Phil Sabin’s Combined Arms … with figures

Professor Phil Sabin contacted me over Christmas about his latest YouTube video, and I’ve just managed to watch it.

Phil has developed his earlier FIRE & MOVEMENT game into one where the solo player or a team of players command a battalion (plus additional assets) during an attack against an enemy force whose positions and strength are unknown. The terrain is randomly generated using a very simple but effective system and the number and location of the defenders are unknown until they open fire on the attackers. This expanded game is entitled COMBINED ARMS and is available as a free, full-colour download from his website.

In his video, Phil explains how his game works using his hexed gameboard and collection of 20mm figures and weapons. It is interesting to note that his German infantry are all plastic figures from the Axis & Allies boardgame. These are mounted in threes on small oblong bases. He has trimmed the bases down so that they can be laid down to show that they are prone.

Phil's video begins with a brief history of the development of his game ...

... and an example of the map terrain board ...

... and then an example of how the map terrain board looks when it has been 'converted' into a hexed tabletop battlefield.

The video then explains such things as line-of-sight and how the units are organised before outlining Phil's four-stage plan for the forthcoming German attack on the Russian defenders.

(The Russian figures shown in the above photographs show the notional positions that might be occupied by Russian forces. They do not show the actual positions of the Russian troops; these are identified as the game progresses.)

He then explains how the game's playsheet/recordkeeping system works ...

... before beginning a detailed blow-by-blow account of his battle. The following photographs give a flavour of the early moves included in Phil's battle report.

It is well worth watching this video if – like me – you enjoy listening to a game designer explain the thinking behind their rule's design and then they include a comprehensive battle report that shows how that design works in practice.

Although I have done it several times in the past, may I suggest that Phil Sabin's blog is well worth following as it an excellent way in which to access his past wargames designs and to follow those that are currently under development.

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Please note that all the still photographs used above are screenshots from Phil Sabin's video and are © Professor Philip Sabin.