Thus was such a change to wargaming when it first came put and so the hype. The more you play the faster it gets and for most people the more they enjoy it.
Like you say in the video, PoG is a 20+ yr old game and really defined the CDG genre from what I’ve read. So most people who really talk it up are coming at it from their experiences when the game was new and nothing had really been done like it before. I do believe it’s the best WWI boardgame experience that exists.
My favorite WWI game and one of my top GMT games. This game encouraged me to read several WWI histories and try to get a better understanding of the conflict and the time period. After reading several histories I had a better appreciation for the game and decisions being made. Years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the battle site of Gallipoli in Turkey. Walking among the graves of the ANZACs I found several that bore the same name as myself, but none were as old as I was, at the time of my visit. Most were only in their early twenties.
PoG is a 10/10 for me. I have a feeling you weren't completely blown away by it because, over the years, you've been playing other CDGs so PoG probably includes things you've already seen in other games. I have the previous Deluxe Edition and, while I like the map on that one, this new map looks awesome
I'm glad you finally had a chance to play and review it. For me it's a 9/10, almost perfect. Unfortunately it has 3 problems: - out of supply rules force you to constantly evaluate board state for possible "gamey" game-ending moves (from both players) - it's a very long game (for me it's always gonna be at least two long evening, usually three) - too many small rules or rule exceptions Other then that, every time I play it it gives me that epic feeling of WWI.
PoG has a level of complexity in the form of exceptions. It can be mentally taxing when having to make decisions, which in retrospect the decisions you take are critical to the outcome. It’s a truly great game and for its time it has aged well. Insightful & informative review. The jokes make it every time.
Nice review. Appreciation for the game grows the more you play it. 6 sided die CRT can be punishing AND a long term view required towards building armies. it is a long game but a great one that recreates the endless attrition. Watch out for OoSupply units.
A draining, numbing, nerve-shattering, deadening, overlong experience. Much like the war itself… holy heck. Played it earlier this year - twice within a fortnight with the same buddy - and would rarely if ever want to again. When I think of the rich but accessible CDG gameplay of Twilight Struggle, Hannibal, or the dramatic and exciting dice/card combo of War of the Ring (my fave game ever), etc… this was just… crushing pain. Which is a shame, as WW1 is my ‘favourite’ period of history.
@@chadvader974 I can see someone not liking the game, tastes are different, but it is anything but monotonous, the board state and gameplay change completely. Things you do on the first turn are totally different from the last.
Thanks for explaining what took so long. It saved me from asking. But you lucked out I have the 1st print and a paper map. Sort story Ted Racier came to my club meeting in Poughkeepsie NY. He was very nice to me. So I got him to sign my rules. To me it was a thrill. It is my favorite WW1 game and when it came out it was my favorite game at the time.
My favorite 2 player game. So much to explore here that cannot be discovered with just 1, 2, or 3 plays. I have 50+ plays, maybe 100 or so. I do agree that it has a lot of little rules that don't see much action-to your point the rules could be streamlined some. The choices players must make with the cards is where it truly shines. Did you play with the Players Guide with optional rules and cards? If not you didn't get the full experience in my opinion. Those additions make it much much more interesting, especially during those early turns of Mobilization and Limited War.. I think especially important is the 8 card hand vs only 7. Finally, once you have played 2 or 3 games, I would recommend playing with a timer whereby you get a bank of say 10 minutes for making Action Round choices. That will move the game along nicely.
I think it's a game that very much shows its age these days - it's clunky, really slow at times, deeply problematic in the way that events are handled, but nevertheless it is still a minor gem of wargames, precisely because it showed that they didn't have to be like ASL and have staggering mountains of chrome. Almost like a transition specimen in the fossil record 😂
Awesome (but veeery loooong) game. I like it so much that I made a double sized version of it and it's sister titles (Illusions and Pursuit) complete with large, colour coded acrylic counters. Took months to do, but looks smashing when one of them is set up.
This is an excellent game. My buddy and I play this about three times a year. Historical flavor is huge. Really like this game but you need to set aside an afternoon. Lol
I prefer PoG to Lamps but after a few games it seemed to become more about cutting off supply to catch and destroy vast swathes of armies. Knowing PoG will help when you play Crusade & Revolution. I prefer C&R to PoG. But..PoG is pretty iconic. We played on Vassel which allowed us to save it and continue later.
Absolutely stunned it is your first time playing this game, as I could have sworn you had. I actually even thought I had seen you do a video on it. Thank you for your comments on this game, especially concerning with hype factor surrounding Paths of Glory. I have not played the game, and have had similar thoughts about the game. Already subscribed to your other channel, so I am good on that count 🙂
Have you played an old game from the same author called "First World War" from Phalanx Games? Its the lite version of Path of Glory. What do you prefer Path of Glory or Barbarossa to Berlin?
Good review. I love PoG as it does feel realistic (of GE doesn't breach early it becomes very attritional). Eastern front is brilliantly recreated with a fluid front and becoming the front where allies want Germans to wasted valuable Ops points. I agree with you it wont blow anyone asay because its a long game that feels difficult and hard to breach a line. To me it feels realistic. And simple enough which is not a given in these games!
I've only got it out and kind of soloed it. Not a full game, but just trying to go through it. I still think it's an important game, but it still seems kind of dated to me. An important moment in the evolution of gaming, but I don't know how often I'll be getting it to the table.
One or your best review s KO'di , how do u learn so many games? ? I'm busy collecting the Wargamer , strategy n tactics, Magazines cos of shelf space , Value, and there are some real Jems that a lot of designer's must get insperation from ,,, be nice if all u reviewers aw shucks see yah TEX ,✍️👍
Totally agree, I know you've mentioned this game in one or more of your "top ten..." videos before as a disclaimer as not included in the list; it does have a large following, almost cult like as this is the standard for grand strategic WWI games; but for someone who doesn't want to spend 10 hours playing a game it can get into the weeds and of course with CDGs it makes it occasionally frustrating to try and deploy your strategy only to have some event of the opponent slapping your face but war isn't a predictable affair so I suppose them's the breaks.
Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory movie was an amazing story about the French army in WWI and the injustice of the higher ups scapegoating their subordinate soldiers but Kubrick failed to include one important fact about that brave French army ... .. ... ... .. in that they charged into battle carrying the official French flag back then which was a white cross with a white background.
A bit "Hogwarthy" with UK units always better than a French and so on... It is a fine game this. Very very rough if you get out of supply or get outflanked etc. It does catch the WW1 feel, it is to long and slow but that is also WW1 for you. It is a bit scripted but at least to me one gets enough options/choices and altered priorities plus cardplay also changes things up.
Hey Cody,check his out, I ordered the Samurai Battles board game and some porch pirate bastards stole it, gave the game away, and threw the box away (evidence) so the police DONT have my board game nor can they charge them with it. NOW They do have an opened package of my wives that was ALSO stolen but that only cost 50 dollars, luckily the little brats stole a car in the process so they arent getting off scott free, but unforunately i am 150 dollars down the drain, and NO Samurai Battles board game. So jen ordered me a new copy and overnighted it, its coming tomorrow and i WILL be home to get this one!. I ordered a RING to prevent this crap form happening again. THE WORST part of this is that Jen bought that for me for an anniversary gift for me
Thus was such a change to wargaming when it first came put and so the hype. The more you play the faster it gets and for most people the more they enjoy it.
I'm sure that's the case.
Like you say in the video, PoG is a 20+ yr old game and really defined the CDG genre from what I’ve read. So most people who really talk it up are coming at it from their experiences when the game was new and nothing had really been done like it before. I do believe it’s the best WWI boardgame experience that exists.
Thanks.
My favorite WWI game and one of my top GMT games. This game encouraged me to read several WWI histories and try to get a better understanding of the conflict and the time period. After reading several histories I had a better appreciation for the game and decisions being made.
Years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the battle site of Gallipoli in Turkey. Walking among the graves of the ANZACs I found several that bore the same name as myself, but none were as old as I was, at the time of my visit. Most were only in their early twenties.
A visit like that must be very sobering. Thanks for sharing.
PoG is a 10/10 for me. I have a feeling you weren't completely blown away by it because, over the years, you've been playing other CDGs so PoG probably includes things you've already seen in other games. I have the previous Deluxe Edition and, while I like the map on that one, this new map looks awesome
It’s an older game for sure.
I'm glad you finally had a chance to play and review it. For me it's a 9/10, almost perfect.
Unfortunately it has 3 problems:
- out of supply rules force you to constantly evaluate board state for possible "gamey" game-ending moves (from both players)
- it's a very long game (for me it's always gonna be at least two long evening, usually three)
- too many small rules or rule exceptions
Other then that, every time I play it it gives me that epic feeling of WWI.
Good points. It does indeed feel epic.
I still think that this is one of the very best strategy games.
Perhaps, but it’s showing it’s age.
My favorite WWI game! The more you will play it, the more you will luv it!
Perhaps so. Thanks!
PoG has a level of complexity in the form of exceptions. It can be mentally taxing when having to make decisions, which in retrospect the decisions you take are critical to the outcome. It’s a truly great game and for its time it has aged well. Insightful & informative review. The jokes make it every time.
Thanks! Good points.
Nice review. Appreciation for the game grows the more you play it. 6 sided die CRT can be punishing AND a long term view required towards building armies. it is a long game but a great one that recreates the endless attrition. Watch out for OoSupply units.
Thanks!
A draining, numbing, nerve-shattering, deadening, overlong experience. Much like the war itself… holy heck. Played it earlier this year - twice within a fortnight with the same buddy - and would rarely if ever want to again. When I think of the rich but accessible CDG gameplay of Twilight Struggle, Hannibal, or the dramatic and exciting dice/card combo of War of the Ring (my fave game ever), etc… this was just… crushing pain. Which is a shame, as WW1 is my ‘favourite’ period of history.
To each their own. I liked it. But I can see where you're coming from.
War of the ring to me is also slow monotonous crushing pain
@@chadvader974 I can see someone not liking the game, tastes are different, but it is anything but monotonous, the board state and gameplay change completely. Things you do on the first turn are totally different from the last.
Thanks for explaining what took so long. It saved me from asking. But you lucked out I have the 1st print and a paper map. Sort story Ted Racier came to my club meeting in Poughkeepsie NY. He was very nice to me. So I got him to sign my rules. To me it was a thrill. It is my favorite WW1 game and when it came out it was my favorite game at the time.
That's really cool. Thanks!
One of the most popular WWI games of all time. But yes, probably need to play it more than once to fully appreciate it.
Indeed.
My favorite 2 player game. So much to explore here that cannot be discovered with just 1, 2, or 3 plays. I have 50+ plays, maybe 100 or so. I do agree that it has a lot of little rules that don't see much action-to your point the rules could be streamlined some. The choices players must make with the cards is where it truly shines. Did you play with the Players Guide with optional rules and cards? If not you didn't get the full experience in my opinion. Those additions make it much much more interesting, especially during those early turns of Mobilization and Limited War.. I think especially important is the 8 card hand vs only 7. Finally, once you have played 2 or 3 games, I would recommend playing with a timer whereby you get a bank of say 10 minutes for making Action Round choices. That will move the game along nicely.
Thanks for the suggestions.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Ok its been almost a year, did you play the game a second time and change your opinion?
@@jamesvaughan9471 Nope.
I think it's a game that very much shows its age these days - it's clunky, really slow at times, deeply problematic in the way that events are handled, but nevertheless it is still a minor gem of wargames, precisely because it showed that they didn't have to be like ASL and have staggering mountains of chrome.
Almost like a transition specimen in the fossil record 😂
Interesting take.
Awesome (but veeery loooong) game. I like it so much that I made a double sized version of it and it's sister titles (Illusions and Pursuit) complete with large, colour coded acrylic counters. Took months to do, but looks smashing when one of them is set up.
That's awesome.
Id like to see what you created as I also would like to create a supersized 3D type mapboard with wooden pieces for units.
This is an excellent game. My buddy and I play this about three times a year.
Historical flavor is huge. Really like this game but you need to set aside an afternoon. Lol
Long game for sure. Thanks!
Talked up is a great way to describe it.
Indeed.
Have you played 1980’s AH game The Guns of August? It will make you really appreciate Paths of Glory.
I have not played it. Heard of it, of course, but never played it.
Great game! Imperial Tide from Compass is very similar but lighter and quicker.
Thanks. I haven't heard of that one.
BGG’s first number one!
Interesting.
I prefer PoG to Lamps but after a few games it seemed to become more about cutting off supply to catch and destroy vast swathes of armies. Knowing PoG will help when you play Crusade & Revolution. I prefer C&R to PoG. But..PoG is pretty iconic. We played on Vassel which allowed us to save it and continue later.
I was less than thrilled with Lamps. I like PoG way more than Lamps, to be honest. However, I like Attrition of Souls better than both of them.
Absolutely stunned it is your first time playing this game, as I could have sworn you had.
I actually even thought I had seen you do a video on it.
Thank you for your comments on this game, especially concerning with hype factor surrounding Paths of Glory.
I have not played the game, and have had similar thoughts about the game.
Already subscribed to your other channel, so I am good on that count 🙂
We’ll, I do like to stun! Thanks a ton, much appreciated.
Have you played an old game from the same author called "First World War" from Phalanx Games? Its the lite version of Path of Glory. What do you prefer Path of Glory or Barbarossa to Berlin?
You mean this one: ruclips.net/video/6NTJw8dlK6M/видео.htmlsi=XexjgPNqcXyvzrU1
Good review. I love PoG as it does feel realistic (of GE doesn't breach early it becomes very attritional). Eastern front is brilliantly recreated with a fluid front and becoming the front where allies want Germans to wasted valuable Ops points.
I agree with you it wont blow anyone asay because its a long game that feels difficult and hard to breach a line. To me it feels realistic. And simple enough which is not a given in these games!
Well put. Thanks.
I think I know which game Cody is stickering there at the end....
What is it?
Which game of this genre would you suggest to someone who is experience with boardgames, but never played a wargame?
By genre do you mean "World War I Wargame"? If that is the case I would highly recommend An Attrition of Souls by Compass Games.
Have you played it again since this review? If so, any additional impressions?
I've only got it out and kind of soloed it. Not a full game, but just trying to go through it. I still think it's an important game, but it still seems kind of dated to me. An important moment in the evolution of gaming, but I don't know how often I'll be getting it to the table.
One or your best review s KO'di , how do u learn so many games? ? I'm busy collecting the Wargamer , strategy n tactics, Magazines cos of shelf space , Value, and there are some real Jems that a lot of designer's must get insperation from ,,, be nice if all u reviewers aw shucks see yah TEX ,✍️👍
Isn’t easy to learn all them games…. Isn’t easy…. (First World Problems)
Totally agree, I know you've mentioned this game in one or more of your "top ten..." videos before as a disclaimer as not included in the list; it does have a large following, almost cult like as this is the standard for grand strategic WWI games; but for someone who doesn't want to spend 10 hours playing a game it can get into the weeds and of course with CDGs it makes it occasionally frustrating to try and deploy your strategy only to have some event of the opponent slapping your face but war isn't a predictable affair so I suppose them's the breaks.
Thanks a ton. I really do like this one, but as I said, it got talked up.
Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory movie was an amazing story about the French army in WWI and the injustice of the higher ups scapegoating their subordinate soldiers but Kubrick failed to include one important fact about that brave French army ...
..
...
...
..
in that they charged into battle carrying the official French flag back then which was a white cross with a white background.
Ha! That is a great movie. I watched it again just a few months ago, then followed it up with the Tales From the Crypt episode, "Yellow."
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer
Wasn't "Yellow 14" Hans-Joachim Marseille?
@@robertmoffitt1336 I don't know.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer
He was a German Luftwaffe ace in North Africa. His Bf-109 was called Yellow 14.
I think your vid output is not determined by availability of games or time to play them, but availability of jokes and puns to open with! 😊
Might be something to that.
I love it, but I'll concur with the sentiment that it can be a bit clunky...
... until you grok it.
Then it's brilliant.
Thanks.
A bit "Hogwarthy" with UK units always better than a French and so on... It is a fine game this. Very very rough if you get out of supply or get outflanked etc. It does catch the WW1 feel, it is to long and slow but that is also WW1 for you. It is a bit scripted but at least to me one gets enough options/choices and altered priorities plus cardplay also changes things up.
A lot to like here.
Oldy
I'm not that old!
Have you actually never reviewed paths of glory... go figure.
I just did.
@@TheDiscriminatingGamer yea no sheet lol
Great video as always sir!
Thank you very much!
Hey Cody,check his out, I ordered the Samurai Battles board game and some porch pirate bastards stole it, gave the game away, and threw the box away (evidence) so the police DONT have my board game nor can they charge them with it. NOW They do have an opened package of my wives that was ALSO stolen but that only cost 50 dollars, luckily the little brats stole a car in the process so they arent getting off scott free, but unforunately i am 150 dollars down the drain, and NO Samurai Battles board game. So jen ordered me a new copy and overnighted it, its coming tomorrow and i WILL be home to get this one!. I ordered a RING to prevent this crap form happening again.
THE WORST part of this is that Jen bought that for me for an anniversary gift for me
That really sucks. I’m glad you’ll finally get a chance to play it, though.