Reading this thread brings back fond memories of playing games like Conquest of the Empire, Axis and Allies, and Fortress America. Those were good times. Does anyone still make games like those anymore? I think I still have a copy of A&A in a box in my basment somewhere.
They certainly do. My friend, Randy, has about 5 versions of Axis and Allies - Avalon Hill (Wizards/Hasbro) have kept that one alive.
Fantasy Flight Games is the most likely company to do the big box & lots of plastic figures games - games like Starcraft and Twilight Imperium.
Eagle Games reimplemented Conquest of the Empire a few years ago; we have that one.
Fortress America is not really a game I'm familiar with, though I know the name.

Cheers!