Unless otherwise noted, the best source for these publications is your local hobby shop

Historical Gamer: (Number 7 / October, 1991) Of interest to SAGA readers in issue #7 in an article an adapting Tactica to 5mm by resident Tactica guru William Hawkes, Ph.D.

Apparently, his group regularly plays the rules with 5mm troops, including individually mounted skirmish figures. Since the rules contain no provisions for 5mm play, William covers his group's mounting and play conventions. It appears from the article that "Tactica" becomes a bit "fussy" in the smaller scale, but it can be made to work. Given the significant figure requirements for the rules, it is easy to see the economic appeal of 5mm. It you are at all interested, I think you'd find this article of use.

Also included in this issue is the second annual "Guide to Wargaming Products." This is as comprehensive as possible a listing of American firms offering historical miniatures, accessories, and software. Again, this will be of value to those wondering how many different lines of 20mm WW2 figures are available, but there in little detail for an ancient gamer looking to who makes Ottoman Turks in 15mm. The address for each firm is given, so catalogs could easily be sent for...

Practical Waruamer (September/October, 1991) Of interest is an article on the 13th century Mongol invasion attempts on Japan. Also, the series on the first crusade, begun last issue, continues with a set of rules entitled "Deus Le Volt" authored by the redoubtable Simon MacDowall. The rules offered are reasonably complete, and similar in many ways to Simon's set offered in the book Romans, Goths, and Huns which I reviewed last time.

Military Illustrated (No. 41) Issue 41 contains a gallery selection on Hugh Calveley, a rather famous knight who served in the Hundred Years war. A pair of color portraits by Peter Armstrong, showing Hugh in 1351 and in 1370 accompanies the article.

Military Modelling (November, 1991) Of note is the fact that this in the last issue to feature the staple "Battles for Wargamers" piece, my favorite part of this magazine. Argus Publishing seems to be trying more and more to distance the offerings in Military Modelling from those in its sister publication "Practical Wargamer." Military Modelling will in the future be targeted almost exclusively at modelers, concentrating the wargaming material in "Practical Wargamer."

Expertmental Game Group (15) EGG for short, this is a "Wargames Development"-style publication put out Chris Engle. Much of the material is devoted to promoting Chris' Matrix Game format, but he mixes in a good deal of other, interesting material as well in each issue. The issue in question contains a full campaign game using the matrix format on 9th Century England by Howard Whitehouse entitled "Blood Eaqle." Battles are resolved using the popular DBA rules from the Research Group, and the matrix features strongly In the campaign rules. The scenario is designed for play with up to eight players (Wessex, Mercia, Gwynnedd (Wales), The Danes, Alban, Strathclyde, the Isles, and the Dublin Vikings). The campaign focuses on gaining prestige, with the winner being he with the most prestige who can claim the title of high king. This would be a lot of fun for a club or group that has an afternoon to kill. $7 per year (6 issues).

Biblical Archeology Review (November/December, 1991) BAR is published by the Biblical Archeology Society, and focuses on archeology related to Biblical times in the Biblical lands. An such it in rather focused in its content -- and of comparatively more value to the Biblical-era warqamer than comparable publications of broader scope.

The current issue contains an excellent examination of the fall of Masada, during the First Jewish Revolt of 66 to 74 AD, with an explanation of how the defenses wore constructed and reinforced, and maps showing the entire layout of the fortress -- Also included are two articles on the Sea Peoples on* detailing their contributions to civilization (in seafaring and architecture primarily), and the other debating whether their arrival in Canaan case an Egyptian lackeys or as conquerors. Overall, an excellent issue for the Biblical gamer. Price is $24 per year (6 issues)

Slingshot: (Issue No. 158) The last issue for 1991, 158 contains several interesting pieces. Adrian Garbett contributes *Dagastan: a DBA refight" a scenario based an the Scots invasion of Bornicia in 603AD, with a battle layout, order of battle and historical background that looks like a lot of fun. our editor contributes "With Gore to Harrisburg, Duncan Hood details a free company invasion of Alsace and northern Switzerland in 1373 AD in "The War of the Pointed Hoods" - this would make a very interesting medieval campaign, and the Rules Forum focuses on the issue of whether casualties should be removed. An excellent issue.