WSS104 - Is this just real, or is it just fantasy?

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy Podcast, the team chat about something a little different, fantasy wargaming. How does it compare with historical gaming? Is one better than the other, or is it all just about enjoying the game, whatever the setting? Before diving into the discussion, Guy brings us the latest news from the hobby. Links: Dragon Rampant: Second Edition (Osprey) Wargames Atlantic Pendraken Warhost Barons’ War The Liberation of South Vietnam  

In this episode of the Wargames Soldiers and Strategy Podcast, Angus is joined by Guy, Mark, Chris and Jasper. After the latest updates from “Bowers Towers,” Guy sits down with Martin Feller to talk about his game Kugelhagel. Originally published in German 18 years ago and now available in English, Kugelhagel offers fast-play rules for eighteenth and nineteenth-century battles, including the Napoleonic wars.   Links: Kugelhagel Bring & Battle Wargaming, Barons War Battle Report Dark Ages Army Builder, Wargames AtlanticArmies of the Soviet Union: Third Edition, Warlord GamesDragon Rampant: Second Edition, Osprey GamesRichard Sharpe 1809, Wargames AtlanticBloodybacks AK Quick Gen Paints    

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy podcast, Angus, Chris, Guy and Jasper take a close look at this year’s Great Wargaming Survey. They discuss some of the questions, how each of them answered, and what those answers reveal about their own approaches to the hobby. The team also places this year’s responses in the wider context of previous surveys, looking at the long-term trends shaping the wargaming community. On top of that, Guy brings us the latest news and updates from the world of wargaming. Links: The Great Wargaming Survey Kugelhagel Weave of War

In this episode of the Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy podcast, we’re handing things over to our global correspondents for a series of reports on the wargaming scene in their regions. Find out what’s popular, what’s new, and what’s drawing players to the tabletop from Europe to Australia and beyond. Links:Great Wargames Survey Bolt Action, Walord Games Konflikt 47, Warlord Games Hail Caesar, Warlord Games Wargames Atlantic Frostgrave 10th Anniversary Edition, Osprey The Baron's War, Wargames Atlantic Trench CrusadeBlood Bowl, Games Workshop

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