Recommendations for WWII Skirmish Rules

1 to 1 Scale

by Synicbast

First off, 1 to 1 is a representational ratio. GS/RS is not a skirmish set of rules where you are dealing with the actions of individual soldiers but a tactical set where one operates company and battalion level forces using manoeuvre units of 2-5 soldier per base and 1 model per vehicle represented.

I won't bother trying to recommend any other sets of rules that fall outside similar parameters so here's a list of commercial rules you may want to look at:

Flames of War from Battlefront Miniatures

Designed for players to field combined arms forces equivalent to a reinforced company or slightly larger. Entry level fast playrules designed for the novice gamer with excellent website and customer support. Very well presented.

Poor Bloody Infantry from Peter Pig Miniatures

Haven't seen these but gather that they are popular in UK despite some issues with production values and clarifications. Again reinforced company to battalion level per side.

I Ain't Been Shot Mum from Too Fat Lardies

The newest set of rules to cause a stir. Seem to employ a card-driven mechanism along with influences of SLA Marshall's Men Against Fire theses and Clausewitzian friction. Company to Battalion level

Crossfire by Arty Conliffe

Infantry focussed set of rules that has its adherents. Some issues with Armour rules but excellent small unit concepts for North west Europe or any theatre of Ops where close terrain is usual. Terrain is needed in quantities far more than usual for wargaming for this set to get the best out of it.

Battlefront WW2 by Fire and Fury games

Slightly higher level of representation than the others but no real difference in game effects as it still works out as a tactical system. Popular in US and high production values.

Overlord: Normandy 1944 by Firebase Games

Simpler, campaign specific rules set using similar mechanics to GS/RS but very nicely done. Many interesting concepts and they give an excellent game with the understanding they have a limited focus. No longer available unless Brookhurst have reprinted.


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