Exactly two weeks ago I had a chance to present my selection of top wargames suggestions for Christmas 2023, focusing purely on the titles released in current year. In the second part of my recommendations, I am going to discuss the all-time classics.

These are games with which you will never go wrong, and having at least several in each group, you will be able to choose the one most fitting your tastes. Also, in most cases they are readily available for order, be it on publisher websites or in retailer shops. While of course presenting individual titles, I will be more focusing on series / genres which I like, appreciate and play often.

Let us have a look at those wonderful wargames!

Previous years materials:
2022 new releases
2022 all time classics
2021 new releases
2021 all time classics
2020 new releases
2020 all time classics

A Commands & Colors Games

To get more details, please read my article about Commands & Colors games.

I am sure you are not surprised 🙂 My list of recommendations starts with the Commands & Colors series – set of games I played, play and will be playing extensively and in all flavors. The system by design is not overly complex but so vast and interesting that it will serve all the tastes.

We of course have the deck of Command Cards that drive movement while creating a “fog of war,” and the Battle Dice that will resolve combat quickly and efficiently. The stylized battlefield scenario maps emphasize the important terrain features and highlight the historical deployment of forces in scale with the game system.

You can play individual scenarios, campaigns, regular, overlord, breakthrough or even larger formats. You can move as far back in time as ancient Greece (C&C Ancients) or as close to our times as WWII (Memoir’44). During one evening, it is easily possible to play 2-3 scenarios – sometimes important if you want to switch sides and compare scores with your opponent.

What is more, with the recent reprints of below titles, you should not have any problem in obtaining those great positions. Which titles I especially like and appreciate? Let us see:

C&C Ancients – my favorite one, mainly due to multitude of expansions spanning thousands (literally) years of ancient history. A very elegant design, where each small rule has its meaning. What is more, playing those ancients battles with blocks just feels right and so thematic.
C&C Napoleonics – another great multi-expansion installment in the series. Mr. Borg created here probably one of the most versatile titles in this genre. Terrain is of utmost importance – as well as usage of combined arms and special abilities of each army. What is more, we are getting at least couple of formats to play – regular, La Grande Battle, EPIC, etc.
For me C&C Medieval is a fantastic, spiritual successor and natural continuation to Ancients – with greatly emphasized cavalry role. What is more, it adds completely new mechanics to the series – Inspired & Battlefield Actions. Of course it has brutal and devastating mounted forces. And we all wait for further expansions!

More about game:

An asymmetric / COIN (COunter INsurgency) game

Probably one of my most played game series (after Commands & Colors, recently challenged by Levy & Campaign). Perfect for multiplayer and solo session. Already spanning over 10 titles, including multi-packs! In essence, this series features Volko Ruhnke’s game system presenting guerrilla warfare, asymmetric warfare, and COunterINsurgencies around the world – in both historical and contemporary conflicts.

What I really like and appreciate, is that the victory conditions are constructed in such a way that using pure military power does not necessarily means you will win. The backbone of COIN game is usually the same – with two event cards visible, one current and one for next round and all eligible factions taking specific actions, specials or events. However the beauty lays in those small differences between volumes which made the system perfect for various epochs.

Which are COIN series recommendations for this year? Let us see:

Cuba Libre – one of the initial games in the series. By many – rightfully – treated as one of the best entry positions to COIN. Relatively small map, clear asymmetry of factions, very thematic topic (Castro revolution!). You are getting everything you need to start the journey with that type of games!
Fire in the Lake – a true masterpiece of Volko Ruhnke and Mark Herman. This is definitely high on complexity spectrum but to be honest – I never seen such a great depiction of the War in Vietnam on strategic level. Highly recommended – however, I would say once you are familiar with the system. If you like it, make sure to get the expansions!
The British Way – first of the COIN multi-packs; that means you are getting 4 mini games in one box! On top of this they can be combined into campaign. This is also first position in the series for 2 players -and as you can see in my materials, I really like how it was designed (very solo friendly!)
People Power – this is already volume XI in the series; a three-player COIN, described as one for the new adepts of the system but I treat it also as a great, quick game for experienced ones. There are some innovative mechanics regarding support plus a very interesting historical theme to this position.

More about the series:

A Solitaire Game

This time something for solitaire titles lovers. By such I do not treat the multiplayer games with solo module added on top. Nope, these has to be a dedicated, one player titles, invented, designed, developed and produced with exactly that type of play in mind.

It was always a great fun for me to play wargames on my PC. Then the love for tabletop wargames came, which I was bringing to the table with my colleagues. When pandemic hit, I started to discover more and more the solo boardgames. And since then the interest and I would even say, fascination, with such titles stayed!

Now, couple of my personal recommendations about some great titles I had pleasure to play in this genre:

Fields of Fire – the best company-level solitaire wargame I played; not an easy one, requiring understanding of strengths and weaknesses of your units. The deluxe edition with streamlined rules and training materials is on its way, but the series is fully playable already (although, with some more effort probably 🙂 )
I love David Thompson Valiant Defense series and can recommend each title. However, Soldiers in Postmen’s Uniforms (aka SIPU) is a special, personal installment in the series for me – as it tells a story which happened in Poland. In the game you take control of the valiant defenders of Polish Postal Office No. 1 in the Free City of Danzig on the first day of the Second World War. In series of turns you will be trying to repeal the constant Nazi attacks.
One of my favorite solitaire games designers – John H. Butterfield – created fascinating series of “D-Day” games. Peleliu is deemed as one of the most difficult and unforgiving. Well, I have not won it yet but that does not stop me from trying and trying 🙂 I also appreciate the small, additional scenario which you can play in pretty reasonable time.
Stalingrad: Advance to the Volga, 1942 was my discovery from this year; an innovative design, where you play the mobile / attacking force vs. much more static defenders (who still can surprise you!) Very replayable, beautifully published and already with second installment in works!

More about the series:

Summary

Christmas always supposed to be time of joy and happiness. I hope it will be for you guys and that you will find good time to spend with your bellowed ones. Merry Christmas!