HomerCon was well attended this year, with 72 visiting wargamers. Somehow, though, it didn't feel as crowded as in some years past. I can't speak for everyone, but it looked like guys were having good times. In our ten-man game of Guderian's Blitzkrieg II, it seemed that even the Soviet players, whose forces were getting clobbered at the beginning of the campaign, were enjoying themselves.

The good atmosphere at the retreat had a lot to do with the efforts of Sandi, Shirley, and Sara. While dozens of guys milled around having fun, these three women worked. Hot coffee and cold sodas were in plentiful supply and someone was on hand just about all day to accept payment for games and other merchandise.

OK, so I will presume to speak for everyone there when I say thanks to Sandi (right), Shirley (left), and Sara for a great job.

Fans of the TCS have waited patiently (I hope!) for a new game, the most recent titles being 1997's Semper Fi! and A Raging Storm. Now you're in for a treat, with A Frozen Hell. I first got a look at this game in progress when I showed up for the 1992 Gamers Retreat, before the name "HomerCon" stuck and when the TCS rules were in their second edition. These things take time. A Frozen Hell is different, dang near "something completely different." You've got Finns, early-war Soviets, and some great Finnish landscape. I saw the map at HomerCon and can tell you you'll like it, especially if you like to drop artillery barrages onto iced-over lakes. It brings to mind, for me anyway, Frost's lines "Between the woods and frozen lake / The darkest evening of the year." Fighting this piece of the Winter War should help you feel a bit less chilly this winter, even in Buffalo or Minneapolis or wherever you call "cold." Series fans, Operations keeps the faith with the TCS, as you've probably noticed; this issue we hear from Lee Forester, series honcho and professor.

Those of you partial to the OCS have grown accustomed to a steady supply of great games, seven of them in nine years. This coming summer continues the trend, with Guderian's Blitzkrieg II. This is essentially a new game, and much more than a refit of the original up to 3.0 specs. This edition covers more map area, includes more units, and takes the war many months beyond the Moscow '41 campaign. See my "early preview" article in this issue.

If you own This Terrible Sound and have not received your "extras" countersheet with Rout and Breastworks markers, phone The Gamers and Shirley or Sandi will get one on its way to you.

Please take note of the Operational Studies Group news on page 4 of this issue, as Kevin's company has shifted its order-fulfillment "Center of Operations." Of course, you can order published OSG games through the Gamers Consortium. To place pre-publication orders, contact OSG directly.