Anyone play "Flames of War? "

[getagrip]

Hi all.

I'm looking at getting into a simple, easy to pick up, quick to play, WW2 skirmish game:

1. Is FOW easy to learn;
2. Is it 10mm;
3.  Could I use PD minis?

Cheers,

Grip

[Luddite]

Bolt Action is FAR superior.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Yes, no (but could easily be so), yes!
Basic rules are very simple, then add layers of cheese.

[getagrip]

Bolt Action is FAR superior.

Why?

[Ithoriel]

Simple easy to play WW2 skirmish rules? I'd go with TFL's Chain of Command every time. I've been using 15mm figures, because the few people I might play against were, but I see no reason why you couldn't use 10mm figures.

My only problem with it is that people use the acronym CoC for it and I wonder why they're talking about Call of Cthulu! 

[Leman]

I believe Chain of Command is the way to go theses days. FOW is Warhammer for WWII.

[getagrip]

Thanks for the thoughts guy: really helpful.

I believe Chain of Command is the way to go theses days. FOW is Warhammer for WWII.

Weirdly, WW2 Warhammer maybe what I'm looking for: nothing too heavy or too clever 

[NTM]

Would not describe FoW as a skirmish game. Figures are based as teams and each force is a heavily reinforced company. 10mm would easily work for the game and it probably wouldn't look as ridiculous as it often does in 15mm. Chain of Command works as a skirmish game platoon per side and a vehicle or two. If you want more tanks Battlegroup may be worth a look.

[Luddite]

Why?

Its a skirmish game for a start.  Its also better written and plays a much superior game.  FOW is indeed popularly referred to as World War II-hammer, but actually in my view its not.  It plays significantly differently.  For me its an overly complex company-based game that is unbalanced, and not terribly fun.

That said, it is a popular game so maybe i've missed something!?

Bolt Action plays much closer to 40k i think, although without the grimdark bonkers-ness, 'big model' syndrome, unbalanced play etc (although flamethrowers are insane!).  I've generally enjoyed BA but haven't played a game of FOW that i found fun.  And at 10mm, using 1:1 figures you could get a Bolt Action force together at a very reasonable price.   

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

After the three hammerings I took yesterday, not sure I want to keep playing mind!

[barbarian]

My problem with FOW is there is no consideration for Command and they stretch there formet to include divisional support to a game at the company level. (and I don't like the rules too)
Can't talk about BA but if you stay away from Tigers and IS2, it seems a valid skirmish casual set.

[jchaos79]

Let me suggest Blitzkrieg commander,

It is warmaster in the WWII. As you know WM mechanics you could start playing reading Blitzkrieg in a morning.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Bolt Action - sold it after 1 game. Cant use tactics - pro german. FOW - some odd mechanisms, and some factual errors, despite prompts from a modest expert  , but playable if you leave out some of the heavier vehicles, and role play aspects like "Heroes" and "Tiger" dice. Yes you can play in 10mm. Gave a friend a game - he reckoned 6mm would be better. You might also look at CoC.

IanS

[sunjester]

My personal opinion:
Skirmish level - Chain of Command by Too Fat lardies
Company level - I Ain't Been Shot Mum 3 also by TFL
For anything larger use Blitzkrieg Commander 2

[GordonY]

Skirmish - Flying Lead by Ganeshaq Games
Company - sorry dont do that
Battalion to Division - BKC2

FoW is just rediculous, seen way too many games with a platroon of tanks running bogie to bogie, why? Because the rules reward unhistoric play, as mentioned above its just Warhammmer 2K. Get onto ebay and buy a copy of BKC2, then ask that nice Mr Leon for 2 army packs that match Early Desert War is a hoot, with tanks clad in tinfoil armout and armed with popguns. Plus being desert the terrain is dead wasy.