Rapid Fire! (Second Edition): Fast Play World War Two Wargames Rules (2005) Board Game

Rapid Fire! is a set of wargaming rules that simulate World War II battles in a fast-paced and strategic manner. The second edition, released in 2005, builds upon the success of the original ruleset and adds improvements based on player feedback. Designed by Rapid Fire Publications and Stratagem Publications LTD, this game has become a popular choice for miniature wargaming enthusiasts looking for a realistic and engaging WWII experience.

Game Components of Rapid Fire!

Miniature models (various scales, including 20mm or 1/72)

Rulebook (available in physical and PDF formats)

Vehicle and weapon data charts (VG Charts)

Scenarios and modelling articles

Optional: Ready to Roll vehicles and Valiant Miniatures

How To Setup Rapid Fire!

Setting up a game of Rapid Fire involves preparing the miniature models, terrain, and game materials. Players need to choose their forces, set up the battlefield, and allocate units according to the scenario being played. The rulebook provides detailed instructions and charts to help with force selection and deployment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The primary goal is to achieve specific battlefield objectives, such as capturing key positions or destroying enemy units.

Turn Structure: Players take turns issuing commands and resolving actions for their units.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using dice rolls and charts provided in the rulebook.

Movement and Deployment: Units can move and deploy according to their type and capabilities.

Combined Arms: Integrates different types of units (infantry, tanks, artillery) to simulate real-world combined arms tactics.

Player Experience

Playing Rapid Fire offers an immersive experience of World War II combat at the brigade level. Players need to balance strategy and tactics, managing resources and making decisions that impact the outcome of the battle. The game encourages teamwork and adaptability, especially in multi-player scenarios.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The rules are designed to be easy to understand, making it accessible to new players.

Fast Play: Despite the complexity of World War II battles, the game mechanics allow for relatively quick gameplay.

Realistic Scenarios: The game includes detailed scenarios based on historical events, enhancing the realism.

Community Support: Active community with online resources, including new scenarios and model releases.

Cons

Complex Setup: While the rules are easy to learn, setting up a game can be time-consuming due to the need for detailed force selection and terrain preparation.

Dependence on Miniatures: The game requires a significant investment in miniature models and terrain.

Manual PDF Distribution: PDFs are not available for automatic download and are sent manually, which can cause delays.

Personal Thoughts on Rapid Fire!

Rapid Fire is ideal for enthusiasts of World War II history and miniatures wargaming. It offers a balanced mix of strategy and realism, making it appealing to both new and experienced wargamers. The game’s flexibility in scenarios and the ongoing support from the community ensure that players will find continuous engagement and variety in their gaming experiences. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick, casual game or those without an interest in miniatures and historical military engagements.

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