Acacemy Games Conflict of Heroes Awakening The Bear 2nd Edition Board Game

A very excellent game with excellent production values. Highly recommended. Easily adaptable to solitaire, but with a separate solitaire system that I will certainly purchase in the near future. Indeed, I intend to buy all the expansions. IF YOU LOOK AFTER THIS GAME, IT CAN BE THAT SPECIAL LIFETIME COLLECTION of what is an unbeatable tactical one-vehicle and one-squad up-to-company level wargame.ALSO...Its rules can easily be transferred to the miniatures-based gaming arena, especially if you play 6mm WWII, as I do. Simply mount your 6mm GHQ or Heroics & Ros miniatures on 1 inch square bases, use the gaming counters in the box as references (either to be place under the miniatures or on the table-side) apply the damage tokens in the way suggested in the rules, but otherwise use the given terrain boards. You could even make full-fledged terrain versions of the terrain boards on MDF; perhaps enlarged to accommodate even 15mm scale miniatures).However, there are a few very small things that could have been added, but otherwise do not depreciate the game system from being the best of its kind: The boards should have been two-sided: with one side depicting snow/winter conditions for those Moscow Battles or winter firefights; with the other side depicting spring/summer terrain (which is, of course, what is given on the actual boards). Second, the Soviets used a lot of cavalry (it was not just the Polish forces who did that); especially before Moscow 1941. The game could have had squads of troops disembark from horses in the same way as from trucks and half-tracks OR even fight from horseback outright, as they actually did. THESE ASIDE...ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

pleased

A well detailed military board game with some clever innovations.

Great Game, quick to learn.....lots or replayability

This is a beautifully produced game that exceeds the component standards of the 'classic' or typical war-game by some margin. The counters are thick 1 inch affairs with nice crisp artwork and the mounted boards have some lovely detail on them. It should be noted that there is a difference in the rules between the first and second editions, so when you read on-line reviews and comments, be aware that in the eyes of many, the second edition gives a better game. essentially the second edition has both players with an active unit at the same time, so that inter-active play is higher.In some respects, this would be called a simple or light wargame, but I think that comes from tactical games often being bench-marked against substantially heavier rulebooks such as those that come with ASL or even ATS and the description that many give that this is one step up from Memoir '44 is misleading and there are plenty of tactical gamers into the 'heavier' end of rules that would be happy with this system. So yes it may be thought of as simple, but players still face a learning curve as this is not a simplistic game, though the ruleset is very competent in explaining everything properly.To help the reader, the rules are divided into sections for programmed learning in the same way that Basic Squad Leader did all those years ago. So you read 6 pages of well illustrated and exampled rules and then you can play the first few firefights. then you read another section (2 pages) and can play the next few scenarios and so on. You will almost certainly play your first game and miss some of the rules - don't worry, I think most people will be doing that and within two or three plays (the first scenario is short) you will have it all nailed down.The good thing is that when you come to vehicles, the general principles have already been explained in the infantry rules, so taking on vehicles is much easier than in some systems.There are cards in the game, but these assist rather than drive the game and add a nice touch. For example you might have a card that gives you a free activation, or allows units to move an extra hex or allows 1 unit to automatically rally etc. Each player will typically only have a couple of cards at any one time - a new card is drawn once per turn in the typical scenarios. So they add interest without being too invasive to the normal flow of play.The game is highly inter-active. You activate a unit and get a number of points (say 7) and then you do one thing with that unit, such as move 1 hex for 1 point or fire for 3 points. Play then flips to the other player who does the same thing, then play flips back to you and you can do another thing with that unit and so on until those 7 points are spent, then another unit can be activated. There are other things that can be done by other squads that interrupt play, but explaining that requires more than I can give justice to here.The game can be played solitaire. There are solitaire rules to help deal with hidden units, which work. Knowing what cards each side has is not an issue and the fact that play flicks back and forth so quickly between players actually helps solitaire play. The solitaire player does have to manage two points tracks and while that is easy, it may annoy some as they are adjusted after every action taken. In any case, apparently the next module for release is a solitaire module specifically designed to work with this game.The costs to fire units changes depending on unit types. So Russian infantry generally cost 4 points, the German rifles 3 and the German LMG 2 points, that means that per activation, the German units will be generally be able to get more firepower out per turn (or round as the game refers to them). The same is true of tanks, so the German tanks can be more efficient, though some of the Russian tanks can be tougher.Once a unit has spent all their action points, it is flipped to its 'spent' side and is then quite limited for the rest of the round as to what it can do (generally nothing - but they can surprise you).I have scored this 5 because I like it and I think the company have done the best job they could to make this game a pleasure to own. (remember, you may come across some negative comments from people who played this a couple of times and never came back to it - you just need to make sure which edition they are talking about).

A very well thought out game. That captures all the important aspects of WW2 warfare. Such flanking, artillery, smoke, hidden units, and even formations. Great for any WW2 buff.Battle's can be small, or huge, with quite an army on the field. The quality of the components are very good and have a good weight to them.The gameplay is also very fluid. The best mechanic about this game, is everyone plays at the same time. Everyone does one small action (taking possibly couple seconds) before another player can do something.So you're never left sitting waiting for more than seconds. Also removes any unfair advantage to getting the first go too.My advice would be to start off with the introductory games, and progress slowly from there up in scale.I made the mistake of jumping to the huge battles, which ultimately put my friends off playing it as unless you're experienced, the bigger games can take several hours, and invoke quite a few special rules regarding weapons, bunkers, artillery, etc. So they're perception was that all games will take many hours. Rather than they just needed more practice to make quicker decisions.As long as you can hand-hold your friends into getting over the learning curve, which is steep compared to your average game, then it will be well worth it. There's a lot of replayability, as you can use any major tactic from the era to win.The second edition expands the game further, with more missions. It will take a long time to exhaust all this game has to offer.

Don't be crazy. The price does not worth the game. Only for hardcore gamer. They are selling gold. Please drop the price and let the Indians (who are true board game lover but have no sufficient money) taste it.

Fantastic game . Amazing graphics. Maps are so well done as are the counters. Everything about this game is thoughtful and beautifully produced. i have yet to play game. But after reading the excellent manual it looks like a great one.

A great, accessible small unit tactics game with no downtime for players and using real tactics is rewarded. This is one of a select group of games which are easy to learn but challenging to master. Recommended.

I was getting into board gaming and wanted to re-visit an old interest: tactical wargaming. I used to play Close Combat: A Bridge Too Far, Combat Mission: Normandy and Jagged Alliance 2 on the PC and wanted a similar experience: platoon level combat with individual vehicles and squads. I remember having looked into Advanced Squad Leader a long time ago but it seemed very complicated and hard to get a hold of. But this was years ago and I wanted to see what else was out there. So I started Googling.Turns out, there's TONS of options. After researching for a while, I came to the conclusion that Conflict of Heroes seemed to be the best fit for me. Following are the two reasons why, in order of importance, from least to most important:1. Artwork/Graphic design: The artwork—from the maps to the counters—are really great. The maps reminded me of the maps of Close Combat—rich in detail and believable. I think they do a good job, with some imagination, of providing immersion.2. Ease of play: The system is easy to learn. It's not bogged down by if-and-but rules but stay consistent throughout play. Yes, there are specific rules for specific situations and units, but they are not hard to implement, especially if you follow the advice of the rulebook, which is “learn these rules, play a scenario (or firefight as the game calls them) and learn some more rules and play another scenario.” By doing that, you get a feel for the logic and consistency of the rules. I'm lucky enough to find an opponent and I was able to teach the system to him fairly easily. (This person has a background in playing video games with some experience in strategy games).3. Ease of play #2: No Combat Results Tables! Hits are resolved quickly and easily helping to keep play fast and moving. Other game systems I was researching seemed to rely heavily on CRTs and this did not seem like fun.4. The system itself: What may have sold me in the end is the game system/rules. I would imagine that coming up with a game system that is fun and easy but complex enough that it feels realistic is pretty difficult. However, I think Academy Games really hit the mark with Conflict of Heroes 2nd Edition. In my opinion, this is where other tactical game systems falter: In trying to be as realistic as possible, other games get weighed down by overly-complex rules that take you away from the tactics, fun and immersion. An argument against CoH could be made that it abstracts too much. When my tank gets a hit, what happened to it, one may ask: Did it's treads get damaged? Did a crew member get hit? Who knows! Who cares! You've got bigger things to worry about because your left flank has now been exposed by the PzIV that's been stunned! Also, I think the Action Point (AP) and Command Action Point (CAP) system really work well together, making games challenging, fun and flexible enough that you get to do what you want—for the most part. I could go on, but this is getting too long already.So, yes, I actually kind of love this game. I got a hold of Storms of Steel, the second in the series and plan to pick up Price of Honour soon. I'm into WW2 history and so that helps my enjoyment of this game. The other contender was Combat Commander: Europe, but it just didn't seem like my cup of tea. However, I do hope to try it one day. Maybe I'll end up liking it. Anyone have a copy and want to teach me?

I got this game after doing a lot of research. I wanted to get away from "computer games" and play a good old fashion board game. My son is going to be 16 and I wanted a game that we could play and enjoy together ( besides video games! ). Conflict of Heroes is exactly what I was looking for! It is historically correct, It is well made, it is easy to play ( don't be intimidated with all the rules, just slowly work through them and you should be playing in 30 minutes or so ) and you can play with up to (4) players!!! This really is a nice game and I can't wait to purchase more in the "Conflict of Heros" games!!!!!!!!! A real must have!!!!!!!!

I was trying to find a good ww2 game that wouldn't have me pulling my hair out because of a rulebook the size of the bible.Well, amen to academy games for coming up with this gem.The rules are layed out a little at a time so you can digest them before moving onto more complex gameplay(actually nothing in this game is that difficult to understand).The game components look great as well-nice big counters with colored pictures of all the units.Makes it easier to understand what's taking place on the map.My only gripe is I got the Spanish hit counters so I made a quick trip to a Spanish/English website and wrote the correct English words on the counters.It's not cheap but if you're interested in the subject matter it's worth it.Update:I called academy games(spoke with Uwe) and he sent the english counters to me in 4 days.Great company and customer service

I have enjoyed war gaming for over 30 years and have played miniatures along with many Avalon Hill type counter and hex games. This game captures the feel of games like Advanced Squad Leader with a lot less complexity. An ingenious pulse type turn system manages to capture the same realism that required "Prep Fire, Defensive Fire, Opportunity Fire , and Final Defensive Fire" phases in games like "Advanced Squad Leader". The counters have all the info needed along with a dice roll to determine combat results. In addition to being a great and fun game design, the components are top notch including actual game boards and not just maps. The counters are thick and easy to handle with high quality printing. The manual and scenario booklet are also very high quality. If you are thinking the game is over priced, once you open it up, you will realize if anything, it is under priced. Just an all around great game. I can't wait for the series to expand.

For me, this game was a Combat Commander killer. I generally play 2-player and/or solo and for me, you get much more of a dynamic game for your money than from the GMT counterparts. Add to this, the Solo and Firefight generator and you have enough game replayability to last a long time. Also, some of the counters I received could not be punch out - I emailed Academy games and within a week, they had new counter sheets on the way. Awesome.

I v been looking for a good war game.1. ASL is too expensive and to complicated.2. Memoir 44 is too easy and too expensive(expansion)3. Tide of iron is even worse than above(being complicated for no reason at all)until i find COH 2nd edition.1. If you are a board gamer who like deep game but not too deep.2. If you like to play solo game such as Arkham horror, Mage Knight and Pandemic.3. If you care about the game components like i do(I want quality pieces, not paper maps!)Then take this one!

What an incredible game!!!!!! Conflict of Heroes, ATB 2nd edition has everything going for it. It has the perfect blend of realism and playability. It's not complicated and it's so darn fun to play. The map boards are some of the best I've ever seen, both sturdy and gorgeous. I would have to say that my favorite aspect of this game is the rules booklet. They feed you a little bit at a time as each subsequent firefight introduces a new rules. They are well written and have nice illustrations. There are also several excellent instructional videos on youtube and www.academygames.com website that will get you playing in no time.

I was a fan of Avalon Hill's Squad Leader series back in the 80's and this game captures much of the feeling of that game without bogging down in endless charts and rules. I can't recommend it highly enough!

This is one well built and very fun game! I love this game! The truth is that we've only played it 3 times since I got this because a crazy thing called work and something crazier called family keeps just getting our attention! LOL The guys had a blast playing this. The rules seem complicated but when you really read through them and watch some folks on You Tube you get the idea really quickly. For more fun get the expansion packs that go with this.

Pros:quality componentslots of scenariosstrategic game play2-4 playerseasy to learnwell written rule book with ton of examplesgreat artCons:some rules and set up aren't clarified enough and may require searching online for answerscan get screwed over by the dicesome scenarios can feel unbalancedplaying the Russians relies a lot more on luck since they can't fire as much as the GermansIn conclusion, i like this game a great deal and if your a fan of squad based tactical war games than you should definitely buy this game.

For a medium-complexity wargame, Awakening the Bear is particularly easy to learn. With its 'programmed rules', one can learn a few rules at a time, and play a full scenario with those rules.This is an outstanding game, one of my favorites.

New to wargaming and loving this one. Plenty of videos online to help beginners with the rules. Don't be daunted by the rulebook. Jump in and give it a go!