I have this feeling sometimes too, but I think there is an important aspect of complex board games, in particular strategy games that is missing from computer games. When you play a board game, you are forced to understand the rules (because you are the one executing them) so you are able to more fully consider their implications on strategy. (Of course, the mechanics must be tasteful in addition to complex in order for this to actually be a benefit.) In a computer game, my experience is that it's much easier to revert to playing by feel and lose that effect, and much harder to design a game where the full mechanics are obvious to the players. As a wargamer this is the main reason I prefer playing board wargames, even though they are not able to simulate in nearly as much detail as computer wargames.

I am a wargamer too! Are you familiar with Arty's "Crossfire"? That's a marvelous wargame (the best WWII game in my opinion) with a very basic set of rules. The complexity comes from scenario design and gameplay itself -- the rules are trivial.

Another fellow wargamer here! I’ll second that Crossfire is fantastic. It totally captures the rhythm and feel of what it’s trying to represent, without getting bogged down in irrelevant detail. It’s also one of the only really innovative sets of wargame rules I’ve ever played, most of which are essentially the same mechanics combined in different ways.

Another old set with some great ideas is Loose Files and the American Scramble, for the American Revolution. Originally a magazine article (from the 80s I think?), you can find the pdf floating around online. Three pages of rules, and super tightly focused on what makes the AWI unique. 100% worth a look if you have any interest in the period.

I think you’re right about computer games when it comes to hardcore number-crunching simulation. Computers being better able to portray fog of war is also a huge advantage. But I think tabletop games can do certain things better, especially when it comes to things like command friction. On the tabletop, when an order fails to go through or an unlucky break sees your units dissolve in a rout, you can easily understand what happened and it just becomes part of the story of the game. But in a computer game not having precise control can be very frustrating, like you’re at the mercy of opaque mechanics and the RNG.

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll definitely look for the PDF, because a recommendation from a fellow Crossfire fan carries a lot of weight for me ;)

Hah! Us grognards gotta stick together. Loose Files is definitely a little rough around the edges and shows it’s age: for ex. it mentions that officers can send orders, but what that means is left as an exercise for the reader. But with some common sense adaptations it plays really well.

I have heard excellent things about Crossfire but alas have not had the chance to play it -- hopefully one of these days!