About game:

I had a pleasure to extensively play Fields of Fire in the past. I am so glad that after many years, thanks to GMT One initiative, we are getting new, upgraded, deluxe edition which streamlines and fixes issues of its predecessor while leaving all the great mechanics it has.


Fields of Fire is probably in the top three best solitaire tabletop wargames ever created – at least in the humble opinion of this article author. It does a fantastic job of simulating the small teams / squads engagements (up to company level), accounting for all important elements like chain of command, communication, initiative, limited information and chaos of battle.


With Deluxe Edition we are getting a wonderful product with great components but what is even more important – streamlined introduction path. By many treated as complex and difficult, the game really shines once you learn its mechanics. And what is the better way than to do it step by step, in small, digestible chunks?

So, would you stand-up to the task and manage to prevail against odds, leading your forces to the victory in the field?

Number of players:

This is one player and one player only solitaire game. In that area, it truly excels! However… I am pondering playing this game with my colleague, who also have copy of Fields of Fire. Both of us playing his own set but with the colleague on right / left flank!

Playing time:

Once you are proficient with the rules – and even then, you will be reaching to them from time to time – your playing time for a mission should be about 2-3 hours. That does not count the preparation phase – at least 30-45 minutes, where you equip your company, designate starting points and weapons. All in all, devote evening to a particular scenario.

Complexity:

That is a tricky evaluation. The game itself is medium-heavy, and once you played couple of times the flow is pretty obvious. However, moving deeper into campaigns more rules are introduced (vehicles, helicopters, jungle warfare) and the complexity level grows. But do not be afraid The great Fields of Fire Academy, explaining game bit by bit, is perfect way to learn it!

What I like:
  • Simulation factor – this is, by all measures, one of the finest simulations of company-level tactical warfare. It captures all key aspects of combat, with detailed planning, logistics, support, and communications playing a critical role.
  • Multiple campaigns – players can experience the heat of the Pacific War, the cold of the Korean Conflict, or the intensity of urban combat during the Vietnam intervention. The game offers a wide variety of scenarios, and when combined with the unique unfolding of each playthrough – such as terrain encountered and enemy location and composition – the high level of replayability becomes immediately apparent.
  • Campaign approach and experience build-up – it may sound unusual, but the game includes a subtle role-playing element. Missions within a campaign are linked, units gain experience while also suffering losses, and companies evolve over time. You develop unit skills, promote them based on experience, and feel genuine disappointment when they are lost. In a very real sense, you become attached to your company! 
  • Game mechanics – I particularly appreciate the absence of dice. Key “rolls” are resolved through modifiers, making success more likely when units are well prepared. In addition, certain actions – such as opening fire – occur automatically, requiring the player to intervene in order to regain control of the situation!
What I do not like or would like to see in the game:
  • In the past I would put here rulebook and storage solution. But this is no more. Deluxe edition refined rulebook significantly and added the academy training materials. The larger box – plus tailor-made Cube4Me solution – completely resolved the storage problem. So guys, honestly, I do not see much to put in this section!
For whom?

This is certainly not a wargame for everyone, particularly for newcomers to the hobby, as it may feel overwhelming at first. Likewise, players who prefer to be immediately immersed in constant action may find it less suitable. The game requires careful planning: deciding where and how to attack, equipping units appropriately, and positioning forces before operations begin. That said, its depth and long-term rewards are exceptional, and every wargamer should, sooner or later, give it a try.  

More about the game:




And now let us have a look at the components – all pictures / videos taken during my plays:

First looks at the game
Time to start learning the game – first, how to command a single platoon
Over to more complex game mechanics when we lead the whole company
Fields of Fire Example of Play based on the Standalone Mission
Playthrough of the First Normandy Mission + Campaign Overview
My storage solution based on great Cube4Me Trays!

VERDICT:

I have said it before, and I will say it again: some games come and go without much attention or debate, while others provoke strong reactions and leave no room for indifference. Fields of Fire unquestionably belongs to the latter category. Players tend to either love it or dislike it intensely, but once you start playing, remaining neutral is nearly impossible.

It is an outstanding simulation with an excellent planning phase, and it unfolds in a completely different way every time it is played. This is a game I would recommend that every wargamer try at least once. While it does present an entry barrier – significantly reduced in the Deluxe Edition – it offers an exceptionally rewarding experience for those willing to invest the effort. It comes highly recommended.

I rarely award a maximum rating; I believe I have done so only once before, for my long-time favorite Commands & Colors: Ancients. In this case, it is fully justified. If I had to choose a single boardgame to take to a deserted island, it would be Fields of Fire: Deluxe Edition. It offers enjoyment not just for years, but for decades.