WW2 20mm ruleset recommendations

[BZ]

Hello to all,
As I and my kids have some 1/72 scale (20mm) WW2 vehicles and soldiers, Im thinking about using them in a wargame (not that I dont have more then enough unfinished projects...). But Im a fantasy player, so doesnt really know historical rulesets... So, could You recommend me an easy to play (I would play with my kids), 20mm scale, miniature agnostic WW2 ruleset?
Thanks in advance!

[Golgotha]

As a fantasy player Bolt Action could work similar to GW in mechanics. Better rules are obviously available you could try one by Too Fat Lardies...

[zirrian]

Bolt Action or Hammer of Democracy

[SJWi]

If you want a “beer and pretzels” tank game Two Fat Lardies “What a Tanker “ is good. I don’t play Bolt Action but know it is highly popular as a combined-arms game. My own favourite is PSC’s “Battlegroup” but the core rules are showing as out-of-stock. You can get a free PDF of a Normandy campaign plus ORBATs and equipment tables.

[Elbows]

Yep, not sure about your kids' ages, etc...but Battlegroup is far and away my favourite WW2 game.  Runs the perfect line between realism while remaining fast moving and easily playable.

The rules could use a technical editor on occasions, but overall they're understandable - easiest to watch some how-to's on YouTube.

There is a basic rulebook and then theatre books which provide army lists/stats for units according to your theatre of choice.  There are, I think, four more books due out over the next few years as well. 

[Inkpaduta]

One that would be very easy for kids and plays fast is Rapid Fire. My personal favorite for WW2.
Bolt Action has a level of sitting around until you move. May get a bit boring for kids.

[BZ]

Thanks everybody!
My kids are 8 and 10, they can handle easier games (Frostgrave and Oathmark for example). Yes, I think it is very important to have a balance between realism and fun (its a personal preference for everybody), and usually Joe McCullough hits my sweet spot... So Im hoping to find something similar to his games.
What kind of activation systems do Bolt Action, Rapid Fire, What a tanker and Battlegroups have? Im a fan of alternating activation, and dont really like "I go you go" systems (like GW games). Are all of these for mixed armies (tanks and infantry at least)?
Is there any problem with Flames of War? I heard mixed opinions about it, but dont really know why. I ask because my local gaming store has a lot of FoW stuff, would be practical to choose it. But I want a good rulset, reachability is not the top priority.

[gamer Mac]

Rapid fire gets my vote
Then in couple of years when they are older switch to chain of command using the same figure loads of battle reports on YouTube

[Elbows]

At ages 8 and 10, I would probably stray from Battlegroup.  While it's playable at younger ages - I think a different rule set would be better suited to the task.

[Harry Faversham]

'Operation Warboard' by Gavin Lyall would be perfect for 10 year olds.

 

[SJWi]

What about "Airfix Battles" which was released a few years ago. As I understand it a primer in WW2 for younger gamers.  Worth googling it, and there are some explanatory U-Tube videos. 

[BZ]

Thanks!
I will search of how-to-plays and reviews for your recommendations!

[Golgotha]

Thank you Elbows I think I am now set on using Battlegroup.

I also liked this review of the rules https://www.beastsofwar.com/featured/part-one-introduction-overview/

[SJWi]

If you want Battlegroup Plastic Soldier Company are showing as "out of stock". Whether this means they are waiting to run a re-print I don't know. Caliver Books have them in their catalogue, but that doesn't always mean they have them available.

[Norm]

The latest edition of Rapid Fire has just been released. It has been really streamlined and fits into a small A5 booklet. It has a scenario and some stats, but all the stats that you would need are on the rapid Fire website as a free download.

Best of all, the new rules at just £5 in the UK (available at Caliver Books)

For a short, but professional set, they would do everything that you would want for games with the youngsters.

The turn sequence is however mainly IGOUGO, which you have said that you don’t like, though there is opportunity to react in your opponents part of the turn with Ambush Fire.

The new edition is called RAPID FIRE RELOADED.

There is also a book of fast play rules, that includes a WWII set, which might be interesting to you, simple because it has introductory rules on several periods. It is by Neil Thomas and called WARGAMING - AN INTRODUCTION, published by the History Press. It might be available on the Kindle.