Tanks!: Skirmish Game

I got my copy of the Gale Force Nine Tanks game system which simulates tank v tank duels and small scale armoured skirmishes. It uses 15mm tank models and a variety of cards to drive play and provide chrome with the use of special abilities, personalities and superior equipment.

Here are some pictures of the initial setup of the introductory scenario. I need to get a 3' x 3' board - this one is 3' x 2' so it's not big enough but will do for now if I decrease the deployment zones and top / bottom areas.

A lonely Panther lurks to the south west.

The two Shermans move in from the north east and make a cautious advance. A pincer move would probably be best to prize out the German tank. 

Here are the cards that describe the Tank statistics and fighting capabilities. 

I have a few of the other Expansion Packs that provide a tank model and specific cards to use in the game. Here is my Tiger I, Panzer IV and Jagpanther. I also have a Jackson, Stug III and extra Sherman that I need to construct. They don't take long to assemble and can be used unpainted at this stage. I need to get some basic terrain to substitute for the card woods and buildings. With some painted vehicles this should give a nice look and fun game.

 

My Collection: StarForce Alpha Centauri (1974)

Here are some pictures of my copy of StarForce that I obtained as part of the StarForce Trilogy flatpack. 

I played this a lot and from the turn record sheets the peak was around 1980. I loved the scenarios and future history presented. It proposed, what seemed to me, to be a very original vision of how humanity would develop. The factional warfare and nature of engagement and technology was really interesting.

The counters were basic but this seemed to compliment the understatement of the overall design which had a clean, minimalist look that appealed to me at the time and still looks good now. 

The cat liked it too!

My Collection: Outreach (1976)

Outreach: Conquest of the Galaxy 3000AD, brought out by SPI in 1976 and one of my earliest game purchases. 

I got it as part of the Starforce Trilogy flatpack edition - a treasured Christmas present. Imagine a young twelve year old totally immersed in the future history of Starforce with three different simulations to play with. Regarding the back history of this game system - I must have only been slightly behind the Human League - the first incarnation of the band. According to the founder Martyn Ware they got their inspiration from the faction in the Starforce game for the band's name. 

The board details about a third of the galaxy with the spiral arms and galactic core colour coded. Gameplay was fun and interaction with the autonomous powers and implementing the Fate table challenging. The PSL solo scenario was replayed several times. Conveniently I don't quite recall my win rate! At least I can give the cat a chance to go where no cat has gone before. 

My Collection: Panzerblitz (1970)

Here is one of the earliest games from Avalon Hill introducing the concept of a tactical level boardgame simulation. I played a couple of games back in the 1970's with my friends. I recently acquired it again at a reasonable price. Dated 1970 it is the oldest Avalon Hill game I have in my collection so far.

The cover artwork is highly evocative and atmospheric. It really captured a young imagination back in the day. It comes with a background booklet which covers the major weapons, vehicles and Eastern Front history nicely.

The board is pretty rudimentary but still highly functional. I love the retro feel so I'm not complaining.

Counters and scenario "situation" cards.

The cat enjoyed playing the Germans!