The Complete Book of Wargames

The Complete Book of Wargames is a book by Jon Freeman which was published in 1980 by Simon & Schuster under the Fireside imprint.

Part 1, An Introduction to Wargames, gives a brief history of wargaming and includes an introductory wargame, Kassala, which illustrates several of the basic concepts used in board wargames (as opposed to miniatures).

Part 2, Evaluating the Wargames, evaluates individual wargames using the criteria of Presentation, Rules, Playability, Realism, and Complexity. The chapters in Part 2 are chronologically divided into historical eras beginning with the ancient era. The final chapters in Part 2 cover science fiction, fantasy, RPGs (Role-Playing Games) such as Dungeons and Dragons, and the role of Computers in the future of Wargaming.

Nick Schuessler reviewed The Complete Book of Wargames in The Space Gamer No. 32. Schuessler commented that "The mercurial aspects of wargaming will probably leave any new publication a bit obsolete the day it's published. Meanwhile, we have an excellent reference work available at (for a change) a reasonable price. Buy and enjoy."

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