How to Choose a Wargame Ruleset

A lot of times in the hobby, we have good discussions about a certain topic.  One topic that has come up is what Napoleonic ruleset would you recommend to someone.  I'm far from being a Napoleonic wargaming ruleset expert, but I think the question is applicable to any period.

I'm probably more versed in WWII so could make a more educated recommendation for that war, but my recommendation would be based on my WWII gaming interest and factors that are important to me.  Asking a set of questions to narrow down what rules would work best for the a rules recommendation is my recommended approach, rather than just blurting out your favorite rules.

Key questions/criteria to narrow down the choice:

• Skirmish, Moderate, or Corps sized battle rules?
• More simulation based or more game based?
• Game finishes in 1 hour, 4 hours, 16 hours?

What are some other questions/criteria ?

• Miniature scale you do NOT like gaming with? 6mm, 10mm, 15mm, 28mm, etc.
• What scale do you do NOT enjoy painting? 6mm, 10mm, 15mm, 28mm, etc.
• What are the players commanding? Squad, Company, Batallion/Regiment, Brigade, Division, Army, etc.
• Lots or low number of dice to role? lots, low, or does not matter.
• Lots or low number of charts?
• Large, medium or small ruleset?
• Prefer a ruleset from major wargaming company?  Yes, no, or does not matter.
• Random or set number of activations? Random, set, or does not matter.
• Ruleset has lots of online support?
• Ruleset is popular?
• Solo play suitability?
• Rulebook publishing quality (glossy, lots of photos, examples of play, etc).  High quality or does not matter.
• Ruleset size.  Lots of pages, a few pages, or does not matter.
• Ruleset is played by my friends.  A must or does not matter.
• Company makes ruleset and a line of figures for it.  A must or does not matter.
• Comes with army lists?  Yes, separate supplements is okay, or does not matter.
• Ruleset is still in publication?
• Price.
• Period focused or good for multiple periods?
• Works with any base size?
• Ground scale? 1" = 25 yds, 1" = 100 yrds, no scale defined or does not matter.
• Dice used.  D6, D10, D20, does not matter.
• Do I need to buy and paint up more miniatures for the rules?

I think some factors just do not get included.  They would make the ruleset an automatic purchase.

• A favorite author.
• A favorite game company or publisher.

I will say, you are will be limited if your only gaming friend will only play one ruleset.  Otherwise, I recommend trying out different rulesets.  No ruleset will be perfect, but I'm positive you will find a ruleset you and your friends will have fun with.

Example below of a decision tree starting at the top (Skirmish, Moderate/Large Battle?).  Very simplified, but just a small sample of what could be built.