REVIEW OF "SCENARIOS FOR ALL AGES"

Review:

Scenarios for All Ages

By David Barnes

Scenarios for All Ages by CS Grant and Stuart Asquith, published by CSG Publications (12.50 pounds plus 1.25 pds P&P in UK & BFPO and 2 pds for Europe/USA is available from 3, York Rd., Upavon, N. Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 6B2, UK.

It is 15 years or so since CD Grant produced his "Scenarios for Wargamers" so it's good to have new material to use. I know it's new because I bought the older book when it came out and it's sequel "Programmed Scenarios". The title is deliberately ambiguous. The book is suitable for wargaming practically any period with the scenarios, and suggestions are given where difficulties might be found and how to overcome them.

Anyone interested in wargames at any level of experience or none at all can find fun & interest in this book, indeed some of the scenarios are of the "fun" variety, and all are to be enjoyed. The Scenarios are divided into groups with broad themes. Each group has been two and six scenarios. Titles range from "Delay & Pursuit", "Storming & Last Stands" to "Raids", "Logistic Problems" & "Mini Campaigns" - to give a few examples.

Distances are given in approximate mileage or kilometers. Units represented are discussed to make adaptation to various periods easy. Practically all the scenarios have an accompanying map, which is designed to have foot square grids on a five foot X seven foot wargames table.

Solo wargamers can take all these scenarios and make something good with them (Chairman of The Solo Wargamers Association speaketh). The introduction also gives a guide to the layout of each scenario and a key to all the map symbols - except one, a cave, I think (straight line with a half circle drawn on top of it) and its pretty obvious.

You get Blue and Red Force makeups and a Green Force appears too. There's settings for the games, initial dispositions and sequential play. Success criteria are set out and Special Rules. On P. 149 "Mechanisms & Rules" is the title. This generally helps with the mechanics. You are expected to have your own favorite rules and these are add-ons to tailor for things like map movement and duration of same. Simultaneous or Alternate Movements are touched on and sensible "Going Moves" set out. Night movement also crops up - I feel an andedote coming on. Exercise at night in Germany - US vs Them. Officer running the US side says to a crouched figure before him, rifle barrel in the air, "Fire one round" - silence. Repeats "Fire one round". Silence. "Are you out of ammo?" Silence. Officer leans forward and touches "figure". Strangled gasp from officer - "It's a tree stump!" Casualties for mini campaigns are dealt with and carrying casualties to hospital.

This excellent book finished with a select bibliography. To sum up - go out and get this book or order it from your local library. If you are a club, you should have a copy - probably several, as we all know that certain books are so popular they require a multi-order. One game a week for a year here!

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