At long last, we're ready to share! :D

FRANK CHADWICK'S ETO (FC's ETO) is ready to hatch its first game using this new system, and that game is BATTLE FOR MOSCOW II. We're looking for stalwart wargamers to test drive all of the innovations that Frank, Lance McMillan, and I have been working on to mature this classic move-fight-move gaming system.

BATTLE FOR MOSCOW II is the classic introductory wargame "all grown up" on a 17" x 22" map (with more room to maneuver) and lots of "keeping the complexity modest" features added including: HQ units and theater reserves; Air units and a complete Air system (yesterday, Frank remarked that "I wish I had invented this Air system back in 1975."); smooth stacking and other features based on the physical size of the units, and more. Let me attach the latest rules set for your inspection...

BATTLE FOR MOSCOW II is the first game that is the proving grounds for the new ETO engine. We hope to have this published in time for CSW Expo this year, and will be playtesting the first quadrant of the grand European campaign game, THUNDER IN THE EAST at CSW Expo (and hope to pick up some great players to push a few units around and try things out for a while). THUNDER IN THE EAST will cover the whole shooting match on the Russian Front during WWII.

So, it you'd like to throw your helmet in the ring and help playtest BATTLE FOR MOSCOW II and start shaping the whole ETO series, please use the link below to request to join us! :D

http://www.victorypointgames.com/playtesters.html

Dude! I'm all about that!

More news on the BATTLE FOR MOSCOW II playtesting:

http://www.victorypointgames.com/news/frank-chadwick-eto-playtest-moscow/

Alan Emrich

Do you win $1,000 if you can beat your opponent?

(an Origins 1986 reference there).

Alan,

If you need a Vassal play test module, I can hook you up with that. Those work really well for play testers who want to test it against other players. I have made play test modules for Hands in the Sea (Knight Works), Operation Dauntless (GMT), and Last Battle: Ie Shima (Take Aim / Revolution).

Judd,

Email me at alanemrich[at]victorypointgames.com with that vassal proposition, and I'll shoot you the files I'm using to make if from.

Alan Emrich

Well, as I sit down at the office this AM, there are 43 playtest volunteers. Man, that's a lot of playtest kits, of which I had planned to make about 8! :D

Hmmm, might be able to push that up to a dozen, but still, that's a lot of "Sorry, but..." emails to send out. Bummer.

Alan Emrich

Alan, I'm willing to join in as well, but I won't need a physical kit as I can quickly build a ZunTzu module...

Bill, send that to me in an email and I'll send you files to Tzu away with. :D

Alan Emrich

Read all about it:

http://www.victorypointgames.com/news/new-game-boards/

Alan Emrich

Keel heem!

:goofy:

puzzle cut game boards

Well played, sir, well played.

Dang, now I actually want a real one, can you imagine each ETO map as a 100 piece map?

I'm waiting for puzzle cut cards.

I thought the Rubik's die was a nice touch.

Here's a quick update from my desk:

HIGH TREASON!:The Trial of Louis Riel -- Beta test kits are out and feedback is pouring in. Tim Allen has worked on the card template (hopefully he'll post it here) and another box cover concept. This first game in THE WORLD ON TRIAL system should serve as a template for other great trials in history.

BATTLE FOR MOSCOW II: Alpha testing continues; beta kits printed (counters still to be cut) and should be mailing out next week. I you can take my word for it, the AIR SYSTEM for this, the "proving grounds" game for FRANK CHADWICK'S ETO system, is really cool. Hopefully we'll have a Vassal and Zun Tsu kit for this game to broaden the playtester outreach. We really want to get this foundation game RIGHT.

ESPANA 20 vol. 2: Lance has turned this is in (les Grognards are currently playtesting IMPERIAL SUNRISE 20) and I'm finally getting around to editing/formatting the rules before sending it off to the art department for layout. With BUSSACO 20 second edition and the new TALAVERA 20 in the box, there's a lot great gameplay going inside.

IMPERIAL STARS II Expansion Kit 2: This is wrapping up playtesting and includes two new maps, two new "minor ally" factions, more event and technology cards, and other goodies.

DAWN OF THE ZEDS third edition Expansion Kit: With this, our first game printed overseas, now reaching the docs for trans-oceanic shipping, we are keeping the irons hot with both an Expansion Kit (new characters and cool new mechanics for some surprises. We've also put together a full-on card game version -- easier to learn, but just as epic to play. :D

There's a lot more piled up around me, but that's what I see at the moment! ;)

Alan Emrich

A Near Run Thing? Magnificent Valour? Any news on those?

Herm

Not to mention the 2nd edition of Lost Cause, First Jihad, The World Will Hold Its Breath, Federation of Sol....

Yes, yes... everyone is interested in their favorite game.

Unfortunately, many of them were being developed by someone who has left VPG to deal with "Real Life." Consequently, the DEATH OR GLORY games, TO FIGHT & DIE FOR DIXIE and several others will end up on my desk, which I'm trying to clear off as quickly as possible and start tackling those projects. This is unlikely to happen until after CSWExpo as I have a lot to do to prepare for that show...

FIRST JIHAD has not been submitted to us yet, though the designers' messages always remark how close it is, but since their Presidential Primary was yesterday, their time might be more free in the days ahead to complete this game. :D

Alan Emrich

Here is what the box-art and one of the cards looks like for the Trial of Louis Riel game.

Its all subject to change of course.