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We used They Died For Glory rules (which we had last used 20 years ago as well).
Stephen set up an attack defence game and I selected Prussian attackers.
I had two Divisions worth of Infantry (only 1 on table at start) with 6 Artillery batteries in support (also off-table at start) and 2 Light Cavalry Regiments.
A dug-in French Division oppossed with support some Artillery and a Millatreuse.
Lovely figures a mix of old Pendraken and Chariot miniatures with a lot of newer Pendraken added.
We found the rules rather bloody (more so than we remembered them to be) especially using alternating Impulse system as French got to Fire twice which with 6 dice per unit firing twice proved pretty devastating to Prussians.
I tried several formations but was soon apparent that a mix of skirmish and deep column (a form of attack column) was best as deep column and line just too easy to shoot up and slow.
As my second Division and the Artillery arrived things looked up for Prussians as bulk of French fixed in place.
We were going to change to the semi-simultaneous option of play sequence as we felt it would give attackers better chance as they get one shot back potentially).
But real life took over as a phone call from one of Stephen's daughters cut game short as he had to take her to Hospital as she had cracked/split a tooth and it was causing her a lot of pain.
We are keen to try the period again but most likely will use Field Of Battle next time.
Prussians initial Division deploys...er....initially
French dug-in in 'trenches' and built up areas
The initial attacks go in and suffer high losses
Prussian 2nd Division and Artillery arrives
TDFD was my favourite ruleset for many years, as it was simple and I really liked the small things like smoke obscuring targets on 2nd volleys. The downside to me was ,as you mention, the sheer bloodiness of the rules. Every action taken seems to lead to a regiment's decimation. Entering hand to hand combat will often lead to 50% losses ...and that's just for the victor(!) Artillery hits are destructive and the shooting is lethal. Being prone is the only way to survive anything...though on the other hand it could be argued that this was the case and the FP War books do often say that battalions were wiped out in minutes, and the massive casualty rates speak for themselves.
ReplyDeleteAnother plus point is that the rules are very quick to pick up again and it gives an opportunity to see the most wonderful uniforms back on the board again. I'm working towards using Black Powder for my next FP game, though I won't be parting with TDFD as they have always given me fun games and will remain my fall-back :-)
Yes we sort of agreed that it was probably quite historical but not nessecarily great as a game therefore. Certainly a very playable set with decent mechanisms (and great if you enjoy throwing loads of dice !!).
DeleteWe also considered BlackPowder but almost seems like too much work to tweak them for FPW when PK Field Of Battle works fine.
Mate also has 1870 (for bigger scale games) and Zouave whicj looks interesting.
Principles Of War should work as well
Cheers
Sorry, I just saw that I kept writing TDFD instead of TDFG as abbreviations for 'They Died for Glory'. It's been a long tiring day at a wargames show and i'm still dozy after a nap!
ReplyDeleteMy heart bleeds for you ya jammy sod :-)
DeleteWhich show ?
Cheers
I went to 'Overlord' at Abingdon. It was really good with a decent smattering of traders and enthusiastic gamers. I deviated from my prepared shopping list and spent far too much...as usual!
DeleteCorrect and proper thing to do and of course no plan survives direct encounter with 'the enemy' :-)
DeleteLooks like a pretty cool game.
ReplyDeleteGood looking eye candy Sarge!
ReplyDeleteVery small and very cool!!!
ReplyDeleteVery small and very cool!
ReplyDeleteYes they are
DeleteYes they are
:-)
We use TDFG rules for FPW, but we haven't played them in quite a while. They're an excellent set of rules. Great looking game though. Hope Stephan's daughter is ok!
ReplyDeleteOffspring ok thankfully no nerve damage but as its adult tooth some dentistry required
ReplyDeleteTDFG are quick playing and easy to pick up only thing I think we forgot was Élan roll for French ie to see if they go bit battle mad
Good fun in an OMG where have my units gone way !!!! :-)
The 10mm troops look look good on the tabletop - I much prefer the look of them to 6mm! Not that I'd be caught using anything but 25/28mm myself, of course! :-)
ReplyDelete10mm is a nice scale and if I was starting out I would probably plumb for the scale, but I do find them nearly as time comsuming to paint as 15mm as 1. detail nearly as good and 2. one tends to use more figs per base than with 15s.
DeleteHi Gary, I do like a bit of FPW action and the 10mm looks great. I'll be interested to see how FOB2 plays out for the period. Cheers, Norman
ReplyDeleteHi Norman
DeleteFPW not a period I am into much (hence my swapping for WSS stuff) as I find games a bit samey (down to the war/tactical situation itself) but this was enjoyable outing all the same. Goodness knows when we will actually try FOB2 of course :-)