What's New for World War Two

World War Two continues to be popular in a variety of scales. Hobby scuttlebutt has some folks scrapping their 20mm collections in favor of 15mm collections however sales of both lines remains strong with the newer 15mm push by Command Decision (Old Glory) getting the lion's share of the "Buzz" as it is a newer line.

There is ample evidence that WWII will be a strong competitor for hobby dollars. Micro armor (5/6mm) has always been around while Quality cast seemed on its own in 15mm. A new line by 1st Corps in 25mm has also just begun to appear in hobby shops.

Micro armor is probably responsible for getting more folks into gaming than any other single line. The small scale and price made it possible to field battalions very reasonably. However with the rise in "Role Playing" games came the simultaneous interest in skirmish gaming, "Mono a Mono". The problem is that if even one tank gets on the board it can dominate a basically infantry game.

Tread Head vs. Ground Pounder

Something had to give in the "Tread Head" versus "Ground Pounder" controversy. The compromise seems to be in the 15mm scale. You can field numerous vehicles without achieving the "Parking Lot" effect, and still have squads of infantry swarming all over the place. The "Old Glory" folks have stepped up to fill the need in the 15mm scale. Using the name of a popular rules set "Command Decision" they have married a useful rule set to their excellent gaming miniatures. Every time I walk into the Emperor's Outpost that section seems especially picked over.

A big trend in World War Two gaming recently has been an interest in campaigning in the Pacific. The latest releases by "Command Decision" visit the Pacific also. Three new packs of infantry men all favor the United States Marines. Packs USMC1, 2, and 3 feature Marine Command, Riflemen and Riflemen in soft caps, respectively. These packs include about 50 figures for $12.00.

The marines will be well supported with armor releases including Stuart tanks "Honeys", Lee/Grant tanks, and landing craft (LVI). Three vehicles for $18.00 Rumor has it that water line vehicles will be released as the lines fill out.

Japanese

The Japanese side has not been neglected. They have three packs released also which include Command, Riflemen and Riflemen in soft caps. See a pattern developing here? They have done a good job of providing armor support for the Japanese something sadly neglected in the 20mm scale. They have a Type 97 Chi-Ha and Type 97 Shin-Hota released. Just arriving are 70mm infantry guns and 105mm howitzers. We can't ignore one of the least well know but most professional areas of the Imperial Japanese Army.

Overall quality of the figures is good. Fine sculpting and good casting techniques combined with an attractive price make these miniatures a good buy. Even a small collection would allow you years of gaming fun. Move over micro armor here comes "Command Decision".