ZipDescriptions

Minden Games Descriptions of Zip Edition Games

Zip Edition games are, in many respects, typical of the designs published by Minden. They tend to be small (rather than large), opt for playability (over complexity), are usually games (rather than "simulations"), inexpensive (not budget busting), playable in an hour or two (not a day or two), and, in many cases, solitaire friendly. That said, they purposely are not trivial, simplistic games (as if "small" were the opposite of "worthwhile"!). If you value wargaming fun and wargaming historicity, Zip Edition games demonstrate that you don't need to resort to monster games and monster rulebooks to get your kicks.

If large, complex games occupy one wing of the hobby spectrum, Zip games seek to occupy the opposite wing, a wing that is all too often neglected. There's more than enough room for both emphases in our hobby; Zip games seek to cater to those who, at times, might agree that "less is indeed more". If you enjoy playing wargames covering a variety of subjects and eras and game systems, and you don't mind "cutting out you own counters", Zip Edition games will be right up your alley. They are meant to be affordable, yet thoughtful, games of strategy and skill that keep you coming back for more. And if you have fun playing (and replaying) them... isn't that what our great hobby is all about?

We'll briefly describe each Zip Edition game page below... this information is in addition to that provided on the Zip Games page.

Unless otherwise noted, all new Zip Edition games come with illustrated rulebook, color counters (uncut on heavy card), and map/Reference Cards on cardstock.

Pictures of game components appear at the bottom on this page.

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BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE (2011) This is a new game, based on the Graf Spee game that appeared in Panzerschreck #13. The rules have been changed enough to warrant the new name, additional optional rules have been provided, and new ship counters provided. All the components have new graphics. The game is now much more aligned with the Battleship Captain standard.

EVACUATION OF KONIGSBERG (2011) Originally appeared in Panzer Digest #2, the game system remains the same, but nine new optional units have been included in this edition.

EINDEKKER (2010) Originally published in Panzer Digest #8. This edition is virtually identical with the original, although with a newly formatted rule booklet.

LONGSTREET'S DISASTER (2009) This solitaire game simulates Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, and originally came out in Panzer Digest #1. This particular game is part of the "old guard" of Zips, so does not have an illustrated rule booklet. Six additional units (three of Lang's Brigade (Florida) and three of Wilcox's Brigade (Alabama), and new optional rules are included in this edition of the design.

POOR BLOODY INFANTRY (2011) Originally published in Panzer Digest #8 with 118 counters, the new edition now has 146 counters, and a new mapsheet, in addition to the new, illustrated rules booklet.

THE MIGHTY HOOD II (2011) This might be called a sister game to Battle of the River Plate, but covering different ships. First appearing in Panzerschreck #14, this 2nd edition has new optional rules, new counters, new graphics, a new scenario (Mers-el-Kebir), along with the new rule booklet. The game also uses the Battleship Captain system.

THE FALL OF ROHM (2011) Originally appeared in Panzerschreck #8. This "abstract, political game" remains the same, except with new graphics and components.

JOUSTING: FIELD OF HONOUR (2011) Called Field of Honour in Panzer Digest #2, this game remains the same, though it now comes with a total of eight knight counters.

NUREMBERG: TRIAL OF THE CENTURY (tba) First appearing way back in Panzerschreck #2, this game has new counters (now color card), new rule booklet, new set of small cards (including two new "optional rule cards", but with similar map display and Defendant card.

COLD HARBOR II (2008) Panzerschreck #3 contained the "Mini-Sim" of this solitaire game, as part of the magazine (no separate counters or map). This edition has its own color card counter set, plus mapsheet.

TSUSHIMA (2008) This game did not appear before, but is essentially a pre-dreadnought introduction to Battleship Captain. That is, if you have Battleship Captain (1st or 2nd ed.), there's nothing here that is new. Some players may prefer just the pre-dreadnought era, we we made this inexpensive option available to them.

OCCUPATION OF THE RHINELAND, 1936 (2011) The abstract political game in Panzer Digest #7 was simply called Occupation of the Rhineland, and the new edition is virtually the same, except for some rule changes, the slight name change, a larger map, additional optional rules.

'NAM '68 (2011) Recently appeared in Panzer Digest #9 with 56 counters and color map, this new edition adds 30 more counters, a new scenario, and newly formatted, illustrated rules.

DREADNOUGHTS & BATTLECRUISERS: CLASSIC EDITION (2011) This popular tactical naval game covering World War I was published before Battleship Captain. Though there are simularities, the games really are significantly different (D&B being simpler). Out of print for years now, D&B is available once again, with new rules booklet, and a representative set of approx. 70 ship counters (from Britain, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and Russia). (If you want more ships, you can use D&B 1st ed., or additional D&B modules.) This is an inexpensive way to explore and experience the classic D&B game system.

SWORDFISH AT TARANTO (tba) Solitaire game simulating the daring British raid on Taranto harbor in 1940, which saw the Swordfish torpedo bombers rock the Italian fleet based there. The first edition of this game appeared in Panzer Digest #2; this Zip Edition has improved graphics, and additional optional rules.

PACIFIC & MEDITERRANEAN SALVO! (tba) Originally two separate modules of the WWII Salvo! game system, this new Zip Edition combines the two, with 90 color ship counters, all the Advanced Salvo! ship ratings, basic game rules, and optional rules.

DREADNOUGHTS & BATTLECRUISERS: JUTLAND EDITION (tba) This is a complete, stand-alone game, using the D&B system to cover actions between the British and German fleets in the North Sea during WWI, including all the ships that fought at Jutland. Includes brand new section of additional, optional rules.

More Zip Edition games are planned for the near future. Have fun with them and collect them all!