Introduction
Flames Of War Hit The Beach Two Starter Set is an ideal gateway for both newcomers and seasoned wargamers looking to dive into the world of historical miniature warfare. Designed for the Late War (1944-45) period, this set includes everything needed to begin playing immediately: two complete armies (American and German), a full rulebook, Quick Start Guide, and essential game components. Whether you’re interested in recreating D-Day landings or exploring other WWII scenarios, this starter kit provides an immersive experience with detailed miniatures and streamlined rules that make setup and gameplay accessible for all skill levels.
Design & Components
The set is meticulously organized to ensure ease of use and immediate playability. The American force includes five Sherman (75mm) tanks, three Sherman (76mm) tanks, and a Parachute Rifle Platoon with 52 figures, representing the 101st Airborne’s iconic role in World War II. On the German side, players receive two Panzergrenadier Platoons (58 figures), a Panzergrenadier HQ unit (6 figures), three Panzer IV tanks, and two 7.5cm anti-tank guns with crews. These units are cast in high-quality plastic, featuring intricate detailing that captures the historical accuracy of WWII vehicles and soldiers.
In addition to the miniatures, the box includes a Complete A5 Flames Of War rulebook, a Quick Start Guide for rapid gameplay setup, a V1 Flying Bomb terrain feature, 20 dice, and 16 unit cards. The inclusion of these components ensures that players have all the tools necessary to engage in strategic battles without needing additional purchases. The design emphasizes modularity, allowing users to expand their armies over time by incorporating other Flames Of War scenarios or units from supplementary sets like the Tobruk WWII Starter Set or Liberation two-player starter set.
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Gameplay Experience
Hit The Beach is designed to immerse players in the chaos of World War II combat through its focus on tactical decision-making and historical authenticity. The Quick Start Guide simplifies setup for beginners, while the rulebook provides comprehensive explanations of unit abilities, movement mechanics, and combat resolution systems. Players can recreate iconic battles such as D-Day landings or test their strategies against historical scenarios like Juno Beach (2018), which Critical Hit has explored in its series of wargaming products.
The balance between the American and German forces ensures a fair and challenging experience, with each army possessing unique strengths. The Sherman tanks, for example, offer versatility depending on whether players choose the 75mm or 76mm variant, though the latter is noted for slightly better statistical performance in some scenarios. Meanwhile, the Panzer IVs and anti-tank guns provide German players with opportunities to exploit terrain advantages and counter enemy armored units effectively.
Value & Pricing
Hit The Beach offers exceptional value for its price point, which is reported at approximately 12,290₽ (as of available data). Compared to purchasing individual units or other starter sets like the Ardennes late war US box (USAB11 Bulge), this kit provides a more comprehensive and cost-effective entry into Flames Of War. The inclusion of two complete armies, rulebooks, and game components eliminates the need for additional purchases to begin playing, making it an ideal choice for first-time buyers or those looking to expand their collection.
The set’s affordability is further highlighted by user feedback, which emphasizes that Hit The Beach is “the best way to enter the world of Flames Of War” due to its balanced forces and extensive content. However, some players note that the starter formation may be relatively small compared to full-scale armies, potentially requiring additional investments for larger or more complex campaigns.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive package includes two playable armies, rulebook, Quick Start Guide, and terrain features for immediate gameplay.
- High-quality 15mm scale miniatures with detailed modeling of WWII vehicles and infantry units.
- Excellent value compared to buying individual components or other starter sets in the Flames Of War ecosystem.
Cons
- Starter formations may be too small for advanced players seeking larger-scale battles, requiring additional purchases.
- Some historical unit choices (e.g., Sherman 75mm vs. 76mm) may raise questions about statistical relevance, though the rulebook addresses these concerns.
- Limited to Late War scenarios; players interested in earlier periods or other conflicts (Vietnam, Arab-Israeli wars) will need to invest in additional Flames Of War sets.
Conclusion
Flames Of War Hit The Beach Two Starter Set is a standout choice for anyone looking to explore WWII wargaming with minimal hassle and maximum immersion. Its well-balanced armies, high-quality components, and comprehensive rulebook make it an excellent entry point into the Flames Of War system. Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance of D-Day or eager to experiment with different tactical approaches, this set provides a solid foundation for both casual play and competitive gaming. With its strong community support (via platforms like DakkaDakka) and compatibility with other starter sets, Hit The Beach ensures that players can grow their collection and expand into new scenarios seamlessly.
