What is Bolt Action?
This is a historically accurate miniature wargame based on War World II created by game designer veterans Alessio Cavatore and Rick Priestley (both famously known for their contributions to Warhammer and the Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game). It is at 28mm scale, and miniatures are made from a variety of plastic, resin, metal, MDF, and Wood.
This wargame is perfect for both historic wargame experts and newcomers alike. With easy-to-follow rules and comprehensive starter sets, players can dive right into the game!
What's the gameplay like?
History buffs looking to recreate the war experience on the tabletop are in luck with Bolt Action. The gameplay for this system is unique, straying away from the "I go, you go" format that's common amongst other miniature wargames. During campaigns, players will face randomised unit activation, making the likelihood of the winner being the person who gets to attack first lower. The randomisation of unit activation also forces players to be more strategic in what they choose to do with each unit, mimicking real-time war tactics, and making the game much more strategic in its thinking.
"Special order dice" are placed in a nontransparent bag and drawn out blind and in turn. This decides which of a player's units is activated first, and can then make an action (advance, fire, run, go down, rally, or ambush). Once each unit has been activated, it'll be another player's turn, until there is a winner! Players can choose to retain the order of their dice after each turn or gamble on which troop will be able to defend its glory in their next phase.
Another unique feature of Bolt Action is what's known as "pinning". The game wants to mimic real-life combat as much as possible, so whenever another player attacks, your army will be assigned Pin markers to represent the fear, distraction, and reduced awareness troops will feel while being faced with incoming fire. This is an ultimate decider in whether troops are quick to defend, or whether they'll cower in the face of doom.
Factions
Choosing your Bolt Action Army will be based on your preferred method of attack in-game. All armies have different strengths and weaknesses, and their options will reflect this! Keep reading to discover how each faction functions.
American Army
This faction is excellent for players who wish to keep their battle tactics open and attack options flexible. Soldiers in this army aren't necessarily the worst or the best at anything, but they have many possibilities to choose from.
Japanese Army
These guys are all about close combat. Best suited for rushing toward enemies and attacking them head-on. Players who thrive in the rush of charging straight toward their foes are best suited for this Army.
British Army
Similar to the American Army, the British are like jacks of all trades. They provide a variety of battle options (i.e., artillery, tanks, etc) and strategies. What separates them from their American allies is their potential for small tweaks to their play style!
German Army
The German Army is a good choice for a powerful army with the best gear to battle against your foes. With plenty of tank options and good firepower, the German faction is best suited to those who want to present a powerful front.
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