Fantasy Wargaming

Book Review

by Kenn Hart

Recently while browsing through my local library, on the lookout for anything of interest, I came upon the following book, FANTASY WARGAMING by Martin Hackett (ISBN 1-85260-213-9). Now having read most books covering this subject, and to be honest, less than impressed with what they had to offer, I decided to have a quick look through not expecting to find much.

I was in for a pleasant surprise. Immediately I started to read I was taken in with Mr Hackett's easy going style, so much so that I had to take the book home to read further. The 230 page book is divided into fifteen chapters and a further fifteen appendices. He starts by explaining what Fantasy Roleplaying and wargaming is all about, how the hobby got started and touches briefly on the moral issues that seem to surround this branch of our hobby, (apparently if you are a fantasy gamer then you're automatically in league with the Devil according to those upright members of our Society!- pass me another human, this one's split!!!). Further topics covered include rules, figures and conducting mass battles a la Tolkien. Finally in this section is a sample scenario to give you the idea with maps figures and plans.

The second part of Mr Hackett's book is the part that I think all readers will find interesting, campaigns and your fantasy campaign world. If you've ever thought about starting your own fantasy world but were not sure how to get started then this is the book for you. First is a comprehensive set of campaign rules specially adapted for Fantasy including rules for land and sea battles. Everything you need is there from map movement to producing revenue. And in the final part of the book Mr Hackett goes over the top by producing, in full, his own Fantasy world, THE REALM OF TAAKAE. No less than thirteen different states with profiles of the terrain, principal races, other creatures, settlement trading partners, armed forces, rulers, major personalities, hostile nations and magicians of the realm. Everything you need is in front of you.

The appendices, as well as including all the charts and tables you need for 'TAAKAE', include things like Fantasy roleplaying games, boardgames and the address of the manufacturer, figure and terrain suppliers, Fantasy magazines and solo game books. All in all, a very good book. It makes interesting reading even for the accomplished Fantasy gamer. For the novice or for someone who would like to make their own campaign world, this book is a must. So go on, get down to your local library and get them to get this book for you, I highly recommend it. "Fantasy Wargaming" is published by Patrick Stephens Ltd.

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