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Hi guys,
Since I think we have a few experts out there, I'd like to get your thoughts on a topic...
I'm looking for a boardgame for me and my 13-year old to play (Mad Max's older brother Curt). He's not as into the sports games but likes the military/war stuff and might like a boardgame like that.
My requirements are:
1) Something fairly simple to play at a beginner level. I remember playing Squad Leader when I was about 18 and it seemed 'hard to understand' to me. So that's my level. 
2) Probably something related to WW II or perhaps Ancient Rome, but doesn't have to be.
3) Something you have played and think is a good, simple, entry level type game that doesn't take too much time to understand. Ideally it takes less than a couple of hours.
Later I may need recommendations for "the game(s) after" this one.
If you have some ideas in mind, please reply.
Thanks,
Al
Readers Comments
Not a war gamer but this may be of interest:
http://boardgamegeek.com/wargames/browse/boardgame
The obvious entry level games (and ones you have probably thought of already) are Risk and maybe Stratego as simple games to play.
After that I think that others are probably better suited to advice as I dont really do wargames mainly because I was the only person I could find within about 350 miles that was ever interested in them which limited my choices. :)
Al
I recommend Command and Colors: Ancients from GMT Games. It's easy, fun, (cards, dice, nice soldiers tickers) and there's a lot of gaming in the base game. You do NOT need the expansions. But, if he really takes to it, the expansions mean he is likely to never run out of gaming challenges. See here: http://www.gmtgames.com/c-6-commands-colors-ancients.aspx Although out of stock at GMT, you may be able to get one from an online dealer, or Ebay.
Al
The other recommendation is Memoir 44. It's WW2 and, again, the base game has more than enough value in it. The other game from GMT has more history, but you may find ite asier to get a hold of this game. And it does have plastic soldiers... See here: http://www.daysofwonder.com/memoir44/en/
Risk for me Al. Great game for beginners and all the family can dip in as the rules are pretty simple.
Try this link Al - http://www.dicetower.com/index.php
They review boardgames and give a little speech about the game itself, what's in the box, how it plays etc
You might find it useful?
Ellis makes a good suggestion in Command & Colours: Ancients (i generally favour games with card elements these days). I think I discovered Kingmaker when I was 13 and there must be a wealth of games produced since then that would fit the bill. I'm not sure if Axis and Allies is possibly a bit advanced for 13. but it's a great 2 player world war 2 game if you think he could handle it. nice board and pieces and plenty of strategic choices.
Axis and Allies can take a few hours to play all the way through though. While fun as a 2-player, it's also a great 3, 4 or 5-player game since collaboration is a must for any chance of victory. If looking for a game you can set up, play and have put away in an hour, it's probably not for you. Even when everyone knows what they're doing and moves along pretty quickly it can take 2 hrs. If playing with someone who loves to consider every possible option, I recommend a 5-minute move clock (or less). A good recommendation though, Vick, as perhaps Mad Max and Amy could be talked into playing as well and it's easily adjustable from 2-5 players based on who gets which world powers.
Allan, Cant help you out personally but Jeff (dagenham in united 1) Runs on an online games store with over 10 years experiance in owning a store and about 30-35 years playing hell point you in the right direction
Regards
G
When I was a teenager, my father and I would play Risk for DAYS! Truly epic games!
Stratego is another good one. I also got into Axis and Allies a little later in my teens, but I never felt that there were enough people to play.
I'm a huge fan of Memoir '44 and have loads of expansions for it, but you can have a lot of fun with just the base set and there's tons of stuff online for it, too.
Memoir 44 is a good one. You could also try some of the Steve Jackson Games board wargames, if you can find them. There was one called Coup I think which was both very simple yet very strategic. SJG did some very well-balanced games, which probably deserve to be a bit better know.
Thanks John, Graham, Ellis, Carl, Craig, Vick, Kevin, Graham, Rob, Andy, and Martin for your response and ideas. I appreciate the input and will let you guys know if I have any follow-ups on specific games!!
Memoir '44 is also available for online play (at a small additional cost), though I haven't gotten around to that yet.
Al, FYI, I have just heard that the reprint by GMT games of Commands and Colors Ancients, the base game, will move to full pricing on Monday. (It will be available, shortly.) If you order before then at their web site, you get a decent discount.
Thanks again guys, I'm going to try Commands and Colors to see if I can find that available (Ellis thank for the tip - seems like GMT is sold out; so I'm going to try Graham's suggestion with Jeff at Milestone games).
If that doesn't work out sounds like Memoir 44 is another option.
I appreciate the advice guys,
Al