Compass Games: How to Choose Your Next Historical Strategy Game
Your next game starts with a question: what kind of decisions do you want to make? Perhaps you want to direct a military campaign, explore a historical conflict, or compete for political influence. Choosing a game that matches your interests makes it easier to find something you will want to bring back to the table.
The Compass Games collection at Little Big Wars is a place to explore historical and conflict-themed board games. This guide will help you narrow your choices before you buy.
Compass Games: Sniper Kill Confirmed
Looking for a wargame you can play on your own? Sniper Kill Confirmed by Compass Games is a card-driven solitaire game designed by Jay Kirkpatrick. Take control of a sniper and spotter as you search for your target and work to complete your mission.
Play an individual mission or follow a ten-mission campaign, earning points that you can spend on weapon upgrades and additional equipment. Campaign progression gives you a reason to return to the table and develop your team across successive missions.
Compass Games 1131 The Battle of Armageddon: Apocalyptic Warfare
Bring an end-times showdown to your tabletop with The Battle of Armageddon: Apocalyptic Warfare by Compass Games. Designed for 2–6 players, this strategy game explores a fictional conflict inspired by biblical prophecies, with competing world powers battling for control of the Earth.
For smaller groups, the game includes six battle scenarios for 2–3 players, each designed to take approximately one hour. These offer a shorter way to explore the game's apocalyptic setting.
Compass Games: Engine Thieves, The Great Locomotive Chase
Turn an American Civil War railway raid into your next tabletop adventure with Engine Thieves by Compass Games. Designed by Wes Crawford, the game recreates the dramatic events of April 12, 1862, when James Andrews and his Union raiders stole the locomotive The General.
As the Raiders player, your mission is to disrupt Confederate communications by cutting telegraph wires, damaging tracks, and burning railroad bridges—all while avoiding capture. In two-player mode, your opponent leads the Confederate pursuit, chasing the raiders on foot, horseback, and by rail.
Start with the history that interests you
Think about the periods and subjects you already enjoy reading about. A familiar setting can give you a reason to explore a game's rules and understand the choices it presents.
Look at each game's specific subject rather than choosing from the box artwork alone. A game about a single battle can offer a different experience from one about a larger campaign or political struggle.
Featured game: Prelude to Revolution
Prelude to Revolution: Russia's Descent into Anarchy, 1905–1917 is a two-player, card-driven game about the years leading to the Russian Revolution. One player represents the Government and the other the Revolutionary side. Players compete to extend their influence and win support among workers, soldiers, and the wider population.
If the struggle for political power interests you, this is a title to investigate. Read its rules and product details to decide whether its subject and approach suit your gaming preferences.
Find Prelude to Revolution in our Compass Games collection.
Match the game to your table
Before choosing a title, check these four details:
- Player count: Make sure the game supports the number of people you expect to play with.
- Solo support: If you play alone, check for a dedicated solo mode or the publisher's solitaire suitability guidance. These are different kinds of support.
- Complexity: Review the rules and any learning resources to judge the effort involved.
- Playing time: Check whether the published estimate applies to a scenario or a full campaign.
Also consider table space and setup. Maps, cards, counters, and player aids can require room to remain organized throughout a session.
Compare the decisions, not just the theme
Two games about history may ask you to think in very different ways. Read the description for clues about what you actually do during play. Are you moving forces, managing resources, selecting card actions, or building influence?
A helpful question is: “Would I enjoy making these decisions?” That can be more useful than simply asking whether you like the historical period.
Buying a historical game as a gift?
Ask which subjects the recipient enjoys, whether they usually play alone or with others, and which games they already own. Confirm the exact title and edition before purchasing. Avoid assuming that every historical game is suitable for a new player.
Frequently asked questions
Are all Compass Games titles suitable for beginners?
Check the individual title's rules, complexity information, and playing time. Choose according to your experience and willingness to learn a new system.
Can I play every Compass Games title solo?
Do not assume that every title includes solo rules. Check the publisher's player count, dedicated solo modes, and solitaire suitability information for the game you are considering.
Where can I shop for Compass Games?
Browse the Compass Games collection at Little Big Wars, then open individual product pages to review details, current pricing, and availability.
Find your next game at Little Big Wars
Choose a subject that draws you in, check that the game fits your table, and explore the decisions you will make during play.