Historical Games

PRACTICING FOR THE SHOW   

Last week I ran my 15mm WWII Anzio game at the local miniatures convention – Recon – which proved to be a very fun time. While I wasn’t able to get any pictures of the game being run at the con, I did get some of the several times we ran the playtest at the shop.

OVERVIEW OF THE BATTLEFIELD

AMERICANS MAKE THEIR MOVE ON THE VILLAGE

Just to set the stage, the scenario was the Anzio perimeter in Italy, spring of 1944. The Americans were preparing to breakout of the beachhead and the 3^rd infantry division was tasked with conducting a series of probing attacks to find the weak spots in the German line. Facing the Americans in this sector was the German 4^th Parachute Division. They were tasked with trying to contain the American probes and deny them the use of this sector for their breakout. 

GERMAN PARAS STARE DOWN A TANK

WAITING FOR THE AMERICANS

The Americans had a depleted infantry company – minus its weapons platoon, but with two bazookas assigned to it – and a pair of M4 Sherman tanks and a battery of M7 Priests for support. The Germans only had a battered platoon – with two light machine guns – and four “tank hunter” teams; two Panzerfaust and two Panzerschreck teams. They had no armor and no artillery or mortars. The Germans were, however, in prepared defensive positions. We used the unit based Combat Cards for the rules.

GERMAN PARAS MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

Every time we ran the game it was a blast! The victories were about even for the Americans and Germans until the con, when the jerries won it both times we ran the scenario. Every battle had it’s own flavor and flow, with the Americans sometimes taking a very aggressive approach and other times being more cautious. We even had one game end in a dead-even tie!

THE AMERICANS CAUTIOUSLY ADVANCE

We taught the game to several new players in the playtests – as it would likely be played by new folks at the con – and found they all really enjoyed it. About a third of the way into the game, you would see the light go on for them and they would suddenly understand how to user their commanders more efficiently, how to overcome enemy strong points, meet their objectives, etc.    

TRYING TO HOLD THE FLANK

I had just finished up the rest of the tanks and artillery in time for the con, and I think they turned out great. The weathering I did using the Mig Pigments really added a realistic touch. I am becoming very fond of them, and am planning on experimenting with some new techniques with them on future projects.All  in all it was a great scenario which we will definitely run in the future at the shop. Now onto finishing up the Russians and Germans I am painting in 15mm!

THE AMERICAN ARTILLERY SUPPORT - CHECK OUT THE WEATHERING EFFECT!

As an aside, the grass mat we were using for the terrain was the new Citadel Battlemat from Games Workshop. They are very nice; don't shed and are truely made of foldable cloth.

Until next time…

Happy Gaming!

Dan