Tactics II

Overview

This is the granddaddy of all hobby wargames. It is set on a hypothetical continent. Players take opposing sides named Red and Blue.

Components

The game comprises of a rules folder, a mapboard, counters, a die and a combat results chart.(CRT)

Counters represent divisions of armour, infantry, mountain and paratroopers. All units have combat factor of "1" and movement factor "4" except armour units, which have "2" and "6" respectively. Like I said, this is a simple game.

Unlike most modern wargames, the mapboard has a square (as opposed to hexagonal) grid. Terrain types comprises of clear, city, mountain forest rivers and sea(unplayable). Effects of terrain comprises of adjustments to defense strength and impedment to movement. In addition, roads are represented, which speeds up movement.

System

Players alternate taking turns. In each player turn, the active player may move up to all his units. He then resolves all combat caused by his movement. All units adjacent to enemy must attack/be attacked. Units may only attack/defend against adjacent units.

Comments

The game is usually a race to see which player can muster the greatest strength quickly. After a few turns of concentration, there will usually be a massive attriction combat at the center of the board. It then boils down to who is the better tactician. (Soak off expert)

There is very little to recommend this game. It is a decent introductory level game, given its simple rules. But that's just about as far as it goes. No one who has ventured further in wargaming will want to come back to this game.

There is another similar game that AH has put out. Blitzkrieg adds considerable complexity and depth to Tactics II, and is a better game IMHO.

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