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Miniatures Adventure => The Great War => Topic started by: meninobesta on April 29, 2008, 05:44:13 PM

Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: meninobesta on April 29, 2008, 05:44:13 PM
The book has hit the stores!

http://www.warhammer-historical.com/great-war/great-war.asp

does anybody know anything about it? does it follow the same mechanics as the Legends of the Old West/High Seas? or is it something new?

the info is on the TGN:
http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/2008/04/29/14163
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 29, 2008, 05:46:25 PM
I've ordered it (after criticizing folks for being gaming sheep and buying whatever they're told to* :) ). I'll let you know what the rules are like as soon as it comes.






*Well it's the Great War, and that's one of my main things!
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Vanvlak on April 29, 2008, 05:56:30 PM
Cooo.... sounds interesting....
Probably not in the 'Legends' format, but closer to Warhammer Ancients without marching in ranks, I'd guess.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: meninobesta on April 29, 2008, 05:57:01 PM
I'm quite happy with the T&T for the XX century conflicts!

but if GWGW sticks with the same mechanics as the legends-of-the-everything-else then it could be very fun to use for section to section fight (in a very small skirmish mindset) - and it will be easier for me to get the attention of the other Portuguese Gamers
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 29, 2008, 05:59:46 PM
Yes, after one game of T&T I certainly want to use it again, and I also enjoy Price of Glory for Great War gaming.

But a shiny new book is always nice, even if I never play it. The GW pretty pictures and such will probably keep me inspired and help me finish painting my First World War figures.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Aaron on April 29, 2008, 06:02:29 PM
I'm also happy with T&T and like the Iron Ivan rules engine...but I'll also probably pick up the GW book to drool over the pretty pictures.

What the hell is wrong with us?!? :lol:
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: PeteMurray on April 29, 2008, 06:06:12 PM
Well, they've been building up the steam for this release. I suppose this is the proverbial balloon going up. I'm going to be interested to see how the army lists work.

On the mechanics end of things, EDIT: I'm not thrilled they're using 40K as the core mechanic. I know people called 40K "WWI in Space" but that's no reason to, you know, bring it home to roost. Unless British swagger sticks and Prussian monocles count as wargear.

I have to admit that I'm growing very fond of the way T&T and the forthcoming This Quar's War handle squad action.

Still, if this gets more people buying WWI, very good!
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: revford on April 29, 2008, 06:12:30 PM
This one is based on Warhammer 40,000 as far as I know, rather than LoTR.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 29, 2008, 06:15:48 PM
Dunno what others think, but the focus of the rules (the open warfare of 1914 and 1918) seems a little odd. I know that these are probably the periods most people play, as trench warfare is thought not to be very playable, but to bring out a Great War set that ignores what was for most soldiers involved the defining experience of that conflict seems a little odd to say the least.

Seems rather like bringing out a set of rules for the Battle of the Atlantic and then saying "rules for U-Boats are planned to be included in the first supplement."
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: PeteMurray on April 29, 2008, 06:21:07 PM
I feel like I'm spoiled for rules these days, since there are so many good rules sets out there. First of all, there are lots of good ideas in these rules. People seem to have gotten out of the "buckets of d6" approach to everything, and lots of cunning little mechanisms have sprung up to create tension in the games. So it is no longer about "Gee, I hope I make at least four 5+ rolls this time!" but the action seems tied tighter to the game. Secondly, there's a rules system that'll scale to any action. If I want to throw five guys or fifty guys, I know there's a system that'll cut the mustard. Third, these game designers think the way I do: I want heroic heroes doing nearly superhuman things and squads of nameless extras who will charge or shoot or die in droves as I send them in. And finally, and this is key, I know many of these rules writers, either electronically or in person, and this element really brings it home for me.

So it's not like I need GW's permission to game a period. I'm glad they're looking at the time period, because it can only help get people interested in it, and that means cooler models for me, but I'm not counting on them to set the Gold Standard for rules in that period.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: meninobesta on April 29, 2008, 06:40:16 PM
Quote from: "PeteMurray"
...squads of nameless extras who will charge or shoot or die in droves as I send them in...


luckily there are no lead soldier widows! :)
But thinking again -> the real widows didn't stop the European powers in '14 :?

Quote from: "PeteMurray"
So it's not like I need GW's permission to game a period. I'm glad they're looking at the time period, because it can only help get people interested in it,...


I can not agree more!
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Phil Robinson on April 29, 2008, 06:59:36 PM
Quote from: "Plynkes"
Dunno what others think, but the focus of the rules (the open warfare of 1914 and 1918) seems a little odd. I know that these are probably the periods most people play, as trench warfare is thought not to be very playable, but to bring out a Great War set that ignores what was for most soldiers involved the defining experience of that conflict seems a little odd to say the least.

Seems rather like bringing out a set of rules for the Battle of the Atlantic and then saying "rules for U-Boats are planned to be included in the first supplement."


Brace your self for the next in the series. Entitled "Over the Top" according to preview in WSS no.32

You can gleen a bit more about the rules here, you need to ferret through the various posts though.

http://www.wabforum.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=58
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Colonel Tubby on April 29, 2008, 08:25:17 PM
I've just ordered it as well - doubt I'll play a game using the rules but the eye-candy pictures in GW books are always worth it   :D
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Mosstrooper on April 29, 2008, 08:41:46 PM
Going to buy it , got some 15mm WW1 stuff  doing nothing at moment
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: DRDHauser on April 29, 2008, 10:50:53 PM
I'll be waiting for a critical reveiw of the product first. I've heard it's re-packaged and re-labelled 40K also. Plus I'm also a bit bothered that Russians and Austrians didn't make the first cut.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Helen on April 29, 2008, 11:10:50 PM
Quote from: "Synflood"
I'll be waiting for a critical reveiw of the product first. I've heard it's re-packaged and re-labelled 40K also. Plus I'm also a bit bothered that Russians and Austrians didn't make the first cut.


And the Serbians and other Balkan contenders 8)
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Darren on April 29, 2008, 11:15:54 PM
I'll definately buy it as I have a stack of Renegade WWI French models waiting for some TLC.  I may wait until someone like North Star brings out a freebie model though  :wink:
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: DRDHauser on April 29, 2008, 11:32:47 PM
[quote="Helen Bachaus] And the Serbians and other Balkan contenders 8)[/quote]

Exactly!   :)
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: pbeccas on April 30, 2008, 01:48:19 AM
I've ordered my copy.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Lowtardog on April 30, 2008, 08:29:48 AM
Quote from: "Synflood"
I'll be waiting for a critical reveiw of the product first. I've heard it's re-packaged and re-labelled 40K also. Plus I'm also a bit bothered that Russians and Austrians didn't make the first cut.


To be honest I think they will have changed it quite a bit. Not a period I have any interest in, but I have played some test games of a WAB Moderns version and they work very well with some interesting new mechanisms which use some of the core features but include a lot of new ones too

One thing that will be good for it is that it will spur on a lot of manufacturers (it has done already methinks) and have the ability to give some shiny gloss to a rather drab period which other than side show theatres of war (Africa and Galipolli campaign) tends to be a bit drab
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 30, 2008, 09:11:51 AM
I see what you're saying, but it saddens me that there seems such a lack of imagination in gamers that they are willing to be led around by the nose like this, and a period is deemed drab until Games Workshop comes along and 'fixes' it for us, suddenly making it a fascinating period to play.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Lowtardog on April 30, 2008, 09:24:20 AM
Quote from: "Plynkes"
I see what you're saying, but it saddens me that there seems such a lack of imagination in gamers that they are willing to be led around by the nose like this, and a period is deemed drab until Games Workshop comes along and 'fixes' it for us, suddenly making it a fascinating period to play.


Just watch the beast in motion Poly. I suppose the benefit for those who gamed the period prior to its release(and this would relate to ancients, medievals etc from WAB and wild west, pirates-hopw many ranges have appeared?) will reap the rewards as new companies release more figures and then expand into more and more armies, AFVs etc

It is one thing I have noticed with the GW product its fan base will drive the sales and production of miniatures more than any other sets of rules to be honest.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 30, 2008, 09:33:43 AM
Yes, this whole thing has me torn in two. On the one hand I am delighted at the prospect of increased interest in Great War gaming, and the new shiny stuff that will be available to buy because of it.

On the other hand I'm not looking forward to hordes of Games Workshop drones marching in with their tournament and army list mentality, sucking all the fun out of everything, and am mystified by folks who cannot decide for themselves what periods they are interested in and just follow the whims of fashion.

But I am in danger of sounding like a broken record on this topic, so I think I should just leave it.  :)
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Darren on April 30, 2008, 09:59:19 AM
I don't know - if a large bunch of teenagers start taking interest in WWI via this book, all the better.  At least it might promote some respect for servicemen...
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Lowtardog on April 30, 2008, 10:01:53 AM
Quote from: "Darren"
I don't know - if a large bunch of teenagers start taking interest in WWI via this book, all the better.  At least it might promote some respect for servicemen...


It will certainly give them a reason to read their text books thats for sure.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Poliorketes on April 30, 2008, 10:23:32 AM
Quote from: "Plynkes"

On the other hand I'm not looking forward to hordes of Games Workshop drones marching in with their tournament and army list mentality, sucking all the fun out of everything, and am mystified by folks who cannot decide for themselves what periods they are interested in and just follow the whims of fashion.

i don't see the problem. I won't use any 40K-based rules (it's really a stupid system with most games decided by the first dice roll - who goes first), so they won't get in my way and I have the benefits of more nice Miniatures available because of a growing market.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 30, 2008, 10:51:52 AM
Yes, I guess you are right. One of my gaming circle is a teenage GW addict, but he will play any game placed in front of him, and strenuously denies our light-hearted 'fanboy' taunts.

So there isn't much danger of our group being overwhelmed by such people. I was really thinking about it happening on internet forums. "That's not right coz it isn't in the codex!" kind of thing. But even then, a reasonable person should be able to avoid or ignore such people on the net.

So you are quite right really, I'm fretting about nothing.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Mike D. Mc Brice on April 30, 2008, 10:58:24 AM
It's based on 40K 3rd edition which should be a a very good engine for WW1 games. You move forward and shoot. The basic rules worked very well back then and were broken by special rules in the later Codexes, something that is unlikely to happen with WW1.

I don't see the point for the usual crying about a GW product. First WHW has nothing in common with GWs main gaming systems and then it's not their fault that nobody has been able to come up with a WW1 system that works for 28mm and is commonly accepted. The only alternative rules I'm aware of are CLA which I don't think to be the holy grail in minature games (but that is only my personal taste).
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Lowtardog on April 30, 2008, 11:02:31 AM
Quote from: "Mike D. Mc Brice"
It's based on 40K 3rd edition which should be a a very good engine for WW1 games. You move forward and shoot. The basic rules worked very well back then and were broken by special rules in the later Codexes, something that is unlikely to happen with WW1.

I don't see the point for the usual crying about a GW product. First WHW has nothing in common with GWs main gaming systems and then it's not their fault that nobody has been able to come up with a WW1 system that works for 28mm and is commonly accepted. The only alternative rules I'm aware of are CLA which I don't think to be the holy grail in minature games (but that is only my personal taste).




Have to agree CLA leaves or left me cold, I used Arc of Fire for the games I did play and like Plynikes the scenario book for Rommel :mrgreen:
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Mike D. Mc Brice on April 30, 2008, 11:18:26 AM
The Great War rules are at Brigade level with a platoon the smallest unit. A platoon comes to around 10-15 figures, so you can expect 100-150 figures a side and not small scale skirmish rules. Most armies field a lot of riflemen.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Poliorketes on April 30, 2008, 11:55:39 AM
Price of Glory works rather well, but the main problem with WW1 is the fact that the defender has to act rather static and with inferior number.

One positive thing about a 40K based systems might be the vehicle damage. I don't like how it works for WW2, but with the less sophisticated armour in WW1 it's simplicity is rather good.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: pbeccas on April 30, 2008, 12:32:55 PM
I'm just happy to be able to get a WWI rulebook with pictures of miniatures in it.  I'm easy to please.  

It will take me a hell of a long time to churn out my first 28mm Western Front late war Anzac unit.  So looking at pretty pictures will keep me in heaven for some time.

What I am really excited about is the promise of future books.  If I can get my hands on a Gallipoli/Palestine book I will die a happy man.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: dodge on April 30, 2008, 01:18:06 PM
Quote from: "Plynkes"
Yes, after one game of T&T I certainly want to use it again, and I also enjoy Price of Glory for Great War gaming.

But a shiny new book is always nice, even if I never play it. The GW pretty pictures and such will probably keep me inspired and help me finish painting my First World War figures.


It's funny how a shiny new book does that to people. Over the years I bought loads of that ooh that looks nice stuff and never used it.

 :lol:  :lol:
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Will Bailie on April 30, 2008, 02:31:22 PM
I put my order in yesterday.  I know it shouldn't matter, but I like the glossy photos and good production values, so even if I never play the game, I'll still have something pretty to look at!

And I have no problem with WHW - it was WAB that got me into wargaming in the first place.

Will
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: DRDHauser on April 30, 2008, 03:35:37 PM
I'll still wait for reviews prior to ordering.

If it's a good system I don't care who publishes it.

I'm using Rapid Fire at the moment. Since I like early war and especially the East Front it works well as a gaming system.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on April 30, 2008, 03:45:13 PM
What figures do you use for the Eastern Front, Synflood? Any you'd recommend?
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: DRDHauser on April 30, 2008, 04:34:58 PM
Quote from: "Plynkes"
What figures do you use for the Eastern Front, Synflood? Any you'd recommend?


I started with Minifigs 15mm, moved to Tumbling Dice 20mm (I like the Tumbling Dice figures a lot-except they never released Austrians(they do have a German figure in soft cap)) I thought about 10mm and now I'm painting Copplestone 25's with the Brigade Games figures since they match well for Russians. I thought to use Renegade Minis for Germans and Austrians--sure wish they would release Austrian Command though.

I am open to any and all ideas though.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Poliorketes on April 30, 2008, 04:41:39 PM
Quote from: "Synflood"
sure wish they would release Austrian Command though.

I am open to any and all ideas though.


Brigade has a kuk command blister
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: fastolfrus on April 30, 2008, 05:40:18 PM
Quote from: "Synflood"
Quote from: "Plynkes"
What figures do you use for the Eastern Front, Synflood? Any you'd recommend?


I started with Minifigs 15mm, moved to Tumbling Dice 20mm (I like the Tumbling Dice figures a lot-except they never released Austrians(they do have a German figure in soft cap)) I thought about 10mm and now I'm painting Copplestone 25's with the Brigade Games figures since they match well for Russians. I thought to use Renegade Minis for Germans and Austrians--sure wish they would release Austrian Command though.

I am open to any and all ideas though.


If you're into 15mm have you looked at Peter Pig ?
They have Russians, Poles and Austrians.

http://www.peterpig.co.uk/range16.htm
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: DRDHauser on April 30, 2008, 06:02:25 PM
Quote from: "fastolfrus"
If you're into 15mm have you looked at Peter Pig ?
They have Russians, Poles and Austrians.

http://www.peterpig.co.uk/range16.htm


Sadly the eyes are failing so my days of painting 15mm are somewhat limited. Even with magnifiers, it's getting hard to see well enough to paint 15's. Thus the move up in scales to 20mm and now to 25/28/30mm.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: janner on May 01, 2008, 10:02:25 PM
So I'm not the only one hoping for 28mm Russians. In my case to do Brusilov's 6th Finnish Rifle Regiment or maybe... Ah the dangers of reading Tsensky!
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Overlord on May 04, 2008, 06:17:56 PM
I went to “Who do you think you are? Live” ( www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.co.uk ) at Olympia yesterday and picked up a copy of the rules.  Lots of other Great War stuff as well: Mark IV, WW1 Reenactors/Living history, some very helpful people from the National Army Museum, and Baldrick!  :mrgreen:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/overlord_awc/Baldrick.gif)

The game uses the same basic mechanics as Warhammer 40K. (As far as I can tell, never having played much  :lipps: )

There are army lists for 1914 and 1918 British, French and German Western Front. Each list has 3 variants. For example, the BEF list has an Infantry Battalion, Cavalry Battalion and Highland Battalion.  Each is laid out along similar lines to a 40K Codex. The smallest game unit is the platoon, and one model roughly equals 3 men.

A BEF Infantry Battalion has:
1 Battalion HQ
2-4 Infantry Companies (Each Company: Coy HQ + 2-4 Platoons each of 9 men)
Battalion Support of 0-2 Trench catapult or MG section (Single weapon per choice)
Regimental Support: Highlander or Scout Platoon
Divisional Support: Cavalry Squadron or 18lb Field Gun or Armoured Car

3 sample army rosters using the lists, but strangely only for the 1918 organisations.  The 1918 examples comprise approx 90-100 figures each plus MG/Mortar/Gun/Tanks for around 1000pts worth.  Standard and Operations Missions and various deployment options. Again similar to 40K.

It’s a nicely produced book of colour 160 pages, profusely illustrated throughout with colour photographs, mostly using Dave Andrews & Aly Morrisons miniatures (Great War Miniatures) and terrain (Miniatures porn :love:  :o )  Generally better than the LOTHS/LOTOW books for layout/content.  Approx 60 pages of the rules for playing the game. 20 pages of missions/deployment. 60 pages of army lists. A quick 2 page painting guide and a quick reference page, templates page, bibliography etc.

The first supplement, “Over theTop” covering 1917 Western Front, should be out in November with USA troops coming out from GWM.  The second supplement will cover Gallipoli, Mesopotamia etc, and is due in 12 months time.

I did have a chat with Aly Morrison (Very nice bloke  8) ), and he seems very keen to do a wide range of miniatures eventually (This is likely to be over a very extended period), not just the big theatres (Had a little chat about Salonika, so hopeful for the future  :) ).

I would stress that I have only had a quick look at the rules.  I won’t be playing it for the time being as I already use 2 sets for WW1 (Kaiserbosh and T&T) and don’t have enough painted for GWGW games.

I will be looking at the pictures a lot though (Probably instead of actually doing anything constructive  :oops: )
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Poliorketes on May 04, 2008, 09:22:38 PM
Interesting news, thank you.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Will Bailie on May 05, 2008, 02:01:25 AM
Thanks, Overlord - I'm looking forward to getting my copy!
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Jules on May 05, 2008, 08:29:50 AM
I guess I'm with Plynkes here I have, a little gut thing about the warhammer systems and do not feel comfortable with the thought that I will be playing 40K, in effect, without pretty colour schemes.  However I see it also as a chance to introduce people to the period so next chance I get I will roll out my RCW stuff and T&T. Then see what happens.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Helen on May 06, 2008, 11:20:09 AM
Thanks Overloard for the overview of the rule set.

I'm really puzzled that we not seeing the Eastern Front! I'm wondering if some wargame companies have shares in this venture and will only see their figures in the book.

There are some good wargame companies out there that have all the figures to do other theatres and not just good old Western Front.

It would not take a rocket scientist to bring out an army list to cover these areas as well for the folks who have an interest other than Western Front.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on May 06, 2008, 11:57:16 AM
Quote from: "Helen Bachaus"
I'm really puzzled that we not seeing the Eastern Front!


as long as there isn't nice looking Eastern front miniatures range (that is to say Russians), I won't start my "big WW1 gaming"  :?

Though I will do Africa WW1  one day for sure 8)
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Poliorketes on May 06, 2008, 12:25:18 PM
I guess Helen meant the Saloniki/Gallipoli/Sinai theatres. For the Commonwealth that was eastern front (I think even Italy goes for eastern front). For Central/eastern Europeans those where only minor side theatres, the real eastern front was Galicia/Ukrainia, of course.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Aaron on May 06, 2008, 01:56:36 PM
I don't think it has as much to do with available figure ranges as it does with needing something to put in the following books.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Lowtardog on May 06, 2008, 02:07:04 PM
Quote from: "Overlord"
 I won’t be playing it for the time being as I already use 2 sets for WW1 (Kaiserbosh and T&T) and don’t have enough painted for GWGW games.


Kaisrerbosch, now theres a blast form the past a nice little set of rules they are too :)
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Overlord on May 06, 2008, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: "Lowtardog"
Quote from: "Overlord"
 I won’t be playing it for the time being as I already use 2 sets for WW1 (Kaiserbosh and T&T) and don’t have enough painted for GWGW games.


Kaisrerbosch, now theres a blast form the past a nice little set of rules they are too :)

When I got back into wargaming in the early/mid '90's they were the second set of rules I bought and the one set I continue to use (from time to time).  I've definately had my monies worth out of them.  They have always given a good game, playable to a conclusion within an evening.  The (at times) semi-random deployment means that you tend to get stuck in to the action quite quickly, without a lot of manouvreing and dancing about beforehand.  I tend to field around 30-40 figures a side plus supporting elements without any problems.

They might be an older set of rules but I really like them.  Despite now having T&T and GWGW rules I will continue to use Kaiserbosh from time to time.  8)
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Pappa Midnight on May 06, 2008, 04:38:18 PM
I've never really had a downer on GW rules sets as such ( just silly mini prices!) and quite like Warhammer Ancients, Legends etc.
I think I'll give these a whirl ............ no not another genre!!! Arrghh! :freak:

Just re-reading the earlier posts, does anyone game this era in 28mm? It sounds like I might have to buy 15mm ( new genre, new scale...double arghh!!)

Regards
PM
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Will Bailie on May 06, 2008, 05:06:13 PM
Quote from: Helen Bachaus
Thanks Overloard for the overview of the rule set.

I'm really puzzled that we not seeing the Eastern Front! I'm wondering if some wargame companies have shares in this venture and will only see their figures in the book.

There are some good wargame companies out there that have all the figures to do other theatres and not just good old Western Front.

It would not take a rocket scientist to bring out an army list to cover these areas as well for the folks who have an interest other than Western Front.


It looks to me that GW/WHW is following its tried and true approach - release the core rules in one book, and follow on with a series of supplements (codices) covering specific armies, eras or theatres.  IIRC, one of the upcoming supplements is supposed to cover both the Eastern Front and the Russian Civil War (although lower on the priority list than Gallipoli and Palestine).

For those that don't want to wait, it should be easy enough to tweak the lists to get a desired result.  Most infantry soldiers in most armies will be the same (for the GW model, that will be a stat line of all 3's, with leadership 7).  Elite troops can be given increased abilities:  Old Contemptibles BEF should have improved marksmanship (maybe BS4), while German Stormtroopers could have improved melee and leadership.

I've noticed that most wargamers that are willing to go to the effort to collect and paint an army are also well aware of the historical abilities of those armies (although not always of the shortcomings of their own favourites!), and so are capable of generating reasonable stat lines for the troops.  Stats for armoured vehicles are likely the most difficult thing to develop.

Of course, this is all speculation - my copy is somewhere in transit.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Plynkes on May 06, 2008, 08:21:14 PM
I'm a little annoyed and concerned. The button I used to order this book has changed from "order" into "preorder." I wonder what the significance of that is? Do they have it or not? I'm beginning to wish I had waited and gone to North Star, as they actually seem to have copies to sell now.

Who would've thought you'd be able to get it quicker from a distributor than from the horse's mouth itself?
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: janner on May 06, 2008, 08:43:22 PM
Quote from: "Overlord"
1914 and 1918 British, French and German Western Front. Each list has 3 variants. For example, the BEF list has an Infantry Battalion, Cavalry Battalion and Highland Battalion.  


Yep - you can tell a Septic wrote the lists!

Since when has the British Army ever had Cavalry Battalions - Cavalry form Regiments on this side of the Pond.

In addition, why have a Highland list when they could have gone Line/Light or Line/Guards. Highlanders were trained, equipped and established as per a Line battalion and their performance in 1914 was no different than any other BEF unit.

What a muppet :freak:

Here endeth the rant...
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Lowtardog on May 06, 2008, 09:08:05 PM
Quote from: "Overlord"


They might be an older set of rules but I really like them.  Despite now having T&T and GWGW rules I will continue to use Kaiserbosh from time to time.  8)


ME too I have used them for WW2 (well the random deployment anyway) and Boer war, a great set of rules
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Helen on May 06, 2008, 11:16:46 PM
Quote from: "Poliorketes"
I guess Helen meant the Saloniki/Gallipoli/Sinai theatres. For the Commonwealth that was eastern front (I think even Italy goes for eastern front). For Central/eastern Europeans those where only minor side theatres, the real eastern front was Galicia/Ukrainia, of course.


Yep, I meant the Eastern Front like the Serbians and Austro-Hungarians to start with followed by the remainder of the Eastern Front. They were initially large scale battles and the AH getting flogged by Serbia 8) Then the remainder of the Central Powers joining in at various stages during the war.

I was not aware of the significance of this front until I started reading more. An interesting campaign and one that should see light of day in the future.

I've also a soft spot for the Rumanians. A very proud Prince who stood by his principals and backed the Entente. It would be nice to see these guys in miniature.

I've faith that we will see a new illumination of the Great War in miniature gaming.
Title: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: pbeccas on May 07, 2008, 04:30:09 AM
Don't worry Helen.  Robb Broom has mentioned on the WAB forums that their long term plan is to bring out books that will cover Gallipoli/Middle East, Eastern Front, Balkans, Russian Civil War and even the Russo-Japanese War.

As long as WWI gamers keep supporting these rules there is a lot to look forward to over the next few years.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Stecal on May 08, 2008, 02:36:24 AM
WW1 Eastern Front should pick up in interest when this book comes out:

"The Brusilov Offensive" by Timothy Dowling

"In the summer of 1915, the Central Powers launched an offensive on the Eastern Front that they hoped would decide the war. It did not, of course. In June 1916, an Allied army under the command of Aleksei A. Brusilov decimated the Central Powers' gains of 1915. Brusilov's success brought Romania into the war, extinguished the offensive ability of the Habsburg armies, and forced Austria-Hungary into military dependence on and political subservience to Germany. The results were astonishing in military terms, but the political consequences were perhaps even more significant. More than any other action, the Brusilov Offensive brought the Habsburg Empire to the brink of a separate peace, while creating conditions for revolution within the Russian Imperial Army. Timothy C. Dowling tells the story of this important but little-known battle in the military and political history of the Eastern Front."

http://www.amazon.com/Brusilov-Offensive-Twentieth-Century-Battles/dp/0253351308/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I18H1364B1JET4&colid=1238ZTUELQTYS

Does anyone make WW1 Romanians in 25mm?  I suspect that French will be a close aproximation
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Sendak on May 08, 2008, 04:02:47 AM

Must get my order in.


Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Helen on May 08, 2008, 06:32:14 AM
WW1 Eastern Front should pick up in interest when this book comes out:

"The Brusilov Offensive" by Timothy Dowling

"In the summer of 1915, the Central Powers launched an offensive on the Eastern Front that they hoped would decide the war. It did not, of course. In June 1916, an Allied army under the command of Aleksei A. Brusilov decimated the Central Powers' gains of 1915. Brusilov's success brought Romania into the war, extinguished the offensive ability of the Habsburg armies, and forced Austria-Hungary into military dependence on and political subservience to Germany. The results were astonishing in military terms, but the political consequences were perhaps even more significant. More than any other action, the Brusilov Offensive brought the Habsburg Empire to the brink of a separate peace, while creating conditions for revolution within the Russian Imperial Army. Timothy C. Dowling tells the story of this important but little-known battle in the military and political history of the Eastern Front."

http://www.amazon.com/Brusilov-Offensive-Twentieth-Century-Battles/dp/0253351308/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I18H1364B1JET4&colid=1238ZTUELQTYS

Does anyone make WW1 Romanians in 25mm?  I suspect that French will be a close aproximation


Thankyou Stecal 8)

I'm not aware of any manufacturer who have 28 mm WW1 Rumanians. You are quite correct a little later on in the conflict they were equipped with French equipment, but you just can't go past their large pointy hats 8)
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: NurgleHH on May 08, 2008, 11:13:18 AM
Robb Broom has mentioned on the WAB forums that their long term plan is to bring out books that will cover Gallipoli/Middle East, Eastern Front, Balkans, Russian Civil War and even the Russo-Japanese War.

As long as WWI gamers keep supporting these rules there is a lot to look forward to over the next few years.
I'm sorry for getting sarcastically, but I think it will never come... Still waiting fo the second Alexander-Book, Samurai-Book and Crusade-Book (WAB). I only belief it, when they put some real previews on the website, not only Cover...
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Poliorketes on May 08, 2008, 11:31:11 AM
Ordered the brusilov-Book, thanks for the tip! Seems to be the first book on the topic for 30 years.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Arlequín on May 08, 2008, 11:55:41 AM
Robb Broom has mentioned on the WAB forums that their long term plan is to bring out books that will cover Gallipoli/Middle East, Eastern Front, Balkans, Russian Civil War and even the Russo-Japanese War.

As long as WWI gamers keep supporting these rules there is a lot to look forward to over the next few years.
I'm sorry for getting sarcastically, but I think it will never come... Still waiting fo the second Alexander-Book, Samurai-Book and Crusade-Book (WAB). I only belief it, when they put some real previews on the website, not only Cover...

As much as I like the WAB family of games, supplements do seem to trickle out too slowly or a couple at once. I wonder if it is policy or the case of the commissioned authors dragging their feet?

This would mean that the obscure subjects written by fanatics would appear more timely than the more popular stuff written by plodders (no offence intended to anyone).

This might explain why WAB WW2 has never appeared....

Despite this I can't say I've never not enjoyed a book from them, who can resist looking at page after page of well painted models. I carry them home in Brown paper bags so the neighbours think it's porn, wouldn't want them to think I'm weird....  ;D
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Aaron on May 08, 2008, 01:53:29 PM
I don't think it is the authors holding thing up. I believe they are sitting on completed works for the Successors and early Republican Rome.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Arlequín on May 08, 2008, 02:45:03 PM
I don't think it is the authors holding thing up. I believe they are sitting on completed works for the Successors and early Republican Rome.

Could be... but presuming these are complete, proof read and edited, printing is the only next step. Ok it doesn't make good business sense to throw out a bucket load of stuff at once, let alone allow the friends of WH to have figures etc ready for release, but one book each 6 months wouldn't be unrealistic surely?

My money is still on some guy saying "I'll do this" and like many wargamers, six months down the line he's got interested in something else and the project is semi-abandoned.

Regardless though, I'm awaiting my copy of GW... then I'll convert it for SCW... mhmm maybe I could write the SCW supplement?  lol
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: janner on May 08, 2008, 06:51:08 PM
WW1 Eastern Front should pick up in interest when this book comes out:

"The Brusilov Offensive" by Timothy Dowling


Yep, it's been on pre-order for a couple of months - you can often pick up an old copy of Sergeyev-Tsensky's novel through Amazon called, funnily enough, Brusilov's Offensive.

As I've being a far bit of research on Brusilov due to the ol' Winter War project I hope that it's a good un.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Hammers on June 10, 2008, 11:00:11 AM
I fell in with the crowd and got my copy from Gripping Beast with that little vignette thingy. A question which springs from looking at the book art, in which GW has always excelled:

Those explosion markers featured in many pictures look quite convincing. Anyone know how they are made? They sort of look like a quite agressive form of mould.   

Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Ray Earle on June 10, 2008, 02:47:08 PM
 ::) Apparently they are clump foliage stuck onto a wire frame (in a shish kebab style) and then sprayed/painted grey. I was quite impressed first time I saw them at Partizan.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Hammers on June 10, 2008, 02:50:36 PM
Ahhh! There was something familiar about them.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Darkoath on June 13, 2008, 02:49:38 PM
Got my copy of the book yesterday... what a beauty! :)

And the three free figures from Gripping Beast are very nice too! :D
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: TJSKI on June 20, 2008, 03:45:23 PM
I don't think it is the authors holding thing up. I believe they are sitting on completed works for the Successors and early Republican Rome.

Could be... but presuming these are complete, proof read and edited, printing is the only next step. Ok it doesn't make good business sense to throw out a bucket load of stuff at once, let alone allow the friends of WH to have figures etc ready for release, but one book each 6 months wouldn't be unrealistic surely?

My money is still on some guy saying "I'll do this" and like many wargamers, six months down the line he's got interested in something else and the project is semi-abandoned.

Regardless though, I'm awaiting my copy of GW... then I'll convert it for SCW... mhmm maybe I could write the SCW supplement?  lol

Hmm, being one guy who has written for WHH I can tell you that there may be a few folks that abandon a project, but thats not the case. Lets take LotHS, I submitted the final manuscript to WHH on 12/15/06, I was told it would be out by summer of 2007. That came & went and the date kept getting pushed back. Heck go back on this forum and you can see my post on the topic.

I do know also that it does take time to get minis painted but thats why I contacted folks like Prof, Dominic, & Tom W here, we had everything all lined up. Gathering terrain does take time as well. But in my case everything was done ahead of time (heck I contacted people myself!). So that was not the reason for the delay.

I think the problem is that Rob Broom is a one man show, he tends to focus on one project at a time, and once that project is complete he moves onto the next one. Now do I blame him for that, no, would I do that if I was in his shoes, I don't think so. But thats just the way things are & thats how he works, like I said, he is a one man show. He has to steal guys from GW proper to get some stuff done like Layout work & photos and such, so it does take time.

So the bottom line is that it does take time for a supplement to come out or a new set of rules to make it to the shelf, there is nothing we can do about it. It can all be very frustrating for an author to wait for his work to be published, but thats just the way it is sometimes.

Tim Kulinski
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: Arlequín on June 20, 2008, 05:38:06 PM
Fair enough Tim, I am quite surprised that is the case though. I would have thought Robb would have more resources at his disposal, so I stand corrected.
Title: Re: Games Workshop's Great War (or GW GW)
Post by: TJSKI on June 20, 2008, 06:41:42 PM
Fair enough Tim, I am quite surprised that is the case though. I would have thought Robb would have more resources at his disposal, so I stand corrected.

No problem, it surprised me when I started working with him that he had a limited staff of one. People all the time seem to think that WHH has the same resources as the other GW systems, but WHH is more like the Red headed bastard step child to GW, at least thats how I see it.

Tim Kulinski