Odds & Ends #14

Alternative Rules for Axis and Allies

The one thing I always liked about the original Axis and Allies were it alternative technologies that could be purchased, if you rolled a six. These technology enhancements included long range aircraft, ships, and tanks. There were advancements for every country and they would often give you an edge over your component. I recently found an updated rule book and although it does not include any of those old alternative rules, it does offer several optional rules for each country.

Twenty Must Read Steampunk Books

I haven’t read many of these titles, but the Twenty Must Read Steampunk Books – An Introduction to the Genre list will get us started.

Why Nikola Tesla was the Greatest Geek Who Ever Lived

Why Nikola Tesla was the Greatest Geek Who Ever Lived is an informative comic (of sorts). I do find Tesla an interesting inventor.

Three Person Games

The problem with Axis and Allies is, to play the affectively, you must have five players. I always have a problem of getting five like-minded players around a table to play this game. We usually we have one or two inexperienced players, which takes some of the fun out of the game.

Of cause there are other games available that only require two or three players. I find that games that require a minimum of three players are usually the most fun to play.

Recently, I came across this list of three player games. The list is not at all inclusive, as the author only mentions the games he currently owns and has played; quite an impressive list in my estimation. There are no links to any of the mentioned games though. This might be a good project during the winter when I am snow bound.

Axis and Allies: Secret Wars

One of the highlights of the original Axis and Allies were its supplemental rules that allowed one to pay a few IPC’s and roll a die. Upon obtaining a 6 the player could add technology advancements to their countries war capabilities.

I have seen and used other scenarios when playing Axis and Allies, but with Gremlins, Werewolves, Secret Fortresses, Ninjas, and Sea Monsters Axis and Allies: Secret Wars scenarios are quite different. Adding anyone of these scenarios will defiantly make your next game of A & A different.

Axis and Allies Land Units

Table Tactics produces several Axis and Allies expansion sets. These expansion sets are distributed through Fair Play Games. The expansion sets include a total of 48 Infantry and armor units. If you are in the market for land units that factors out to about four cents apiece. The set includes various types of tanks and infantry units to add to those that were already supplied with your game. The various pieces could also be used to bring additional capabilities to your game play.

Historical Board Game Tokens

The supplement tokens I had ordered from Historical Board Games arrived by post the other day. The tokens are very similar in appearance, color, and quality as those that were supplied with the Axis and Allies 1941 board game. I ordered five infantry pieces for each player and a set of piece markers. The piece markers are larger than those supplied with the game and will need to be colored with a marker to represent one, three, and five unit markers.

The tokens arrived a few days later than I had hoped. We played Axis and Allies the other day without these tokens. We made do and used pennies for the one unit markers. I wonder if it was really worthwhile to have sent for these tokens when we evidently were able to get by with out them.

1/285 Scale Terrain (DIR)

I never really thought too much about this scale, until I started looking for supplement parts for my Axis and Allies 1941 game. However, during the search for supplement parts I came across this directory of suppliers of 1/285 terrain manufactures and I thought I would pass it along to my readers. Perhaps someone might find the resource useful?

Two More Sources for Axis and Allies Supplement Parts

In my research, I have found that 1/285 scales seems to the size that is just about right for supplementing the Axis and Allies game pieces. Although I must admit that going this route might be very expansive, for those of us who want more detail and durability for their game pieces, the next two providers supply miniatures that fit both of those criteria.

GHQ

GHQ is often quoted as being the supplier of the most highly detailed miniatures in the industry. GHQ offers a full line on WWII military armor, and aircraft. If you are looking for rules they also provide rules for several games that make use of their miniatures.

C in C

C in C is another supplier of micro armor. C in C’s prices are better, but although the detail is there, C in C is reported to use a softer metal than GHQ. However, that being said, C in C provides an extensive line of 1/285 scale WWII armor, aircraft, and figures.