Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear!
Anecdote
A landmark design by Uwe Eickert for Academy Games, Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! profoundly renewed accessible tactical wargaming by introducing an action point allocation system as elegant as it is innovative. On the Eastern Front, 1941–1942, two players face off at the section and company scale, with each unit given a budget of action points to spend throughout the turn. The system eliminates lengthy IGOUGO phases by offering a lively alternation in which each player acts in turn, creating a genuine tactical dialogue. A session lasts approximately ninety minutes, and replayability is supported by around twenty carefully balanced scenarios. The learning curve is exceptionally gentle for a wargame of this depth, thanks to a system of tutorial scenarios. Eickert wanted to offer a wargame that could rival modern games in fluidity while retaining historical rigour. The components are superb, with large hex counters and thick card stock, overhauled in a third edition that was praised by critics. Academy Games established itself through this title as a reference in modern wargaming, capable of appealing to both wargamers and boardgamers. The line quickly expanded with Storms of Steel covering Kursk, Price of Honour covering Italy, Guadalcanal, and Awakening the Bear! Solo. The influence of the system is considerable and can be seen in several contemporary tactical games such as Last Hundred Yards. A French localisation by Asyncron brought the title to Francophone audiences with remarkable editorial care. The title received several international awards, including a Charles S. Roberts and multiple Origins nominations. The community is very active, generating fan-made scenarios, tournaments, and linked campaigns. For many, it is the game that proves one can modernise WWII tactical gaming without betraying it, and that serves as the ideal stepping stone for players wishing to move beyond Memoir '44 without yet tackling Squad Leader.
Popularity & reception
Distinctions — Charles S. Roberts Award - Best WWII Boardgame (2008) · Origins Award - Best Historical Board Game (2009) · Golden Geek - Best Wargame nomination (2008) · International Gamers Award nomination (2009)
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