Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Here is the link to the Backerkit site: backerkit.com/c/projects/wharf-rat-games/a-forlorn-hope-can-you-make-it-across-no-man-s-land/launch_party
We sit down with Wes Crawford and Ryan Hileman, founders of Wharf Rat Games, to talk about A Forlorn Hope, their debut release and a brand-new World War I solitaire and cooperative wargame designed by Herman Luttmann. In this in-depth interview, we explore how the game evolved from In Magnificent Style, why WWI trench warfare finally gets its due, and how card-driven activation and push-your-luck mechanics redefine the system.
We also cover gameplay flow, solo and multiplayer options, historical scenarios like Verdun, the Somme, and the Lost Battalion, production philosophy, and Warfrat Games’ commitment to fast, transparent crowdfunding fulfillment. If you enjoy historical wargames, solo conflict games, or thoughtful modern design, A Forlorn Hope is one to watch.
To support our channel directly, please become a member and get access to bonus content: youtube.com/channel/UCRarNme4iUanPLflogg-Ntg/join
__________________________________________________________
TWITTER: twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=LegendaryTacti1
EMAIL: legendarytactics2020@gmail.com
WEBSITE: legendarytactics.ca
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/legendarytactics
DISCORD: discord.com/invite/Kquf34pVQd
__________________________________________________________
@WharfRatGames #aforlornhope
A Forlorn Hope is an abstract simulation wargame of a typical trench assault, modeling those attacks that were conducted during the First World War (1914-1918). The player represents an attacking regiment of troops consisting of three battalions, with each battalion made up of two or three assault companies (depending on the number of players).
The game uses a "press-your-luck" design philosophy that will challenge you with tough decision-making and risk-taking throughout the game. The goal is for the player(s) to drive their forces across No Man's Land in the quickest and most efficient manner possible to achieve the best level of victory.
A Forlorn Hope is designed both for solitaire and multiplayer co-operative play. Numerous scenarios are included, starting with a basic assault scenario (which is ideal for learning the intricacies of the game system), then adding multiple historically-based scenarios simulating actual battles from World War I that offer a slightly more complex and layered gaming experience. Each scenario features singular aspects of the historical battle it is simulating, and each will therefore be a unique gaming experience.
—description from the publisher
Here is the link to the Backerkit site: backerkit.com/c/projects/wharf-rat-games/a-forlorn-hope-can-you-make-it-across-no-man-s-land/launch_party
We sit down with Wes Crawford and Ryan Hileman, founders of Wharf Rat Games, to talk about A Forlorn Hope, their debut release and a brand-new World War I solitaire and cooperative wargame designed by Herman Luttmann. In this in-depth interview, we explore how the game evolved from In Magnificent Style, why WWI trench warfare finally gets its due, and how card-driven activation and push-your-luck mechanics redefine the system.
We also cover gameplay flow, solo and multiplayer options, historical scenarios like Verdun, the Somme, and the Lost Battalion, production philosophy, and Warfrat Games’ commitment to fast, transparent crowdfunding fulfillment. If you enjoy historical wargames, solo conflict games, or thoughtful modern design, A Forlorn Hope is one to watch.
To support our channel directly, please become a member and get access to bonus content: youtube.com/channel/UCRarNme4iUanPLflogg-Ntg/join
__________________________________________________________
TWITTER: twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=LegendaryTacti1
EMAIL: legendarytactics2020@gmail.com
WEBSITE: legendarytactics.ca
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/legendarytactics
DISCORD: discord.com/invite/Kquf34pVQd
__________________________________________________________
@WharfRatGames #aforlornhope
A Forlorn Hope is an abstract simulation wargame of a typical trench assault, modeling those attacks that were conducted during the First World War (1914-1918). The player represents an attacking regiment of troops consisting of three battalions, with each battalion made up of two or three assault companies (depending on the number of players).
The game uses a "press-your-luck" design philosophy that will challenge you with tough decision-making and risk-taking throughout the game. The goal is for the player(s) to drive their forces across No Man's Land in the quickest and most efficient manner possible to achieve the best level of victory.
A Forlorn Hope is designed both for solitaire and multiplayer co-operative play. Numerous scenarios are included, starting with a basic assault scenario (which is ideal for learning the intricacies of the game system), then adding multiple historically-based scenarios simulating actual battles from World War I that offer a slightly more complex and layered gaming experience. Each scenario features singular aspects of the historical battle it is simulating, and each will therefore be a unique gaming experience.
—description from the publisher
