As you may know, I've been searching for a decent WW2 tabletop game that's set to any scale. And I think I found it in Fire & Maneuver 4.1 by the now defunct Green Dragon Hobbies. The game is a one-to-one meaning that 1 figure or 1 vehicle equals is just 1 figure or 1 vehicle. The rules are simple but have a certain tone that seems to carry the essence of a World War 2 battlefield. In play that means, basically, the game is immersive in the action it represents. Fire & Maneuver 4.1 uses counters to display certain modes. In my opinion it's somewhat like Bolt Action but far enough removed from it that it definitely feels like a different game. Since the game is no longer published by Green Dragon Hobbies, I've uploaded the game so other can take a look at it. Then perhaps play it. Just click on the PDF link to get the download.
Fire & Maneuver 4.1
Re: Fire & Maneuver 4.1
Today, I made some of the playing aids for Fire and Maneuver 4.1, like I had a clear piece of plastic, some transparent vinyl sheets and I printed the infantry splatter guides (pg 60). It isn't professional but it'll do. Also printed and cut out a bunch of markers (I'll have to get a compartmental box). So soon I'll be ready to try a game or three. I'll post updates as they occur.
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- Suppression & Kill Zones Template
- Game Markers
Re: Fire & Maneuver 4.1
I was unable to attend SCComicon 2024, due to a knee injury, which left me with an unexpected window of opportunity. I used this moment to focus in completing the playing aides for "Fire and Maneuver V4.1," a task I managed to wrap up by late Saturday morning. The remainder of the day unfolded in an unexpected but interesting manner. In the afternoon, while engaged in casual conversation with my neighbor, who is a disabled veteran, our discussion eventually veered towards the game, "Fire & Maneuver." Intrigued by the game concept (at least, as explained by me), and after securing approval from his significant other, he expressed an undoubted eagerness to help test out the rules.
He assumed the role of the Germans, while I led the American forces. Our battlefield was a hastily prepared 5ft x 5ft table, which we brought to life with a sheet of light green fleece to simulate flat terrain. The landscape was further enhanced with an assortment of cardboard and plastic buildings, along with extra tan colored felt roads, and some trees, which added a dynamic element to the otherwise drab terrain. This somewhat detailed setup served as the backdrop for an engrossing session of strategic gameplay that lasted approximately five hours, until my neighbor was forced to leave, although by the look on his face as he departed, he would've relished just one more turn.
Despite the rules' simplicity and accessibility, mastering the game proved to be a challenging endeavor. However, my neighbor showcased his strategic prowess, very skillfully maneuvering his German forces in an attempt to encircle and pin down my units. A particularly tense moment arose when a segment of the American forces found themselves cutoff and surrounded by the enemy. It was through a combination of strategic cunning and a dash of luck that Americans managed to extricate themselves, though not without sustaining significant losses. The Germans, too, felt the sting of battle, incurring damage to both their vehicular assets, including AFVs, and their infantry units, which were reduced by nearly half.
The day's gaming session was both intense and exhilarating, highlighting the strategic depth and complexity of "Fire & Maneuver V4.1." It was a testament to the game's engaging nature and its ability to challenge any armchair tactician.
Below were the forces involved.
German:
12 - Infantry squads
2 - MMGs
2 - MK IIIs
1 - Mk V Panther
American:
16 - Infantry squads
1 - HMG
2 - MMG
5 - M4 Shermans
Losses:
German: 5 squads, 1 MMG, 2 Mk IIIs
American: 7 squads, 1 MMG, 3 M4 Shermans
Edit: It slipped my mind that the Pz III-J is not in the rule book, so I added it myself, researching various sources to do so. The nomenclature is as accurate as I could get it. Anyway, here are the stats for the Pz III-J. If anyone needs a copy of the PDF I shall gladly put it up as well. Let me know.
P.S. It also slipped my mind to take photos. Sorry.
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He assumed the role of the Germans, while I led the American forces. Our battlefield was a hastily prepared 5ft x 5ft table, which we brought to life with a sheet of light green fleece to simulate flat terrain. The landscape was further enhanced with an assortment of cardboard and plastic buildings, along with extra tan colored felt roads, and some trees, which added a dynamic element to the otherwise drab terrain. This somewhat detailed setup served as the backdrop for an engrossing session of strategic gameplay that lasted approximately five hours, until my neighbor was forced to leave, although by the look on his face as he departed, he would've relished just one more turn.
Despite the rules' simplicity and accessibility, mastering the game proved to be a challenging endeavor. However, my neighbor showcased his strategic prowess, very skillfully maneuvering his German forces in an attempt to encircle and pin down my units. A particularly tense moment arose when a segment of the American forces found themselves cutoff and surrounded by the enemy. It was through a combination of strategic cunning and a dash of luck that Americans managed to extricate themselves, though not without sustaining significant losses. The Germans, too, felt the sting of battle, incurring damage to both their vehicular assets, including AFVs, and their infantry units, which were reduced by nearly half.
The day's gaming session was both intense and exhilarating, highlighting the strategic depth and complexity of "Fire & Maneuver V4.1." It was a testament to the game's engaging nature and its ability to challenge any armchair tactician.
Below were the forces involved.
German:
12 - Infantry squads
2 - MMGs
2 - MK IIIs
1 - Mk V Panther
American:
16 - Infantry squads
1 - HMG
2 - MMG
5 - M4 Shermans
Losses:
German: 5 squads, 1 MMG, 2 Mk IIIs
American: 7 squads, 1 MMG, 3 M4 Shermans
Edit: It slipped my mind that the Pz III-J is not in the rule book, so I added it myself, researching various sources to do so. The nomenclature is as accurate as I could get it. Anyway, here are the stats for the Pz III-J. If anyone needs a copy of the PDF I shall gladly put it up as well. Let me know.
P.S. It also slipped my mind to take photos. Sorry.
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- Pz III-J