Tide of Iron Next Wave Game

I owned this game under the Fantasy Flight tag a few years ago but sold it. Having regretted that decision, I bought this new version under the 1A games tag.This new version plays just like the old version with several improvements. First, it comes in a smaller box which is more storage friendly. The first edition under Fantasy Flight games came in what was usually referred to as the "coffin box" and was the largest game box i ever owned.Second, the rules have been clarified and reformatted to allow a programmed learning so you don't bite off more than you can chew. This game is quite a bit heavier than say, Axis and Allies or Memoir 44, so the programmed learning is great. My 10 year old son and I were playing our first game within minutes.The third change is the addition of some new pieces that weren't present in the first addition such as the M10 tank destroyer, german self propelled guns and specialization tokens that were only available in previous expansions.The only knock I have against the game is the molding for some of the vehicles. They're decent, not bad enough for me to knock off a star, mostly because I knew from the previous game I owned. If you're a hard core miniature gamer, you might be a bit disappointed. I'd compare the quality better than Memoir, about the same as Axis and Allies.All of the other components are superior to most other games I have. The artwork on the map boards are outstanding. All cardstock components are heavy, durable and have a nice linen finish to them. The card decks are very nice as well.Overall, if you're looking for a squad level game, like Avalon Hill's classic, Squad Leader, but more approachable and visually appealing this is your game. 1A games did a great job of carrying on the Tide of Iron series and negated my regret of selling my old version. This latest version is definitely new and improved.

Really well done game, with simple mechanics that allow for complex interactions. The rulebook is not as well laid out as it could be to keep things clear, but once you learn it, you see the game is much simpler than the rulebook is.Ultimately a great game with a ton of replayability and flexibility contained in a simple system. I look forward to getting the expansions.

I like how simple the core ruleset actually is, and how you can start taking in more rules as you go. Especially the kickstarter ('New Wave' reprint was started in kickstarter) extra rules, e.g. for vehicle armor facing are a must after learning the base rules. This 'New Wave' edition is really good in getting new players in by introducing only the needed rules while playing the first scenarios.Game takes some time to set up (~30mins), and play (~2h), but IMHO that is not a negative thing as you can think what sort of squads you build and at the same time pre-strategy your moves before you actually start playing your turns.Plastic miniatures are great! Infantry units fit well into the bases (which apparently had some issues in previous release), and tanks look good. The card board map tiles work well, and there's limitless replayability after build in scenarios, just let your imagination run wild when coming up with your own ones (there are many user made scenarios out there).Expansions bring in a lot extra content and fun time, so if you really like this core set, I suggest getting expansions too.In the end it comes down to whether you like this kind of games or not. If you do, you definitely should try this out. If you are not familiar with genre, the 'New Wave' starter handbook which gradually introduces rules to the players will make it a lot easier to get in, and it might not be such a daunting task as one might think.