We used stats derived from the Napoleonic supplements and tried out the new BP2 changes (at least those I have uncovered thus far).
Twas another excellent game and a favourable comparison between BP and GDA as essentially both sets are highly playable and both give a good flavoursome gaming experience even if approaches are somewhat different.
In BP we soon discovered that BUA are very tough to take as the defenders get great save and melee outcome bonuses.
The command system is pretty flexible and abstract but no more or less luck dependent than GDA just in a differing fashion.
Movement, shooting and combat are all straight forward and 'old school' in respect of having Save rolls and suchlike and I do prefer the GDA charging/melee methods overall.
Both sets are fairly brutal in morale outcomes (especially with my rolls !!) with whole Brigades imploding in both games.
Bottom line happy to play either set in addition to Shako 2 and of course my favourite Piquet: Field of Battle.
A surfeit of decent rules sets is IMHO a very good thing as I enjoy variety, I mean who eats just one flavour of crisps (potato chips for our US brethren) !!
Some pics
Four sets of Napoleonic rules that your both enjoy? That is a big accomplishment. Can you pick a favorite or does the choice depend upon the type of game you want?
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by your game mat. What is it?
Hi Jonathan I do like variety in my gaming as this Blog attests too and most certainly this applies to rules used. I think things might get stale for me if I stuck to just one set although FOB certainly comes very close.
DeleteGame mat is by Deep Cut Studio (iirc) and is their 6’ x 4’ Plains version
For whatever reason, BP has never piqued (ahem) my interest. It just seemed there was little new there, and too much left unspecified ()re troop capabilities) despite the lovely eye candy. I could just not see any real reason top put it on the table. Having said that, many others enjoy the system.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter we always thought there was a decent game hidden in BP and with the supplement Clash of Eagles (1812 campaign) it arrived. Nothing really new I guess but generates a decent Napoleonic game and maybe it’s familiarity is it’s attraction ? FOB is much more innovative and no more or less complex.
DeleteBoth arrive at similar outcomes in different fashion and both pretty fast play. BP does allow a few more formations etc but has a more predictable turn although with some variation due to command rolls, multiple moves and suchlike.
Don't know the rules, but this game looks great, intense and interesting...Beautiful troops, buildings...and mat!
ReplyDeleteHi Phil Black Powder a popular ruleset in UK. Generates a decent fast playing game. Thanks for comments
DeleteVery interesting system comparison and no less beautiful game table.
ReplyDeleteHi Stefan both sets pretty good. BP is a somewhat more generic design covering 1700-1900 but with Napoleonic supplements is decent. GDA is of course specifically for Napoleonic period and whilst a little more involved in its systems it is a very good game for the period.
DeleteI love your posts and everything looks wonderful. I love your idea thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletegclub