OCS games, an acronym for Operational Combat Series games, are a highly respected and influential line of tabletop wargames known for simulating campaign-level military combat from the early 20th century through the mid-1950s. These games offer players a deep, nuanced understanding of historical military operations, balancing intricate detail with a surprisingly streamlined set of core mechanics.
Understanding the Operational Combat Series (OCS)
Developed by The Gamers (now published by Multi-Man Publishing (MMP)), OCS games delve into military history with a unique focus on the operational level of warfare. Unlike tactical games that focus on individual battles or grand strategic games that cover entire wars, OCS puts players in command of larger formations (typically battalions to divisions) managing resources, movement, and combat over extended periods and significant geographical areas.
Key Characteristics of OCS Games
| Characteristic | Description | Player Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Era Covered | Primarily 1900 to the mid-1950s, encompassing major conflicts like World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. | Engages with pivotal moments of 20th-century warfare. |
| Combat Level | Campaign-level simulation, focusing on the operational aspects where logistical planning, movement, and coordinated attacks are paramount. | Commanders must think several turns ahead, managing supply lines and strategic objectives. |
| Design Goal | To allow a sophisticated study of historical events while maintaining mechanical simplicity. Rules are comprehensive but designed for clarity and logical flow. | Players gain deep insights into military history without being bogged down by overly complex rulesets. |
| Detail Level | Every facet of modern combat is modeled, including supply, terrain, weather, airpower, naval support, headquarters effects, and various unit types (infantry, armor, artillery). | Provides a rich, immersive simulation where even small decisions can have significant impacts on the campaign's outcome. |
Core Mechanics and Gameplay
OCS games are renowned for their emphasis on logistics and operational planning, making supply a critical resource that drives nearly every decision.
Essential Gameplay Elements:
- Supply is King: Unlike many wargames where units can fight indefinitely, OCS units require a continuous supply of fuel, ammunition, and other provisions. Cutting enemy supply lines or securing your own is often more crucial than direct combat.
- Action Points (AP): Each unit typically has a limited number of action points per turn, which are spent on movement, combat, and other actions. This forces players to prioritize and make tough choices.
- Zones of Control (ZOC): Units exert a ZOC over adjacent hexes, influencing enemy movement and creating defensive perimeters. Breakthroughs and encirclements are common strategic goals.
- Varied Unit Types: Games feature a wide array of historical units, each with unique combat values, movement capabilities, and special rules reflecting their historical performance.
- Detailed Maps: Maps accurately represent the historical terrain, with features like rivers, roads, hills, and cities affecting movement, combat, and supply.
Why Play OCS Games?
Players are drawn to the Operational Combat Series for its unique blend of historical accuracy, challenging gameplay, and deep strategic opportunities.
- Historical Immersion: Experience the challenges faced by real-world commanders, understanding the logistical nightmares and strategic dilemmas of 20th-century warfare.
- Strategic Depth: Develop complex plans, anticipate opponent moves, and react to unfolding situations where a single misstep can have cascading effects.
- Decision-Making Focus: Every turn presents critical choices regarding resource allocation, offensive pushes, defensive stances, and maintaining supply lines.
- Engaging Community: OCS has a dedicated and active player community, offering resources, online play, and strategy discussions.
Popular OCS Titles and Scenarios
The OCS series has produced numerous acclaimed titles, each focusing on specific campaigns or theaters of war. These games are published by Multi-Man Publishing (MMP) and are highly regarded within the wargaming community.
Examples of Notable OCS Games:
- Reluctant Enemies: Covers the often-overlooked fighting between Vichy French and Allied forces in Syria and Lebanon in 1941.
- Beyond the Rhine: Simulates the Allied push into Germany from the Siegfried Line in late 1944.
- Burma: Focuses on the brutal campaigns in the Burma theater during World War II, highlighting the extreme logistical challenges of jungle warfare.
- Guderian's Blitzkrieg II: Recreates the massive German invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) in 1941.
- DAK2 (Desert Rats): Explores the North African campaigns of World War II, emphasizing armored warfare and long-distance supply.
Each game provides unique scenarios and challenges, allowing players to explore different aspects of operational combat and historical decision-making.
OCS games offer a profound and rewarding experience for those interested in military history and strategic board gaming, providing a rich tapestry of historical simulation and tactical challenge.
