I've just played a quick five turn game of the starter scenario. This fratures two sides with identical forces of one fighter, three missile troops and three shield armoured troops. I played solo double handing both sides and had themed them fantasy-wise, though I didn't make any use of the prototype fantasy rules. Once I got a hang a rules, which didn't take long, the game ran swiftly and smoothly. There's a nice, elegant system here that feels like it runs itself. Of course this was just the first starter scenario; the consequent scenarios add increasing numbers and types of troops which will add more complexity, but the core mechanisms are no doubt just as simple and elegant. Once you've mastered the introductory scenarios there is a smorgasbord of scenarios and campaign play, including advice for gamemastered play and experience and reward for warbands and individuals. Enough to allow for hours of fun gaming. I haven't had the opportunity to play against another player, but i can imagine that it would be great fun and fairly quick to teach/coach. Highly recommended.

This is a simple but clever Mass skirmish game for medieval warfare. Something sort of unique about it is you don't get into equipping troops. Just general unit types, like Light, Shield, Charger, Missile. Makes list building a breeze.

The dice system is pretty simple too. Usually your rolling 2d6 in order to detirmine outcomes, and if you fail once something bad happens. Fail twice something worse happens.

This is my favorite game for running my Fantasy armies quickly and easily without getting out for a full mass battle. Can't wait for the fantasy supplement coming out which should be a huge book of goodies.

Full disclosure I have been in contact with the author on development of this game. Ivan is a stand out dude, and loves to continue support for his games based on input from fans of his games.

A very simple and light game to learn but with a wealth of things to do that will keep you occupied for a long time including a full campaign system. It may not suit players looking for a more mechanically demanding game but is very much worth a look for most and would probably be a great introductory game to new players as well as narrative driven ones. Also worth noting is although written as a medieval setting it also works just as well for the Arthurian through Viking age.

This game is a great entry point if you are looking to get someone started in wargaming like a child or a friend. It is accessible to play a single game and it is fast paced. Playing a game should come to a satisfactory conclusion after just five rounds. The campaign does add rules, and they do help generate a narrative as you play.

These rules are great for what they are. They are an affordable set of easy to learn and quick to play rules. If you already have a large collection of rules, then you might want to pass on this one. There is one disclaimer to this though; the scenario generator is simple, yet it can help you come up with a quick story on the fly. It could be worth printing out and keeping near your table for when you need a narrative for your game.

A full review and battle report is available here.

Medieval mass skirmish! That’s what it says on the cover!

If you are looking for an eloquent multiplayer rule set that enables fun skirmish situations from earlier eras of warfare then this rule system will suit you wonderfully.
The mechanics are easy, but not too simple. Based on d6 rolling higher than a target number. The basic rules get out of the way of the fun, and are simple enough to learn fast. However there is enough intricacy to keep it fresh, without becoming dive into hardcore simulation.

A basic game can easily be played with a handful of foot or mounted figures (typically 3 or 6 of each type per unit), and a couple of lone figures to represent individuals that are a cut above the rank and file. Worry not though, the rules can handle much larger scenarios and figure counts the only thing that will be affected is the game duration. You will find that there is nuance to the different types of unit classes that make for interesting strategic and tactical options. The terrain and environment handling is simple, but meaningful. I have personally tested the game at smaller engagement and figure scales (15mm) on a 2’ foot square play area, and it works just wonderfully. My personal preference is to have a few different types of markers on hand for the little bit of visual bookkeeping, although not required. You can easily get by with offboard tracking on paper.

Included inside are basic rules for battlefield situations. A nice simple, yet modular, point based force building system will allow you to get to the table quick. The author has added fun sections on bringing the battlefield to life with items like weather charts, persistent campaign play rules, and unit development. Much more is included also. Everything past the basic rules is optional. I WILL POINT OUT IN BOLD THAT THIS NORDIC WEASEL OFFERING DOESN’T HAVE AN INTRINSIC SOLO RULE SECTION. It is designed as is for multiplayer.

The layout is easy to read, and print. I personally sent it out to be printed and bound. It works well at my table. Maybe the weakest point might be the layout, although I prefer simple and easy to read, some may find the this book to be a little too light in the art and layout department. It’s not all text wall and such. Nice line art of weapons and other appropriate accoutrement are in there. Your mileage may vary in that aspect. I prefer it. Using the PDF on a tablet or laptop would work well too.

If you are looking for a good uncomplicated medieval skirmish game then this is it. The price is right. The rules are the right balance of crunchy and “out of the way”. The whole package is very easy to understand. As a bonus the author is receptive to rules questions (I know I bugged him a few times to clarify). GO get it!