I really wanted to love this game.

When I ordered Combat! Volume 3: Arnhem, it wasn’t a casual purchase. I bought it because Rough Swordsman, someone whose opinions on tactical systems I genuinely respect, speaks highly of the Combat! system. And to be fair, I’ve heard great things about Volumes 1 and 2.

But this volume? It left me disappointed. And I don’t say that lightly.

First, Respect Where It’s Due

Let me say this clearly: I admire anyone who designs wargames. Truly. I could only dream of creating something that complex. Designers who publish their work have given me hundreds of hours of enjoyment. This enjoyment is both with friends and solo at the table.

This post is not meant to be harsh for the sake of being harsh. It’s meant to be honest.

The Map: Beautiful… and Practically Unusable

The maps are gorgeous. No argument there.

But they are massive. Much, much too large for what the system seems to require. And worse, the hex overlay is so faint. My 61 old eyes can barely see the hexes.

That’s not a small issue in a hex-and-counter tactical system.

I find myself moving units point-to-point using the center dots because the grid simply disappears.

Beautiful maps are great. Functional maps are better.

If you’ve played this volume, I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Did it click for you? Did you house-rule fixes? Or am I missing something that unlocks the experience?

After giving it an honest try, I’ve decided to move my copy of Combat! Volume 3: Arnhem along to someone who may enjoy it more than I did. Not every game earns permanent shelf space, and that’s okay. I still respect the designers and the effort that went into it, but this volume just didn’t click for me.

Down the road, I may revisit the system and pick up Combat! Volume 1, which so many players continue to praise. Sometimes the right move in this hobby isn’t forcing a game to work, it’s finding the one that truly does.

Until next time, Be Safe, Be Kind and Happy Wargaming!