WSS99 - Gaming Mechanisms

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy podcast, we bring you the latest hobby news, new releases, and all the usual chatter from the wargaming world. Then we tackle a topic that some of us (naming no names… Angus) find a bit of a slog—learning new rules. How do we approach a brand-new system without losing the will to game? From rulebook wrangling to memory mishaps, we share our thoughts, strategies, and confessions.   Links: Pillage, Victrix Chain of Command, TFL Armies of Great Britain, Warlord Games Pendraken Summer Games Day, 5th July 2025 Attack! 2025, 19-20 July 2025  

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy podcast, we’re delving into the heart of tabletop gaming: mechanics. What makes a ruleset feel smooth and immersive? How do designers strike the right balance between realism, fun, and playability? We explore the design choices that shape our wargaming experiences. As always, the team begin with the latest from the world of wargaming in our regular news roundup from “Bowers Towers.” Links: De Bellis Fantasiae, Wargames Research Group Port Royal, Firelock Games Pacific Command, Osprey Stargrave: Death Vector, Osprey Space Battles: A Spacefarers Guide, Wombat Wargames

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy Podcast, it’s all about the news! Guy gives us the latest scoop on what’s been arriving through the letterbox at Bowers Towers — from new releases to exciting rulebooks and shiny miniatures. Then, we take you to the show floor at Salute, where Guy caught up with a range of traders and game designers to bring you the freshest updates straight from the UK's biggest wargaming event. Whether you're after the latest gossip, new kits, or hobby inspiration, this episode has you covered!   Links:Hairfoot Jousting (Osprey Games) Spanish Napoleonic Infantry (Perry Miniatures) Flat Caps & Truncheons (Great Escape Games) Battleground HD Bad Squiddo Games 1918: A First World War Miniatures Wargame Naval and amphibious operations in the American Civil War (Anschluss Wargames) Baron's War 2nd Ed. Subscribe to the magazine

This episode of the Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy podcast is a little different. Rather than charging headlong into a pre-planned topic, the team handed the reins over to you—our loyal listeners! So, for this episode, they gathered your questions and suggestions for future show themes and tried to give you some answers. Links: 3 men in a shed wargaming Table Ready Terrain, Warbases Monty v Rommel, Rapid Fire! The Bad and the Ugly, Dead Man's Hand Winter War, Trenchworx

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy Podcast, the team explores the science of terrain placement—how to set up your tabletop for the best possible game. Don’t forget to subscribe to Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy! Visit the website to get the latest issue. Links: The Baron’s War, Warhost PBI, Peter Pig Armies of the United States, Warlord Burrows and Badgers, Oathsworn

In this episode, the team takes a look back at 2024, sharing their personal highlights from the year and reflecting on the standout moments in the world of wargaming. They also discuss their exciting plans and projects for the year ahead, giving you a glimpse of what’s to come. As always, Guy brings us up to speed with the latest news and releases from the wargaming community. Links:Subscribe to WSS Space Battles: A Spacefarers Guide (Wombat Games) Table Ready from Warbases The Wars of the Roses, Hail Caesar (warlord) SAGA Age of Chivalry Victrix Wargames Atlantic Liberation of South Vietnam

In this episode, Guy and Chris head to Firestorm Games in Cardiff to participate in a Barons' War tournament. Guy catches up with the tournament organiser for an insightful chat while Chris shares his thoughts on tournament gaming—a rare experience for him! As always, we also bring you all the latest news and updates from the wargaming world. Links: War of the Roses, Hail Caeser (Warlord) Spectre Mythos (Spectre Miniatures) Armies of Germany, Bolt Action (Warlord) Conquest: Alexander & Hannibal, Strength & Honour (Too Fat Lardies) Debris of War German Veteran Infantry Platoon (Warlord)

In this episode, on top of all the wargaming news, we dive into a common challenge for wargamers of all experience levels: finding new people to share the tabletop battlefield with. Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned wargamer looking to expand your circle, we discuss tips, tactics, and resources for finding like-minded players, from local clubs to online communities. Links: Vanguard Normandy (Warlord) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/warlordgames/vanguard-normandy The Silver Bayonet: Italy: The Shades of Calabria (Osprey) The Armies of Westphalia and Wurzburg 1807-1814 The Fall of Berlin (RKX Miniatures) Des tranchées aux barricades: Revolt in the Desert Warfare 2024 Battleground Firestorm Games Footsore Miniatures

In this episode, the Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy team bring you all the latest news from the world of wargaming. They also dive into the topic suggested by regular listener ChatGPT — wargaming on a budget. The guys explore how to get the most out of your gaming experience without breaking the bank.  Links: WSS Online Freakz: Mutant Murder Machines Reisswitz Press For Ireland and King James! The Jacobite Infantry at the Battle of Aughrim 1691 IWM Podcast Festival BeerandPretzels.co.uk Partizan

In this episode, the team reunites to catch up on all the exciting things they've been up to during the summer. Chris has had a sneak preview of Bolt Action 3. He shares his exclusive first look at the updated rules, and the team dives into a discussion about the pros and cons of new rule versions. Guy also brings us the latest updates from the world of wargaming. Links: WSS Subscription Bolt Action 3 (Warlord) Guards of Traitor Toll (Grey for Now) Sarissa CMYK Nam ’68, Tour of Duty (Plastic Soldier Company) LaserCast