I have been looking out for a good set of WW2 alternative relaity/cyberpunk set of rules for a while. Konflict 47 is just a rehash of Bolt Action and while I am sure it will give a good game it has all of the inherent problems of its parent game. The other I really enjoy is “Secrets of the Third Reich but no one I know plays it. Marcher: Empires at War may be the answer. I downloaded all of the pdf’s and here are my initial thoughts.

Marcher: Empires at War is a tabletop miniatures wargame published by Golden Dragon Games that transports players to an engrossing, technology-fueled alternate history. Far from being a simple WWII clone, Marcher places players in the year 1938, where a global war has just begun, but the course of history and technology—particularly the industrial revolution—has taken a decidedly diesel-fueled, “Weird War” turn.

The Setting: Dieselpunk Meets History

​The primary draw of Marcher is its fascinating setting. It’s a true dieselpunk world where older empires have survived alongside burgeoning technological innovation. This creates a visually stunning and narrative-rich backdrop, pitting the forces of Monarchy (such as the heavily armored, knight-themed Holy Roman Empire or HRE), Autocracy (the Neo-Byzantine state), and the Will of the People (like the US Alaskan Assault Force with its towering mechs) against each other.

​The lore is ambitious, blending historical military units with fantastical, diesel-powered vehicles, early-generation powered armor, and even elements of sci-fi like steam-powered spaceships or crystalline dragons. This unique blend is often cited as the game’s greatest asset, providing a distinctive aesthetic that stands apart from standard historical or sci-fi games.

​Core Mechanics and Gameplay Flow

​The ruleset itself is designed to occupy a “middle ground” between highly simulationist historical wargames and more fast-paced, skirmish-style games.

Marcher uses D10 dice as its primary randomizer. Crucially, the game employs an alternating activation system. This prevents the large-scale “I Go, You Go” turns common in many wargames, ensuring that players are constantly engaged and reacting to their opponent’s moves.

Despite aiming for relatively quick games, the rules incorporate enough “crunch” to satisfy players who enjoy tactical detail:

• ​Armor Facing: Vehicles and heavy units require players to consider the angle of attack, adding a layer of tactical positioning that is essential for motorized and mechanized combat.
• ​Blast Templates: Templates are used for measuring area-of-effect weapons, requiring careful placement to maximize damage and minimize friendly fire.
• ​Suppression: Units can be suppressed by incoming fire, reflecting the debilitating psychological effects of being pinned down on the battlefield.

​A typical game of Marcher involves a sizable force, often ranging between 12 and 20 units per side. While it can be played on a standard dining table, the scope of the battles feels larger than a pure skirmish, favoring small, focused army lists rather than just a handful of models.

​The Aesthetic and Accessibility

​The miniatures produced by Golden Dragon Games are a huge component of the game’s appeal, showcasing the bizarre and wonderful dieselpunk elements perfectly. From the gothic mechs of the HRE to the heavily armed infantry of the US, the visual appeal is very high.

​Perhaps the most significant aspect of the game’s commercial model is that the core rules are available for free. Golden Dragon Games has committed to making its revenue from the miniatures (which are often released as STL files for 3D printing and later as plastic kits). This approach lowers the barrier to entry significantly and allows the developer to maintain balance more easily through digital updates.

​Summary: A Tactical, Thematic, and Competitive Choice

​Marcher: Empires at War is a rigid and competitive ruleset that strongly rewards tactical thinking, unit positioning, and list building.

Pros	Cons
Unique Dieselpunk Lore: Truly stands out with its alternate history setting.	Competitive Focus: The ruleset is designed for competitive play, which may alienate purely casual or narrative players.
Free Core Rules: Extremely low barrier to entry for trying the game.	Lore Specifics: The historical liberties taken with certain nations’ survival might irk some hardcore history enthusiasts.
Engaging Activation System: Alternating activations keep both players involved throughout the turn.	Sizable Army: The game requires a non-trivial number of miniatures, which can be an investment in time and money (even with 3D printing).

Who is this game for?

If you are a wargamer looking for a tactical, competitive experience with mechanics that reward precision, and you are captivated by a truly unique dieselpunk aesthetic that blends historical themes with sci-fi weirdness, Marcher: Empires at War is an excellent choice. The free rulebook means there’s no excuse not to dive into the alternate-1938 chaos and see if the Will of the People can triumph over the might of the Monarchy.

I am always mindful of the problems of giving rules a rating when I haven’t played them, but these look OK.

All images downloaded from the Golden Dragon Games website. I suggest you take a look.