Nice. Franco here we come...

[SapperAstro_MatrixForum]

Time to put on my International Brigade uniform and fight the good fight comrades!

[Leibst]

Hope you enjoy the game [;)]

[SapperAstro_MatrixForum]

Well, I certainly hope I will.

Just bought it and downloading now, but I know I generally like the system used (rev under seige), probably the best iteration of the age engine I have used, and I don't mind most of the other age games I have played.

And, of course, the topic...this conflict has always fascinated me, and, like other campaigns around that time that fascinate me (Malaya/Singapore, Norway, France 1940, Greece 41, Korea, China/Japan conflict, Nomanhan etc) few, if any games have been made around them (by around I mean everything catering for said campaign, alternatives of the campaign, with mechanics that are adjusted to the campaign). So from that standpoint I say 'about time!'.

Less of the same old 'East Front', 'Late West Front', etc and more of the uncovered campaigns of WW2 (and before and after; SCW, Korea, etc).

[Terminus]

Just finished the download. Super cool that we've FINALLY got a Spanish Civil War strategy game.

[Pocus]

Prove us that players like original subjects in strategy games [:)]


edit:typo

[kvob]

Kudos for giving us the Spanish Civil War. Artwork looks fantastic as usual (very reminscent of RUS). I'm really looking forward to putting some time into this game and keeping the red flag flying here[:)]

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Just finished the download. Super cool that we've FINALLY got a Spanish Civil War strategy game.

Amen.


I hope it includes some politicking, after all, it was an intensely political war. Especially for the Republicans with all the infighting...

[Terminus]

Looks like there's regional decisions in it.

[Leibst]

There are some political events but the game is centered in the military aspect of the war.
Maybe in the future more stuff can be added. [8D]

[Tamas]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Looks like there's regional decisions in it.

Yep, and they do cover "regional politics" from the angle of their military utility, namely influencing province loyalties. Propaganda campaign, for example, and the ugly but effective option of prosecuting supporters of the opposing side... It is not very nice but not only very historical but also an effective way of making your hinterland safer.

[EUBanana]

Pretty cool game so far, I like seeing all the portraits of Lister and Miaja and such. Not to mention the myriad infantry types with requetes and International Brigades and anarchist columns... makes it quite a unique game. I think the only other SCW computer game I ever played was SPWW2.

Shame it's not making a bigger splash IMO but then I suppose it's essentially a derivative of RUS and Birth of America and such. But as I never bought any of those, it's all fresh and new to me.

[Mac Linehan]

ORIGINAL: Tamas

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Looks like there's regional decisions in it.

Yep, and they do cover "regional politics" from the angle of their military utility, namely influencing province loyalties. Propaganda campaign, for example, and the ugly but effective option of prosecuting supporters of the opposing side... It is not very nice but not only very historical but also an effective way of making your hinterland safer.

Tamas -

A "Well Done" to you and the Espana Team. I have a biography of Franco purchased in 1992; still unread. Will have to get on it as background for the game. There are several books on the Spanish Civil War on my book shelf, perhaps it is time for a refresher.

> Are there any particular books that you or the Team would recommend?

Mac

[Leibst]

Hi Mac,

very recommended "Antony Beevor. Battle for Spain"

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: Leibst

Hi Mac,

very recommended "Antony Beevor. Battle for Spain"

I can second that - a truly great book on the subject.

[Terminus]

Thirded. Anybody with interest in this subject should read that book. Some gruesome stuff in there...[X(]

[aspqrz02]

Yes, much better and more readable than Hugh Thomas ... though, of course, Thomas' work was probably the first full history of the war in English and excellent in its own way. Not as readable, though, of course, I didn't know that when I read it first all those years ago when it first came out.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Spanish-Civil ... 0375755152

Phil

[Mac Linehan]

ORIGINAL: Leibst

Hi Mac,

very recommended "Antony Beevor. Battle for Spain"

Leibst -

Thank You for the recommendation, I shall purchase the book.

Gents -

Am most appreciative for your recommendations!

Edit: Used copy (the only way to go) ordered from Amazon...

Mac

[BillRunacre]

Ronald Fraser's Blood of Spain has to be one of the best. It's based on interviews with several hundred participants, from all factions and none, covering both the war and activities in the rear, including the revolution.

Perhaps it's not the best beginner's guide, but for anyone with a basic understanding of the war, and who is interested in learning more, it gets my strongest recommendation.

[kvob]

As an aside, Ken Loach's movie Land And Freedom tells the tale of an idealistic young socialist Englishman who goes to fight in the Spanish Civil War. It's well worth a watch (and has a wonderful ending).

[Mac Linehan]

Gents -

Bought and downloaded the game yesterday. Finished the (well written!) rules, worked through the tutorials and will now starting the "Fall of the North" scenario.

A question, please, pertaining to Depots:

Would three regions be considered the optimal spacing for depots to ensure maximum supply push? Perhaps I am missing the boat on this one...

Also:

Went through my library and found "Franco" by Paul Preston, 1994. Started it long ago, but got distracted; will have to go back to it.

I am reasonably certain that I have Ronald Fraser's Blood of Spain, but have not found it yet on the shelf.

kvob - Ken Loach's Land and Freedom was fascinating - I saw only the opening segment but will be sure to watch it through.

Finally, my own recommendation is Alan Furst's "Night Soldiers" - an excellent, well written story about a young Bulgarian who is recruited by the Soviets in 1933. His travels take him to Spain during the Civil War. Very accurate and tense, with a real feel for the atmosphere, events, attitudes and difficulty of day to day survival during that dangerous time.

Thanks for you help in advance!

Mac