After several years of research, writing, playtesting and refinement, I'm delighted to announce that All Hell Let Loose: Great War is now available at https://www.wargamevault.com/en/publisher/18178/all-hell-let-loose.
As we approach the anniversaries marking the outbreak of the First World War, it seemed an appropriate moment to launch a ruleset dedicated to recreating the battles of that conflict on the tabletop.
A Long Journey
What began as a quick question from another gamer gradually grew into a much larger project. We took the fantastic concepts from the World War Two version and added in additional mechanics covering bombardment, barrages, trenches, gas and fortifications. We worked out how to scale the massive variance in artillery, and its effectiveness, whilst keeping the game flowing and rooted on the figures on the tabletop. The game presents players with continual command choices without burdening them with paperwork, bookkeeping or map command lines. .
Throughout the development I've been fortunate to receive support from many people. Playtesters have challenged the rules, suggested improvements and helped refine the mechanics. Many of you have visited participation games at shows, offered encouragement and shared your own thoughts on what makes the Great War such a fascinating period to game.
To everyone who has contributed in some way—thank you. Your enthusiasm has helped shape the finished product.
What is All Hell Let Loose: Great War?
The rules are designed to recreate battalion and brigade level actions across the entire First World War, from the mobile campaigns of 1914 through to the great offensives of 1918.
Rather than concentrating on individual soldiers, the emphasis is on command decisions. When should reserves be committed? Is it worth pressing home another attack? Can the line be held long enough for reinforcements to arrive? These are the questions commanders faced, and they are the decisions players must make on the tabletop.
The rules have been written to be accessible and straightforward, without sacrificing the flavour of the period.
Features include:
- Covers the entire Great War on land, from 1914 to 1918.
- Three core mechanics underpin the entire ruleset.
- No written orders and minimal bookkeeping.
- Flexible figure scales and basing.
- Optional plug-in rules for bombardments, barrages and fortifications.
- Sample army lists for the major combatants.
- Three introductory scenarios.
- Suitable for solo games through to large multiplayer club battles.
- Photocopiable counter sheets.
- Quick Reference Sheets.
Available Now
The rules are available now at Wargame Vault, https://www.wargamevault.com/en/publisher/18178/all-hell-let-loose in three formats:
- Softcover
- Hardcover
There are also bundle options available for anyone wishing to purchase both All Hell Let Loose: Great War and All Hell Let Loose. While the two games share the same core mechanics and design philosophy, each has been written specifically for its own conflict and is a complete, standalone ruleset.
What's Next?
Publishing the rules isn't the end of the project—it's really just the beginning.
Over the coming months I'll be adding more content to support the game, including:
- Historical scenarios.
- Battle reports.
- Designer's notes.
- YouTube videos explaining the mechanics.
- Participation games at shows around the UK.
This weekend I'll be taking the Battle of St Julien (1915) participation game to Claymore in Edinburgh, with further appearances planned at The Other Partizan and Fiasco later in the year. If you're attending any of those shows, please do come over, say hello and, even better, take command for a game.
Thank You
Writing a set of wargames rules is something of a labour of love. Seeing them finally published is enormously satisfying, but what I'm looking forward to most is seeing them played by other people.
If you do pick up a copy, I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Whether it's feedback, photographs of your games, battle reports or suggestions for future scenarios, please get in touch through the website or join the All Hell Let Loose Facebook community.
Thank you once again to everyone who has supported the project. I hope you enjoy playing All Hell Let Loose: Great War, and I look forward to seeing the battles you recreate.
See you across the tabletop and keep those dice rolling.
Charles
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