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Spotlight Articles

Outstanding articles that are not necessarily linked to one particular game, but may have broad appeal to gamers.

Gaming the American Revolution – Ranking the Games We Have Played – 2025 Edition

Spotlight Article Graphic

"Since the last post last year, we have been able to play 3 new games to add into the list...". Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players' Aid, updates his top 20 list of games on the American Revolution. Check out which game earns the comment "This element is thematically spot on as communication was limited."

Poster: Doug Holt
Post Date: 7/16/2025


A TIMELINE OF THE HISTORICAL MINIATURES WARGAMING HOBBY

Spotlight Article Graphic

An anonymous poster listed highlights in the history of miniatures war gaming through 1981. Don’t miss the comprehensive list of publications and resources at the bottom of the post.

Poster: Pat L.
Post Date: 7/12/2025


2025 Guide to Quick-Play Wargames for Holiday Travel

Spotlight Article Graphic

Are you one who, when traveling, does "...not want to part with your beloved hobby – boardgames."? Then join Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, as he covers 16 games that have fit the requirements of travel for him. Because, as a grognard, "...nothing compares to a nicely published 'analog' version of the game to be brought to the table during your free time!"

Poster: Doug Holt
Post Date: 7/7/2025


Epic Revolution (AWI)

Spotlight Article Graphic

"Another instalment in Warlord Games’ Epic series has just been released..."! Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, checks out the latest figures/ruleset package in this series. "... a lot of work has gone into this rule set to make it AWI specific - well done that team."

Poster: Doug Holt
Post Date: 6/30/2025


War reaches northern Italy, 215 BC

Spotlight Article Graphic

"Hannibal has come over the Alps..."! Prufrock and his friend Ian P bring us an intense Punic War clash that doesn't look too promising for the Romans, when they "...win the first move and mostly freeze."

Poster: Doug Holt
Post Date: 6/26/2025


Interview with Robert Phaneuf Designer of Secession 1861: The American Civil War and The Armada from Fortress Games Currently on Kickstarter

Spotlight Article Graphic

"...there are few more fertile areas for educational, simulation-ai gaming." Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players' Aid, interviews designer Bob Phaneuf about his two upcoming games. See why he thinks that "...Secession 1861 will mature as a classic solitaire nail-biter."

Poster: Doug Holt
Post Date: 6/18/2025


Battles of Heraclea Lyncestis, 219 BC and Emporiae, 218 BC (Med Campaign 9)

Spotlight Article Graphic

"Reports are in of a battle in northern Macedon between the invading Illyrians and a force scrambled together to meet them...". Prufrock continues with two more nicely photographed AARs in the ongoing Med Campaign! "...in Nearer Spain, Proconsul Aaronius Dubius Scipio Calvus, having landed a force near Emporiae, was engaged by an alliance of indomitable Iberian tribes...".

Poster: Doug Holt
Post Date: 6/9/2025


More Spotlight articles...


Gaming Conventions

Gaming Conventions

Another new feature for Grognard.com, the Gaming Convention calendar will make it a snap to keep up with all the latest gaming conventions in your area. But we need your gaming convention information, so please contribute.



Grognard News

Grognard Challenge - Expanded Room for Comments! (6/25/2023)

The Comments entry area has been resized to 512 characters.

Grognard Originals

In addition to our links to great content all around the internet, expect to see more Grognard.com "originals" in the future.

Malaya (v2.5) War Game Review

Pat La Pella reviews this post-card sized game and its computer editions. Can the UK Commonwealth prevent the Japanese from occupying Singapore in 1941?

Malaya Player Aid (pdf)

Pat La Pella created this player aid to clarify special movement rules for the Japanese player for Amphibious Movement and Reinforcement beach landing hexes. Computer versions of the game show eligible hexes automatically when the Japanese player selects a unit for movement.

PE TANG 1900 Q&A with Marco Campari

Some Q & A between myself and Marco Campari, designer of Pe Tang 1900 from Lumaca Games.

PE TANG 1900 Strategy Tips

This is the strategy I developed after playing Pe Tang 1900 from Lumaca Games.

More Grognard Originals...


Grognard Challenge

Latest Challenge

Have a look at the graphics for the latest Challenge and see past solutions and contest winners.

Recommended (archives)

Wargaming - General Info

Board Wargames

Miniatures Wargames

Computer Wargames

Academic Gaming

Board Games

Internet Based/PBEM Games

Individual Wargamer Blogs

Wargaming Magazines

Asst Software/Player Aides

In Memoriam

Grognards Lost


A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z '-9

Game: Combat Commander: Europe



(c917235)
 
 




Publisher: GMT Games
Series: Combat Commander
Game Type: Board
Designer(s): Chad Jensen
Search for this and related games with Noble Knight


Description:


Combat Commander: Europe is Chad Jensen's award-winning card-driven board game immersing players in tactical infantry combat in the European Theater of World War II. One player takes the role of Germany while another player commands either America or Russia. These two players will take turns playing one or more “Fate” cards from their hands in order to activate units on the mapboard for various military functions. There is no strict sequence of play to follow in Combat Commander: each measure of game Time is divided into a variable number of player Turns, each of which may consist of one or more “Orders” conducted by the active player. “Actions” may generally be conducted by either player at any time. “Events”—both good and bad—will also occur at random intervals to add a bit of chaos and uncertainty to each player’s perfect plan.


Articles


Article ID
Pub Date
Article Description
Source
666
Date: 6/1/2025
Poster: Pat L.
If You Love It So Much, Why Don’t You Marry It Then? (war game review)

klkitchens posted this positive review including his thoughts on solitaire play.
Web Link
665
Date: 10/1/2021
Poster: Doug Holt
Combat Commander Europe – #12 Misty Mountain

"Having good cards in hand, I immediately initiate attack in the middle, killing one Volksgrenadier in the process and preparing to storm the bunker. However…". Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, brings us his final scenario replay in GMT Games' Combat Commander: Europe, having worked through the entire game. Check out why he finds his concluding lesson to be "…not to sit but to risk and charge forward!"
Web Link
664
Date: 7/11/2021
Poster: Mark D.
Combat Commander Europe – Session Report by The Boardgames Chronicle

One more exciting session with Combat Commander Europe. That was a multi-stage scenario, with reinforcements coming from all directions. Enjoy session report full of pictures! (shared by The Boardgames Chronicle)
Web Link
663
Date: 6/15/2021
Poster: Harvey M.
Combat Commander Europe – #8 Breakout dance

It is 1943 and the war is still more or less in balance. This is story of German 277th Infantry Regiment , completely encircled in January that year near Velikiye-Luki by the Soviets Shock Armies . The relief will not come – soldiers know it. So order has come for the Wehrmacht units to try a breakout. The Boardgames Chronicleplays Combat Commander Europe scenario number 8 Called the Breakout Dance.
Web Link
662
Date: 6/4/2021
Poster: Mark D.
Combat Commander: Europe - Scenario 7 Replay

Combat Commander Europe – Scenario #7 Bessarabian Nights - one of the most volatile and crazy scenarios we have seen so far. Historical background: It is 1944 and partisan activity at the rear of Wehrmacht is increasing with advancing Red Army from the East. The dense woods of Romania, especially in area of Bessarabia, are perfect place for such activity. The German forces in this scenario (Michal, attacker) are executing another policing action while allied partisans (Dave, defender) will try to ambush the poorly equipped (Volksgrenadiers) enemy forces. Replay shared by the good folks at The Boardgames Chronicle.
Web Link
661
Date: 4/18/2021
Poster: Harvey M.
Combat Commander Europe – #4 Closed for Renovation

The Boardgames Chronicle continued their Combat Commander Europe campaign with scenario #4 Closed for Renovation. It is end of December 1944 – Humaine, Belgium. Most of Germans were overrun by US 2nd Armored Division but stubborn remnants of 9th Panzer Division occupy a chateau on the end of the city (15 VPs for building in game terms). US CCR (Combat Command Reserve) unit will be tasked with rooting out those stubborn enemies. They will bring high caliber machine guns, artillery and even flamethrowers. But the Germans will surprise them with a hidden field gun!
Web Link
660
Date: 3/30/2021
Poster: Harvey M.
C&C Europe – #3 Bonfire of the NKVD

The Boardgames Chronicle continues to play through the scenarios contained in Combat Commander Europe, published by GMT Games. This time they present a replay of scenario #3 Bonfire of the NKVD.
Web Link
659
Date: 3/16/2021
Poster: Harvey M.
C&C Europe – introduction continuation – #2 Hedgroves and Hand Grenades

The Boardgames Chronicle continues their introductory articles on Combat Commander Europe published by GMT Games. They are now using scenario 2, Hedgerows and Hand Grenades, which introduces new complexities of the design.
Web Link
658
Date: 2/19/2021
Poster: Harvey M.
Once again introducing Combat Commander Europe – #1 Fat Lipki

The Boardgames Chronicle declares their love of Combat Commander Europe published by GMT Games stating, "whenever possible, I advocate to other players the advantages of the system: fantastic rulebook, great replayability and what I like most – the presentation of battlefield chaos and confusion in the game mechanics.". Follow them along as they do a replay of the Fat Lipki scenario.
Web Link
657
Date: 2/17/2021
Poster: Mark D.
Introducing Combat Commander... Again

Another player introduced to fantastic world of Combat Commander! We started - traditionally - from the Fat Lipki scenario. Enjoy this short report from the battlefield. Thanks to the good folks at The Boardgames Chronicle for sharing. "Next scenario already started - I will also make sure to report!"
Web Link
656
Date: 1/21/2021
Poster: Harvey M.
[REVIEW] Combat Commander Europe

The Boardgames Chronicle writes a "long-overdue review" of Combat Commander published by GMT Games. They give it a 4.5 / 5 recommendation.
Web Link
655
Date: 5/8/2020
Poster: Harvey M.
Combat Commander Europe – 025b – Fields of Blood

The Combat Commander series has many devoted fans. The Boardgames Chronicle presents a replay of the Fields of Blood Scenario from Combat Commander Europe published by GMT games. “When I need a good and exciting wargame entertainment on tactical level I know I can always count on Combat Commander. That game is simply unending source of interesting scenarios, close games, twists of fate as well as very exciting events on the battlefield. I simply cannot get enough of it and play whenever possible."
Web Link
654
Date: 3/29/2020
Poster: Harvey M.
Combat Commander Europe – 025a – Fields of Fire

Combat Commander from GMT Games remains a very popular system particularly loved by the Boardgames Chronicle. This time they use scenario 025a Fields of Fire from the Paratrooper Battle Pack. This is pretty interesting depiction of one of the most heroic events of US army during WWII on the Western Front during the Battle of the Bulge. Yes, the skirmish takes place during the infamous though surprising German offensive in Ardennes during December 1944. The German infantry is tasked with the orders to clear all the US roadblocks / infantry resistance points so the King Tiger tanks of Joachim Peiper’s 1st SS Panzer Division can swiftly advance. One of such battles was fought near the village of Lanzerath where US Intelligence & Recon platoon – in total 18 men (!) was placed to observe enemy moves and report back. Americans spent time well, enhancing their defensive positions. Still, once German column approached, it was clear that they face hundreds of enemy soldiers. They fought bravely, being able to delay Germans for a full day. For their actions, all the Platoon members were awarded medals, becoming most decorated platoon of WWII.
Web Link
653
Date: 1/29/2020
Poster: Harvey M.
Combat Commander Europe – #6 Paralyzed from the West Down

The Boardgames Chronicle brings us a quick replay of Scenario #6 Paralyzed from the West Down from GMT's popular WW II card driven tactical simulation of close quarters fighting in Combat Commander Europe.
Web Link
652
Date: 12/29/2019
Poster: Harvey M.
Combat Commander Europe – #8 Breakout Dance

A brief replay of scenario #8 Breakout Dance from GMT's popular card driven tactical WW II game Combat Commander Europe by Boardgames Chronicle
Web Link
651
Date: 11/24/2019
Poster: Harvey M.
A Replay of Combat Commander Europes's Fat Lipki Scenario

A replay of Scenario #1 Fat Lipki from Combat Commander Europe designed by Chad Jensen for GMT
Web Link
649
Date: 3/7/2019
Poster: Mark D.
Barbarossa Unleashed – a Combat Commander FireFight

Combat Commander Tournament Pack - playing the scenarios one by one from that expansion. Here we have very balanced and interesting scenario, where both Russians and Germans attack in recon posture, trying to take important objectives in the middle of the map. Shared by the good folks at Boardgames Chronicle.
Web Link
648
Date: 1/29/2019
Poster: Mark D.
Scenario: #6 One Steppe Beyond

Nice illustrated replay of Combat Commander: Europe, Scenario #6. Shared by The Boardgames Chronicle...
Web Link
650
Date: 12/31/2018
Poster: Mark D.
Combat Commander for New Year's Eve

ou can prepare for celebrating the New Year in many ways but one of the best is by planning the boardgames. During our “end-of-year” boardgames convent (which we held every year since 2009) today I had pleasure to play Combat Commander. We played the Scenario Three from Tournament Pack #3 A midnight Clear...
Web Link
647
Date: 6/6/2015
Poster: Mark D.
Graphic Wargames: Combat Action Report - Fat Lipki

The first three pages of a complete AAR for Graphic Wargames, a creation of Ian Hamilton. Features the first scenario of GMT Games’ “Combat Commander: Europe” game, titled "Fat Lipki". The narrative is run solely by what happens in the game. Truly a "graphic replay". Check it out...
Web Link
646
Date: 4/4/2015
Poster: Mark D.
Drive Thru Review: Video Review

From the "better late than never" department, Joel Eddy turns in an informative review of Combat Commander: Europe, published by GMT Games in 2006.
Web Link
645
Date: 1/7/2015
Poster: Mark D.
Yet Another Friggin Gaming Blog: Replay

David Pretty, writing for the "Yet Another Friggin Gaming Blog" blog, whips up an outstandingly detailed and illustrated replay session that he played with his gaming buddies. And I believe he coined the term "douche-y"… so I've added it to my spell-check custom list...
Web Link
644
Date: 3/21/2014
Poster: Mark D.
Big Board Gaming: Replay

This 'Narrative, Pictorial Essay AAR', titled 'Hedgerows and Handgrenades', has got it all: a detailed written replay accompanied by a video replay, complete with background music and sound effects.
Web Link
643
Date: 3/20/2012
Poster: Mark D.
Boots: Review

Nice review and argument for the relative merits of ASL vs CC by Boots for BGG
Web Link
642
Date: 10/20/2010
Poster: Mark D.
Jeff Ven: BGG Review

Review by wargaming newcomer Jeff Ven for BGG.
Web Link
641
Date: 4/29/2010
Poster: Mark D.
Francis Lalumiere: Review

"Why Combat Commander is better than Memoir 44" by Francis Lalumiere for BGG.
Web Link
640
Date: 1/29/2010
Poster: Mark D.
Commnder Harris: BGG Review

Nice review by Commander Harris for BGG.
Web Link
639
Date: 5/15/2009
Poster: Mark D.
Brian Morris: Review

Nice review, with graphics, from Brian Morris for BGG.
Web Link
637
Date: 12/26/2008
Poster: Mark D.
Adam Ruzzo: Review

Detailed review by Adam Ruzzo for BGG.
Web Link
633
Date: 4/23/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Tom Vasel: BGG Review

Nice review by Tom Vasel for BGG
Web Link
631
Date: 4/2/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Lawrence Hung: Replay/AAR

Excellent replay/AAR by Lawrence Hung.
Grognard Hosted
634
Date: 3/27/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Tom Duensing: BGG Review

Review by Tom Duensing for BGG
Web Link
630
Date: 3/19/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Peter Appleton: BGG Review

Nice honest review by Peter Appleton for BGG.
Web Link
629
Date: 3/13/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Mikko Saari: BGG Review

Nice review by Mikko Saari for BGG
Web Link
632
Date: 3/9/2007
Poster: Mark D.
John Brader: Review

Review by John Brader for BGG.
Web Link
627
Date: 2/14/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Brian Bankler: Review

Brief review by Brian Bankler for BGG.
Web Link
626
Date: 2/6/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Aldaron: Review

Review of CCE by Aldaron for BGG.
Web Link
628
Date: 1/29/2007
Poster: Mark D.
Eric Landes: BGG Review

Nice review by Eric Landes for BGG.
Web Link
625
Date: 1/24/2007
Poster: Mark D.
William Terdoslavich: Replay

Replay action from William Terdoslavich and J.R. Tracy.
Grognard Hosted
624
Date: 1/24/2007
Poster: Mark D.
J.R. Tracy: BGG Review

Nice review by J.R. Tracy for BGG.
Web Link
623
Date: 12/24/2006
Poster: Mark D.
Doug Cooley: BGG Review

Review by Doug Cooley on BGG.
Web Link
622
Date: 8/1/2006
Poster: Mark D.
Publisher Website

GMT's Combat Commander: Europe page
Web Link
635
Date: 5/1/2006
Poster: Mark D.
GMT Games: Bonus Scenario #101 (PDF)

Bonus scenario from GMT Games.
Web Link
636
Date: 5/1/2006
Poster: Mark D.
GMT Games: Bonsu Scenario #102 (PDF)

Bonus scenario from GMT Games
Web Link