Test of Arms is a modern-day board wargame published in 1988 by Game Designers' Workshop.
Contents
editTest of Arms is a two-player tactical wargame that simulates various worldwide post-World War II conflicts.[1] The game includes six geomorphic hex grid map sections, 480 counters, and 29 scenarios drawn from post-World War II tactical conflicts around the world.[2]
Gameplay
editThe game uses the rules system from GDW's previously published wargame, Team Yankee,[2] using a simplified version of a traditional "I Go, You Go" system. The basic rules are not complex. During each turn, the first player has several phases:[3]
- List artillery targets, and roll a die to see if air units are available
- Attack with some or all units where they are
- Movement. (Opponent may have opportunity for reactive fire.)
- Attack (any unit that did not fire in Phase 2
- Fire artillery
The second player then has the same phases to complete the current turn.
Reception
editNorman Smith reviewed Test of Arms for Games International magazine, and gave it 4 stars out of 5, and stated that "Despite its generalities the game gives a good representation of its subject and may have some appeal to the players of miniatures. It also plays well solitaire."[1]
Awards
editAt the 1989 Origins Awards, Test of Arms was a finalist for a Charles S. Roberts Award in the category "Best Post-World War II Board Game of 1988."[4]
Other reviews and commentary
edit- Games Review Vol.1 #7
- Casus Belli #50[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Smith, Norman (April 1989). "Wargames". Games International. No. 4. p. 42.
- ^ a b "Test of Arms". BattlePlan. No. 8. January–February 1989. p. 2.
- ^ Lent, David (2020-07-18). "Team Yankee Review". Centurion's Review. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
- ^ "Origins Awards 1988". Challenge. No. 38. 1989. p. 2.
- ^ "Casus Belli #050". 1989.