Well, about a month ago, we (as a group) had a great idea to get a bunch of things written down and provide our readers with a nice gift giving list. Welp, let’s just say that we didn’t get our you-know-what together… So, instead of a big list, I have decided to just make some shorter posts with things that catch my eye (or things that I notice to be on sale).  As I make these impromptu posts, I will try to stick to things which can be delivered prior to Dec. 25 — this likely means that they are things in stock on Amazon Prime. (All the Amazon links here are affiliate links, and the Opinionated Gamers may earn a commission if you buy from those links)
You know, some days you just want to go toe to toe and fight someone. Today, here are a few suggestions for games to let you get your aggression out…
Memoir ’44 – https://amzn.to/3EmXDiR
This has always been a favorite of the locals here at the OG. This is a 2 player only game with over 15 scenarios in the box, with plenty of expansions to be had as well.  The game comes with a huge board which allows you to replay a number of historical battles. This is a more Euro-centric wargame as  you choose what units to move based on cards that you have in your hand. A single scenario does not take too long, but if you want to – you can string together a couple of battles to last an entire day.
On the more thematic side – Star Wars Imperial Assualt – https://amzn.to/3EodyNS
This game allows for a multi-player battle (up to 5 players) – The mighty Imperial army and a cadre of deadly bounty hunters face off against daring Rebel heroes in a series of tactical combat missions leading up to a final showdown between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance during the Galactic Civil War after the destruction of the Death Star.  There are over 30 missions included in the box, so plenty of fighting adventure here. If nothing else, there are plenty of Star Wars fans out there…
If you have a Star Wars fan who is looking for a 2-player, slightly more involved game, then maybe Star Wars Legion Clone Wars is a better choice. https://amzn.to/2ZV92HI
This is a strict 2p game which pits the two players against each other in a series of ground battles. It has plenty of miniatures and could serve as a nice entry into the miniatures genre.  Note that the minis are unpainted though – so you can individualize them however you want (assuming you have the time and patience to paint them!) This is a longer game, with scenarios often going two hours or more. This is just a core set, and there are plenty of expansion that Fantasy Flight would love to sell you to allow you to expand your galatic battles.
Yesterday, we talked about a few legacy games, and Risk Legacy was the one to start off the whole genre – https://amzn.to/3dhQynW
We previewed/reviewed this a while back – you can read it here. This game takes the game Risk which you probably remember from your childhood, and then stands it on its head by changing the game each time you play. As you go through a series of games, you will permanently alter the board and the rules to end up with a unique and individualized version of the game at the completion of your campaign. Plenty of twists and turns to be discovered as you open up boxes and envelopes at the end of each game.
Finally, time to bring back a new take on an old classic. Axis and Allies Europe 1940! https://amzn.to/3xVDZrU
In this second edition of the classic war game, you and your “friends” can replay World War 2. Up to 6 players can play – taking on roles of the US, UK, USSR, Germany and Japan. This new version also allows you to play as some of the allies including France and the ANZAC countries.  The map in this new version is giant – and if you have a big enough table (or floor) – you can even combine this with the 2nd Edition of Axis and Allies Pacific to fight in both of the major theaters of the war. The game can and will take all day – so set aside a lot of time (and snacks) to play this one!
That’s it for today. Hopefully a few more ideas to come over the weekend….
