7 February 2025 ~
Brant & Mike are joined by Ardwulf, and Bill is back again, to talk about the classic quadrigames from SPI, and their later evolutions through TSR and Decision Games, as well as other emulations of the form by Compass Games, GMT, and others.
We talk about the history of the games and the designers who were ‘trained’ on quads, and the underlying ‘schtick’ of fast-playing, quick-learning, low-overhead, small(er)-footprint combo packs. We also cover some of our favorites, some recent multi-pack games that fit the “quad” ethos, and the fifth-wheel games later published in S&T. Are series wargames more of a thing now than back then? And which quads showed up in single packs, as well?
All of this is leading up to this year’s Buckeye Game Fest 1, where we’ll be sponsoring/participating in Quad Fest! In partnership with Ardwulf’s Lair and My Own Worst Enemy, we’re putting 6 classic SPI quads on the table in The War Room at BGF, from Wednesday through Saturday (with Friday as the main day). There’s even room for more GMs to add a couple of Quad Fest events – just get in touch with us about scheduling so we don’t overlap each other!
| When? | Quad! |
| WED 6p-9p | Crimean War |
| THU 1p-4p | Blue & Gray |
| FRI 9a-Noon | Modern Battles I |
| FRI 1p-4p | Island War |
| FRI 6p-9p | Thirty Years War |
| SAT 9a-Noon | Modern Battles II |
What are your thoughts on the old quad games? Any particular favorites, or ones you hated?
What about Quad Fest? Is that enough to get you to come join us / game with us at Buckeye Game Fest? Is there a game you want to see added, or one you’re willing to come join as a GM? Sound off below, or tell us in our forums!
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The Island War Quad was a favourite back in the day, but it didn’t capture my interest when I took it out last fall for a go. The almost completely bloodless CRT is an issue for me. In the entire CRT there are only three AE or DE results. If you’re careful not to let your enemy surround you, and unlucky enough to have an enemy doing likewise, the games just turn into shoving matches.