Salute 2013

A few of us attended Salute at the Excel in London and it proved to be another good day. All the usual suspects were there but unfortunately there was no SEEMS representation this year.

One of the centre-piece games was the South London Warlords own 'Fleeced' games tying in with the loose theme of the show, Jason and the Argonauts. The game looked great fun and was fought using 1/6 scale figures with amazing looking skeletons.

Jason battles skeletons!

Here are some more snaps of games from the day...

Gripping Beast / 4Ground's massive Viking Hall.

Nantwich Gamers - When Chaos Reigns Normandy 1944.

Nantwich Gamers - When Chaos Reigns Normandy 1944.

A particular favourite of mine was the 3D version of the classic Snits Revenge board game by Tom Wham, designer of The Awful Grenn Things From Outer Space.

Frothers United - Snits Revenge.

Frothers United - Snits Revenge.

Frothers United - Snits Revenge.

Frothers United - Snits Revenge.

Planet of the Apes...

Frothers United - Return to the Planet of the Apes.

Frothers United - Return to the Planet of the Apes.

...and some more sci-fi...

Red Planet Miniatures - War on Mars.

Red Planet Miniatures - War on Mars.

Blakes Seven.

Blakes Seven.

...and some VBCW...

Gentlemens Wargames Parlour - VBCW.

Gentlemens Wargames Parlour - VBCW.

Gentlemens Wargames Parlour - VBCW.

The day managed to slip away very quickly but I did spend more time just gawking at the amazing games and less shopping. I had some great chats with some of the guys running games and a very interesting discussion with the designer for Sarissa Precision - the new 'Gaslamp Alley' buildings are lovely and I can't wait to pick up some of these.

 I picked up the new Crooked Dice 7th Voyage book plus I added a few packs of the lovely Foundry Argonauts to my current handful from the Wargames Foundry stall and very nice they were too!

Check out Big Lee's site for much better photos and a proper review!

(reposted from Level 2 blog)

17th April Games

Wednesday last saw two games underway; Dave and Mark's Dark Ages skirmish was 'delayed' due to Mr. Slater's involuntary libation to the table gods - play was eventually resumed, and I understand the play test was largely successful, and a few tweaks were identified for future games. Dave Crook, Steve Harbron and I tried out the Command and Colours Ancients board game, but were prevented from completing an interesting test game by time running out (just as well, 'cos Crook was taking a right beating - although of course I couldn't possibly comment on that).

Next Wednesday, we have a Warhammer 40K game lined up, and I will bring Commands and Colours Ancients again.

See yer soon,
Neil.

10th April Games

A fair turnout this week. The Warhammer 40K game seemed to run OK; as you might expect, I was a bit caught up with an Angels 20 game set over France in 1940, which saw the use of a Stuka and a new French fighter, the Dewoitine 520. We had a couple of first time players, so things were perhaps not as fast and furious as normal, but the furball shown in the attached picture was impressive! Not surprisingly, the Luftwaffe ran out as winners, but I for one would repeat this scenario. Further work on generating pilot abilities rests in the (mostly) safe hands of Dave Crook at this time....

Next week, Dave Kightly and Mark Lovett are running another test game for their Dark Ages skirmish game. I intend to enjoy a bit of a break from air warfare and play Command & Colors Ancients for a change. Steve Slater has agreed to bring along some boardgames as a filler.

See yer soon,
Neil

3rd April Games

Still a bit thin on the ground on club nights at present, although I gather some of you are a bit snotty at present, and quite understand the urge to stay on the warm! To those sickly mortals, a kind thought and a wish for you to return to good health soon.

The Sumerian game ran out of time due to distant deployments and poor pip dice rolling on both sides. Having said that, Steve and I had already lost some key troops so I would have to say I was ahead on losses in any case. The better of the pictures I took is attached for the delectation of those who were not present. Thanks to Steve Slater for running the Warhammer naval game for those not involved in the Sumerian game.

Next week, I will return to the skies with a 1940 based Angels 20 game - a chance for the Armee de l'Air to strut its stuff beckons. Bob and co. are planning a Warhammer 40K game, and Mr. Slater has agreed to bring a selection of board games as back up.

See yer soon,
Neil