzbelohnung.

Für wen lohnt sich Big City Vacation?

Wenn du Micro Architects schon besitzt und gerne auf kleinem Raum an einer eigenen Stadt tüftelst, bringt dir Big City Vacation vor allem mehr Varianz. Die Hochhäuser verstärken den langfristigen Planungsaspekt, das Inselbrett sorgt für ein stärkeres Urlaubsgefühl und zusätzliche Wege zu Punkten.

Bist du neu bei Micro Architects, bieten sich die Pledges mit Grundspiel an. Dort bekommst du das kompakte Städtebau-Grundgerüst direkt mitgeliefert und kannst selbst entscheiden, ob du gleich mit der Erweiterung und der Spielmatte einsteigen möchtest oder erst einmal nur die Basis ausprobierst.

Gestern (04.11.2025) ist auf Gamefound die Kampagne zum Spiel Movers & Shakers von Paulo Soledad und Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro gestartet. Die beiden haben uns schon so fantastische Euros wie Nippon (2015), Panamax (2014), Madeira (2013) oder zuletzt Asian Tigers (2024) beschert.

Und die gehören allesamt zu meinen liebsten Euro Spielen. Und auch Movers & Shakers hat das Potential dazu in diese Gruppe vorzustoßen. Ich konnte es mittlerweile schon 1-mal auf der Boardgamearena spielen, wo es derzeit noch im Alpha-Status (Nur für Alpha-Tester zugängig) spielen konnte. Aber ich denke, dass es sehr bald in den Beta-Status wechselt, da es sich dort schon vollkommen problemlos spielen läßt.

Aber was machen wir nun in Movers & Shakers? Wir sind mächtigen Eisenbahnmagnate in Bengalen, im Nordosten von Indien, im späten 19. Jahrhundert und konkurrieren um die Erfüllung von Verträgen zum Transport von Gütern zwischen Benares und der Hafenstadt Kalkutta. Dabei müssen wir den Transport der Güter so effizient wie möglich organisieren und können dabei nicht nur unsere eigenen Züge sondern auch die der Mitspielenden nutzen.

Das Spiel verläuft über 2 Runden in der wie jeweils 6 Aktionskarten auf unsere Unternehmenstableau spielen und damit Aktionen wie das Beladen und Bewegen von Güterzügen, das Beeinflussen der Märkte in Benares und Kalkutta, das Aufwerten unserer Anlagemarker, das Einrichten von Agenturen oder das Verschiffen von Handelsgütern ausführen.

Siegpunkte erhalten wir hierbei durch das Erfüllen von Verträgen, den Wert unserer gesammelten Anlagen (Anleihen, Wertgegenstände, Ressourcen und Infrastruktur), Geschäfte mit regionalen Agenturen, Investitionen und unsere Gesamtleistung (Anzahl transportierter Handelsgüter).

Spannend an dem Spiel finde ich zum einen die Aktionsauswahl mit den Karten. Jeder erhält zu Spielbeginn 4 Lade- und 4 Bewegungs-Aktions-Karten. Im Spielverlauf können wir hier weitere Karten dazu bekommen. Von diesen 8 Karten können wir jede Runde 6 ausspielen. Dabei müssen wir uns immer entscheiden ob wir zusätzlich zu der/den Aktion/en der Karte noch eine Entwicklungs- oder eine Logistikaktion als Unternehmensaktion wählen, je nachdem ob wir die Karte in der oberen oder unteren Hälfte des Slots auf unserem Tableau platzieren.

Beim Laden der Güter können wir diese auch auf die Züge der Mitspielenden laden und beim Bewegen der Züger können wir auch deren Züge bewegen. Hier hat es Ähnlichkeiten zu Panamax. Beim Bewegen von Zügen kommt es auch immer wieder vor, dass wir Züge, die sich bereits auf der Streck befinden, vor uns herschieben. Hier sind also jede Menge strategische Entscheidungen zu treffen.

Was ich auch spannend finde ist das Geldmanagement in dem Spiel. Man kann nämlich maximal 9 Rupien besitzen. Kommt man auf 10 Rupien werden diese sofort in 1 Investmentmarker umgewandelt. Diese braucht man am Rundenende, um zu investieren. Auf diesem Weg erhält man am Ende schon einen sehr großen Teil seiner Siegpunkte. Allerdings kann man Investmentmarker nicht mehr zurück in Rupien tauschen. Man muss sich also genau überlegen was man im Rundenverlauf noch an Bargeld benötigt.

Geld verdient man in erster Linie damit, dass man Handelsgüter an den Märkten von Benares und Kalkutta abliefert. Der Wert jedes Gutes wird über die Position der jeweiligen Marker auf der Markttafel bestimmt. Diese kann man auch über Aktionen nach oben bewegen und erhält dafür auch noch Boni, wenn man die 2., 4., 6. und 8. Zeile erreicht. Jeder hat hier 3 Marker: einen für Benares, einen für Kalkutta und den Finanzberater. Dieser gibt vor, auf welche Zeile die anderen beiden Marker nach Rundenende „zurückgesetzt“ werden. Man sollte somit den Finanzberater nicht außer acht lassen.

Vom Komplexitätsgrad würde ich Movers & Shakers auf jeden Fall unter Nippon & Co. einordnen, also im Bereich Kennerspiele. Für mich ist das Spiel auf jeden Fall ein must have und ich freue mich schon sehr auf weitere Partien. Auf BGA und, wenn Quined seinen Zeitplan einhalten kann, in 1 Jahr mit der physischen Version.

Es soll auch in den regulären Handel kommen. Dann aber mit weniger hochwertigem Material. Einen entsprechenden Vergleich findet man unter „Comparative Chart“ auf der Gamefound-Seite.

Es gibt übrigens ein sehr gutes Video von Gaming Rules, indem die Regeln erklärt werden und im Anschluß eine komplette Partie Movers & Shakers zu dritt gespielt wird: Movers & Shakers – Tutorial & Playthrough
Wem das Video zu lang ist, der kann sich das Video von Jonathan von Getting Games anschauen: Movers & Shakers – Quick Play

Hier geht es zur Gamefound-Kampagne (bis 22.11.25): Movers & Shakers – Quined Games

Gestern (04.11.2025) ist auf Gamefound die Kampagne zum Spiel Movers & Shakers von Paulo Soledad und Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro gestartet. Die beiden haben uns schon so fantastische Euros wie Nippon (2015), Panamax (2014), Madeira (2013) oder zuletzt Asian Tigers (2024) beschert.

Und die gehören allesamt zu meinen liebsten Euro Spielen. Und auch Movers & Shakers hat das Potential dazu in diese Gruppe vorzustoßen. Ich konnte es mittlerweile schon 1-mal auf der Boardgamearena spielen, wo es derzeit noch im Alpha-Status (Nur für Alpha-Tester zugängig) spielen konnte. Aber ich denke, dass es sehr bald in den Beta-Status wechselt, da es sich dort schon vollkommen problemlos spielen läßt.

Aber was machen wir nun in Movers & Shakers? Wir sind mächtigen Eisenbahnmagnate in Bengalen, im Nordosten von Indien, im späten 19. Jahrhundert und konkurrieren um die Erfüllung von Verträgen zum Transport von Gütern zwischen Benares und der Hafenstadt Kalkutta. Dabei müssen wir den Transport der Güter so effizient wie möglich organisieren und können dabei nicht nur unsere eigenen Züge sondern auch die der Mitspielenden nutzen.

Das Spiel verläuft über 2 Runden in der wie jeweils 6 Aktionskarten auf unsere Unternehmenstableau spielen und damit Aktionen wie das Beladen und Bewegen von Güterzügen, das Beeinflussen der Märkte in Benares und Kalkutta, das Aufwerten unserer Anlagemarker, das Einrichten von Agenturen oder das Verschiffen von Handelsgütern ausführen.

Siegpunkte erhalten wir hierbei durch das Erfüllen von Verträgen, den Wert unserer gesammelten Anlagen (Anleihen, Wertgegenstände, Ressourcen und Infrastruktur), Geschäfte mit regionalen Agenturen, Investitionen und unsere Gesamtleistung (Anzahl transportierter Handelsgüter).

Spannend an dem Spiel finde ich zum einen die Aktionsauswahl mit den Karten. Jeder erhält zu Spielbeginn 4 Lade- und 4 Bewegungs-Aktions-Karten. Im Spielverlauf können wir hier weitere Karten dazu bekommen. Von diesen 8 Karten können wir jede Runde 6 ausspielen. Dabei müssen wir uns immer entscheiden ob wir zusätzlich zu der/den Aktion/en der Karte noch eine Entwicklungs- oder eine Logistikaktion als Unternehmensaktion wählen, je nachdem ob wir die Karte in der oberen oder unteren Hälfte des Slots auf unserem Tableau platzieren.

Beim Laden der Güter können wir diese auch auf die Züge der Mitspielenden laden und beim Bewegen der Züger können wir auch deren Züge bewegen. Hier hat es Ähnlichkeiten zu Panamax. Beim Bewegen von Zügen kommt es auch immer wieder vor, dass wir Züge, die sich bereits auf der Streck befinden, vor uns herschieben. Hier sind also jede Menge strategische Entscheidungen zu treffen.

Was ich auch spannend finde ist das Geldmanagement in dem Spiel. Man kann nämlich maximal 9 Rupien besitzen. Kommt man auf 10 Rupien werden diese sofort in 1 Investmentmarker umgewandelt. Diese braucht man am Rundenende, um zu investieren. Auf diesem Weg erhält man am Ende schon einen sehr großen Teil seiner Siegpunkte. Allerdings kann man Investmentmarker nicht mehr zurück in Rupien tauschen. Man muss sich also genau überlegen was man im Rundenverlauf noch an Bargeld benötigt.

Geld verdient man in erster Linie damit, dass man Handelsgüter an den Märkten von Benares und Kalkutta abliefert. Der Wert jedes Gutes wird über die Position der jeweiligen Marker auf der Markttafel bestimmt. Diese kann man auch über Aktionen nach oben bewegen und erhält dafür auch noch Boni, wenn man die 2., 4., 6. und 8. Zeile erreicht. Jeder hat hier 3 Marker: einen für Benares, einen für Kalkutta und den Finanzberater. Dieser gibt vor, auf welche Zeile die anderen beiden Marker nach Rundenende „zurückgesetzt“ werden. Man sollte somit den Finanzberater nicht außer acht lassen.

Vom Komplexitätsgrad würde ich Movers & Shakers auf jeden Fall unter Nippon & Co. einordnen, also im Bereich Kennerspiele. Für mich ist das Spiel auf jeden Fall ein must have und ich freue mich schon sehr auf weitere Partien. Auf BGA und, wenn Quined seinen Zeitplan einhalten kann, in 1 Jahr mit der physischen Version.

Es soll auch in den regulären Handel kommen. Dann aber mit weniger hochwertigem Material. Einen entsprechenden Vergleich findet man unter „Comparative Chart“ auf der Gamefound-Seite.

Es gibt übrigens ein sehr gutes Video von Gaming Rules, indem die Regeln erklärt werden und im Anschluß eine komplette Partie Movers & Shakers zu dritt gespielt wird: Movers & Shakers – Tutorial & Playthrough
Wem das Video zu lang ist, der kann sich das Video von Jonathan von Getting Games anschauen: Movers & Shakers – Quick Play

Hier geht es zur Gamefound-Kampagne (bis 22.11.25): Movers & Shakers – Quined Games