Where to start?

[Dan Storm]

Both are interesting games, I feel the scenarios are more ragged from a balance perspective. There is no reason you couldn't use 4th Ed Rules and charts in either game.

Desert Rats has 2 maps of rather simplistic terrain. All hexes are clear unless otherwise noted in the scenario special rules. The most frequent modification is creating hills.. If you are into experimentation, you should get it. I found the British armor to be less interesting than Afrika Korps. Otherwise I think I was pretty good.

Beyond Normandy was sort of a beauty pageant in mu-mus. The game introduces some interesting concepts. It is the 2nd game in which SS troops appear. The scenarios reflect the attritional approach to warfare the British are employing. There are 2 problems that may give you pause. The maps are very different from the system. A strange mix of comic and ugly. The British Firefly tanks are underrated, though the system will overrate them for this time period when Lib'44 is introduced. If you can get it cheap get it for the counters & scenarios, otherwise wait for Lib'44.

So If I can score 2 games for $45 total out the door - - Afrika Korps & Beyond Normandy - is that cosidered "Cheap" Enough?