Bolt Action By Alessio Cavatore & Rick Priestly

[ac4155]

Hi all,

I've just picked up the September issue of Miniature Wargames to have a browse through and the article about Warlord Games new rule set for Bolt Action WW2 caught my eye, especially with it apparently being in a 40k style of play, and I'm considering picking it up and possibly starting a British army. From what I read, I like the sounds of the randomness to the game in the form of the 'action' dice.

I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the game and what their thoughts are about it and the rules?

Also, what are peoples thoughts on bolt action miniatures in general? are they themselves any good as I've never had any experience with them myself.

Thanks,
AC

[Commissar Vaughn]

Hi all,

I've just picked up the September issue of Miniature Wargames to have a browse through and the article about Warlord Games new rule set for Bolt Action WW2 caught my eye, especially with it apparently being in a 40k style of play, and I'm considering picking it up and possibly starting a British army. From what I read, I like the sounds of the randomness to the game in the form of the 'action' dice.

I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the game and what their thoughts are about it and the rules?

Also, what are peoples thoughts on bolt action miniatures in general? are they themselves any good as I've never had any experience with them myself.

Thanks,
AC

Just got the book the other day, looks good, not many quibbles.

I dont think its as tournament orientated as suggested, and though I think if youve played 40k you wont have any trouble with its core concept I dont think its a much like 40k.

I havnt had chance to play it yet, still painting up my brits!

It seems pretty relaxed with regards to the fine detail and doesnt get bogged down in minor differences between weapons etc: a medium tank is a medium tank regardless of whether its a sherman or a cromwell or a panzer IV! Well not quite; IIRC the sats for all medium tanks with a medium gun are the same, the main differences being the "flavour" special rule I suppose (e.g the sherman has better HE and catches fire more easily).

Overall though Im happy with that approach, being of the Keep It Simple mindset.

I do like the orders system though, whilst the orders themselves arent random (you get to pick which unit you activate each time, and which order you give them) you have no control over the drawing of the order dice!

[sheck2]

Got the rules at Historicon and have played a half dozen games.

Rules are clear and designed around a small units (squads) and individual vehicles. The play is streamlined and if you are used to warmachine, 40k, etc.; the style will be famaliar. What stands out for me is...the unit activition mechanism, cost of entry, different than FOW, and I like the larger scale (not required as you cna play at any scale but Bolt Action minis are 28mm).

The mini's are quite good IMO. Overall the game has a low entry cost...a rulebook and enough models to get to a 1000 point army (standard game) is anywhere between $100-$150.

The main rulebook has limited army building lists, so do not expect a comprehensive scope. It was designed to give people a flavor. The 'army' books will detail a lot more and these are being released periodically.

[sigur]

The miniatures by Warlord seem to be very nice. However, keep in mind that you can play everything in any scale.

[pigasuspig]

I use Plastic Soldier Company 1/72 figures for Bolt Action. You could get to 1000 points (all Infantry) easily for $30: one infantry box and one heavy weapon teams box. After that, armor is ridiculously cheap and readily available.

[sigur]

What's next - the Plastic Soldier Company sell great quality product and are historically accurate. If I was playing 28mm or 20mm WW2, I'd definately shop with them.

[Hedgehobbit]

Been reading the rulebook for a few days now. Reminds me of the old game Battleground WW2 which also had random alternating activation as it's core mechanic. Although BGWW2 had a few more "role-playing" type rules for climbing and such. I'm curious to see how the army books end up. BGWW2 started off like Bolt Action with fairly generic rules for weapons but added special rules in each expansion until most armies had several weapons or tanks with their own special rules.