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Hello guys,

There is a post up in Dakka Discussions looking for alternatives to 40k. I know Flames of War is popular, but that's all I know - I don't know anything about the system at all.

If someone has a few minutes, I'd certainly like it if you could make a contribution to the list.

Specifically, this would be the ideal information included:

Game: Flames of War
At least one link it can be cheaply bought from: ?
Cost of entry (minimum to play) and likely future costs: ?
minimum players: ?
recommended players: ?
Recommended ages: ?
likely time to run a game: ?
What's to like: ?
What you might not like: ?
Bottom line: ?

For "cost of entry" field, I don't know if there is a basic starter set that can get 2 people going right out of the box. If there is not, could you please indicate the bare minimum needed (i.e. units, what rulebook, etc) and a rough estimate of what it takes to get a foot in the door, and then what it would take to really get going with a large army.

Thank you for your time!

There's an 'Open Fire!' starter set for something like $60-$65, but I'm sure someone will have better info than me.

Let's see:

Game: Flames of War

At least one link it can be cheaply bought from: http://www.thewarstore.com/battlefrontflamesofwarwwii.html

Cost of entry (minimum to play) and likely future costs: Depends. A tank company will cost less than a infantry company, while Mechanized lists cost the most. Germans are most often the least expensive, since their forces are more expensive points wise. Soviets will often be the the most expensive, since they require a lot of bodies. The good thing is that every you collect for a period will most likely be compatible. Tanks you buy will be useable in a same-period infantry list.

minimum players: 2

recommended players: 2-4

Recommended ages: I've seen children play against men who are around 40.

likely time to run a game: Depends. Most scenarios don't have a game turn length, so setting a time limit is an often used practice. 2.5 or 3 hour games are the norm.

What's to like: Good rules, constant releases, a time period for everyone, and the fact that you can use alternate models.

What you might not like: If your a modeller, painting things at 15mm may not be for you. On the other hand, each base is more or less a mini diorama. There's also the time periods. Early War can't fight against Mid War or Late War, Mid War can't fight against... well, you get it. If you start collecting Late War while everyone else is on an Early War kick (personal experience) you're going to be lonely.

Bottom line: If you're any sort of WWII fan, get it. The rules make sense, there's a plethora of armies and periods to chose from, and you don't have to actually use Battlefront models if you don't mind less-good looking models for cheaper.

Open Fire Box Set. + boxed sets of Plastic Soldier Company Tanks (Panzers or T-34s so far, others to come) and a box (or two) of Plastic Soldier infantry. Both of those retail at about £16.00 UK (5 tanks or about a company of infantry). See this thread for an example of how cheaply FOW can be done:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/349476.page

At least one link it can be cheaply bought from:
Ebay, the war store

Cost of entry (minimum to play) and likely future costs: ?
<$100 to start. Future costs, really, do you play any other miniature games? The sky is the limit really. You can get a pretty large army for ~$300. Any of the paratrooper armies are the cheapest $$ wise because they are elite forces. Tanks cost you about $11 a pop from Battlefront, $4-$5 from Old Glory, the new Axis and Allies minis are supposed to be 15mm, you can get those cheap on Ebay.

minimum players: 2

recommended players: 2-4

Recommended ages: +12

likely time to run a game: 1.5-3 hrs

What's to like:
Lots of armies. Lots of beautiful books. Lots of gorgeous models from Battlefront, yet you don't have to buy your models from them. Any 15mm WWII minis work just fine. I've even used Axis and Allies mini minies, at <.75c each they were a steal. Rules are solid and you can tell what your opponent's force can do without memorizing a book. Terrain is encouraged.

What you might not like:
Not sure. I like FoW, its not perfect and its not a simulation, but its a fun game. Painting 15mm is not for everyone.

Bottom line:
Fun game, not too expensive. Battlefront doesn't require you to use their minies. Great support. Lots of armies to choose from.

Frank V.