Game Preview - Clash of Arms
SUMMER STORM: Command Focus and Operational Game Provide New Spin to Famous Battle

A ConsimWorld.COM Exclusive!

One of the most anticipated (but unfortunately, delayed) releases of this year is Clash of Arms Games upcoming monster game on the Battle of Gettysburg, SUMMER STORM. Game Designer Rick Barber was kind enough to grant ConsimWorld.COM an exclusive Preview of this upcoming Gettysburg game, marking Barber's first foray into game designing, by sending us his original playtest version. Many of you may know Rick Barber for his stunning map artwork gracing many Clash of Arms titles (including other publishers).

Since many will ask, "Who needs another Gettysburg game," ConsimWorld.COM set out to answer this question. In effect, what aspects of this game, if any, will set it apart from past efforts? The response to this question is basically three-fold.

- Research
- Command, Morale, and Activation
- The Operational Game

Research
Rick Barber has spent a lifetime researching the Battle of Gettysburg and lives in close proximity to the battlefield itself. In terms of map work, SUMMER STORM represents the most detailed and accurate representation of the battlefield to date. Rick was involved in designing the game maps for THREE DAYS OF GETTYSBURG (GMT Games) and THIS HALLOWED GROUND (The Gamers) - so this represents Rick's third foray in architecting a representative map of the battlefield. Not many can stake this claim. The Operational Map included extends the coverage area far beyond other Gettysburg games published to date (more on the Operational Game later).

Command, Morale, and Activation
If you are looking for super-detailed tactical movement and combat resolution rules (each unit has a base Combat, Movement, and Morale Rating), look elsewhere. In fact, combat resolution is comprised of a single phase unlike other detailed battle games (not to worry, there is still plenty of flavor captured in the combat mechanics). Why? The focus of this game is different. The heart of the SUMMER STORM game system lies in the Command structure and allotment of Army and Corp Command Points to successfully husband resources in achieving one's goals. Morale and Fatigue is an integral part of the activation system, so as a formation is pushed into action, the more it is prone to having its Morale and overall Effectiveness Reduced.

Doing Turn Continuation and Chit Pull systems one trick better, SUMMER STORM represents an intermeshing of these design ideas and the result is an excellent synergy that translates into exciting game play. To add more flavor, an Orders System has been included as well (a somewhat simplified approach compared to The Gamers CWBS Orders System). One can "purchase" orders to help ensure the activation of formations for specific tasks (Direct Orders, Attack, Defense, Reserve, Build, etc.) - or they may also have their activation chits placed in a chit pull cup which really calls into question the timing and type of activity the formation will undertake. Finally, activation points can even be stored for later use (PrePlanning) to help orchestrate a concentrated effort on the battlefield. A special Reserve Movement Phase has been added to make sure those arriving reinforcements will finally get some form of guaranteed movement action (although movement rates for formations and even the turn of entry are never certain) - unlike the TCT systems of the past in which a game turn can suddenly end before any arriving force can enter play (a shortcoming of the TCT activation approach).


Ewell's forces smashing Schurz's defensive stand, as the latters' units become SHAKEN.
You may note the larger hex outlines on this Battle map - used for the Operational Game.

The end result is an excellent blend of player control, issuing of orders, and utter chaos (lack of control) - so proper planning is ultimately awarded over blind luck or fortunate rolls of the die.

The Operational Game
While in the Battle Game players are strictly concerned with the unfolding tactical situation, the Operational Game represents a step back and puts the players into the boots of Lee and Meade on the morning of June 30, 1863. While time did not allow us to actively incorporate the Operational Game mechanics for SUMMER STORM, this will most likely be its claim to fame that makes it stand apart. The Operational system is a double-blind game onto itself in which the formations are manuevered around the battlefield (the Operations Map extends far beyond the Tactical Map) until they find the opposing forces and engage in battle. Translation: nail-biting time.


Panaramic view of opening manuevers, First Day of Gettysburg
Buford has taken an extremely aggressive, yet exposed, defensive stand to the right.

Initial Impression
This Preview Coverage is not representative of a formal, in-depth review, as we've not delved into the entire game system or touched upon a myriad of other nuances to the game. What we hope you have gained are new insights into what will set this game apart from current Gettysburg titles - and why you may want to consider adding it to your game collection. It goes without saying that THIS HALLOWED GROUND by The Gamers is considered THE tactical/regimental-level game on the battle. Meanwhile, SUMMER STORM will have much to offer anyone with an interest in this battle, particularly in how well it handles Command, Activation, and the Operational Level Game that allows one to paint an entirely new picture on the unfolding battle. Simply put, this is not a retread of any past Gettysburg game...and we hope to see future battles based on the SUMMER STORM game system.

If there are any concerns to express based on the preview of this system, it's that the rules could use some tightening (often I found myself exclaiming, "Just Get to the Point") along with additional Player Aid Cards, as the learning curve regarding the Command system can be somewhat daunting at first. Getting the "big picture" is a challenge, because there is no "series rules" to rely on here - this is a new system. Rick Barber will be offering a Game Support Web Site upon this game's release, so we anticipate some Players Aids becoming available over time. The game will play seemless once the initial learning curve is tackled - so play emphasis is on strategy and not memorizing rules cases. If any game could have used a "Talking Version Tutorial" treatment, as was done with several releases from Moments in History (an audio cassette play tutorial including designer interview), this would be an excellent candidate for such a treatment. Once you grasp the "big picture" - the rest becomes a snap as the movement and combat rule mechanics are relatively simple.

Rick Barber has definitely stepped up to provide a new take and system on the Battle of Gettysburg, so don't expect any retread here. We encourage members to consider purchase of this game. A Pre-publication discount offer is still available, and you can learn more about it by visiting the SUMMER STORM Banner Advertisement Page.

Game Designer: Rick Barber
Clash of Arms Games

Related Links
1. SUMMER STORM Product Info Page
2. SUMMER STORM Game Talk

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Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com

Headline News | Archives | New Products
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Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com

Headline News | Archives | New Products
Game Ratings | Clubs | Events | Discussion Board

Copyright © 1999, 2000 ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com