Enemy Action is a new series of card-driven war games on pivotal military operations and campaigns in the twentieth century. Each game allows for play by two players or one player, playing either side in the conflict.
The Enemy Action series features:
Two-player competition with low complexity and constant decision points for both sides
Solitaire play of either side with systems governing all aspects of enemy command and tactics
Card-driven impulse system, with multi-purpose cards played to activate formations, implement command events, or gain tactical advantages in combat
Diceless and chartless combat system – players draw combat chits that build a narrative of each combat
John Butterfield’s unique card-driven mechanic allows players to use multiple resources in multiple ways but each decision has a consequence, many of which aren’t evident at the time. Resources include units and cards. So two different cards can be used to activate the same unit/s, but each card may have a different secondary use that could include artillery support or even activation of more units (or group of units).
The combat chit system is yet another decision-making point. Players choose and reveal a number of combat chits that varies based on a number of factors. The minimum and maximum number is dependent upon unit capabilities, terrain and support, but not combat factors (so no factor counting here). This choice can often get an attacker into trouble by going for “a chit too far”… Or it might even be a masterstroke to take that extra chit…
Enemy Action: Ardennes
The first game in the series is Ardennes. The game portrays the German offensive against the western Allies in December 1944 — the Battle of the Bulge. Each player controls the German or Allied side. When playing solo, the game system controls the other side. So Enemy Action: Ardennes is effectively three games in one box: the two-player game, solitaire playing the Allies, and solitaire playing the Germans.
Map scale on this module is 2.5 miles per hex. Hexes on the game map are oversized allowing for easy counter handling. Unit scale is regiment, brigade and division, with one to four steps per unit. Each turn represents one day of the battle, with several alternating player impulses in each day.
Components:
3 22″x34″ maps (1 for each solitaire game and 1 for the 2-player game – only 1 is used at a time)
3 full sheets of counters, printed both sides
1 deck of 110 playing cards (poker quality)
3 rules books, (1 for each game)
Multiple player aid cards
1 full color 3” box and lid
Complexity: Medium
Playing Time: 15 minutes to 6 hours for the full campaign
Solitaire Suitability: Designed for solitaire play
Designer: John Butterfield
Developers: John Foley
Artist: Tim Schleif
(from Compass Games website)
BGG wiki page with many clarifications and hints and errata:
Enemy Action: Ardennes German Solo FAQ
- World War II battle
- Battle of the Bulge
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the challenge where I try tried to play a subset of the rather large collection of board games tabletop historical War Games specifically that I have on my shelves that I have yet to play or fully play
- the goal here is to start making progress chipping away at those games on your shelves that have yet to be played
- the Shelf of Shame is so embarrassing
- all of these are shelf of Shame right I me usually call it shelf of opportunity but this is yeah some of these I really need to play
References (from this video)
- Variety of play modes offers broad appeal
- Appealing to solo players and two-player groups alike
- Complex rule set across multiple modes can be daunting
- May require careful setup and reference during play
- Three-interwoven modes within a Bulge context
- Triple-game packaging across solo Allied, solo German, and two-player modes
- Flexible play options to accommodate different player preferences
- Fast Action Battles
- Ardennes 44
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Movement — Modeled Bulge dynamics with accessible movement mechanics.
- area movement with thematic flavor — Modeled Bulge dynamics with accessible movement mechanics.
- three-in-one system — Three interconnected play modes provide varied experiences within a single title.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- All 20 of these games are worthy games
- The competition is real
- Go vote for which one of these two games you think is the better bulge game and should continue on in the competition
- Thanks so much for watching everybody
References (from this video)
- Key competitor in Bronze Star, strong poll presence
- Details not discussed in depth in transcript
- Operational and strategic WWII combat
- Battle of the Bulge, Western Front, 1944
- historical simulation
- Arden's 2
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- unknown — Not specified in transcript
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This really is a competition for fun; it's not to really make definitive statements about any and all of these games.
- Arden 44 got the most votes in every single round it participated in up to the final round and that didn't stop here for the final round; it garnered 64% of the 444 people who voted.
- The potential for doing things like this video series is really large.
References (from this video)
- Outstanding solo experience
- Strong, accessible two-player balance
- Solo mode may overshadow two-player experience for some players
- As with many heavy wargames, setup and mastery require commitment
- A highly regarded solo-focused wargame with a distinctive system
- Battle of the Bulge; WWII
- solo-centric design paired with strong two-player balance
- Arden's 44
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Campaign-like play — Offers robust strategic scenarios with extended play options
- Dedicated solo system — Renowned for its solo play experience; often cited as among the best in the industry
- Zone of Control and strategic movement — Classic wargame mechanics with modernized twists
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the Battalion Combat Series 1680 counters in this, I think we have to say it's a monster game of the Battle of the Bulge
- it's a monster game ... hours and hours and hours of gameplay
- this is for fun this is just to have a good time to see what games end up and just talk about and wonder about the different results
- I have no idea which way this is going to go
- Arden's 44 could it be the favorite