A Wargame on the go

 

This blog is mainly centered on wargaming, model railways and military models. I have actually no plans to change 'this concept', but sometimes I take some 'hobby detours' and do some other 'odds and ends'. So I'm doing a little bit different Wargame Review this time. -I'm not even sure if this blogpost is considered as 'wargaming'??

Even if I prefer tabletop wargaming with miniatures, I really like the thrill, decision-making and dice-roll which randomize the outcome of any (war-) games. Sometimes I just want to have a 'quick wargame on the go'. The "Lunge, Cut and Stop Thrust" Dueling Game" is such a simple, fast to set up and easy to play wargame you can play without much preparations. But sometimes there is not even time or place for even such a small wargame. I've found a substitute for desire to fast and easy wargaming by downloading a App from Google Play/ Play Store called Risk. It is just like it's board-game equivalent, but it's much faster to set up and play, and it allows you to even do it on the go. -Which suits me when train-commuting to work for instance.

The Scenario

The Risk App allows you to choose between a lot of different scenarios, modes and maps, but I went for The Classic in this casual game; Conquer the World.

Forces:

You can play this game against the App it self with bots, but I like the unpredictability added by the human factor, and invited 3 other 'live players'.

The Game

Time:    30 minutes

Turns:   12

Result:  Red wins

I like the game to randomize the countries and number of troops given to each players in the start position. It looks like a pretty good start for several players and which continents they should focus on (to gain extra troops) in this game:

And the gamed pretty much started as expected....
-Until Orange Player went rogue:

The Orange offensive changed the situation, and decisions needed to be made. Probably worth the risk of loosing a lot of troops to 'change continents' to improve own chances to achieve the mission now:

Luckily the Blue Player was equally defensive as the Orange one was aggressive. Probably a good idea to take out Orange now and fortify the the rest of the troops:

-Which was a success. Being too defensive and careful can cost you a victory. -Time for Coup de Grace:

Victory:

Pros

• The App is free, but you can pay to gain even more options to your games.

• The rules are very easy to play.

Cons

• It's not a Tabletop wargame with real miniatures nor dice.

• It's not a very narrative game.

Conclusion

Just to follow up the 'Con', I'm not even sure if this can be considered as a 'wargame'. What do you think? Please share your opinions in e comment-section.

I'm usually a SOLO-gamer, but this Game-App allows me to casually 'battle' against other people, which again adds to the 'human factor' and a uncertain outcome of a game, which again adds to the satisfaction. Besides you can play it when you actually have not time or possibilities to do other (war-) games, but just want the thrill of throwing some dice. If you haven't tried this yet, I recommend you to give it a try.