I've heard mention of this particular rule set in the past but never properly paid much attention to them.. Possibly because of the rather unfortunate name....
Now I won't go into doing a complete review of how this game plays as I don't actually own a copy yet but I have managed to get a hold of the QRS from which the game system can be relatively easily fathomed out.
Needless to say that with a heavy heart I decided to give them a go. I wasn't expecting a lot but the game promised at least to live up to the 'type' of game (and game scale) that I've been searching for. I prefer the more Grand Tactical approach to gaming and I also prefer to have no figure removal during play and this set covers both these requirements for me. I've played other 'Grand Tactical' games over the past few months including Grande Armee ( long winded), Volley & Bayonet (hated the move distances) and DBN (too 'geometric' in it's aproach for me) .... but these...Now wait for it gentlemen..... Hold on to your hats....... I really, really like this set of rules!
Yes, you heard that correctly, I really like this set. They're simple yet elegant enough to give a good 'game' and I emphasise the term 'game' as there will be button counters out there that will scoff at this set... and not just at the name.
As I always say, it's horses for courses and although these may not be ever gamers cup of tea... they are mine.
As a postscript, if anyone has a copy of these they wish to off load (or swap for a brand new 1st edition Shako set) then please let me know.
Steve
Now I won't go into doing a complete review of how this game plays as I don't actually own a copy yet but I have managed to get a hold of the QRS from which the game system can be relatively easily fathomed out.
Needless to say that with a heavy heart I decided to give them a go. I wasn't expecting a lot but the game promised at least to live up to the 'type' of game (and game scale) that I've been searching for. I prefer the more Grand Tactical approach to gaming and I also prefer to have no figure removal during play and this set covers both these requirements for me. I've played other 'Grand Tactical' games over the past few months including Grande Armee ( long winded), Volley & Bayonet (hated the move distances) and DBN (too 'geometric' in it's aproach for me) .... but these...Now wait for it gentlemen..... Hold on to your hats....... I really, really like this set of rules!
Yes, you heard that correctly, I really like this set. They're simple yet elegant enough to give a good 'game' and I emphasise the term 'game' as there will be button counters out there that will scoff at this set... and not just at the name.
As I always say, it's horses for courses and although these may not be ever gamers cup of tea... they are mine.
As a postscript, if anyone has a copy of these they wish to off load (or swap for a brand new 1st edition Shako set) then please let me know.
Steve
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in hearing how you et on with these - I have seen them kicking around but do not own a set.
All the best,
DC
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteI'll no doubt be posting my thoughts in the future. Here's a link giving a bit more information: http://onmilitarymatters.com/pages/190320.htm
I'm looking forward to finally getting stuck into a rule set I actually like!
All the best,
Steve
I forgot to mention David, I have the QRS for Snappy Nappy. If you'd like a copy just give me a shout and I'll send it over to you.
DeleteSteve
Interesting - keep us posted
ReplyDeleteWill do Phil!
DeleteOur group of Grognards was favorably impressed by SN when we used it for our 1809 "Campaign in a Day", which is really my interest in the set; we will be doing an 1813 Campaign in a Day in April, as you know, Steve (details are on my blog) - I just heard that the rules author, Russ Lockwood, will attend as a player. I can provide accommodations, but unfortunately not airfare across the pond! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've read your posts regarding SN Peter and it was those that got me interested enough to go and take a look at the rules. If I could only get over the water to take part in your upcoming 1813 Campaign, I would love to but I don't think my Wife would be too impressed with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Peter and I'll be watching for reports of the April event with interest.
All the very best,
Steve
Could be just the right set for you Steve with luck.Let us know how things go.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 50.000 views mate.
Lee.
Fingers crossed Lee! but so far so good. This is the first set that I've found that I really feel suit the kind of gaming I'm looking for. I could really do with a hell of a lot more figures but that'll come with time.
ReplyDeleteAll the best mate,
Steve
Hello Steve,
ReplyDeleteyour TMP post raised my curiosity and I just bought SN from Caliver. I always appreciate new rules mechanics and games that is reasonably possible to finish in a short time. I see that you have a link to my blog (Drums & Shakos) and I wonder if you know my Large Battle Rules or just the skirmish game.
I'll follow your comments about SN closely...
thanks Sergio
Hi Sergio,
DeleteThanks for choosing to follow my blog and welcome!
I actually do own a copy of the Large Battles Rules and I have to admit that I haven't read them through just yet. Napoleonic gamers seem to have 'too' many rule sets to choose from these days!
Steve
I overlooked these I must say, for no real reason to be truthful. We have started on Napoleon at War in our group which everyone is quiet taken with, but I should go back and check out SN as well. Thanks for the review Steve.
ReplyDeleteHi Tarty and welcome to the blog.
DeleteI did exactly the same thing Whilst looking for my rule book of choice. I saw them around and mentioned online but never really looked into them. I'm really glad I did as they turned out for me anyway to be a real gem.
I know they aren't everyone's cup of tea but we all have our own views on how 'we' want our games to look and feel and for me these do exactly what I've been looking for.
My only problem is that now I have to re-base all the infantry and artillery I've completed so far!
All the bset,
Steve
Just checked these out - they look very interesting. I see that Caliver books have a copy. Looks a little more straightforward for the Waterloo campaign than V&B would be.
ReplyDeleteThey are designed for more campaign based games so I'd at least give them a go de Gobin. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteAll the best,
Steve
Am reading through it now. These look VERY good. Simpler that v&b but with many more nuances - orders that work, line & column and fantastic scale for major battles. No skirmishers, everything works off multiple morale checks which reads beautifully. I'm debating rebasing or at least using my v&b troops at double scale. This is all your fault Steve LOL
ReplyDeleteLol... Enjoy! They seem to have been overlooked and there's no real mention of them amongst the gaming fraternity ... I think they're a great set of rules and I'll be doing my bit to spread the word!
DeleteSteve
I've just ordered a set as well hahahaha ....We played a very very large game of Age of Eagles over the weekend which had loads of lead on the table and looked amazing....but failed to deliver in many ways I think in terms of a large format game. We have persisted with AoE for awhile now but it isn't quiet what we're looking for I think.....time to try something new for these big battles. Could be another convert here Steve hopefully.....Cheers mate :-)
ReplyDelete