Used the scenario from book but removed the river and reserve deployments to make for a simpler test game.
Stephen used French I had Prussians circa 1813/14
Got through several turns testing out just about all aspects.
I had thought artillery was weak in system but having played more extensively feel it is fine.
We did think Cavalry seems bit weak versus infantry overall and Line formation seems best in most circumstances (not a 'bad' thing) with attack column needing 2 on 1 for any chance.
Like the fact that close combat is not the result of every charge (especially once units take hits) and everything is fairly easy to resolve within system.
Units can get 'burnt out' so you need reserves and to soften enemy up before charging, which is all good stuff.
A decent rule set, well presented with nothing innovative nor daft.
“Decent…with nothing innovative nor daft” does not sound like a rousing endorsement.
ReplyDelete"They do what the say on the tin" as in no cards, special dice or such like but combined with nothing that does not make sense or seems implausible. I always think the bigger the game with more players the more straight forward a rule set needs to be to complete a game in reasonable time and this is in that ball park. Some in group dislike FOB (unfathomable as that is !?) or BP so always on lookout for other usable sets. Sort of similar in style/complexity to Rank & File. I would find them bit bland for 'standard' games but as easy to play set for large game maybe.
DeleteI found that units are able to do one thing, say assaulting the hill or village, before they get ‘burned out’ and need pulling back to spend time recovering, which prevents troops becoming super troops. Cavalry generally do badly against infantry due to the hits that they take on the way in, it is probably best to avoid it unless the cavalry have a clear advantage such as attacking already badly mauled troops and perhaps not to the front.
ReplyDeleteBoth those things are probably to be applauded, yet they stick out, suggesting that most of our rule systems might be over generous to the gamer in these regards.
Hi Norm pretty much our conclusions as well and indeed slightly different to many other sets.
DeleteDid think that both sides could end up looking at each other with lots of damaged units, no problem with concept but maybe not enough 'game' for big bash ? Hard to be conclusive on partial play. Ain't no perfect rules :-)
Forgot to add I did think the hits system is pretty good overall as it encompasses Morale without extra dice rolls or tables. Certainly slow to Rally hits off and the non-refundable last 2 can really thwart any further aggression.
Deleteone area that I did question was when artillery became involved in counter-battery fire …… could / should the target be able to recover from hits under the morale rule for being more than 9” from an enemy. They typically are more than 9”, but never-the-less are still under fire from enemy artillery, though without that help of recovery, counter-battery fire is very effective at seeing off enemy artillery and the game tends to put a focus on counter-battery fire, which I hadn’t thought as being realistic.
DeleteHad not noticed that (not enough play), at first blush think Arty needs to retain ability to Rally as written or as you say they will be focus of fire (although if using counter battery excessively you are leaving other targets alone) ?
DeleteAs I get older, I've learned to appreciate riles like these more. Perhaps you lose a bit of accuracy but as long as they play well and you get an enjoyable game for both sides, that works for me.
ReplyDeleteThey are designed for an evenings gaming with straightforward mechanics and not many modifiers or special rules.
DeleteFinding a rule set that balances simplicity/playability with historical flavour/chrome is no mean task.
FOB hits nice balance for me but they are not for everyone :-)