Some things in life are non-negotiables. You know the things that no matter what, will always be a part of you. This is a list of the 4 games that will always have a place in my heart and on my gaming shelf.
The games are not listed in any order as, they all have a special place in my wargaming journey. These may not be the best games, or you may think I am crazy for liking them so much however keep in mind this is my list. I would love for you to give me your list in the comment section below. Let's get started!
Squad Leader - I was a freshman in high school the first time I saw the box for Squad Leader. Fortunately, We had a great wargame store in Albuquerque, named Wargames West. They had a ton of games and a backroom where folks could play. I remember sitting for hours watching people play. A gentleman named Ray S was setting up on this day and he asked me if I knew the game. We started talking and before I knew it, I was pushing around some cardboard, and boy I was HOOKED! I remember sitting at the bus stop waiting for the bus to arrive, my new copy of Squad Leader sitting on my lap. I had a huge smile on my face. I have been a gamer ever since.
I play ASLSK now, after going full force into ASL for many years. I have found more games, that I enjoy playing but Squad Leader and ASL will always remind me of my early roots in the hobby.
Storm Over Arnheim - This was my first area impulse game and I have to say it changed the way I thought about wargames. I had always been a hex and counter guy, until a friend of mine, bought SOA and asked me to play. It was one of the best days of my gaming life. I loved the interaction and the sway of fortune, was incredible. I have become an area impulse gamer and have many area games on my shelf, including Breakout Normandy, Turning Point Stalingrad, Thunder at Casino, and many more.
Up Front - What can I say? This is one of my favorite games of all time and I feel a game that was way before its time. Card Driven, fog of war, and you played on a table and not a map. This game took me a little while to get a hold of, but after it "clicked" it has been, game on ever since. I love the mechanics and the interaction of the game. Yes sometimes, things don't go your way... damn a wire card, but it is so much fun. I will always have a copy. I love my original copy of the game. It is so old school, but it brings back so many great memories. A friend and I would sit down, throw some Boston on the cassette player, and play for hours. Fun times indeed.
Combat Commander - This is my favorite game and that is why it is on this list. I play it a ton and I love it every single time. Nothing beats the exciting, back and forth action of this game. The randomness just adds to the excitement of every encounter. I love the card driven aspect. I enjoy that it is still a hex and counter game. I love everything about it. One of the bonuses of the game is the monthly Ladder that Patrick puts on. I get to meet and play with many players that have the same love hate relationship with this game as I do. If I could only own one game, Combat Commander would be that game.
Now it is your turn. What games make up your Fantastic 4 list? Remember it is not all about the best games you have played, it is about what games have made the most impact on your wargaming journey.
Have a great holiday and remember to be kind and stay safe!
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