Sunday 21 August 2016

A Modern Classic ?

,

I don't do reviews but 'The Ferryman' asked me about this book I'm reading at the moment . I got it from Caliver Books last week and I'm about 2/3rds through it so these are just my initial thoughts. Its hard backed - which I like and cost £27 I think ? which is probably par for the course for this sort of book and print run. It has been translated from German (being written by a couple of German chaps) so it has a quaint turn of phrase now and then , its big selling point (and maybe it's downfall) is that it uses a grid system for movement and ranges . Now they say this speeds up the game doing away with measuring and arguments over ranges etc , my own ill informed opinion is that it causes as many complications as things it solves . This is a bit unfair of me because I haven't played the rules yet - but can I be bothered to draw a grid on my table ? ( having thought about this it could be easily accomplished by turning my felt cloth over and drawing one on it using a green marker pen) . Units are organised in multiples of 'sixes' for easiness as they use D6s - 12 or 18 being probably the norm . Units and Generals are allotted a playing card each and these with the enemies cards are shuffled and drawn to activate things to move/shoot etc. Movement is by number of squares as is range and shooting, this is done by adding or subtracting dice per 6 figures , then throwing them and every 6 gets a casualty . The scale can be either 'big' battle or smaller 'colonial' style actions and weaponry is divided up into periods - roughly musket, rifle, breech loaders and repeaters. The rules seem to have been play tested thoroughly over several years and once you have learned the system should be quite fast and decisive to play a 'day' being 8 moves . there are ideas for army lists , solo play and points as well . There is a 'Facebook' group for the rules https://www.facebook.com/Tin-Soldiers-In-Action-1036657649708329/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED . A play sheet is in the back of the book but it would be nice to see one on their Facebook page to down load . So will I use them ?, it would be interesting to try them out especially since I have some 30mm O.S. SYW figures that are under used . It's a nice book and as a collector of O.S. type rules I'm glad I have a copy whether or not I use the rules .

6 comments:

  1. When it comes to Grid-Based Wargaming...I'm afraid I just couldn't do it- as to me grids and such look particularly distracting...real earth does not look like a grid- may as well play Chess. Sorry - just my personal preference: I do not even like Geo-Hex. Yet I can appreciate Enthusiasts of the Grid Systems. KEV.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can see the advantages of it but as you say it can be visually distracting , Tony

      Delete
  2. I like grid systems, so your review was very helpful and has encouraged me to buy the book. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People who like grids will love this book, it's well laid out and explains things very well, Tony

      Delete
  3. Thanks Tony.
    Much appreciated. I would definitely be interested in any battle reports using these rules.
    Regards, John

    ReplyDelete