Thinking Man Games
Bringing you high quality historical miniature wargaming rules for a variety of periods and scales
What is Thinking Man Games?
Thinking Man Games is a group of rules writers that have come together because of a similar philosophy in game design. Our core values are to create games with interesting decisions for players, that are accessible to players with small amounts of time, space, and money, and to create games that are faithful to history. You can find more in the About us page on this site. This website is not a storefront, it is simply to provide information about our games to our players.
Our Games
War is our Homeland
War is our Homeland is a set of rules for fighting the biggest battles of the 16th and 17th centuries. Players put themselves in the shoes of one of the great commanders of the period, such as Gustavus Adolphus or Oliver Cromwell. The game is command and control focused, and the rules are simple so that players do not get bogged down in the rules and instead can focus on making command decisions. War is our Homeland is currently available from Wargames Vault and you can find more information about it on this website.
Schwerpunkt
Schwerpunkt is an operational game focused on World War II and modern conflicts. With each player controlling a corp, players step in the shoes of generals like Rommel and Patton by directing artillery, coordinating combined arms attacks, and calling in air missions. With an elegant orders system, the largest battles of WWII can be played in an evening. Schwerpunkt is in the final stages of playtesting and formatting.
Strategoi
Strategoi is set of rules for big battle Medievals. It uses the core command and control mechanics from War is our Homeland, a solid system to build off of. This game emphasizes the hard time that Medieval commanders had keeping their units under control. Players must decide when and where to commit troops, because once contact is made with the enemy, it is hard to maintain order. Whether you want to play Hastings, Manzikert, Acre, or Crecy, Strategoi is your choice. The game is in the playtesting and editing process.
Isandlwana: A Proud Heart
Isandlwana: A Proud Heart is a light, fast playing hex and counter game that captures the essence of the battle and its unique challenges for the two sides. This game is designed for casual fans who don’t want to invest in their own Zulu and British armies, terrain, etc. It is in the final stages of playtesting and formatting.
Victory by Steel
Victory by steel is an engaging wargaming ruleset set in the age of the flintlock (1680-1865). It combines acute historical accuracy from the greatest of kingdoms and empires and the fun and slyness from the most slippery cavalry captain. The game is mainly meant for large scale skirmishes and small battles in 15-28mm. Victory by Steel is in the early stages of development and testing.
Levee en Masse
Levee en Masse is a grand tactical game of the 19th century, with a focus on the command and control difficulties the generals of the black powder period were forced to grapple with. Play battles like Austerlitz or Gettysburg with a few friends in just a couple of hours with a game that focuses only on the hard strategic choices. Levee en Masse is in the early stages of playtesting.