Men of Iron’s first volume covers the re-emergence of infantry in the early 14th century, along with a more perceptive understanding of the value of combined-arms warfare especially with good use of defensive terrain. The scenarios highlight the key elements that made these battles so fascinating: the defensive power of the longbow, especially when used in coordination with dismounted, or even mounted, men-at-arms. Given the right deployments and forces, the inability to take advantage of the marvelous abilities of the vaunted knights, the finest mounted force in Europe, became something of a surprise to many “experts.”

Men of Iron is designed for quick learning and easy play. Game rules are short, there are no “turns” – play is Continual, with ample opportunities to steal play from your opponent – and combat resolution is a single dieroll. Playing time is about 1 hour per battle. Really!

Men of Iron is also GMT’s gift to the gamer who enjoys playing solitaire – the system is designed for both individual and face-to-face play without any loss in insight or Fun – to see what happened in these famous battles and why. The units feature longbows, crossbows, men-at-arms (mounted, dismounted and unhorsed), hobilars, genitors, nasty Scots with axes, and even a couple of bombards! And the commanders! The great English King, Edward III and his son, The Black Prince, Wallace and The Bruce, Captal de Buch, and a host of kings.

~ GMT

Review

DAR (something of an introduction in Falkirk’s first video)

Falkirk

Poitiers

The remainder of the scenario’s playthroughs are available on my youtube channel.

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calandale

Recovering hobo, one-time actor and street corner philosopher, now trying to enjoy the less fine things in life (like everyone else does). One thing has been nearly constant in my life - gaming. Even before discovering wargames (at the tender age of 10 or so - purely fortuitous), I would play out family games (including the 3M series) solitaire. But, life situations interfered not too long ago, and I was largely without board gaming for the better part of a decade. The last couple of years have seen me devoting myself to the hobby again - and learning a lot of the newer designs - so, I'm looking from the eyes of an old grognard (ah, how I fought against THAT term when first used on me) but an open mind and willingness to see if newer games appeal.

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