Fast Action Battles (FAB) wargame series

BACK FROM THE DEAD.

I got out my copy of Golan 73 last night. Still easily my favorite operational warfare series, I'm just lucky there are *just* enough people at GMT who like the series to keep getting releases. This game is *so* good at conflict outside of the carefully constructed world war 2 era, I really hope that more designers use it for later 20th century conflict. I think it would be a great fit for smaller games, I could imagine a Iran-Iraq war situation pre-stalemate, India-Pakistan, etc.

I have so many thoughts about the way this game models conflict and how good it is, and how different than the operational games I've played at this scale it is---looks like I dumped a big one in a long post like 5 years ago above.

Anyway, FAB: Crusader, which I preordered just to keep FAB going, is up for art and such right now I believe at GMT after many years languishing on P500---I don't blame them, it's just over that 500 number and not much more. They just put a new one up on a classic Russian front tank battle I will back as well, though again I can't say I'm overly enthused about it. East front just isn't my favorite.

I haven't played FAB beyond the initial Bulge game. It got a lot of initial grief because it wasn't "fast enough". I disagree. the game is faster than most one map Bulge games. The Asset Chit system is a clever way to supplement the block system with chrome like elements with a minimal amount of overhead. The rule layout was a bit clunky; I think they went to a series/game specific approach in later titles.

I didn't buy SICILY or GOLAN due to lack of interest in the subject matter, but may take a look at Crusader.

Yeah, Sicily works and is fun but I don't think it shows the system at its best. Golan does, though setting interest is personal so I get it. Sounds like you'll be excited for FAB: Dubno thematically.

I sympathize with people criticizing the "fast" part because they're thinking fast like CC Ancients or something. But this game *is* very fast from the perspective of the operational game space it's working in...

I liked Bulge and it’s asset system. I think Rick Young has good ideas (his special actions in Europe Engulfed was good, too).

Unfortunately, I don’t have friends who will play these with me.

Same, but I've never been someone to turn down a Toad. I should get some vassal going with it sometime.

Ungh, this game is so good. Absolutely agonizing strategic and decision centered around air support assets and special actions that backfired on the Syrians.