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Click to order! |
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Help Support Frontline General! |
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FG News Issue 13
Coming Soon!
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“News” is composed of two subsections:
Current News:
1/4/09: Frontline General News Issue 13 is almost complete - check out our front page to preview the cover! In this issue, players will receive a new free scenario for use with Frontline General: Italian Campaign Introduction, a detailed tactical scale example with AAR, a solo test AAR of the new Scenario, a look back at CEW in 2008, our 2009 product plans, and more! To receive the new issue first, become a subscriber by e-mail. It’s the fastest way to receive news from the CEW front, and it’s always free.
12/1/08: FREE SHIPPING OFFER posted and store updated. We realize that our first game is heavy at 3.5 lbs, but now thru December 31st, we are going to ship it to you for FREE (US customers via UPS Ground). If you’re an international customer, don’t worry, we’re discounting our shipping to you by $15 USD. Read the full offer details and Happy Holidays to you from CEW!
11/11/08: Released another free Player Aid called the Operational Turn, Force Total, & Event Track Card. This Player Aid is the perfect tool to track the current turn in the game, force totals (to aid with paying supply), and remaining duration of any Event Card currently in play. You may download the new player aid here.
A new section called Reviews has been added to the site. We have linked to the first formal review of Frontline General: Italian Campaign Introduction by Richard Mataka.
Also:
Updated the Feedback Section Updated the Front Page Updated the In Development section Moved Player Aids from the Rules Game Files to the Miscellaneous Game Files section.
9/19/08: Added a Quick Reference Card for players of Frontline General: ICI. The Quick Reference Card contains some of the most important insets and tables from the Rules on one handy two-sided sheet for use during gameplay. You may download the new Quick Reference Card here.
Note that we’re also working on a Turn Track Card and Force Total Card to track turns as well as each country’s current supply costs. Update: Now Released!
Today, we also:
Integrated PayPal into our online store. Customers may now check out using PayPal! Updated and expanded the Image Gallery Updated the front page with new photos of the game Updated the feedback section with some comments
9/8/08: The Foggia Airfields Scenario has been updated to version Beta.1. to address a few minor typos and provide some clarifications. Download the new PDF.
9/7/08: Collins Epic Wargames secure Online Store now Live! Click here to enter!
9/5/08: Site Updated to add all Components required for the massive Print & Play version of Frontline General: Italian Campaign Introduction. Check the Game Files Section to download and/or preview the entire game- either as one large download or individual PDF files. Print, Play, and Enjoy the game for FREE, as promised throughout its development, or for a high quality production version with professionally printed and die cut components, plastic backed Unit Markers, dice, full color game box, and more- consider ordering the production version of the game through our online store for only $79.99! The store will be launched to the public on Sept 8th 2008!
8/29/08: Site Updated to add Comprehensive Rules and Foggia Scenario! Look for the rest of the FG:ICI Print and Play components coming soon!
8/24/08: Site Updated to add photos of our Gen Con display and an update to the feedback section. Preparing for our major update, which launches the Online Store and releases the Print & Play version of the game.
7/14/08: Site Update added new page to provide an update on the Production of Frontline General: ICI (Italian Campaign Introduction). This update includes specs on the game.
6/05/08: August 2008. Mark your calendars- Frontline General is near release!
100 Limited Edition Boxed, Printed, and “ready to play” games will be available for purchase at Gen Con, concurrent with the wide release of the same version which will be available for FREE Download and Print-&-Play via the Frontline General Web Site. This version is considered a ‘condensed’ Introduction to the full Italian Campaign, which will be produced and released thereafter.
In addition to the printed game, the Gen Con exhibit will feature a full demonstration of Frontline General, both at the Operational Scale and the Tactical Scale using all game components and WWII Peter Pig 15mm miniatures! Convention-goers will be able to see first hand how the Operational Game drives decisive miniatures battles at the Tactical Level. I invite anyone who is planning to attend Gen Con to come by our exhibit and see first hand what this game is all about!
Check out the new Collins Epic Wargames Company Logo (Click for the PDF)! Embroidered Polo Shirts in several colors and typical sizes with the new logo will be available for order both at Gen Con and online.
4/19/08: Updated the Contribute and Supporters Sections. Collins Epic Wargames is currently preparing to exhibit at GEN CON, Indy 2008 (external link)!
3/16/08: It has been a while since an update and I have decided to skip a newsletter release because of some very cool news at home. I am proud to announce the birth of my first son, Ty Collins, who was born on March 12. Needless to say I’ve been quite busy both before his birth and now as well. As soon as things settle down a little, I plan to pick back up with updates and a new newsletter. I am hoping to finish up and release this game very soon, so stay tuned!
1/15/08: Introducing www.wargamedownloads.com, our first advertiser! I uploaded their banner ad today. Please check them out and help support us! Thanks!
1/09/08: The Dec 07/Jan 08 newsletter is now available in the archives section.
11/07/07: The October/November newsletter is now available in the archives section. This month is entirely dedicated to Artillery, mostly from a US perspective. To kick things off, I present an interview I conducted with a friend of mine, Dan Sykes, who served in US Army Virginia National Guard 111th Artillery back in the 60’s. In his words, the specifics of his artillery experiences as part of FDC (Fire Direction & Control) are explained. Many of the same principles apply to Artillery use during World War II. I think you’ll find it interesting. Following the interview, the feature article “Fire for Effect” presents some of the rules governing Artillery in the game, including previews of four new Frontline General Unit Cards, and four illustrated Operational Scale Fire Mission examples against various German targets in the vicinity of Monte Cassino, Italy.
In this month’s Editor’s Notes section are a few announcements regarding Frontline General News article submissions, new online forums, and advertising opportunities with CEW.
9/26/07: The new feature-rich Forums have been launched! Click Here to check them out! At CEW, one of the priorities prior to release of the game has been to ensure that a good game support and online community infrastructure is in place.
9/16/07: CEW is now accepting banner and newsletter advertisements to help offset operational costs! Click here for more information.
8/17/07: The August 2007 Newsletter is now available in the archives section. Here’s what you’ll find inside: This month, I introduce a multiplayer option for playing the game called ‘Team Play Command’, where up to five players per country may act as a team to split the command and control of that country’s forces. In the Feature Article, I discuss the most recent in-house play test in detail, where the functionality of Team Play Command was first put to the test in a four-player scenario-based game. An AAR (After Action Report) is provided with photos of the “Foggia Airfields” Scenario game in progress. I discuss what worked as well as a few things that need some refinement such as Event Cards.
7/26/07: We’ve been online for 1 year! This first year of public exhibition of our newsletter Frontline General News and our upcoming game Frontline General has been full of challenges as well as many achievements beyond my expectations. Your feedback has been an excellent motivator for completion of this project. Soon, Frontline General Beta “Starter” will be released for free, for all to download, print, and enjoy. However, there is much work ahead. Collins Epic Wargames is currently preparing for a major in-house playtest among four players which will span 3 days beginning next Friday. This test will be the final “in-house” test of the rules prior to sending 20 “condensed” games off to a closed international playtest team. The upcoming in-house test will provide most of the content for the August newsletter. I plan to bring you plenty of photos and after action reports, and discuss the lessons learned from the test- what worked well, what didn’t, etc. If you haven’t read any of our free newsletters yet or checked out our site, I humbly encourage you to do so- Start with the latest edition (June 2007) to see what we’re all about. Happy gaming!
6/11/07: The June 2007 Newsletter is now available in the archives section. Here’s what you’ll find inside: I’ve included a progress report on the game’s development in the "Editor's Notes" section. Also, Part II in a series on land-based Anti-tank warfare is included- this time from a historical WWII German perspective. In this article, you’ll read about various weaponry and methods used by the Germans to combat the constantly evolving threat posed by allied tanks on the battlefield. Throughout the article, you’ll read how each weapon introduced relates to the game, with a total of four new Frontline General Unit Cards previewed along the way. Near the end, you’ll read a brief study on the famous Tiger I heavy tank and its impact in the game, since a discussion of anti-tank warfare would not be complete without taking a look at tank vs. tank engagements.
For the Frontline General Play Tester Group, I’ve created a new Yahoo! Group dedicated to the upcoming test for better group communication among members. The group is invite-only and is “closed” to posts except from group members (selected play testers). I’ve also added a new section, CEWtest, to provide a link to this “closed” group.
Updated Supporters Section-- Thanks Jeff! Updated Feedback, Community, In Development, Gallery, News, and CEWtest sections.
5/21/07: The June 2007 Newsletter is coming soon to subscribers. With the new bi-montly format it seems like forever since I’ve released an issue, but it’s really given me a chance to focus on the upcoming major playtest, perhaps the last before the Beta “Starter” is available on the website. In addition to a progress report, the June 2007 issue will feature Part II of an introduction to World War II Anti-Tank warfare, focusing on German anti-tank weaponry and small-unit anti-tank tactics.
4/9/07: The April 2007 Newsletter is now available in the archives section. Here’s what you’ll find inside: The Frontline General Play Tester "Core Team" has been selected as described in the "Editor's Notes" section! Incorporating third party miniatures at the tactical level is an optional part of the game. This month's feature article takes a step back from rules previews and historical articles and forward into the world of 15mm miniatures painting and basing at a detailed level. I'll discuss some basic acrylic painting techniques, list the tools you'll need to get started, and then take you "From Bag to Base" using 24 Peter Pig US Infantry miniatures to form two US Tank Hunter Squads in 15mm for use at the Tactical level in the game.
3/26/07: The response to the call for play testers has been overwhelming! This is great, but it makes it that much harder to decide on the few who will be receiving a portion of the game to try it out and provide feedback- absolutely free. In some posts on game sites such as Board Game Geek, The Miniatures Page, and Tabletop Gaming News, I mentioned some incentives for play testing for CEW including all materials sent to you free of charge, free entertainment, a discount on all future orders through CEW, and credit in the rules and on the website for play testing work performed. I’m very excited to select from the diverse group of players interested in trying out the game first hand.
Updated Supporters Section-- Thanks Jeffrey! Updated Introduction, In Development, Development History, and Coming Soon sections.
3/13/07: The March 2007 Newsletter is now available online in the archives section. Here’s a preview: "Play Tester Packs" are announced in the "Editor's Notes" section! Available for free to a very limited number of individuals, these packs will contain everything required to open-test a portion of Frontline General! Check out a preview of another unique FG optional rule that links battle results together for groups of Units in the article "Optional Rules for Momentum". This month's feature is considered part I in a series on Anti-tank warfare during World War II from the US and German perspectives. In Part I, you'll read a historical and game intro regarding US Anti-tank Guns. You'll also see how one of my favorite Units works- the US Tank Hunter Squad. Armor-piercing rules and Infantry 'Dig In' rules are briefly introduced. Two examples of Anti-tank combat are provided to tie everything together- A veteran US Tank Hunter Squad ambushes approaching German ground Units and a pair of 57mm Anti-tank Guns take on an approaching Panzer IV.
2/15-19/07: Added a new, easy to use Contact Form. The form is now operational.
2/05/07: The February 2007 Newsletter is now available online in the archives section, and it sports an entirely new look! The new and improved style includes a magazine-style cover, smaller fonts, and more content per page to save paper for those who print out the newsletters.
A lot is happening here at Collins Epic Wargames! Catch up on the announcements in the "Editor's Notes" section. Want more information on the Beta release and beyond? Check out "The Future of Frontline General". This month's feature, "Combat Engineers: Defeating Obstacles and Fortifications" is full of photos and historical background information related to Obstacles, Fortifications, and Combat Engineers in World War II (specifically for the US and German armies). The roles of Combat Engineers are examined from both a historical and game-related perspective. To cap off the feature, the working copies of four Frontline General Obstacle Cards are introduced.
2/02/07: The February 2007 Newsletter was released to subscribers via e-mail yesterday. The look received a major makeover, and has already been well received! I’ve uploaded the COVER for others to preview (accessible from the main page) until the full issue is available online. Also, I’ve updated the Supporters section with our first contributor! Thanks, Amy!
1/29/07: You can now help support the Frontline General™ game, newsletter, and web site by contributing via PayPal today! As a supporter, you will be listed by name and location, along with a star indicating your level of support. See the Contribute section for more details, and thanks!
1/08/07: The January 2007 Newsletter is now available online in the archives section. The articles within this month's newsletter introduce some additional rules such as Withdraw and Fog of War and dive deeper into the game's Operational Scale Combat mechanics. In the feature article, the Southern Italy Campaign Map, Unit Markers, Unit Cards, and special illustrations and photos are all used to describe a fictional struggle for the town of Avellino, Italy. Multiple German and US Units battle it out on the ground and in the air for control of the line. Which side will be victorious? Would you use the same tactics? Read on to gain deeper insight into how Frontline General simulates combat. Don't miss this 14-page issue with detailed step-by-step Combat examples and After-Action Reports!
If you like what you’ve seen so far, please tell others about Frontline General™!
1/03/07: Added a new feature to the web site, a Photo Gallery that contains several captioned pictures from recent development work. Gallery pictures will change on a periodic basis.
12/06/06: The December Newsletter is now available online in the archives section. This edition also included a companion PDF file of FOUR Unit Cards, which has since been removed. This companion was only available for a limited time (the month of December). You may still check out the newsletter to read the example dogfight between a German Fw 190A-3 fighter and a US P-51D Mustang fighter. The December edition also included a poll at the end regarding future newsletter content that has since closed. Thanks to all who participated!
11/06/06: The November Newsletter is now available online in the archives section. Thanks for all of the positive responses from my newsletter E-Mail subscribers who received the new issue on October 31st. If anyone else has any comments on this comprehensive look at the two scales of Frontline General™, please send me an E-Mail.
10/18/06: Special thanks to Consimworld for posting an announcement regarding the October Newsletter release. Also, thanks once again to Bill Armintrout at The Miniatures Page and Denny Koch for also posting the October Newsletter announcement. I’m very excited about the positive feedback so far and the number of people who have read the first two issues. I’m looking forward to writing the upcoming articles for the November issue.
10/08/06: Announcement: The October Issue of Frontline General™ News is now available in the Newsletter Archives section. The “Target Audience” section, as well as other areas on the site have been updated.
9/06/06: Announcement: The September Issue of Frontline General™ News is now available in the Newsletter Archives section. The “In Development” section, as well as many other areas on the site have been updated.
8/15/06: Announcement: The Frontline General™ Forums are now available! Go check them out and join the discussions about the game, WWII History, and other topics. Click Here to enter the forums! Note: Old Forums replaced with new vBulletin forums.
8/10/06: Announcement: Subscribers to the newsletter will receive the first look at the Frontline General™ Unit Card Design in the first feature article! Coming September 1st via E-mail. Click Here to sign up now!
8/3/06: Special thanks to Mr. Chris Abele for posting an introductory article about Frontline General™ on Wargamer.com!
8/2/06: Frontline General™ is announced in German! Special thanks to Mr. Denny Koch from Bonn, Germany, for posting a nice announcement on their boards. Click Here to view the post.
8/1/06: Special thanks to Mr. Bill Armintrout, editor of The Miniatures Page, for posting an announcement regarding Frontline General™!
7/25/06: The official Frontline General™ Web site is Launched! |
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