Stout Hearts still stout!

This is a really good review of Stout Hearts from Moe. That is, good in terms of understanding the game and having fun playing it. This gives me a nice warm feeling which is rare at my age.

Haviing found that I have at least 20 odd projects on the go I have realised that perhaps I should just myself organised and get on with one or two of them. The catch is which two?

Simple Wargames are Go!

 

While dealing with Covid 19 issues and preparing for the Brexit Omnishambles at work, I have been quietly getting on with Stout Hearts. It is going well, fingers crossed! Here is the current map, on the M44 editor, my preferred design tool. This will be a simple game but simple games are hard to design.

I am very pleased therefore that Disgruntled Fusilier at Sound Officers Call has been running a series of tests on simple games and evaluating them against standard criteria. The latest tests have been of DF's own EAGLES CHEAPER THAN BRAIN CELLS.

What has really interested me is the AARs. You can tell from the way the games have played that there are some really interesting features here. I have been really impressed with the way that the rules produce a cracking back and forth battle for control of terrain as seen here.

It is rare that I get excited about stuff but, as with some of the rules produced by Norm and Peter, I think DF has got something special. Key features are:

• Orders issued to units at start of each turn, based on 1d6 die roll.
• For units in contact, orders cost double.
• A general is available for every six units, who can order troops directly and aid combat etc.
• Initiative is only decided after orders are issued!
• Although the initiative is tested each turn, the reacting player needs to score more than 2 more than the active player to take it over.

The reason for my excitement is that this fits really well with OHW and has loads of options, including the influence of the general on orders and initiative.

I'm still mulling over the other interesting features of the rules including the firing and assault rules. Lots to consider here and, judging by the AARs, these rules produce a great game. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Stout Hearts!

I have been quiet on the blogging front recently for many reasons, one of them is the ongoing design work on a new solitaire game. Clue above! More details in a week or so.

I have also been pleased to see that the Valor and Victory website is back up and running. For those of you who have not been aware of this little gem, it is the equivalent of ASL but for normal people. It is free, and it is print and play. Current files include the rules, seven maps and counters for British and German forces for D-Day. 

Rather like Minden Games Retro rule set for Squad Leader which has a brilliant hesitation rule, V&V has some great rules for beaten zones and cross fire for machine guns. If you need a reason to take a look, the MG rule is well worth it.