Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • Fire 36

    Uploaded by

    Frogfoot
    72 views56 pages

    Original Title

    Fire36

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Report this Document

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    72 views56 pages

    Fire 36

    Uploaded by

    Frogfoot

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 56
    Uae Rote MOVEMENT Nasousons, THE FORUM OF COMFLICT SIMULATION || Postal Far Tor R56. HLGSIPE 1985 ee ‘The day is July 21st 1861, the time is 6 a.m just after dawn. This day will sce the largest engage- ment the hemisphere has ever known; the volunteers are anxious, Now the reins of command are yours, the fate of the Union is at stake! As General McDowell, you will initially have the burden of aceack but the weight of numbers is with you. If you can effectively roll up the ‘enemy's left flank and advance on Manassas Junction, you can crush this insidious rebellion in its infancy. ‘As Beauregard ot Johnston, you must give as lit- tle ground as possible while you await reinforcements. A successful defense combined with effective counterattacks will rid the Old Dominion of the in- vading pestilence. Jackson stood like a stone wall...CAN YOU? The rules include *A morale system that allows for sweeping victories, without ridiculously heavy casualties, ‘© Ranged artillery fire, single gun loss, crew loss, and mmunition expenditure and replacement. Command control, cascading scatter, rallying, stray, glers, and much more. MANASSAS (July 21se 1861) beautifully and accurately recreates the first major engage- ment of the Civil War. The game includes the 36” x48” full-color map (drawn in No C.O.D. Fast Delivery like a Stonewall... Rally behind the Virginians! eee period style), rule book, 320 large die-cut counters (many in 4 colors), record sheets, artillery & combat tables MANASSAS COMING SOON BRANDY STATION, Prelude to Gettysburg, captures the action of the greatest cavalry battle of the Civil War. Pleasonton is pitted against JE. Stuart with numerically equal forces. Inno- vative game mechanics allow yout to refight this hell for leather engagement in an accurate and very fluid manner. Coming to a hobby store near you this summer. (U.S.) $20 ppd. ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: Send check or money order to: Iron Crown Enterprises, Dept. F P.O. Box 1605 Charlottesville, VA 22902 USS. orders postpaid, Canadians add $2° Overseas ada $39 New from GDW ORIGINS Detroit, July 14-17 The Brotherhood The Game of Organized Crime Rival gangs of thugs, hitmen, and godfathers struggle to control the city. Campaign Trail The Game of Presidential Elections Candidates crisscross the nation to win a majority of electoral votes. Assault Tactical Combat in Europe Winning the first battle of the next war on the bat- eficlds of Germany. ‘Tarsus World Beyond the Frontier A boxed module for Traveller describing one planet in District 268 — beyond the borders of the Imperium. ‘The Near East Europa IX ‘A module of maps and ar- mies for Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. ‘The Normandy Campaign Beachhead to Breakout jon-level, hidden movement battles for the hedgerows, 1944. ‘The Traveller Adventure Hardeover Volume IT All new adventures for the crew of the March Harrier and their Vargr companion. Blue Max World War I Air Combat Multi-player boardgame of plane-to-plane action in 1917 and 1918. The Journal of the Travellers’ Aid Society Issue 17 A special feature section, Amber Zones, The Bestiary, and Ship's Locker. Game Designers’ Workshop P.O. Box 1646, Bloomington, Illinois 61701 Free Catalog On Request Founder and Creative Consultant: Rodger ‘MacGowan Publisher: Steve Jackson Editor: Friedrich G. Holfferien Managing Editor: Nick Schuestor ‘Assistant Managing Editors: (Christopher Frink Elisabeth Zaket ‘Computer Editor: Stephen W. Hall ‘Miniatures Editor: Jopn Rankin Wiergame Library: Alan Mandell Contributing Editors: USA: Martin Campion, Frank Chodwik, Davis Churchman, Edward Coo, Omar DeWitt, Jack Greene, Jr. Bill Hagoart, John Hil, J. Richard Jorvinen, Steven List, Mare Wille, Stephen Posk, John Prados, Bob Proctor, William Senders, Clifford L. Sayre, Jr. Jay C. Selover, Shelby Stanton, 8. Craig Taylor, Jr LT ohn J. Vanore (USN), Ralph’ Vickers Canada: Stephen Newberg UK Peter Hatton, Nicky Palmer Europe: Georges Orterrann, Tom Olsson Advertising Manager: Tonya Cross Production: J. David George, Llara onnston, ‘Monica stephens ‘Business Manager: Elton Fewell Circulation: Shirley Minh ‘Teadomark Notice Most game names are trademarks of the ‘companies publishing thore gamer. Use of ‘rademark to identify 2 product commented Upon in this magazine should not be cor: strued a implying the sponsorship of the ‘ademarke ower All names of games pub- lished by SJ Gamer aro tradomarks of SJ amos, oF used under lieanve by 54 Games. Use of the name of any product without rmontion of trademark satus should not be construed asa challenge to such status. Fire & Movement (ISSN 0147-0058) is pub lished sight times = year (bimonthly with summer and winter issues) by Steve Jackson Games, PO Box 18957-T, Austin, Texas "78760-8957. Application 0 mail # second lags postage rate is pending at Austin, TX. POSTMASTER: Sond address changer 1 Fire & Movement, PO Box 18967-7, Austin, ‘Texas 78760-8081, All material copyrignt © 1983 by Fire & Movement. Al rights re- served, Subscription retras of Apri, 1983: ln the United States~6 less $13; 12 iesues 3, Outside the US-please edd $.50 per ue (Canadal or $1 per issue (foreign) for surface-mal. Internationa raos ae subject to change postal ratos change. NOTE: All Deyments must be in US dollers, made by International Meney Order oF check draven ‘on 9 US oF Canadian bonk. All editorial and general mail sould be sent to the Editor, Friedrich Hetferich, 1645 Woodledge Drive, State College, PA 16801. All subscriptions, ‘advertising, and business mal shoul be sent to Fire & Moverent, PO Box 18987, Aut tin, TX 78760-8987. Printed in the US by Futura Poss, Austin, Texas. MR.36 —_ fUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1985 CONTENTS PAGE FIRING LINE Editorial 4 CROSSFIRE Correspondence 7 BOMBER Review Allen King 12 Example of Play 18 Designer’s Notes S.Craig Taylor 20 MINIATURES SUPPLEMENT ‘Survey of Modern Overview John Rankin 2 Micro-Armor NAPOLEON'S LAST Roviow David Churchman 26 TRIUMPH Developer's Notes, Stephen Newburg 31 Official Errata 31 READER'S NOTES Unit Organization Richard J. 32 of the Civil War Zimmerman PLAYER'S NOTES VI Caesars Jeffery A. Brown 34 Commando Actions John J. Vanore 34 Gunslinger say ©, Selover 35 Command at Sea Ron Jongeling 36 Rod Star Falling Rob Gibson. 37 Two Ocean War Loren F. Sperry 38 FEEDBACK Opinion INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 40 SOLOMON SEABATTLE Umpired, Multi Steve List 42 REPORT Commander Postal Flat Top FOR YOUR EYESONLY Intelligence Summary 20 iis Si Art and photo credits: J. David George: cover. Fred Askew: 22, 24, 25. Courtesy GHO: 23. Copyright © 1983 Rodger MacGowan: 42. Right: This issue's cover depicts ‘a formation of American B-17 bombers over Germany during Work! War I. Art by J. David George. The Hilton guide to downtown World War ll... Argus Hilton is a World War II freak. He knows just about everything there is to know about it, He knows who attacked what when, He has been feeding us this information for years . . . info that helps us design and build really good wargames on World War I. Panzer Leader, for example, is numero uno. It’s 19 different scenarios of tactical armored combat on the western front during WWII. Tobruk! Very different! Very small scale; like 69 yards per hex, 30 seconds per game turn, Anzio! 375 Troop counters and a 14" 44" mapboard printed in Italian for added realism. For nostalgia, there’s Afrika Korps. A classic since 1964! The game that glamorizes the exploits of Field Marshall Rommel. The kibitzer’s favorite. Visit Stalingrad in the winter. Greatest challenge ever for the Germans, even during a summer offensive in this classic game which Argus should have named Russian Campaign. Too bull- headed to change the name, Argus suggested, instead, we do another game on the subject Which we did. It’s called Russian Campaign. Squad Leader, Third Reich, Bismarck, Panzer Armee Afrika, Fortress Europa, Storm Over Arnhem, Air Force, Flat Top, Dauntless, War at Sea, Victory in the Pacific, Sub- marine, Longest Day, Bulge, D-Day, Luftwaffe, Midway, and Panzerblitz round out a WWII line-up of games with a cast of thousands, each with its own set of redeeming values eulogized in the pages of The General, Avalon Hill’s award-winning ‘magazine now in its 19th year. Argus will also talk your head off when you come to visit him at Avalon Hill. He used to sneak visitors into the plant to show Send for your FREE CATALOG! \WWiIl isn’t our only subject! Gamers find some of our other topics even more exciting. Over 48 pages. Include $1.00 for postage & handling. them the tricks of the printing end; how the mapsheets are mounted for durability, and how the playing pieces are printed and laminated to stand considerable fondling. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Argus isn’t allowed to offer these tours anymore. That's how the competition Jearned how we maintain quality control. They also found out what great pains we took in developing new games; how we ignore time and production deadlines in favor of turning out the best possible product. Okay, so we've lied a little! ‘There’s no such person as Argus Hilton—as you've probably already guessed by now. But we are telling the truth about everything else. And we do believe we turn out great games. Games to satisfy every desire, from games that are just plain fun to play, to games that simulate the real thing so accurately that we confidently accept the challenge of even the most critical historian. Whatever your bag, we've got a game to Suit your tastes. ‘Many on World War II! The AVALON HILL Game Company 4517 Harford Road ¢ Baltimore, MD 21214 ¢ (304) 254-5300 FIRING LINE Back and Way-Back Issues (Our growing cizculation is bringing a ising tide of inquiries about avail ability of FAM back isues. Moreover, F&M 33 sold out quickly at ‘many stores, and quite a mumber of regular readers who are not sub- {eribocs told us they missed their chance to buy it. Here is where we stand If you have old issues sl dating back t0 Baron Publishing (No. 1 to 25), guard them like Buffalo nickels, Pick them up if you find any offered at an auction by a poor soul ignorant of thet collectors value. ‘The negatives of most are stil in existence, but reprinting would not be economical (ave Firing Line, FAA 33), Copies of Steve Jackson Games issues, from No. 27 to the current one And excopt only for No. 29, are stil available from Steve Jackson Games (PO Box 18957, Austin, TX 78760) at cover price: $2.50 for No. 27 and 28, and $2.00 for later issues, Add 50 cents for shipping and Handling for each oeder (regardless of number of copies in that order), Morality in Our Games Like anything else on this earth, our hobby has its controversies: between dead-serious history buffs and enchanted fantasy-role playing “fveeps,” between reais nuts and adherens of the “design for effect” school betwoen rues law book advocates and those who want their rules to read like Hemingway, botweon designers and critics, between Randy Reed and anyone—you name it. But all these disputes ae lovers! spats compared to one emotionally charged fue that, ike molten lava, fimmets Below the surface and occasionally burst out in violent erup- tions: What is morel and immoral about our games? Unfortunately, ‘when there is an eruption, the ines are almost invariably drawn as 3 matter of deeply felt conviction, of “principle.” Coo, rational analysis foes the way of an icecap on a volcano, it only generates more sam. ‘AL the 1k of sting up tome hornets nests, let us try to take a dispase Sonate look at this explosive sue while ti dormant. Ig war Haelf moral? If not, can war games be anything but immoral? We may first have to put “wat” in proper context, We could say that war is violont, organized, large-scale confit, Cain slaying Abel was not ks war, but betwoen thie singlehanded act of violence and clear-cut war ‘Detweon nations isa grey area of “atmed conflict” from gang fighting to politcal stife short of outright civil War. So we should logically bbject more to violence in any form than merely to war. But our world fs full of wiolenee, human nature not excepted. Simply to reject violence ‘does not help; we can at most curb and conteo it, But to do so we must ‘rst understand it, To be against war should not mean to be against its study, its modeling, Pezhaps this explains the paradox that so many ‘wargame designers are dedicated pacifist. ‘We cannot even accept without question the fenet that violence is evil per se. Surely, ott pacifist friends would not want to see an oppressive, “inachronistie sarue quo perpetuated, and might concede that violence fan solve a purpose a6 last means 10 break such deadlock. Are not many of them glorifying the French Revolution, so full of blood baths? Indeed, history is full of “Holy Wars” fought—on both sides!—by Honest men deeply convinced oftheir ust cause. And are we today not also engaging, at least mentally, In such Holy Wars? My “freedom fighter” may be your “terovst” or vice versa, Judge not, that ye be not judge. Let us also not forget that, times past, war was recopnized as a ree table, but acceptable att means to aetle disputes between nations This ‘worked as long as our Weapons were still primitive enough not to bring ‘much suffering tothe population a large, Unfortunately, weapons have ‘volved faster than attitudes: devastation in two world wars has made ‘war less than respectable, a8 we should have sen it in 1914, but we sil hhave fo come to grips with Our present, awesome power to destoy the entire worl, {All told, we have ample roan to concern ourselves with war, in whieh ver way. Of course, wargaming cannot claim to teach us how to prevent war, It am help us to understand military history and, mainly, human decision-making in conflict situations. This is a positive conti ‘bution, Wargaming will not save our world, but it will not doom i ithe Strangely, most eruptions of emotion are on a quite different level ‘There amv the recurring protests apuint alleged slrification ofthe pol- tically sinister (on elthcr right or left) or the turmoil over SPP's Case Geld proposal of a what” gam of aNazl invasion ofthe United States. Surel), the latter can be dismisesd just plain sil. The trouble with the former stars when a nerve is touched, when all all-overshadowing motional involvement reads Issues into a game that it does not contain, Taking the German Waffen-SS as the most controversial example, their high combat factors realistically reflect excellent traning, morale, and ‘equipment but aro n9 alotifietion of a politcal system. ‘That white- bmblack eounter fs not the Butcher of Auschwitz (nor does that NKVD ‘unit stand for GULAG). The men were young soliers-In later years most of them draftees—and in an organization quite separate from the political, “black” SS that ran the machinery of oppression, If we want {o lean from our wargames at all, We should Keep our politcal emotions ut, We shoul ently with the human element on both sides, with Sedicated men tryin to do thei duty as they had been taugnt to se it enjoy playing. the Russians in. Drang Nach Osten or the lies in Anzio, lthough I did my best to fight tem in World War I. This isnot fecause T have switched politcal allegiance, but because I learmod firsthand haw litle room there i for polities in soldiering Most warsumes involve us on a higher command level, remote from direct physical violence, But what sbout fantasy role-playing with allt blood and gore and with so many of My advocates insisting on its paychological “realty”? L remember a time, in post-World War TI Germany, when violence was so thoroughly discredited that even firy tales eame under atack, I vs held thatthe story of the Big Bad Wolf swallowing Little Red Riding Hood fostered cruelty in children. Psy: ‘hologists might continue debating this, but to me it seems that so preposterous a story Is innocuous because itcleasly isa yarn from some ‘ther world, real or unceal, where things ate wondsous and harmless ‘and all ends well. For fantasy role-playing, this excuse may stl hol, but ie more tenvous, Other games, however, ate vet in our world. Take Junta, such ait not Tong ago vith our Bohemian designers” crow, a game in which players fet ther kicks outdoing one another with sstssnations, embezzlement, nd kindred crimes to fatten ther Mlegal Swiss bank accounts. With ome effort, this caricature of Banana Republic corruption can be taken ‘ara joke, but that joke begins to wear thin Other games are no joke, are respectable, and should therefore be Continued on pase 52 Fire & Movement Ne. 36, August Septomber 1983 WHY ARE YOU READING THIS? All paid advertisments are a lot of hype! They are unobjective, self-indulgent, boastful and, more often then not, unbelievable. So why would anyone believe what they say? There is only one reason, The reader knows the company. He knows and respects their product and its value, he appreciates their attitude and service. More simply put, he has come to trust them out of experience. Those of you who know our company from first hand experience with our games will believe us when we say if you are interested in World War II tactical ground combat, then Yaq become one of your favorite games. to's Close Assault is very likely going to Those of you who don’t already know us will just have to wait to find out why everyone else was playing Yaquinto’s Close Assault before they were. Tino: Yaquinto's CLOSE ASSAULT : & Man- erMan Game of Squad Tactics and Command Europe, 1939-1946, Components: Mounted 24” by 12" gameboard, ver 300 laying piece, plastic unit storage bag, ules and scenarios, ame cards and 3 decimal die Scale: One hex=s yards (Note: Our PANZER Series has hexes thet are SO meters across. AD Droximately 11. Yoquinto’s CLOSE ASSAULT faxes 1 PANZER hex -thesabablos are small, ‘One-unit'= tyman, weapon, oF vehicle, one ee ation level ="3 actual feet and one Tura ‘conde of actual ime Players and Time: 1 (slitaies very wll) « 4 players, 30 minutes - 3 hours playing time, de pveling on scenario and options ured Complexity: Goes from the very simple Basic ‘Game (which canbe learned in the time fetes {you to reed four pages of cules) to whatever Tovol of detail and complexity you ike. Dow, that basie information fe just about wnat {You coule ivine by eoding the back of the Beckage. Since this not a package, but a 30, {You may have additional questions, which we have conveniently anticipate! TYPICAL QUESTIONING WARGAMER (TOW! need to know more before | kiss any of the fgrcon stuff gacd bye. Games on ths vel have Been done before. What ean | expect tis tire? YAQUINTO ADVERTISING SPOKESMAN (asi: Yaquinte’s CLOSE. ASSAULT is Sesignad by. Craig. Taylor. Over the Yeas ‘Tovlor hos made 2 speealty of hardcore histo: Feat tactical games, designing such classics a5 WOODEN SHIPS & IRON MEN, SHIP O” THE dae a eee) "ROUND THE FLAG, PICKET'S CHARGE and WINGS, not to mention the totiel games that he's developed, Ara mattir of fact he tows @ fit everytime we. ask him to. work on some ‘other type of game, and practically wrecks the place, With Yaguinio't CLOSE ASSAULT, you tan expect sate of the art the latest in seros ff carefully crafted games that navelbeen braised for both thle playabiy and historia! detal. ‘TOW: “So the designer is experienced. How do Tenow that tis one isnot prime Gobbier?™ ‘YAS: "What if wo told you that our playtestore fave never before been so excited and enthuse dic about a new game? Oh, they're as ranky raver, but tney just Koa oming. Bock for mora. Over thiry ‘sop ranging from tow headed schoolboys’ to. hardened veterens Up from Ft" Hood, have sleady playtested i in tenes oF 180. times. Contrary 10 rumor, we ‘don’t use whips to make Poole playtert for ‘TOW: “Could be moss hypnosis or an extensive blackmailing seneme. Wat are they 20 excite YAS: “You sorry rascal. em beginning to think that I'm wasting my. time writing ads for rape bates like youre. Because Vaauinto's CLOSE ASSAULT ‘covers in deta what most games abstract with 8 Clow Asiault Rule, They're fxeited. because the game system Ie bath in novative. and simole fo ler end understand “The random sequencing mechanic. simulate Simultaneous movement without the bother of teritten orders: The constant uncertainty Keeps the excitement ond intrest levels high (also rakes solitaire play a real nail biter). The mov. ble terrain makes every playing of a scenario 2 litle diferent. New players can quickly Sraduate {rom worrying soout the game me fhanies to worrying about tactics. Some of the laytertere ledmitedly 2 wld group) think that Yaquinto’s CLOSE ASSAULT js the most {un you can have with sli of your elothes on.” TOW: “OK! OKI Absorbing playability. But, is there enough detail and enrome to intrest fn tld World War It some butt? YAS: "Squad organizations for six different Countces are provided, along with deta on ovat 100" ferent Infantry. weapons = Germany's feared MIG34 and MG42, Iely's les feared Brixia 5mm mortar and Beretta pistol, France's Fellable Hotenkies macninegun and lee reliable [M1892 Lovet revaWver, Great Britains Bran and Sten quns, the Sowet's Degtyarev PTAD Ant: Tonk ill and their wheeled Msximn PM mo chinegun, and the American's Immortal Garand Sarecka, Tommy Gun and M2. “pineapple hand grenade, to mention only a few. The men Can-be standing, erouehing, oF prone and each Stiude enn affect thee tines Of sight. There fre vehicle too, an assortmant that runs from 0 Italian. Guzzi motorcycle/sidecar with me hinegun’ to an American Sherman tank. On this level gama, the detail can be rich, se each ‘ohiele erewman occupies his own position and Fanos his own weapon. And, there's more! Tow: * YAS: "Yes, more. Depending onthe options you favor, there are ruler on” hidden movement wWeepon reliability, snipers, morale, individual Persona characteristics, leadership, wound, Tires {dragging Your wounded trom room-to- ‘oom in a burning building while avoiding stray bullets can be real sword evation stu], mole, ‘imbing Cress, jumping, bast eat, calvary faatetank guns ord evan more. But, I'm acting tired of working on this advertisement 3 youl have to fake my word om the rest.” TOW: "Are you ever going to mention theprice, ‘orem {supposed to send a bank check?” ‘YAS: Yaquinto's CLOSE ASSAULT costs $12.” TOW: "That's 8 s00d price, considering all thet ‘you vet. ‘YAS: “Only the top borgain of thev AVAILABLE AT BETTER STORES OR ORDER DIRECT ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS ‘Send check or money order to YAQUINTO PUBLICATIONS DEPT. 1, P.O. BOX 24757, DALLAS, TEXAS 75228. Add $2.00 for postage per forder, All orders shiped within 48 hours of reeipt, Overseas orders add $4.50 additional postage end handling per order. Sorry, no 0.0. L The Two New Winners Coming This Summer > ¥ Ud te] WoT ad AMBUSH! The Solitaire Game with Guts At last, the game players have been asking for! NATO: The Next War in Europe Poised on the West German border, the Warsaw Pact juggernaut is ready to make the dash to the Atlantic. The NATO nations aren dlserray, end their commitment fo withstand aggression is in question. When the armored columns aavance, will NATO be able to stop them? NATO allows you to simulate a potential NATOIWersaw Pact confrontation iin Contral Europe. Designed tobe played in one siting, this operational level game is of moderate complexity and yet recreates the major problems facing tach side — from maintaining Supply lines to transporting troops to potential nuclear warfare, Each of the thvee basic scenarios can be played in an eve- ring, and the campaign versions can extend for days, NATO offers. combina tion of flexibility and ease of play that is certain to make ita classic The Next Generation of Great Games ‘An American squad trudges across the devastated French countryside on their way to the Fine. Suddenly, bullets start buzzing around them! ‘A German patrol has them spotted. Then, mortar tire explodes all around! They have walked into an ambush! Time to start fighting! ‘Ambush! is the unique solitaire wargame that lets you recreate small unit tac: ties during World War Il, The ground-breaking game system puts you in charge of an American squad — faced with a variety of missions against an ever-changing, hidden German foe. A number of scenarios are included, each recreating adifferent kind of small unit operation. Join the Victory Games Line From the Company That Makes It Happen... \ je" THECIVILWAR sis00 QULFSTRIKE $000 HELL'S HIGHWAY $20.00 America's epi struggle from Comprehensive lan, air and ion Markot-Garden — fhebiteccampatgnein ne” nar gortat the Persian ievAed ace ose bie, Entto the skimihes inthe Gulf, depleted on strategic end acroxs the Rhine in World War Wen cthedecsvestategic operational levels. Comes with recreated on an operational Victory Games, Inc. level game of the ne ee ie big Bearer 910 ote Includes two large maps, 43 West 33rd Street Contains two big maps, playing pieose, and tive piayng pisces, wo player i Carinmsivces tpuryeary _besnane Fortwo players, or aid cares, and three scenarios, Suite 60S Scenarios, and campalgn fore with division of command New York, NY 10001 CROSSFIRE Let Hundred Flowers Bloom Dear Fred, I am waiting to voice my support for the new miniatures setion in F&M. For too Tong communications beeween the two largest factions of the hobby, boardgames and mink atures interests have Deen unnecessary poor. Both sides have something to learn from the other, to their mutual advantage, Sometimes the results are highly vile, as in the Panzor ialogy (Fai 28). Sometimes the results are purely Tocal, as in the routine adaption of Selected Squad) Leader ues to the micro- armor battles waged by my own club, Batt 10up Boston, 1 have been active in both camps, and it strikes ‘me that much of the opposition between them arses not Trom incellectual considerations but ‘rom the social environment, When 1 was in fzaduate school, the activity at the local club ‘vas about evenly split between Dungeons & Dragons and tireless discussions of military trivia. So. nearly all of my wargaming was conducted with a good friend of mine every ‘Thursday ovening at his apartment, Making a Wire of necessity, we occupied ourselves exclusively with Dosrdgames that could be cor- ‘chided (more or less) in a single siting. Jn contast, the unspoken preference of the ‘members of Rattlesoup Boston isto include ‘the maximum number of people in a common activity. Rare is the session where everyone oes off to separate and unrelated two-player ‘ames, and mulikplayer boardgames tend 10 box down with more than six or seven players. Only with the club's vast collection of mink atures can four or five commanders per sile be aovommodated, Furchermore, a huge table {in the basement of the hobby shop permits all the players to take an active part in the batt besides providing a secure ‘environment. In conclusion, eizcurstancet surrounding & given Fire & Movement Nr, 36, August-September 1983 group of gamers exert a powerful effect on their orientation toward bosrdgames oF mini [hope these remarks shed 2 Tittle Ht in all the heat your miniatures section will probably senerate David S. Bicksza Woburn, Massachusetts Dr. Bicksza “tells it ike it fe" The only thought to add Is that our Miniatures Supplement is solf.pporting entity that tekes away neither ace nor effort ftom traditional FAM (We ven debated making the supplement a detach able insert, but discarded ths idea because of the complications in production it would hove envalled) Will the Real MacGowan Please Stand Up? ‘The cover of FA 33 looks striking, certainly more #0 than that of the game G.L: Anvil of ‘Victory, which, by comparison, sems to evoke sn almosphere’ of peacetime mancuver in a bucolic iting untouched by the ravages of war. Both covers are signed MacGowans. How ‘come two versions are in elrculation” Chris Colting| Houston, TX MecGovan's original, showing in the back: ground. @ Sharman tank “brewing up,” was deemed ‘by. Avalon Hill 10. present American farms in a tight not sufftently glorious for a {tame devoted to the county's soldlers So the ‘wrecked Sherman wos towed away and replaced Dy a shiny new one fredh from the factor. F&M prinied the more dramatic original Sounding Board Dear Fred: The frst topic I wish to ‘preach’ on is unjust remarks that abound between gamers with different viewpoints, Let me cite a few exan- ps from FM, In the November issue, several famers yelled about the nature of some reviews in F&M; they were late, did. not cover all the aspects oF the game, ete. To people who con pin about things like tat, 'sy, get off your butts (@ mild word, not the one I vould like to use) and write your own review, No one is forcing you to listen to someone else if you ‘think you can do bette! Judge no, that ye be not judged. Also, in the January-February issue, feveral people came down hard on Tric Lee Smith for not designing a “ue” tactical level Civil War game. Once again, i the people with the sharp tongues can design a better fame, wwe Would all love to sce i! If wmeone prefers Road to Washington o: High Tide of the Confederacy to Tomble Swift Sword, he should phay it and shut up, My othor little gripe concerns Gary Gyeax. Get off the guy's back! Te scoms everyone is Dlaming him atone for lost subseeptions and james never delivered, I was an SPU castomer fako, I Tost. more than a few bucks in their collapse and am naturally disappointed, But to blame Gyeax for the whole mess is ridle- Ulous, TSR Is no longer a one-man show with Gypix in control, itis now a corporate con. slomerate far beyond the realm of one man. 1 hhave heard him called names such a6 “traitor” “head,” and other les printable adjectives Along with’ Dungeons & Dragons, he “traitor has designed euch things ae Trectics (the bast World War Ht minlatures rulos over) and Alex- ander the Great, fo name 2 few. Ifyou have a Complaint, voice it openly, as Rick Loomis id few months ago, 1 an’ sure you will get a response. Joe Sariogo. Hueytown, Alabama Great is the Art of Beginning . Dear Si: 1am a 35-year-old man who has been wargam- ing for just under a year. 1 enjoy it immensely, ‘even though my son tends to win the majority fof cur games. The wargames are fascinating, Keep him out of arcades (which are mostly not in the best sections of town where I live), and fate something we ean do together, (My eve. hand coordination is just not good enough for video games, even if 1 could afford such a system.) 1am writing to you because yours is the only rmagizine I have” seen that seems to mention ‘whether a game being reviewed might be good 8 an introduction. T particularly recall your review of Ramspeed in FAA 29 Why not do a special article suggesting the best introductory tank, naval, Civ War, ete. games {or now wargamers? When 1 tried to enter the ‘hobby, T'was steorod stalght only because the uy who operates the game shop in my city 4s sharp and has played almost everything on his sholves. I pot off to a good start with Steve Tackson's One Pago Bulge (bought in the days ‘of the Low-cor bag) and Gamma Two's Quebec. Bulge isthe better introduction to other war ames, while Quebec offers surprise sttacks and simultaneous movement not avaiable in Bulge “put Gamma Two ienow out of busines. ‘An article to guide newcomers would (1) encourage more people to take up wargaming, ©) encourage production of good introductory ames, and (3) posibly supply enough new fumers fo Keep more good gare companies and ‘magazines afloat even in a bad economy. Such fn article could bo kept by new game store fowners so they would have something to refet {wo when 2 parent or novice wargamter needs suggestions Steve LaPrade Norman, Oktahoma Excellent idea! Volunteers? ‘That Was the Year That Was [Nine pages devoted to That Was the Year That Wes [in F&M 32) is a disgrace, What a waste of time! Boooooring!!! Matthews Stoughton, Massachusetts [No more silly laundry lists, a starting on page 11 [of Faw 32] Karl Gaassoe Downers Grove, linois 1 really enjoyed the 1982 survey! Brian Stretcher ‘Terre Haute, Indiana 1 really enjoyed the “review of ‘82" and hope you will do one every year red M, Sasin Shippensburg, Pennsylvania 7 One man’s poison is another's meat or drink But if the feedback rating of 7.21 is any indi ‘ation, we seem to have pleased « majority (of our readers As long as here 140 much sup port, we plan io koep up the Year That Was ‘as. annual feature Cross Wind Divine Wind does have 4 couple of bad flaws, as listed in your Player's Note (in F&M 32], but otherwise it i a good game, Perhaps, when you review such a game, you could contict the publisher to see what changes he recommends Mike Sanches Pountain Vales, California Yes, a consctentious reviewer will check with the designer or publidher if he turns up facets Cor rules that seem 10 make Ile sense t0 him, In the case of DWvino Wind, the Player's Note ‘was written after an extensive correspondence ‘wlth designer and publisher Stephen Newberg ‘na did incorporate his clarifications and. cor rections, Where a rule was criticized and no recommendation for a change offer, Mr. Newberg had preferred £0 uphold his original Vanguard Dear Mr, Helfrich: May 1 ask a favor? Several issues ago in your Firing Line, a brief statement mentioned that Vanguard Gamet was still alive and gave a California address. A short time after that, they ‘moved t0 Oregon or Washington Stato, ‘They fent_me their addsess, and 1 oxdered Winter Storm, but never received the game, 1 hold no gmudge against Vanguard, Host thir auddyess and cannot contact them. If you ot anyone you know could send me their new address, I would be most appreciative, Tew Fisher Reno, Navada ‘To Lew Fisher Subject: Lost Game Winter Storm 1am very sorry shout the mishap with your ame, Iam almost certain it was ent to you by US Mail, not UPS a you had requested, This could be the problem - . Sit months i long time 10 walt and T appiecate your patience in this matter. i know the feeling of being “ripped off” 4§ I have lost hundreds of dollars to bad checks vent me for games, As of now Tam stl In the hole about $5000 on this game enter prise. If you can manage it, payment would be realy appreciated, 4, Michael Carter Vanguard Games 2511 SE 146th Ave., Vancounver, WA 98664 Dear Mr, Helferich: 1 really appreciate your helping me with Winter Storm. I received: the game along. with the above letter, I ordered the game UPS but, the letter states, it vas probably sent US Mail and lost, Oat of faimess I plan to send Vane ard $10 and split the loss, | enjoyed your review of Winter Storm in F&M THE JOURNAL oF 207TH Century WARGAMING (To say more would be redundant.) ‘Asilgble at select retail shops or direct from 1002 Warrinston Drive, Avstin, TX 78753 ‘hx sues for fifteen dollars; back issues at $2.50 euch 25. Tt was fain, objective, but critical wher= Called for. Walter Oppenheim in The Wergarmer ripped the game so badly (and, I. believe unfairly) that it made it hard for Vanguard to crash into the Industry. Keep up the fine work swith Feat Lew Fisher Reno, Navada Falklands 111 Dear Editor: 1 seems Me, Vanore, when writing his review of the two Falklands games, either did not have fr fonored the hest of the lot, The Falklands War, produced by Close Simulzions. This ame wins handedown, Its mo “Dice at Sea" but a fainy simple, yot definitive design. We have a Gistinetion between shallow roofs and. deop ‘water, the pros and cons of the deadly Exocet, the chipping away of the Argentine land forces by commando raids, ECM, submasinenersus sibmarine combat, antkaireraft fire. The same shows what would have occurred, had the British moved their fleet into range of the ‘Argentine siforee, To keep out of that range ‘was. the key to tho batt even an allout ‘Atsentine air attack, while sinking more ships ‘ould then not win the War, 1 found i wat unfair not even to mention this game, which is excellent and should be on everyone's shell Perry A. Moore Santa Ros, California The blame docs not He with Lt, Vanore, who id not even know of the existenee of The Falklands War wien he revlewad the other two ‘offerings. We hiope to review this most recent Falklands game in one of our next issues, Explanation and Apology Dear Bra: Ater reading your leter in F&M I flt 1 owed you a response 1 personally bear no grudge against anyone from SPL oF TSR. I lost little of financial value in the failure of SPI, but it was a large porsonal and emotional Toss, a8 it was to many gamers ‘who were the loyal followers of Dunnigan’s Mersie Band. Indeed, 1 came quite clos to working at SPI on at feast two oceasons, dT have several good friends among. the many former employer, ‘The very fect that SPI di fail is proof enough that there were no resources remaining to Keep it alive. SPI had weathered so many financial crisis in the past that most of us knew implie ity that it would have been salvaged somehow hnad it not entizely foundered under an unsup- portable burden of debt It was regretable and perhaps unforgveable tragedy that-my com: ments appeared to suggest that SPL people trere involved in some sort of ripoff of the Subscribers Twas not my Intent. 1 vas seaeting mainly to those whose vilifica tions were entirely diected TSR. The general rity of opinion soomed to bo that TSR had “taped” SPI and made of? with the goods. We ail know what the road to hell is paved with, ‘Those who set out to “sve” SPI succeeded in Jalling it more thoroughly than IF it were simply forced to close its doors fora time until anew Depinning could have been forge. Fire & Movement Ni. 36, August-September 1983 THE COMPLEAT STRATEGIST THE FANTASY GAME CENTER THAT HASIT ALL! If you're into Fantasy, then come magazines and figures for the to THE COMPLEAT STRATEGIST historical gamer too! where you'll find the largest There's a friendly atmosphere at selection of fantasy related items ‘THE COMPLEAESTRATEGIST and our | ever assembled, We carry all Role sta Playing Games, a Rainbow of x att colored dice, every Fantasy aj Ppurchases. Game Science-Fiction Gat SC pay fare located in our stores so you currently inp oe Rep eater vcu cdventrencent every of paingelibitth Ifyoucan'tvisitone ofourstores, we of fantasy accept mail AND phone orders. Mail fe We also stock the _ orders are accepted ONLY at our 33rd newest fantasy products as soon as _Street location; or by phone during iby Steady to answer any ee EB mess they're released, When we call business hours at (212) 685-3880-1, ourselves THE Please use VISA or MASTERCHARGE THE COMPLEAT for phone orders, STRATEGIST we're OMPLEAT Send fora free Catalog not just boasting EG to the store location ee, joe... ames, books, WE'VE GOT IT ALL! No ame room athe S7#St sore IN NEW YORK: We are proud to announce the 115, 33rd Steet opening of our newest location NYC. 10016 (212) 685-3880-1 320 West 57" Street 10:30-6:00 New York, New York Mon. to Sat. Thurs. till 9:00 IN NEW JERSEY: 215 Glenridge Ave. Montclair, WJ. 07042 (201) 744-6622 1:00-7:00 Tues. to Sat. IN FLORIDA 5406-8 Stirling Rd. Davie, Fla. 33314 (305) 961-5660 1:00-7:00 In business terms, companies that hold insut- Fclent assets to fund. theit liabilities are. gem cnlly foreed to declare bankruptey. What we saw instead was an incoherent closing of doors and declarations from TSR that they now hhc SPI asots but-not their Habits (tead responsibilities). Well someone stil held thove responsibilities. When I challenged those who retained those responsibilities to act, it was ‘wih the Full expectation that the only posible action was a formal delaration of bankruptey The unspoken continuation of my statements about money and who it belonged to should hhave been to the point that such money was probably long since spent on business oblign- tions and that What Was needed was a formal response from what remained of SPL that the claims of the subyeribers could no longer be honored. I imagine that would be an extremely Painful thing o have to state explicitly, which exphins why no one ever stated it Undoubtedly the events of 1982 ereated much bittcmess in the hearts of Mesrz, Simonsen, Hessel, Wagner, et al. As my published remark appear to have added to. that bitterness, 1 now offer my apologies and regrets that my Words caused further ste It appears that this sory chapter is very neazly cowed: | hope that all those involved on the losing end move on to new and satisfying favolvements. It is in sich painful episodes that we all prow a bit wiser Stephen W. Hall Acington, Virginia ‘Anger Slow to Cool Dest Dr, Helfer 1 don't suppose I can say anything really orginal ‘or different about the SPI/TSR Tasco, but {read in FAM 33 that TSR's latest line Is that e

    You might also like