Tactics II
Anecdote
A founding creation by Charles S. Roberts for Avalon Hill, Tactics II is, together with the original Tactics of 1954, the wargame that invented the genre as we know it today. The operational-scale hex-and-counter system presents a fictional conflict between two imaginary nations, allowing players to explore the principles of wargaming without historical constraints. Two players command opposing forces on a hexagonal map in a game lasting roughly two to three hours. The learning curve is very gentle, thanks to a clear rulebook designed to introduce players to wargaming. With Tactics II and its predecessor, Roberts invented the conventions of the genre: the hexagonal map, counters with combat and movement values, combat resolution tables (CRT), and zones of control. The original components are understated but of pioneering Avalon Hill quality. Tactics II achieved considerable success, making it one of the most widely played wargames of the 1960s. The title's influence is incalculable: virtually all modern wargames trace their lineage back to it. Charles S. Roberts is unanimously regarded as the father of the modern wargame, and the eponymous award that honours the best wargames each year bears his name. The community remained loyal to the title for several decades, and multiple reprints have appeared over the years. A French translation appeared and remains sought after by collectors. The title appears in every wargaming hall of fame. For enthusiasts of wargaming history, Tactics II represents the absolute origin, marking the birth of the genre. It embodies the genesis of an American school that would define the hobby for decades. It continues to serve today as a reference for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of the modern wargame. It is the source work from which all games in this catalogue descend genealogically.
Popularity & reception
Awards — Charles S. Roberts Award - Hall of Fame · Origins Award - Hall of Fame
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