One-hour Wargames (2014) Board Game

One-hour Wargames is a board game released in 2014 by Pen and Sword Books. It is designed for 1-2 players and has a runtime of 60 minutes. The game falls under various categories such as American Civil War, Ancient, Medieval, Miniatures, and Modern Warfare. It incorporates mechanics like dice rolling, line of sight, measurement movement, movement template, scenario/mission/campaign game, and simulation.

Game Components of One-hour Wargames

Rules: 8 simple rule sets for various historical periods, from Ancient to WW2.

Scenarios: 30 scenarios that can be played using any of the rule sets.

Army Generator: A system based on D6 rolls to generate random army compositions.

Terrain: Simple, easily produced or improvised terrain maps.

Figures: Up to 100 figures per side, with no specific basing requirements.

Dice: Six-sided dice (D6) for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

How To Setup One-hour Wargames

To set up a game, players select a scenario and use the army generator to determine their forces. Each scenario includes details on situation, army sizes, deployment rules, reinforcements, special rules, game length, turn order, and victory conditions. The game is designed to be played on a small tabletop, typically 3’ x 3’, with up to six units per side, each with a frontage of 4″-6″.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: IGOUGO (I Go, You Go) system with no additional command and control rules.

Combat Resolution: Based on D6 rolls with modifiers for troop types and terrain.

Unit Removal: Units are removed when they accumulate 15 casualties.

Objective: Win the scenario by fulfilling its specific victory conditions.

Random Army Generation: Forces are determined by D6 rolls, adding a layer of unpredictability.

Player Experience

Players find **One-hour Wargames** to be highly accessible and enjoyable. The rules are incredibly easy to learn and allow for quick setup and play, making it possible to complete multiple games in an evening. The random army generation adds a fun and challenging element, as players must adapt to the forces they are given. The game is particularly praised for its simplicity and the ability to play on small tables, making it ideal for those with limited space and time.

Pros

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and remember.

Quick Setup: Games can be set up and played within an hour.

Random Army Generation: Adds variability and challenge.

Small Space Requirements: Can be played on a 3’ x 3’ table.

Multiple Scenarios: 30 scenarios provide a lot of replay value.

Introductory: Perfect for new players to wargames.

Cons

Simplicity: Some players may find the rules too simple.

Attritional: Games can be quite attritional, with units taking several rounds to eliminate.

Limited Complexity: No complex command and control rules or detailed unit representations.

Personal Thoughts on One-hour Wargames

**One-hour Wargames** is ideal for those who want to enjoy wargaming without the need for extensive time, space, or financial investment. It is a great introduction for new players and offers a fun, fast-paced experience for veterans looking for a quick game. The simplicity and flexibility of the rules make it an excellent choice for players who want to fit a game into a busy schedule or for those who are new to the hobby and want to get started quickly.

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