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I can explain why I don't like 40K (balance), why I found MESBG frustrating (too many pointless die rolls), but I can't quite put my finger on why I am dissatisfied by my experiences to date with Bolt Action.

Me and a (now) friend met in our area last year because we were both posting online with a FLGS that we wanted to play Bolt Action. We are self-taught, and in general have only played each other (I've played two other people and become slightly more knowledgeable about rules as a result). I build our own terrain, and we play about every month, and I enjoy spending time with the guy and we've become friends. But Bolt Action is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth, and because the only time we spend together is to play bolt action together (it's kind of our only common interest) I'd like to find a way to make bolt action 'work better' and be more fun for me.

In part, I think my frustration is that the 'meeting engagement' that works fine for 40K or Fantasy games really isn't all that applicable to WW2 battles, because in the majority of combat encounters, one side has a known advantage and is clearly on "offense". To explain another point, I've played some of the basic scenarios and been dumbfounded by their pointlessness (I'm talking to you #5, Top Secret!). To date we haven't played scenarios from campaign books, nor have we played any of the 6 "more advanced" scenarios from the game, because we've been learning while playing somewhat infrequently, so assimilating basics was the priority. Indeed, I'd say we've played less than 20 games together totalled.

I started into miniatures games not so much to play the games, but because I enjoy the hobby craft aspect. And it's true to say that in my heart, I'm more a collector and painter than I am a miniatures gamer. But I am a historical WW2 wargamer, kind of hard core. I'm devoted to MMP's "Advanced Squad Leader" and I've played since 1985 at least once a week, sometimes more. I am an amateur WW2 historian who avidly reads books and journal articles about WW2 constantly, and I play a variety of other WW2 strategy games board games on a table or via Vassal on a PC.

I'm curious if other BA players have found a sense of disappointment at the level of realism in BA and what they found the cause/solution. I'm curious if some players have House Rules that they find enjoyable, and what I can do to enhance the game experience (more points? campaign scenarios?).

I'm not looking to change rules sets (I own Chain of Command - my friend isn't interested in it). I like Warlord a lot, and I like the scale and I've built a whole slew of terrain that I enjoy. If I had one request for a house rule, it would be something that made Mortars (or on-board weapons capable of indirect fire) more impactful, because they seem worthless at present. I'm looking forward to building a huge German collection, and I'm going to make a Vichy French Force to go against my friend's British Desert Rats collection. I'd like to look forward to playing BA the way I look forward to playing ASL. But I'd settle for "more than I currently do."

Last, are there any dedicated web sites (outside of Warlord-owned titles) for Bolt Action? My friend and I exist in a bubble where we seem to be the only people who play Bolt Action around here (we even order online from Warlord or buy stuff at conventions away from our area). Thanks. Happy gaming

BA is "just right" for me, but I play Konflikt '47 which has a bit more to it layered into the Bolt Action rules. Regardless, I hope you find what you are looking for and get some feedback here, as you are obviously passionate about gaming. Cheers.

Yes, I felt that right after I read the core rulebook.

I was profoundly disappointed in how the weapon ranges and movement interacted. I understand why they did it the way they did, but I just did not find it satisfying at all. I much preferred a game like Battlegroup or Chain of Command for a similar size of battle.

I think I would try to simply remove weapon ranges completely from the game, and instead beef up the amount of terrain that I used on the board as well.