Flames of War: Open Fire (2009) Board Game

Flames of War: Open Fire is a board game released in 2009 by Battlefront Miniatures Ltd. It is set during World War II and focuses on tactical combat using miniatures. The game is designed for two players and includes elements of dice rolling and secret unit deployment.

Game Components of Flames of War: Open Fire

Miniatures: 1/100 scale (15 mm figure scale) miniatures of infantry, armor, and artillery.

Rulebook: A complete introductory rulebook for new players.

Army Lists: Basic army lists for mid-war period (1942–1943).

Tokens: Used to indicate pinned-down troops, bogged down vehicles, etc.

Measuring Aides: Tape measures or other tools to measure movement distances and weapon ranges.

Scenarios: Included in the main rulebook and additional sourcebooks.

How To Setup Flames of War: Open Fire

To set up the game, players need to assemble and paint their miniatures, choose their army lists, and select the scenario they wish to play. The game board is typically a scaled representation of a battlefield, which can be customized using terrain pieces. Players deploy their forces according to the scenario rules and agree on the objectives to be captured.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn-Based Gameplay: Players alternate turns consisting of movement, shooting, and close assault phases.

Skill Tests: Utilize six-sided dice for shooting and motivation-based tests.

Objectives: Scenarios centered on capturing specific objectives.

Air Support: Available in the form of fighter bombers and ground attack aircraft.

Company-Level Tactics: Each stand or element represents an infantry fireteam, an artillery piece, or a single vehicle.

Historical Context: Scenarios often based on historical events relevant to the particular campaign or theater.

Player Experience

Playing **Flames of War: Open Fire** is an immersive experience that combines the joys of painting and modeling miniatures with strategic gameplay. Players must balance movement, shooting, and close combat while managing resources and morale. The game encourages strategic thinking and tactical execution, making it engaging for both new and experienced players.

Pros

Complete Introductory Set: Designed for new players, providing all necessary rules and components.

Historical Accuracy: Scenarios and army lists based on historical events and forces.

Customizable: Players can choose from various army lists and scenarios.

Tactical Depth: Encourages strategic thinking and tactical execution.

Community Support: Active community with regular updates and additional content.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be complex for complete beginners to tabletop wargaming.

Time-Consuming: Painting and assembling miniatures can take significant time.

Cost: As with many miniatures games, the initial and ongoing costs can be high.

Space Requirements: Requires a substantial amount of space for setup and play.

Personal Thoughts on Flames of War: Open Fire

**Flames of War: Open Fire** is ideal for those interested in World War II history, miniatures wargaming, and strategic gameplay. It serves as an excellent introduction to the broader **Flames of War** universe, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience. While it may present a learning curve and significant time commitment, the game rewards players with deep tactical gameplay and a rich historical context. If you’re looking to dive into the world of miniatures wargaming with a strong historical focus, **Flames of War: Open Fire** is a great place to start.

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