The best games by Mark Herman 🇺🇸👨 2026

Players take on the roles of a Unionist and a Secessionist during the crisis of 1860 that led to the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Utilizing a card-driven system, they compete for control over key political dimensions that influence the outcome of the game. After three rounds, the game culminates in a final crisis confrontation, where players reveal their moves to determine the winner.

On November 11, 1918, an armistice halted the brutal conflict known as the war to end all wars. Four leaders—Woodrow Wilson (United States), David Lloyd George (Britain), Vittorio Orlando (Italy), and George Clemenceau (France)—gathered in Paris to draft the Treaty of Versailles, culminating after months of intense debate. Players take on the role of one of these leaders, navigating complex agendas, forging alliances, and balancing domestic pressures while striving to establish peace in a tumultuous post-war world.

Churchill places you in the shoes of one of the three iconic leaders during World War II - Churchill, Roosevelt, or Stalin - engaging in a strategic battle of wits and diplomacy rather than military might. This unique game focuses on the pivotal conferences that shaped the Allied strategy and post-war landscape, challenging players to negotiate, manipulate, and sometimes cooperate to advance their agendas.

Fire in the Lake marks the fourth volume in GMT Games' highly acclaimed COIN Series, offering players a profound and detailed simulation of the Vietnam War's complexities. This game stands out for its multifaceted approach to one of the most tumultuous periods of the 20th century, providing a richly immersive experience that combines military strategy, political maneuvering, and the intricacies of coalition warfare.

A large strategy game centered around the American Civil War covers the conflict from Texas to Pennsylvania, starting with the bombardment of Fort Sumter and ending at Appomattox Court House. Players assume the roles of President Lincoln or President Davis, commanding armies, promoting and dismissing generals, conducting amphibious assaults, and managing political intrigues.

The updated and enhanced Deluxe Edition of The Great Battles of Alexander features new game pieces, maps, packaging, battles, and scenarios that cover all key battles from the original game and the Juggernaut module, including five additional battles for a total of ten. It represents a comprehensive overview of Alexander the Great and Macedonian warfare.

Players take on the roles of key historical figures such as MacArthur and Yamamoto, leading their forces across a map that spans from India to Hawaii. The game combines strategic decision-making with a two-stage combat system involving air, naval, and ground forces. Victory hinges on the political will of the United States, with Japan aiming to force a negotiated peace by inflicting losses and controlling critical regions.

This deluxe edition is a re-release of the classic GMT game focused on warfare during the Roman Republic, which has been out of print for years. It includes the original five scenarios, maps, and pieces, along with nine additional scenarios from various expansions. The game provides a comprehensive experience, featuring full-color counters, maps, and detailed rulebooks.

Players represent either the Athenians or Spartans in this sandbox game set between 460 BC and 400 BC. The game has political and war phases, with players competing against each other in their factions during the political phase and against the opposing faction in the war phase. The city-state that earns the most honor points wins the war, and the faction with the highest points on the winning side takes the overall victory.

The past is reborn in a revamped version of the original design for the Peloponnesian War, previously published by Victory Games. This military game of ancient warfare allows players to determine the course of the conflict through a unique solitaire system that has not been replicated elsewhere. Players can take on both sides of the war, facing themselves as they navigate battles and strive to end the war on their terms, all while experiencing the tragic fate of Greece. The enhanced version features high-quality components, including mounted maps and redesigned rules, ensuring an engaging experience for players.

Pacific War is a strategic war game that takes players from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the peak of summer 1945, covering vast areas from Australia to China and Burma to Hawaii. It combines thrilling action with historical accuracy, allowing players to engage with complex Pacific War systems through solo scenarios and extensive multiplayer battles. Players will learn to conduct strategic bombing raids, attacks on merchant ships, and amphibious operations, with control over the duration and cost of their missions.