For solo wargamers seeking authentic military command experiences, the hobby presents a frustrating paradox. Most tactical games either oversimplify leadership challenges with dice rolls or drown players in cumbersome rulebooks. The compromise? Superficial gameplay that fails to capture the weight of real command decisions. Fields of Fire Vol. II: “With the Old Breed” shatters this paradigm with its innovative diceless, card-driven system that puts you in the boots of a Marine captain across three historic campaigns. This isn’t just another war game – it’s a time machine that transforms your tabletop into the coral ridges of Peleliu, the frozen Chosin Reservoir, and the urban hellscape of Hue City.
Game Specifications
- Publisher: GMT Games
- Mechanics: Campaign/Battle Card Driven, Modular Board
- Age: 12+
- Players: 1 (Solitaire)
- Playtime: 120 minutes
- Designer: Ben Hull
- Price: $43.39
Commanding History: The Fields of Fire Experience
Unlike traditional war games that rely on dice to resolve combat, Fields of Fire Vol. II employs a sophisticated card-driven system that mirrors the unpredictability and fog of war. The game’s dual-deck mechanics (Terrain Deck and Action Deck) create emergent narratives that feel authentically military – where supply lines matter as much as firepower, and leadership decisions ripple through entire campaigns.
Physical Components
• 280 counters representing Marine units
• 110 Terrain Cards
• 110 Action Cards
• 3 Campaign Sheets
• Full-color rulebook
Gameplay Systems
• Card-driven activation
• Modular battlefield creation
• Persistent campaign tracking
• Fog of war simulation
• Supply line management
Historical Depth
• Peleliu (WWII) campaign
• Chosin Reservoir (Korea)
• Hue City (Vietnam)
• Authentic Marine Corps tactics
• Period-accurate equipment
How Fields of Fire Vol. II Stands Apart
Compared to popular solitaire war games like D-Day at Omaha Beach or Ambush!, Fields of Fire Vol. II offers unparalleled command depth. Where competitors focus on individual soldier stories, this game makes you feel the weight of company-level leadership decisions across multiple theaters of war.
| Feature | Fields of Fire Vol. II | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Command Level | Company (50-200 men) | Platoon (20-50 men) | Individual Soldiers |
| Time Scale | Multi-campaign | Single battle | Mission-based |
| Resolution System | Card-driven (diceless) | Dice-based | Dice-based |
| Historical Research | Regiment-specific | Generic units | Fictional scenarios |
From Armchair General to Marine Commander
Initial State
Frustrated with simplistic war games that don’t capture command complexity
Trigger Event
Discovery of historical accounts showing real command challenges
Struggle
Failed attempts to find a game matching this depth without excessive complexity
Resolution
Fields of Fire’s elegant card system bridges realism and playability
Why Serious Wargamers Choose Fields of Fire
For enthusiasts of solitaire wargames and military strategy games, Fields of Fire Vol. II represents the gold standard in historical war simulation. The game’s card-driven mechanics eliminate luck-based outcomes while maintaining the uncertainty of combat, making it ideal for players who value tactical decision-making over dice rolls.
The modular board system ensures no two battles play the same, offering tremendous replay value for solo board gamers. Whether you’re a Marine Corps history buff or simply crave a deep strategic challenge, this game delivers an unmatched tabletop war experience.
“After thirty years of playing war games, Fields of Fire Vol. II is the first to truly make me feel the burden of command. Watching your decisions affect not just a single battle but the entire campaign is exhilarating and humbling. This isn’t just a game – it’s military history brought to life.”
– Retired Colonel Mark R., USMC
Ready to Take Command?
Fields of Fire Vol. II: “With the Old Breed” isn’t just another addition to your game shelf – it’s an immersive journey through Marine Corps history that will challenge your strategic thinking like no other solitaire war game. For less than the cost of a typical video game, you gain a lifetime of historically-rich gameplay that honors the legacy of the 5th Marines.