Cody’s top 10 ww2 2:38 Honourable mentions: Absolute War 3.27 10. Atlantic Chase 4:47 9. 1944 Battle of the Bulge 7:05 8. Pavlov’s House 8:47 7. Black Orchestra 9:59 6. Origins of WW2 11:35 5. Struggle for Europe 1939-1945 12:26 4. Combat Commander Europe 15:39 3. Undaunted Normandy 17:30 2. Company of Heroes 20:25 1. Warroom
@johnbrown78582 жыл бұрын
Cody, the fact that you make these lists are a tribute to the fact that you take the time, and make the time to produce these lists. Don't let the haters win. Your lists, and other lists like them, give us all different games to look at. Thank you for your work.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.
@unkindestcut2 жыл бұрын
I grew up on Avalon Hill war games, Third Reich, Squad Leader and Victory in the Pacific. Tempted to check out some contemporary counterparts now…
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I hope you get a chance to. Thanks.
@craigclemens9862 жыл бұрын
Russian Campaign is still the most playable.
@DerekWildstar082 жыл бұрын
Hours upon hours playing the Squad Leader Series!!
@cfosburg2 жыл бұрын
Dude this guy was made for you. 🤙
@andrewluchsinger2 жыл бұрын
I have gone past hours of play on Squad Leader I have years of game play. I have 2 copies of Squad Leader, Cross of Iron Crescendo of Doom and GI Anvil of Victory. I won't ever stop. I have even used the rule for miniature games
@rexgoodheart34712 жыл бұрын
Hey, Cody, I'm from New Orleans and very, very proud of our National World War II Museum. Thanks for wearing that shirt! Might help to bring some tourists down to NOLA, just an incredible city to visit.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I was there about two years ago (just before Covid) and visited the museum. I also went to see Chalmette battlefield. Great trip.
@garyarmitage93592 жыл бұрын
I loved your list and I'm a 74 year old hex and counter gamer! Great suggestions and some I'm going to try, Cheers
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.
@silverfang66682 жыл бұрын
You’ve given me lots of interesting games to look into. Thank you for the wonderful list, Dr Carlson!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
@BlessTheAlfredo2 жыл бұрын
Undaunted: North Africa really has been a surprise hit for me. On paper, when I first heard of it I didn’t think too much of the mechanics, but when I got it I fell in love. It’s an accessible game that isn’t too heavy while still exhibiting a good amount of strategy. Plus, games are short! A WW2 game you can play in an hour or so? Amazing.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
The Undaunted games are fantastic! I really love them a lot.
@ForgottenArmy19442 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video as always! WW2 is the reason I became a history teacher, I was a very nerdy kid with WW2 posters and model planes in my bedroom. I watched every 1960s and 70s WW2 movie on Blockbuster VHS tape dozens of times. A great setting for games, too. As a (mostly former) Axis & Allies player, I can't wait to play War Room. Cheers.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. WWII is the reason I'm a historian - specifically Axis & Allies!
@bravehome42762 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Curious if you've ever tried the Ranked A&A 1942 Online computer game? I've been gaming since the 50s, and this is one of the least intrusive (that is, play at your own pace but play you must) online games I've tried.
@quitequiet52812 жыл бұрын
Thanks for catching me up! I will always love the original Axis and Allies... and now there are so many more wonderful games and more every year it seems and not enough time!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Indeed. First World problems.
@Deus19D2 жыл бұрын
I backed War Room's latest kickstarter solely on your review and regard for this game! I have very fond memories of Axis & Allies and I enjoy a lot of similar games to you, so I am fairly confident I'll at least like it enough to justify the purchase. I can't wait to try it out when it delivers! Cheers and happy New Year to you and yours!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir. Happy to help. I know you'll get a kick out of it.
@kylethieman42542 жыл бұрын
I also backed the War Room kickstarter and my group is super excited about it. Talking about dressing up in era outfits based on which country we are playing
@axerxes3981 Жыл бұрын
Dody... thanks for the great review. I"m an OLD war gamer that hasn't played in years. You brought back the old thrill of the fight and the roll of the dice! Thanks for sharing.... Ax
@TheDiscriminatingGamer Жыл бұрын
Thanks!!!
@davidnreiko17 күн бұрын
I like the shirt advertising the National WW2 Museum. Good touch for the video for sure!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer17 күн бұрын
Thanks. I was actually just down there again in June for a seminar. Great museum.
@andrewluchsinger2 жыл бұрын
Squad Leader is still my favorite board games. I have been playing it since the early to mid 80's and I have not stopped
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I know a lot of people love it.
@robertmoffitt13362 жыл бұрын
Your tastes in war games lines up quite a bit with mine. Combat Commander & Undaunted, both excellent. Half of the games on your list are in my collection. I built two 42'" lazy susans, as one of my best friends also bought War Room, built one for him. WWII...Never Forget 💝. You recommended the book Rampage to me about 2 and a half years ago and I picked it up on Audible. That started me on an Audible run of 53 more audio books since then. Currently on Under The Southern Cross (book 2 of 4 set) by Tom Cleaver. Thanks for the "knowledge" kick start Cody!🍻 PS- You were right, Rampage became the toughest, hardest, most gruesome book I've ever read/listened to replacing that spot formerly held by Eugene Sledge's With The Old Breed.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help, my friend.
@GGdeTOURS372 жыл бұрын
Nice to ear from you Cody! Plus to say: I'm French but my favorite famous historic man is Sir Winston Churchill by far! Far from Napoleon, Joan of Arc, De Gaulle and all the others. I use to flood my Facebook friends with dozens of quotes from Winston Churchill! What a man!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting fellow to be sure. Thanks!
@craigclemens9862 жыл бұрын
The Frenchman who generated the most wargames is Napoleon.
@captainnolan5062 Жыл бұрын
Here are some of my favorites: Squad Leader (original), and Advanced Squad Leader (Avalon Hill); Battles for the Ardennes and Bulge (both by SPI); Pander Leader & Panzerblitz (both by AH), Panzer '44 by SPI; Drive on Stalingrad and Panzer Gruppe Guderian (both by SPI), Ardennes (by the Gamers); East Front by Columbia Games; Hells Highway by Victory games, Saipan (by SPI), Arnhem and Red Devils (Paratroop) by SPI, Russian Campaign (AH though originally by Jedco); France 1940 (AH), Storm Over Arnhem (AH), Panzer Armee Afrika and Rommel in the Desert (SPI); Sicily (SPI); Tobruk (AH); Bastogne (in the Westwall Quad); Battle for Germany (SPI); Third Reich (AH); Drang Nach Osten and Unentschieden(GDW); 1941 (GDW); Pacific War (Victory Games); Leningrad (SPI); Normandy '44; Cobra (SPI and later by TSR); among others.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer Жыл бұрын
I’ve played a handful of them. Good list. Thanks!
@captainnolan5062 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer You bet.
@kallekonttinen17382 жыл бұрын
God damn! Born 1974 in Finland we only had Normandy board game around 1985 (hexa board etc.). Nothing else. Then computers came and we change to those. Couple year ago one guy here made board game Finnish Civil War 1918 with crowd funding. Didn't know these are still made commercially..
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Interesting.
@LTrotsky21stCentury2 жыл бұрын
Noticed "A House Divided" on your shelf. I was the House Divided champion at a con in the early 1980s.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Very cool. Great game!
@haroldanderson73272 жыл бұрын
Me and my brother loved playing The Avlon Hill Games Tactics and Tactics Two, in fact we just about wore out the game board and it’s pieces. And the Avlon Hill solitaire game Ambush, in fact I played the game and all of its additions, Purple Heart, Move Out, Silver Star. I really enjoyed creating the Soldiers and naming them, when they were killed it was actually sad. In fact Of all the games I played growing up, I still have all of the game parts and original paperwork and lists of the soldiers who I created.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Very cool. Thanks!
@misomiso82282 жыл бұрын
Havn't watched the video yet, but we all know what is going to be number 1...
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
You know me so well...
@jamesnell19992 жыл бұрын
I played Origins of World War Two as a teenager in the 1970s. I still own it. The concept of the Political Factor made one think about Political Economy and the various components of foreign policy. The major powers contest for the client states of Europe in the 1930s. The Rheinland and Alsace-Lorraine are also represented. The game is well-balanced especially when you do it as a five player game. Each major power has different values for having the most PFs in the various client states. The game reinforces the idea that integration and free trade in the German speaking lands was low hanging fruit for Germany. Not specifically accounted for was the political violence that the Nazis used in the Anschluss of little Austria, Rheinland, and the Sudetenland. However, it could be argued that that is part of why Germany has so many PF to use. The game is also great for learning about the pre-war leaders of Europe. Leon Blum of France is particularly worth learning about. You simply can't know anything about WWII without understanding Europe in the 1930s. I enjoyed learning about the other nine games which I have not played, but hope to some day.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir. Origins is indeed a great game. Hope you get a chance to play the others soon.
@Big_Bag_of_Pus2 жыл бұрын
God _Origins of WW2_ is so old -- I remember seeing that AH game in the 1970s. I'd forgotten all about that game!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Yeah. Released in 1973 I think.
@FreeFragUK2 жыл бұрын
War Room is one I warred with getting back when the second kickstarter went up and a big part of me regrets skipping it but just due to how things have played out due to the pandemic, it would still be sat on the shelf. If it goes back to KS for a third time then I'll probably snap it up but the ability to play a game solo is also something important to me. Atlantic Chase is fantastic and I'm so glad I snapped it up, it's also something you rarely see represented in games. I've been looking for a Bulge game for quite some time so may look at the one referenced in your video.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help. Thanks!
@mikolajwitkowski80932 жыл бұрын
So glad you've revisited the topic, it's very interesting to see how tastes change. :)
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Indeed. That's what I thought. Glad you enjoyed it.
@2ManyHobbies1611 ай бұрын
List was great my friend, and agree with a few. Great job and I send a recommendation of any of the games in the Undaunted series. Believe you will enjoy. Ty for the list
@TheDiscriminatingGamer11 ай бұрын
Love the Undaunted games. Great fun!
@tccrownhart96422 жыл бұрын
Always enjoy your videos. I will be trying some of the other games from 10 to 4. I have the rest and love them. Thanks again for your show!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@browe2 жыл бұрын
I grew up on Squad Leader as a kid, and my go to WWII at that scale of interest is now Conflict of Heroes (3rd ed. with Kursk, Eastern Front for solo.) I got into the system with Attack of the Bear 2nd Ed. Ambush! was also a lot of fun, and I had London's Burning for a long time. I wish I could find a good B-17/RAF/Storm Above the Reich style of game that isn't all dice rolling...
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Haven’t played any of those, just CoH Guadalcanal. Thanks.
@HistoricalGaming2 жыл бұрын
Guadalcanal is the best version! The scenarios are so well done
@bravehome42762 жыл бұрын
I haven't played board games with lots of pieces in a while (caring for my grandkids, who would take innocent delight in disrupting board game positions), but one I remember enjoying back in the day (80s) was World in Flames. It was one of the first I was aware of that tied in politics, economy, and strategy and tactics into one (big) game. Ah, those were the halcyon days of undisturbed focus.... :)
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I've got one of the WIF sets, but have not yet played it.
@bravehome42762 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer My recollection of the game goes back 30+ years, so hope they kept up the quality/fun!
@williammatthews54222 жыл бұрын
First time I've seen your channel. Subscribed. I started with Avalon Hill years ago when there were no other major publishers in the US. It would be nice if you could show publisher's logo. You mention some that I have never heard of. Thanks for your review.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help. Good suggestion.
@CarlAlex22 жыл бұрын
I am lucky in having found a group of friends to play wargames with when I was 15 and we have been playing about weekly for 40 years now - sadly the others are VERY conservative about what games they want to play (Advanced Third Reich(AH), Guns of August (AH), War Between the States (SPI) plus a few Beer and Pretzel games) but I am not complaining. My favourite WW2 games are Advanced Squad Leader (MMP former AH) and World in Flames (ADG).
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic!
@ohalloranjames2 жыл бұрын
I love A3R and WIF. This is a great listing and its great to see the input on the conversation
@theblytonian39062 жыл бұрын
Original Squad Leader series inc Crescendo of Doom & Cross of Iron (before ASL) was fab. ASL also great, more complex and overwhelming when it first released if an attempt to standardise the fragmented rules of its predecessors, but became unwieldy as the series expanded. Have many of the ASL modules, but haven't played it for many years.
@CarlAlex22 жыл бұрын
@@theblytonian3906 Yes on a scale from 1 to 10 ASL has a complexity level of 11. But you can reduce the load by a lot just by restricting yourself to playing non-Mediterrainian ETO scenarios. Little need for PTO or Dessert rules then and those are IMHO a significant part of the complexity.
@akelly4322 жыл бұрын
Great list, love both your channels. Atlantic chase, Pavlov s house and undaunted are on my buy list now. My top three are cataclysm, world in flames and no retreat russian front but unconditional surrender might knock out wif and churchill, with more plays, might knock out russian front... so many great games out there!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Indeed! Thank you!
@woody1kenobi7632 жыл бұрын
Damn you again Cody!!! 😜🤯. Between myself and a friend, our gaming group had completed our goal of owning your last top 10 WW2 list! Now those pesky games publishers have released even more great games and the list shifts once more! Luckily my buddy had all ready secured CoH and it is a worthy number 2, once you’ve played a couple of games and get your head around it. Great video, great list, great channel. Better go and try and find a copy of Pavlov’s now. Thanks mate.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Ha! It’s what I do.
@madmike54212 жыл бұрын
One of the best WW2 games of all time is and will continue to be Panzer Group Gerderian by SPI. They made so many good games back then wish I still had time to play them.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I've heard about it, but haven't played it.
@gizmophoto35772 жыл бұрын
PGG is a great game. I got it with my Strategy &Tactics subscription way back when and still have it today. Another good game with the same system is Cobra, which I played solo several times last year.
@StinkyWizleteets2 жыл бұрын
Never read the comments. Great list
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'd miss out on a lot of good people and perspectives if I took that advice.
@Coyotehello2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on getting published! Another great video. I am not surprised that WR is your #1. :-) Thank you for the list as I am looking for a solitaire that could also play 2-4 players so a few options in your list there. Here, I am looking forward to receiving WR new edition scheduled for early summer I believe. And to your next video of course.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. You're gonna love War Room!
@lauriea29712 жыл бұрын
Hi Cody I just found ur channel. I love military history plus I love playin wwii games
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic. Glad to have you on board!
@paulprecour36362 жыл бұрын
The Panzer Grenadier series by Avalanche Press is also a remarkable find. Brings back memories of playing Squad Leader/Cross of Iron/Crescendo of Doom for the first time, just without the insane level of (oft times self-defeating) minutiae.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the recommend.
@bryangasche31922 жыл бұрын
Love the list! Been watching you awhile and always enjoy your take.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.
@lukaswernig97212 жыл бұрын
great list with interesting games! will you do list like this one with revolutionary and civil war setting? please :)
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Maybe a Civil War one before too long. I don’t know that I’ve played enough Revolutionary War games yet.
@eaksgeeks8674 Жыл бұрын
Ride of iron was a Gem I had the first edition big box back in the day
@TheDiscriminatingGamer Жыл бұрын
Fun game.
@christopherwilson26062 жыл бұрын
My two favorites are Axis & Allies Anniversary Edition and Castle Itter. But there are so many I haven't played; so many of those are on this list. Great review.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@almonius12 жыл бұрын
Best solitaire game ever...B-17 Queen of the Skies.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I've heard good things about that one.
@wayland83802 жыл бұрын
Are you going to do a video on Company Of Heros? It'd be interesting to see it played
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I've done a review of CoH and its solo mode, and I may do a live stream of the solo mode down the road. Here is the review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kKl0nKln1tnDXX0.html. and here is the solo review: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d5x7iLKVrOCrf5s.html
@-RTC-2 жыл бұрын
Great video as always Cody. I’m really excited for the second Kickstarter for your #2! I’m definitely backing that one. Take care!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Great game!
@HulaViking2 жыл бұрын
The old Avalon Hill games I loved most were Stalingrad and Midway.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic!
@larryd95492 жыл бұрын
In my Junior High School years (the late 70's) I played the hell out of Third Reich, Sqaud Leader, Panzer Leader, and Panzer Blitz
@HulaViking2 жыл бұрын
@Larry D I was more into the beer and pretzels games. The two I mentioned and Afrika Korps.
@HulaViking2 жыл бұрын
Oh and War at Sea.
@markdolby14362 жыл бұрын
@@larryd9549 I've got all 4 of those in the loft (3 copies each of PzL and SqL) plus others like Bismarck, Circus Maximus, Richtofen's War (x2), War and Peace, Wooden ships and Iron men plus others. Great times.
@WilliamFSteiner Жыл бұрын
I agree, WarRoom is probably one of the best WWII Strategic level games. I especially like that everyone simultaneously writes down movement orders and bids for turn order with oil. It feels more realistic. Think of Texas Hold'em comes to Wargames, and you will have an idea what WarRoom is all about.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer Жыл бұрын
Yeah - it’s got Diplomacy in its DNA, another great game.
@Majdi.J2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video Cody! I'm not sure if you've played it, but my favourite WW2 game is Unconditional Surrender! World War 2 in Europe. It's a grand game but with elegant and streamlined rules. I highly recommend it.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I haven’t played that one.
@vinceA37482 жыл бұрын
Loved the video. Totally agree with you on Undaunted. One of my favorites. The expansions make it even better. Also, based on your recommendation, I just ordered 1944 Battle of the Bulge.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic! I think you’ll love it!
@RobRiddell372 жыл бұрын
I hadn't heard of your #2 and #1 choices. I introduced my friends to Axis & Allies when it first came out. Maybe they'll dive on on War Room now. Thanks for the list!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. It’s a great game.
@davidthompson72332 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Dr. C. As always, you rock! :)
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir.
@SumerNivek2 жыл бұрын
I may have to try War Room someday, but right now, sticking with Axis and Allies. I just started playing it again last year after not having played it in almost 25 years, and I feel like I am a newbie A&A player all over again, re-discovering strategies and just the game itself. Plus, I am enjoying the new iterations that have come out since I last played and got myself an Anniversary edition before it sold out again. If and when I master and/or grow tired of A&A, I may step my game up to War Room at that time. On another note, however, I just got the third printing of Triumph and Tragedy, so looking forward to trying that game out!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
T&T is great. Hope you get to play War Room soon.
@SumerNivek2 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer thanks for the reply! Will you (or have you, and I am just not seeing it) be reviewing the Pacific version of T&T? Conquest and Consequences, is that what it is called?
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
@@SumerNivek stay tuned!
@travisbicklejr2 жыл бұрын
Cody, this was a great list! I love your content!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Much appreciated.
@bamaretiredgruntscottb.65332 жыл бұрын
Anotheer really good video. You embrace what wargaming is all about. Keep it coming.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Much appreciated.
@GetRidOfCivilAssetForfeiture2 жыл бұрын
One WW2 game I really enjoyed was “One Page Bulge” by Steve Jackson Games. It is quick, easy to learn, can be done in a few hours and is fairly realistic. While it is a no frills game, it is fun and playable. Steve Jackson apparently designed it in response to a dare that no one could design a Battle of the Bulge game with just one page of rules and still keep it realistic. He succeeded. The Germans start out more powerful but as the Americans get more reinforcements, it becomes bloody and a slog fest. The Germans have to keep their units in supply or suffer greatly for not doing so. Americans get reinforcements at critical times. While our results were not exactly historical, they were not unrealistic. I played the Germans and made it to the Meuse but could not cross due to running out of time, thus losing the game. I remember both I and my friend, who played the Americans, at one point had a gaping hole in our lines that but for the lack of unit on each side neither of us could exploit. If I had tried to exploit the hole with what I had , my friend would have easily cut off my supply lines and destroyed my units piece meal. The same would have occurred to him if he tried to exploit the hole in my line. It was fun and we finished in about 3 hours.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Sounds cool. Thanks.
@rickjohnson95582 жыл бұрын
That IS a good one. Its no OGRE, but still pretty good.
@GetRidOfCivilAssetForfeiture2 жыл бұрын
@@rickjohnson9558 OGRE was a masterpiece and would have been hard to top. Still, he accomplished what he set out to do with One Page Bulge and did it very well. Another one I liked was GDW’s Battle For Moscow. It is an introductory level game but fun and was meant to help people become familiar with their system for The Great Patriotic War.
@concretmixer2 жыл бұрын
I remember playing Panzer Blitz, and Panzer General as a kid all the time.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I used to play the Panzer General PC game all the time in High School.
@michaelwild8882 жыл бұрын
Thanks again. I also have a Kickstarter for War Room. I notice that you did not include Pacific Victory from Columbia. This is a faster game for two people. A mix of different elements, but really fun. Just a thought.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Pacific Victory is a great game, just didn't make the list. I actually prefer the Pacific scenario from War Room.
@davidburton96902 жыл бұрын
Axis and Allies forever. We played it as a family back in the day, so the nostalgia hits. I also like how the macro feels, you can feel the momentum build especially in the fight in Eastern Europe. It is simple enough to learn, but the planning and moves are set up like chess. I would love to pick up a copy of War Room and get a lot more game out of the game.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
War Room really feels like an evolution of AA. A much better game all the way around.
@johnbrown78582 жыл бұрын
This is a great list Cody.. Origins is an absolute classic. Thanks for posting.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@kamakazi3392 жыл бұрын
I haven't had a chance to watch your other video as this is the first video of yours I have ever seen. That being said, what do you think of classic axis and allies? I have many good memories as a kid playing that game and unfortunately I have no one to play my copy with as an adult.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I think A&A was a lot of fun back in the day. In fact, and I've mentioned this several times on the show, A&A prompted my interested in WWII when I was a kid and ultimately set my on the course to get my PhD in history with a focus on WWII. I believe it is an honorable mention in my previous video. War Room (my #1) has kind of killed A&A for me. It's from the same designer, and it is always what I wanted A&A to be. A much grander, richer, more epic experience. Thanks!
@kamakazi3392 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Thanks for the reply! I'll have to go see your other video. As I said, this was my first video of yours! I will have to find a copy of war room to hopefully play one day!
@nok6151 Жыл бұрын
Great video Cody! I love that you do too 10’s. On the topic of world wars, have you ever played Paths of Glory (WW1 game)? I just played the 6th edition and love it and would be stoked to hear your thoughts on the game.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer Жыл бұрын
I would love to play it. But I haven’t had a chance yet.
@nok6151 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer that’s understandable, there’s so many good games to play and not always a lot of time
@TheShadowAdmiral2 жыл бұрын
Great list! Thanks for the recommendations and thoughts! As a fellow WW2 game fan, I like to hear about new games which has come out.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Happy to help.
@SmokeRingHalo2 жыл бұрын
Just picked up the full Tide of Iron collection in great condition for a good price before the holidays. Surprised it didn't make your list. Going to have to check out Company of Heroes now. Already pledged for the next War Room run. Thanks for the list!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help. TOI is a great game, and I think you'll really like War Room. COH just kind of replaced TOI for me.
@SmokeRingHalo2 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I'm sure I'll enjoy War Room. I own almost every version of Axis and Allies and am ready for the next evolution.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
@@SmokeRingHalo You won't be disappointed.
@vh85422 жыл бұрын
nice list! I was able to back War Room 2nd Edition. Big time A&A fan me and a friend have played countless hours on A&A global. Hoping to try this out with him. Wanted to back Company of Heroes so bad but didn't have the funds at the time. Hopefully I will be able to pick it up soon.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I think you'll love War Room, and hope you'll be able to play Company of Heroes before too long.
@MrMadmanUSA2 жыл бұрын
Pavlov’s house is my favorite WW2 game. It covers all the bases and it’s a solo game.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Great game.
@markwhitmore45472 жыл бұрын
Great list and I love your videos. One thing you might consider when making these lists is availability. It is frustrating to get jazzed about your top two selections, only to see that there is no availability for either game unless one is willing to pay $400+. I know your favorites are your favorites. But it does lead to an anticlimactic end to these lists for many of us.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I'm sorry about that, but it is what it is. I know COH will have a KS later this year, and I think War Room will probably have another at some point.
@samhugo58702 жыл бұрын
Iam relatively new to Boardgame Terminology, because I am currently fascinated about the 2nd Ed. of Company of Heroes on KS, witch would be my thirdWargame in the Collection if you count "Root" and Twilight Struggle as a Wargame, I wonder where you draw the line here, what makes a Boardgame, a Wargame, and what would not? How do you differentiate between those two?
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
That’s a very old question. The reality is that there are no hard and fast rules for the definition of a wargame. Some people will tell you that if it is not a hex and counter simulation then it is not a wargame. I suppose I would say any game that has a “war” theme and some form of direct combat qualifies. Generally, I don’t consider TS a wargame.
@2ManyHobbies1611 ай бұрын
Lol as I was typing you mention Undaunted Normandy go figure lmao
@TheDiscriminatingGamer11 ай бұрын
I did indeed.
@tomsamo42112 жыл бұрын
Another nice video, thank you. I'm now interested by War Room and Pavlov's House. One of my favorite WW2 game is "No Retreat - The Russian Front" by Carl Paradis (same designer as Absolute War 1941-45). It looks like hex ans counters but there's more than that. It's relatively easy to grasp, it's also card driven which adds to the fun and there's few units on each sides so it's not overwhelming. It's so subtle it feels like chess.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I've heard good things about it. Paradis is a great designer.
@tomsamo42112 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I'd advise you give it a try if you get the chance. I'm not a wargamer or especially fond of the WW2 theme but I'm a fan of this game :)
@natskivna2 жыл бұрын
Curious if you have reviewed any other old Avalon Hill games? A few that come to mind are Third Reich, War at Sea, Squad Leader (and it's follow ups), and my personal favorite...Victory in the Pacific? Great list here too! Makes me want to check out War Room. :)
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I don’t believe I’ve reviewed any others except Origins. Hope you get to check out War Room.
@danielgolite2 жыл бұрын
Avalon Hill games were good. Pander Blitz, Pander Leader, War at Sea, original Squad Leader are all good.
@rastamann20092 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video! I do like the visual aspect of both Company of Heroes and Tide of Iron, but I also am a miniatures games, so at a certain point, I end up preferring to play a miniatures wargame other than those two. It's one of those things that "you do you", I suppose. I've been meaning to try out a few hex and counter games, lately - I bought Lock'n'Load Tactical (Heroes in Defiance - France 1940 - which is a tactical level game) and I absolutely adore Lock'n'Load's Nations at War system, for grand tactical. I'm also really looking forward to trying an operational level game from Vuca Sims - Across the Bug River (Volodymyr-Volynskyi 1941) - it has beautiful counters and map and from everything I've been reading about it the rules manual should be the subject of study by wargames designers everywhere! Cheers and thanks, once again!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Didn't quite grok your first para. TOI and COH are both miniatures wargames.
@rastamann20092 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Ah, yes, I realize I wasn't very clear - I'm referring to tabletop wargames instead of board wargames :)
@Carlos-ok4rv10 ай бұрын
Hello Cody, I was wondering what were your thoughts on Global War 1936-1945 ? The 4th edition is coming up and its mechanics look very comparable to Axis & Allies. They also have settings for WW1, Cold War and Modern Conflict. Have you come across any ? Cheers
@TheDiscriminatingGamer10 ай бұрын
I haven’t played any of those. Sorry.
@Carlos-ok4rv10 ай бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer and if may ask further, have you played any from Historical Board Gaming (HBG)?. Maybe you have come across their system before? They seem to have the same rules applied to many conflicts and scenarios. Maybe simpler than War Room though, but the same scale I think 🤔
@guillermoortiz1492 жыл бұрын
Hi! Great video. I love Tide of Iron too. I have Pavlov's House too, and I agree with you this is fantastic. Have you tried Heroes of Normandie? It's a tactical 'like miniatures' game based on WW2 movies. Lot of fun. I will take a look at CC Europe. Thanks for share!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I used to own HoN, but never got it to the table.
@phasestar77872 жыл бұрын
Thanks Cody, it's one of my favorite themes for games as well. I think you chose a great variety of games. I haven't played them all and some of those are definitely on my list to try now. I'm curious when it comes to 1944 Battle of the Bulge, could you elaborate in the future (or have you already in another video?) on what made that stand out against other operations hex and counter games?
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
It was just relatively straight forward and quick. You can check out my full review here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rayEjb1nzc-bf2Q.html
@sonnypound2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on the publication!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@KarimTheilgaard2 жыл бұрын
My current top WWII game that I actually have in my collection is Heroes of Stalingrad. But Memoir44, Tides of Iron and Pavlov’s House are also classics. The latter I often play digitally. I’d love to go in on the new CoH Ks but it’s just too massive for my available space.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Too bad. CoH is a great game.
@KarimTheilgaard2 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer I forgot to mention: my most played WWII game is the latest edition of Maquis. A nice and quick little puzzle!
@karlfromthewargame_bootcam77332 жыл бұрын
I’m mainly a hex and counter gamer but I still like your opinions, do keep up the good work.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir!
@malcolmsleight93342 жыл бұрын
A very good solo game is Combat from Compass Games. It's infantry combat in WWII in the style of Ambush, but with a much improved AI system. There is a lot of variation/randomness as to how each scenario plays out. It is a very worthy successor to Ambush. Compass Games is about to release Combat 2 which adds more to the game as well as a campaign system.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Very cool. I hadn’t heard about that one.
@malcolmsleight93342 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer There are play through videos here on KZfaq.
@javierulrich2 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised you didn't include Triumph & Tragedy or Churchill.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Great games - I could just never get them to the table.
@jessel36212 жыл бұрын
Stalin is going to send you to the Gulag for those jokes. War Room is great for its secret orders. I had to make a few house rules though, such as giving carriers 2 fighters instead of 1. Black Swan is my favorite WWII European theatre game. It is a bit pricy, but it is simple yet deep. Orange Swan, its Pacific counterpart, will be coming out this year.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I've been thinking about ways to make carriers more powerful. Perhaps that's it. I haven't played Black Swan, but heard great things. Thanks.
@Lebatron19702 жыл бұрын
LOL I'm the other JesseL. So funny you mention Black Swan. I've been making a Vassel Module for it. It's pretty much done. I just have to setup a few more scenarios. The Vassel mod out now was so unpolished I had to make an update. I've improved several Vassel modules so it's not my first rodeo. I think the small player base of Black Swan will love what I have done to the module. BTW my real last name is LeBreton. What is yours?
@SgtFaustWargames2 жыл бұрын
This hex-and-counter guy isn't going to give you any grief for your taste inn games. Variety is what keeps our hobby interesting. PS. Welcome to the cult of Combat Commander!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Ha! Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.
@TheSYPHERIA2 жыл бұрын
Can you recommend which one of these games is a good starter game for a new player? I'm not a fan of solitaire if that helps and these all look amazing.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
I think there are a few that are pretty accessible for new players. Undaunted Normandy and Undaunted North Africa are both fantastic games. Unlike other, heavier wargames, they don't have a lot of the details/exceptions/special rules that you often find. They are deck builders, which is an easy concept to learn if you haven't played any before (if you want to learn this DB system, the easiest one to learn is the DC Comics Deck Building Game or Star Realms). But Struggle for Europe is a relatively light, two player. Origins is really good too for multi-player, if you can find it - long out of print. Black Orchestra is a really fun game, not a war game, that is not too difficult to learn. Anyway, happy to help. Best of luck to you.
@StevenAPowers2 жыл бұрын
Great to see COH so high on your list. It'd be #1 for me but my copy of War Room is still on its way.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
You’re gonna love War Room!
@sigurd14102 жыл бұрын
Great list!!! I hope to get War Room at some stage (purely on your recommendation - no pressure! 😁) If you can, get and try"ORP Orzel" - superb 2 player hide and seek game about escape of Polish submarine from Estonia through Baltic to UK... Another recommendation: 303 Squadron. Superb Battle of Britain game!!!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Sound like great recommendations. Thanks.
@Shauma_llama2 жыл бұрын
No love for World in Flames? I remember when Axis and Allies first came out, there were no specials rules about limiting a factories production based on the productivity of the province. One game I'm playing England and think "hey, if I put a factory in Iran, I can build ALL my units there, and send them wherever they're needed most, Russia, India, North Africa; no transports necessary! So after that discovery, the Germans had to take Syria/Iraq on the first turn, or the game was over. I guess that's why they implemented the rule, right? 😄
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Haven’t played it yet.
@richardlong57512 жыл бұрын
Thanks Cody, very interesting. My favorite Churchill quote is when a disgruntled Admiral indignantly told Churchill he was scuttling the tradition of the Royal Navy. Churchill answered: “Pah! Don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash.”
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Ha!
@johnwiens99642 жыл бұрын
My favorite was an exchange with a British socialite who told Churchhill "If you were my husband, I'd put poison in your coffee." To which Churchill replied "And if you were my wife, I'd drink it."
@douglaspearson48532 жыл бұрын
Origins I bought when it first came out and had a blast when I played it at a game club I used to belong to. War Room I would love to play that. Probably never will as I would never get anyone to play it.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Too bad. War Room is fantastic.
@douglaspearson48532 жыл бұрын
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer It looks like a blast
@patriziopastore98952 жыл бұрын
I feel like a newbie... I just back War Room second edition on KS, still of course didn't play it but very excited... I read that the 2nd Edition of the Company of Heroes Board Game is in development and will launch on Kickstarter Q2 2022... I miss the first edition but I will jump in the new one!!!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, CoH is great. You will love both it and War Room.
@JohnSmith-zv8km2 жыл бұрын
Excellent ideas, I will have to get back into games.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Hope you do!
@pauls35852 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Cody, this is a great list. I haven't played any of these games but I would like to play/buy Undaunted.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic game!
@przemekbozek2 жыл бұрын
Really good list Cody, thanks for refreshing it
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@ken02722 жыл бұрын
Pity about the nasty comments, many people are braver and safely discourteous on the internet than they would be face to face, an unfortunate reality of this medium, please continue with your videos!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Much appreciated.
@varovaro19672 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Memoir will always stay in my top ten for sentimental reasons. The same for Axis and Allies although i understand it has been superseded by War Room. I like Holdfast as well. The GMT family is always too complex for my brain…. Maybe i should try that Eastern Front of your list.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Absolute War is a fairly good introduction to Eastern Front games from GMT, but there is still a moderate level of complexity. Still, I think if you invest the time to learn it you will enjoy it.
@graygrumbler42532 жыл бұрын
So have you tried any of these? Churchill, Target for Today, or Quartermaster General? All great WWII themed games.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Churchill was on my list last time. Great game, I just never got it the table. I haven't played the other two.
@KSweeney362 жыл бұрын
How much would this change for solo? For solo if you do one, put effort/time ratting, please. Sometimes I want to solo, a sit a table long game but other times a unwind coffee table game. Could almost be two different lists.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
This might interest you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gsmZnZt9y8nSYGg.html
@carrickrichards24572 жыл бұрын
I have 4 of these. There is an absolutely enormous catalog to choose from in this field: It might benefit from some breakdown, perhaps Strategy/ Abstract: Operational: Tactical: Economic/Political: Naval: Air categories? Thank you for your video
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Indeed. Great suggestion. Thanks a ton.
@rodufolkart36672 жыл бұрын
Cody, I stumbled across this video and you perked my interest to play the many Avalon Hill WWII games I’ve had since the 60’s and 70’s. I used to play as often as I could but finding folks to play became a challenge as life moved on. That said, are the Avalon Hill Games like Tobruk (one of my favorites), Battle of the Bulge and D-Day worth selling today? Thanks for you channel.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
You'd probably have to check the secondary market for those games, as I am not familiar with them. Look on BGG and see what they're selling for. I'm sure there are people out there who'd love to buy such games if you can find them. Thanks.
@craigclemens9862 жыл бұрын
Russian Campaign is still the best AH game
@pattilloII2 жыл бұрын
Keep up the great work, Dr. Cody.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.
@mrsuitcase97992 жыл бұрын
I like RAF: The Battle of Britain, and Maquis - I'm not much of a hex and counter guy any longer. Really like Black Orchestra as well, btw. And I'll check out the Undaunted series and Company of Heroes now because of your showcase.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help! Thanks!
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
Happy to help! Thanks!
@douglaspearson48532 жыл бұрын
I want to ask do you have The Marshal Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia Of WWII? It has great pictures large print in a 25 vol set. Anyway as I have no family. That could change but if I don't have anybody to leave it to if something should happen to me (I have a defect heart) would you be interested in it. I can;t think of any else who would get more use out of it, I am working on a will and I will leave them to you.
@TheDiscriminatingGamer2 жыл бұрын
That's very kind of you. Thanks.
@notbloodylikely48172 жыл бұрын
I used to work for assisted living and spent a lot of time with the elderly. Here's a cool WWII story you never heard, recounted to me by Sid who has now passed away. Sid was in the Royal Engineers and his job after D-Day was finding booby traps and dissarming them. He was in a team with a sergeant who had a notoriously dodgy sense of humour. As the British liberated towns previously occupied by the Germans they would move into the same big buildings used by the Germans as HQs. The Germans knew this and would leave boobytraps, especially around expensive objects which they thought the Allies might try to take, antiques etc. Sid's team would 'clear' these buildings before command occupied them and one of their routine tasks was checking behind paintings. So one day the Sarge tells Sid and co there's a bunch of original oil paintings and he thinks a booby trap is very likely. It's one of the team's first jobs of this kind so they are all very nervous. The Sarge points out one painting and says he's certain it's been moved, a sure sign the Germans tampered with it. This is in an old town hall office on the second floor (important detail). Sid approaches the painting, sweating and trembling. He slowly, carefully lifts it forward and peaks behind, at which point the Sarge yells BANG! All six members of Sid's team jumped out of the window, landing on a car filled with British officers waiting to move into the building. Nobody was hurt 😂