The Readers' Page

Letters to the Editor

by the readers

Sirs:

.... I'm a survivor of "D" Company, 1/5 Marines. Spent 19 days in Hue as a combat correspondent for the USMC. I was disabled on the wall at the Citadel.

The photos on pages 28-30 ot issue #6 were by my partner Sgt. Bill Dickman. Excellent work.

Keep up your magazine ....

Steven L. Berntson, Tacoma, WA

Dear Sirs:

This is not a complaint about NORAD, as I tound it a fast, simple game to play, unrealistic but enjoyable.

This is to bring to your attention the advertisement on page 62 of Conflict #6. I realize the extent to which America relies on Canada for defense againat the Russians, but to place Canadian fighter units on Denver and Los Angeles is too much. This not only leaves Canada unprotected but gives the Russian a chance to hit Los Angeles with SLBMs, destroying the Canadian unit at the same time. Phooey!

From an infuriated Canadian

Gentlemen:

.... If at all possible, I would like to see more games by Mr. Hill. I have played all of the games published by Contlict Games and have yet to be disappointed. Your review of Kasserine Pass . . . I would like to take objection to one point .... The cost to my mind is not unrealistic. The board will be repbced by Contiict it it should wear out through normal wear-and-tear. The plastic baggies to hold the counters is another advancement that others should follow. The double-dice table works well with Avalon Hill's Bulge. All these are good points that would have me purchase the game at its cost without a quibble.

Perhaps the best aspect ot the game is its playability. As you point out this game will not gather dust on the shelf. Let me give you an example mathematicaly ot my feelings on game buying:

GameCostGames PlayedCost/Game
KP$9.0030+$0.30
S&T's
El Alamein
$7.00setup only$7.00
France'40$9.006$1.50

I would rather pay more for a good game than pay less for a dust collector. I believe that a better estimate of a game is how much you enjoy it, not its initial cost....

Norris L. Darrall, Racine, WI

Dear Sirs:

.... I have noticed in your letter column an unfortunate attempt by many of your readers to downgrade S&T and commend your organization. Both are fme companies producing what both believe the products their customem want to purchase .... there is room enough for both, I subscribe to both and will continue to do so ....

Keep up the good work, your effort is paying off, it not for you then at least for the people who read your magazine and work with your simulations.

James L. Cole, Wheeling, WV

Dear Conflict People:

.... I would like to answer your editorial on page 2 of issue six....there exists people in the wargaming area that like SPI-type games. They like numbers like 6.12 complexity ratings. They like a game like SNIPER (with more rules than USN) that takes several trial playings just to completely understand the rules. I am one of those persons. I am also one who appreciates a more "playable" (your definition) game. That's why I subscribe to both S&T and your magazine. Of the six or so other gamers I play with all are like me....

Thomas Galloway, Virginia Beach, VA

Dear Mr. Lombardy:

I . . . have set up, but not yet quite dared to play, NORAD. Absolutely spine-chilling, and the idea of adding up tbe score by means ot counting mushroom clouds!!!

I have always enjoyed these games and can easily see how, it I did not watch myself, I might become addicted. The God feeling given to the player by them is very invigorating and my guess h it gives a very good insight, indeed, into what happens to you when you be come a super general.

.... Tbe weirdest and most frutrating game I've played yet in the military game line was a battle of Gettysburg in which, no matter how prettily the South spun around its horse troops, the steady accumulation of power from the industrial North slowly ground it down. Appeared to indicate pretty conclusively you can do just so much with witty generalmanship.

Gahan Wiison, Boston, MA


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