2 MOVES nr.

53, published October/ November 1980

Opening
Moves
HOW MY DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK
OK , Simsonen , v,' here' s the Fifth Corps
arl ide you promised us? U h ... ah .. . my dog
a te it.
Circu!arion: 9950 As of the wri ling o f th is column, yes-
Vie have no bananas. The wri ter was lined up,
Editor/Executive Art Director Redmond A. Simonsen it was gonna be in the mail and everything
Managing Editor Robert J . RyeI' was smooth and groovy and then - nO Ihing
Associate Editor Mic hael Moo re happened! [ dunno (s hrug) . As you can
Art Director Manfred F. f',l ilkuhn figure OUI from the timing of thes e th ings, we
work on a pretty tight deadline for the most
Contributing Editors recen t games article for MOVES. Really only
Greg Costikyan, James F. Dunni gan, Eri c G oldberg, Phil Kosnell, a maller of weeks . When a n article gets
Sleve Lisl, Thomas G . Praluch, Charles Vasey derail ed it's nigh onlO impossible to re~o \'er
MOVES Mugazine is l'opyr ighl ce , 1980. Sim ulalion, I'ubli cal il'ns, Inc . Prinled in U.S .A . All righl.s rese rved . All and ge l anot her one wri I ten to tak e its p lace.
edito ria l and gl! ncral mail shcJulJ be addressed 10 SimuhHi nm,) Pul:11ica li u lls I 11(' ".251 P3r k /\ VC rlu t.'" S ll ~llht ~,Y . . N . '(
10010, MOVES is published bi.n,or"hly , On e year ;ubsuipli ,lI1> (si x i.,,,!Cs) arc al'" ilable r""
$ I I.()() (US). Bad< ;""es That d oesn't mean that you ' ll never see
Or single co pics l,r Ihe curre n< iss ue are available "I $2,25 pert'opy. Please re mil by " hel'k (' r 1110 ney order (US fund.; ). a F(fth Corps article - it doe~ mean that
Prinl ing and Rinding by ~.' dlcsky Press, Inc .. 1' r3mingharl"l , Nluss. we'll have to wail u nt il nex t issue - bOlh to
GREAT BRITA!!I,' & EUROPE: Brilish llnd Eu ro pean CU<1 o mers , ho lJld p!;"c Iil eir lmler, fN SPI pr,ld uCl \ 01' sec it and to find out how il ",,'ent astray (my
sub ser ipi io ns wi I h SIM ULA TIO NS P U R I , Ie ,\'1' IO NS, UNITED K I NC flOM, C ro wTl Pa ssage', Hale, A li rinc ha m . guess at the momenl is t hat it was literally lost
Cheshi re. WA I j 9SP, Unil ed Kingdu m, Ilask sub." rip lioTl rale for SP UK is (polln d\l 5.90 pel' year. AUSTR A I. IA &
in the mails - a nOI unheard of eventua li IY) .
NEW ZEALA N D resilie nts shou ld place orders wi ill JI,'11L1TAR Y SIM ULATIONS I'TY LTD ., 18 f o nceca S IIWl .
\-loda illoc. Vic w ri" 3 I \/5, Aust ra lia. I hope my a Ulhor does n ' t think I' m p icking
ARTICLE SUBMISSIO NS: Readers are in l'ited ,"tlTTl il artic les fo r po ss ible jlllb lin ui o Tl in ,HO VES Magazlnt'.
lc'
on him (everyone instantaneously forgels
\1anuscripl s rllU :,)l bl,.' I YPc\\Ti ll en , douhle-~paced. l"J1l Hliz \ 11 wh Ll C' bond , \\l i I 11 ge ll c E'o u:') Ii fl C kllg l h of 55 [0 tio5 what I say in I his column anyway ). I' m jus t
characters. Please include you r l ll~ [ narrlt; .ant! page numbe r nn cach rV1S pag~~. and yuu r name. 3ddrC's~ . ptU) rlC TlUTTl ocr, menially shuffling m y feet and saying, "aw,
~ lIg ges l ed Ii i Ie. and ho norarium prefercllt:c o n l hi,: <.'o\-er pa~e_ "Vidl ~ 1J b rlli s"io rl , ind ude a sla m ped :;el f-addressed
shucks, I really did int end to have th'e most
postcard wit h Ihe na me uf your a rlicle on ' he message ~ ioc. Art icles and ilhElra[io ll ) ~aruh'H br H." lur ned. In no in-
sta nce, h()wcvcr, r.:un SPI assu me re.:;po n:-:;ibili{y fo r rnanu'i-(;ripIS and illu s(ra, illn ~ 1)(1 1 spL'cifkall y solicilC'd. recent S&Tgame Ireated in th is issue."
I want to en~ourage all you good folks
out th cl'e \\/ ho enjoy wriling about games and
gaming to peck away al yo ur typewriter key s
and produce happy articles. To wit:
In this issue ... * We need co mpul er-relaled material for
SpiBus (see page 13) . This is an opportuni-
C'est La Guerre, Part II lA N CH.A. D ~"'//Cg 4 ty for MOVES to associa le it self with an
allied field of gaming and inlellectual ac-
Anything-to-One IWCh'!\fL W. PHeLPS 11
tivity that co uld have big benefil S for Ihe
Enhanced Napoleon at Waterloo JOHN SC/I 17R,cC,1( 14 readership (gamers giv ing 0 1her gamers in-
sight into minoco mput er games, so ft-
Forty-Four, Forty and Fight .l(AR!. E. WIEGt .4 S 18 ware , and equipmenl) .

In the Arena of Death Ph/UP .'AAtlD-IAL 22 * V,ie need good stuff on other publishers'
games - bOlh pro and con . !\10VES is no t
Stat Rep: China War Ci A UDE B i. OODC;(JO[) 25 an SPI games ghet to a nd it's up to yo u to
keep the neighborhood mixed.
FireFight-City 26
GArlY C MORGA/v
* I' d like 10 have someone wilh truly broad

Back on Little Roundtop 29 ta ste do a survey article on gaming

magazines (the re are an awful lo t of them
Opening MOVES Rf- OMOND A . SI ..V!ONSF;V 2 la te ly, aren't there?) .

SPIBUS BIi..L ST. ./Ol-Nv (C'cl ) 13 * You Bril ish guys, rally to the ~olours and
sta rt sen ding stuff to the MOVES in
Designer's Notes SPi R&D S TAFF 31 English Edi lor, whose new address is:
Charles Vasey, 4 Bart o n's Dr ive, Yate ley
Forward Observer tHiC GOLDfJU/Ci 35 Camber Icy, Surrey, England

Feedback/Playback Questions 38 Ha ppy Thanksgiving, everyone . See you

next issue .
P .S. To Bria n Libby - I apologi ze 10 you
S imulat io ns Pub lica lions , Inc , 257 P,trk Ave n ue Sou l h, New Yo rk, N .Y . 10010
and all t he read ers for my man gling of Ger
man and French phrases in MOVES 52. A1ea
culpa, mea culpa (oops, is my Latin OK??)
Redmond
 3

Ask your SPI game dealer

about these military game titles!
:2 S5 Pz 1 Ark 14 \'. c
xxx C>O Mdnt,h .\lcOlnd
10 [l 0
.H ...
Interdict
r M 8 r, p~
-'
. t
II BMP $"'; \ l,...~~; _" Iel!iion
~ fO ., f!'~-,....-- 'a Indpn t

rB~
2/ 28 /1
4-6 ~~11""
f.. ,~
,

Kursk NATO Division Drive on Washington Pea Ridge

H ISTORY'S G REATEST
TANK BATTLE July 1943
The baltic Ih31 lumed the tide of WWIL
German pa nzers Cll t t,."mpt 10 break
through sol id ly "rltrended Soviet ro,,;c ~
LO capt ure KUf".. k. Three :'i cenar io";, CO\'Cl'
Ihe campaign from a hypot hclic'u l )"1a),
assault [0 Ihe ove rwhelilling Augw;t
St)\,iet co unteroff~n 5i\' e.
2680. $15.00
Commander
LEADERSHIP' UNDER F!RE
O ver 20 diffcl'CIlI a.'pec IS o f modern 1..'(lm-
bal 3rt Lo vered 3" the War ')(1w PHt' ! at -
telllpt"i w break th ro Ll~tJ NATO fnT\:e, in
Germa ny, Ruk'o" l' ll\'I:r l.:hcrnic31. i11Jdcal'
and Ck";ITl1Ili l ' \~ ;:H ra r('; hallie tll odes; and
~t.)rn bi~1 o;uppon clemenls. T \\o-pluYlT.
.; ; n!itaire and H('('11 1ro 1\cr" v(T . . iorl l...
2310, $27.00
TH E BATTLE OF
MONOCACY JUNCTION . July 9.1864
Sirnul;.llioll of lh(' las{ () ffcll ~ i vc in the
East hy Confederate fnn:es a.\ (hey .:ross
Ih" MOl1ocac'y River 1(' hru,h asid e Ihe
defending Union army . and
Was h ington, D, C. Ba., ed o n the TSS
sY';'Iem, I he game Lo ve r~ figtHing in
wheal field, and Ih e efreci General Jullal
Early had on his lrO(lps.
2940, SIS.95
THE GETTYSBURG OFTHE WEST.
March 78. 1862
Ba, ed o n Ihe TSS Sy~ I~I11, Pea Ridge
rec re~l( e ... Ihe bailie Ihal ea ve control of
th t' trarl\-i\1i~si-".si ppi are~' to the Union.
threaten
T h ~ Union arm)' musl will1Sland an aI-
13(,~ by Rebel fllrct"s alm(1 ~ 1 I wic e" jp; size,
Special rules n)VC T nigh! time maneuver s.
and I h ~ ~"tl k lasl ing illll1 t he second da y.
2950. $8.95

II
if:)o> Il2
8 6 12

Dive
""t"
Bmbr

Battle for Stalingrad
THE STRUGGLE FOR THE CITY,
September-November 1942
The ballie (hal ended Germa n :;?:\pansiu n
10 the eas L Germa n ru rl'(,~ driH: i(\(o Ihe
city at will until a SO\ k:l r Cilction i, spark -
ed, 1\, Ihe fighling ~n l e" Sial ing rad. Ihe
uppo) ing forcC') b ~ cn rl1c lnd:ed in a see-
.. aw ':.1l'uggle for \'ital (~b.i elt iyes,
2840. S15.00
Empires of the Air War (Updated Edition) Leningrad
Middle Ages MODERN TACTICAL AIR COMBAT THE ADVANCE OF
A rich Iv de l aikd <'; l mulal io n of almos{ ARMY GROUP NORTH Summltr 1941 '
A DYNAMIC SIMULATION
OF MEDIEVAL EUROPE. n1 -1467 (; \' cry a~p('.;.: t of modern aerial' combiH. A recreal i(ln of lhe German drive 10 tak e
Mo der n airc r3ft <ince 1952 do bailie ill L (.:ui ngrad. Crai.: k (j(.: r nl~t ll lIni l ~ allcrnpl
,1\ mllili-playn game in which up to s i ~
hi '!o l o ri cal an d hyp('the licHI "'cl,. nario ..... to l1\C nU ll and dcor;;tr'o), Unif ied Sov i(' [
playe r.;; bc-cnmc dVlIlI .... l :) ami build
hi srori('a l ki n~ d () mo; int o \ <\, 1 Crllpirl.'s . Ori,t.! innl Ai,. Wo,. has bc..:t;n updaled tn uni(:~ and .;,eize the ('it\ befo re So viel rein-
~ i \'e p[ayl..'r . . m()n~ nc xihilil Y and new forCement s blu nl Ih eir allack, Air po"'er,
Special rules ('~) \' er (." ruo;a dC'..;, ! tho;: Sc hi sm ,
a jr pli.lTl(~ "" and mi.., . . ik ..... supply lint' ') and terrain are crul.. ial fa clors
p13guC'.;;, and iJnasio ns by \1l)n~oh,
Saracelh a nd ViRings. 2700, $\8.00 2670, $22.00 in Ihe ~ame, 2860. S5.95

Here are the rest of SP/'s most current releases , ..

Cityfight 1$23.001 Patton's Th ird Army 1$5,951 Com mando ($19.001 Paratroop ($ 5.95)
Bloody April 1$27 .001 Mech War 2 ($35.001 China War 1$5,951 Berlin'85 ($5,95)
Battles for the Ardennes Quad ($20.00) Army Group South Quad 1$20.001
Campaign for North Africa {$44.0Q} Great War in the East Quad 1$20 .001 Agincourtl$14.00)
plus James F. Dunnigan's The Complete Wargames Handbook $7.95
4
REVIEW & CRITICISM
C'ESTLA GUERRE
,A Survey of Napoleonic Games, Part II
by Ian Chadwick
This, the second part of an article begun in
MOVES 52, covers tactical games on the
Napoleonic period. The informatio" given in-
cludes the name of the game, publisher, date
of pUblication, designer/developer, com-
ponents of the game, and the scales of game
map, game-turns, and counters, The three-
letter rating for each game covers playability,
historical accuracy, and component quality,
respectively,
REVIEWS
SPI (Simulations Publ ications, Inc,); IG (Im-
perial Games); GDW (Game Designers'
Workshop); ME (Martial En terprises); OSG
(Operational Studies Groupl; YP (Yaquinto
Publica tions) .
TACTICAL
GAMES
NAPOLEON AT WATERLOO
(SPI, 1971, rev. 1979)
Design: Jim Dunnigan
4 pages oj basic rules, 2 pages oj advanced rules;
50 counters Jor basic version, 120 Jar advanced;
one 17" x 23" unmounted map; boxed. 400
metres/hex, 1 hour/turn, division sized unirs
(brigade/regiment units in advanced version).
B+ /C/C
This is the grandfather of SPI's NAW
system. once a give-away game to the new
S&T subscribers, it has been re-released in a
cleaner, more colourful version for the give-
away again but it's still the same old game
underneath. The following describes the
boxed version.
The map is the area where the last battle
of the 100 Days was fought - Mont St. Jean
and environs. Rules cover rigid Zones of
Control and mandatory combat, no stack-
ing, and artillery firing at a distance - items
which characterize the system. Victory
depends on demoralization of, the
opponent's army, plus for the French, ex-
iting units off the board (towards Brussels) .
The advanced game adds stacking, cavalry
leaving enemy zoe's, and combat on a
voluntary basis .
The French have a tough time of win-
ning since the onus is on them to batter the
Allies before the Prussians can arrive, and
also to escape off the board with enough
units. Their chances are somewhat better in
the advanced version since they have more
units to delay the Allied movement. Unfor-
tunately, the latest version does not have the
advanced variant.
By today's standards, the game simply is
not adequate for the average or better gamer,
but it is excellent for introducing the young
neophyte into the art and science of war-
gaming. (The latest give-away edition comes
with a 17" x 11 Yz" unmounted map, 75
counters and no advanced version. It rates a
BICl B).
THE BATTLE OF BORODINO
(SPI,1972)
Design: John Young
10 pages oj rules, 100 counters, one 33 " x 22"
unmounted map, boxed. 400 metres/hex, 1
hour Iturns. Division sized counters. AI B I C
The second game SPI produced using
the NA W system. The French army, arriving
piecemeal, must attempt to take the Russian
redoubts from the Russians, whose army is
slow to move and react in the first day. There
are three scenarios to cover the daily battles
plus one for the entire campaign. Set up is
done according to miniature maps printed on
the edge of the mapl chart surface.
Borodino is an old favorite of long-time
players. It's a longish, bloody game with low
unit density. Russians are hard to pry out of
their redoubts and the French take a long
time to arrive in significant force to meet the
task. By the time the entire French army has
come on board, the Russians have shifted
their entire army to meet them.
Demoralization is not taken into ac-
count, but should have been. The Russians
"gave" the battlefield to the French and
would not have stayed around long enough
to take a severe beating. The French hoped to
deal the final blow to the Russian army, but
French tactics were clumsy and directed
against redoubts instead of the trOOps.
Should the French arrival be more close-
ly co-ordinated, and the restrictions on Rus-
sian first-day movement be lifted, the game
becomes wildly different and you get an ink-
ling of what might have been had both armies
been quicker to react.
The game is lifeless as far as graphics go,
but considering the age, it's an excellent
game. The terrain is drab and the gullies and
ravines of the battlefield are missing as are
the hills and orchards. However, nicr
chrome was added with the inclusion of the
optional Moscow militia and the reluctant
.Old Guard rule.
Borodino is a classic game, still a good
one for that short game when others are just
too long. It's good for many playings and
open to some nice fiddling, if you care to try
some what-if scenarios. It's also excellent as
a beginner's game for those not yet initiated
into the depths of the hobby.
AUSTERLITZ: BATTLE OF
THE THREE EMPERORS
(SPI,1973)
Design: John Young
10 pages oj rules. 100 counters, one 28" x 22"
unmounted map, boxed. 400 metres/hex,
I hour/turn. Brigade and division size counters.
A/B/C
This is one of the older Napoleonics
games, but all of the main elements of the
NA W system are highly visible - rigid ZOC,
compulsory combat, ranged artillery. How-
ever, there are two differences which add
greatly to the game. Cavalry may leave an
enemy ZOC at an extra cost of 2 movement
points, even to enter another ZOe. This
makes cavalry a formidable weapon in the
game. French units may stack 3 high and
Allied units stack up to iO strength points.
Victory depends on the Allied player
moving units off the board, plus elimination
of units in combat. Once a side becomes de-
moralized, it loses its ZOC's and strengths
are halved, at which point the demoralized
side usually quits.
While not state-of-the-art, this game is a
good clean game (despite the inevitable er-
rata sheet) and a good challenge to both
sides . The Allies have a tough set of victory
conditions to fulfill if they choose the far side
to use as their exit. However, the French have
units generally smaller than the Allies (whose
units are 11 's, 9's, l2's and 14's to the French
5's, 4's and 6's) and they are deployed
awkwardly to attack the Allied line.
Most terrain is superfluous since the
lake, swamp and streams were frozen. The
important terrain is the castle and abbey
which quadruple defense strength, plus the
tov.'ns which triple and the knolls which dou-
ble strength. Players who take advantage of
their armies' positions and inherent advan-
tages will usually win the game. If the battle

deteriorates into a long frontage, it becomes
a slugging match with the dice usually choos-
ing the winner. The Allies must act quickly
and aggressively, using their central weight to
the best advantage. The French usually can
only react in the early part of the game, tak-
ing initiative only when the Allied drive
begins to slow down.
This game still withstands repeated play-
ing despite its age and rather flat appearance.
An upgrade of the game would not hurt. The
situation is excellent for a small level tactical
game and I await SPl's game of this battle
(the Wellington '5 Victory system version)
anxioli:;ly .
FRIEDLAND 1807 (lG, 1974)
Design: Jon F. Baxley
17 pages of rules, 128 counters, one unmounted
map 22" x 29 ", boxed. 400 yardsl hex,
V2hourl turn . Regiment to division size counters.
B + IBIC
After the bloody but inconclusive battle
of Eylau, pursuing French forces again
caught up with the Russian Army this time
deployed on both banks of the Aile River.
The subsequent battle outside the Friedland
began with a Russian attack against an in-
itially small force and ended with Napoleon's
greatest victory of his career to that point.
The game is essentially an upgrade of
the NA W system, with a comfortable in-
crease in complexity and some enjoyable
chrome thrown in. Artillery is ranged with
varying strengths from one to five hexes, but
cannot use their fire on enemy units already
engaged with other friendly units. Zones of
Control are rigid and active but cavalry may
leave ZOC's at an extra 2 movement points.
HQ's add bonuses for combat and morale,
French and Russian HQ's having different
effects for their armies. Infantry divisions
may be broken down into smaller units while
ignoring unit sizes on the exchange counters;
the breakdown is on a strength point for
strength point basis.
Victory is assessed by points at the end
of the game; points are given for eliminating
enemy units, holding bridges and town
hexes, and for the French getting across the
Aile. Although stronger overall , the French
arrive piecemeal over the game's twenty-five
turns and they must hold out against a grow-
ing Russian offensive until their force is large
enough . The Russian force is hampered by
slow progress across the few bridges (which
may be destroyed by the French) and a
reserve which must first be activated. Both
sides have a powerful Guard Corps but both
must be activated by substantial losses in
their respective sides.
Victory in this game does not come easy
and the onus is on the French to win ag-
gressively. Should losses reach enough to
demoralize either army, the game effectively
ends for the sufferer. It's a good, tight if long
game; well thought out and enjoyable if not
exactly state-of-the-art. It withstands a high
number of playings and could even do very
well in a remake with loday's standards,
especially if corps integrity and combined
arms attacks are taken into consideration.
NAPOLEON AT WAR
(SPI,1975)
Four folio games packaged together, also
available separately. Four pages of standard
rules, each individual game has 3 or 4 pages of
exclusive rules; 100 counters each game;
four 22" x 17" unmounted maps (one per game);
boxed. 4()()-8oo metreslhex, 1-2Ihourslturns.
500-1,000 men/strength point. All use
the NA W system.
BATTLE OF NATIONS
Design: Edward Curran AICIB
This game covers the three days battle of
encirclement at Leipzig in the fall of 1813.
Very much a set-piece battle, it is a slugging
match between two large and powerful ar-
mies. The scale is greater than the other
quads . More than 100 divisions participated
in the actual battle, but SPI made history
conform to the components - artillery
became incorporated into the strength of
other units. As with the other quads, the
components are well designed and colourful
though many have stated that they would
have preferred military symbols instead of
the silhouettes.
Victory is conditional on demoralizing
your opponent's army - which better stated
means destroying a fair percentage of his
units. The French must also be able to trace a
line of communications off the west edge of
the board. This necessity ties up units defen-
ding the west which otherwise would be most
useful in the thick of things.
This is a popular quad game - witness
the mounted (designer's) edition - and like
all the games it is easy and fast in play. The
tendency to form long solid lines and slow
movement may deter those who prefer the
quads with more mobility.
JENA-AUERSTADT
Design: Thomas Walczyk BIBIB
This game attempts to show the two
simultaneous battles in Prussia that preceded
the battle of Eylau. The board is divided into
two portions, each representing the fields of
5
battle near the towns of Jena and Auerstadt.
The Prussian player has the option of which
map will receive his reinforcements and
French reinforcements follow suit. A transit
track allows French units only to transfer
between maps . Victory is determined both
by elimination of units and by army
demoralization.
The game is confusing to play if both
maps are used, and though) applaud the ef-
fort of trying to capture the nature of the ac-
tual battle, it has an awkward feel about it.
The first five turns are either night or fog,
which slows down the play considerably.
Still, it can be played in a short time and en-
joyed if one enjoys using a somewhat dif-
ferent battlefield.
MARENGO
Design: David Isby AICIB
Marengo has the lowest unit density of
all the four quads. It simulates the battle out-
side of Alessandria in Italy, 1800, where
Napoleon, as First Consul with an army not
yet up to the level it would be under the Em-
pire, barely managed to defeat the Austrians.
The see-saw nature of the battle is partially
evident in the game. To give the French
player a reasonable chance at victory, an ar-
tificial doubling of combat strength was con-
cocted to simulate the French counterattack.
Victory depends on elimination of units and
minor territorial gains.
This is the fastest of the quads and quite
enjoyable. The game is biased towards
balance: the French have little hope of win-
ning without their counterattack for three
turns near the end. The Austrians are troubl-
ed by the slow exit of troops from the bottle-
neck at Alessandria and the French by the
trickle of reinforce'ments that appear in small
groups at distant entry hexes. All in all, it
plays well and makes for a good , very quick
game even solitaire.
WAGRAM
Design: Irad Hardy AIBIB
Wagram sees two powerful armies fac-
ing each other across an otherwise empty
board. Between them are towns which count
for victory points (occupation or simply
entering it - Austrian only) . Although the
burden of attacking is on the French, who
must move units onto the Russback Heights
(where many Austrians are initially located),
the Austrians must act to get points for the
towns - mostly in French territory . In addi-
tion, the Austrians get points for exiting off
the west edge of the map and the French must
go a long way to stop them.
This is the most exciting of the games in
this package. With objectives so conflicting,
battle is forced on the players. The French
have a superior force, but victory conditions
favour the Austrians. The French must be
fast, aggressive and keep a ~obile reserve
handy to deter the Austrian raids into their
rear. Demoralization can affect both parties,
not just one, and although it only prevents
advance after combat, this can make or
break the game for the undemoralized side.
Two night turns in the middle of the game
6
permit some welcome regrouping. The
possibility of strong Austrian reinforcements
entering on the French right flank make the
French more than normally cautious.
It is a good, fast and enjoyable game,
perhaps the best of the quad and well wonh
many playings . Any player who lets it
deteriorate into long, solid lines and a slug-
ging match deserves what he gets. In all four
games, unit set-up is listed in the rules. It
would be considerably easier to have it
printed on either maps or counters.
WELLINGTON'S VICTORY
(SPI, 1976)
Design: Frank Davis
27 pages 0/ rules and notes, 2000 counters
(800 are markers), four 34!/z " X22" maps,
boxed. 100 yards/hex, 15 minute/turns.
Units are company, battalion, cavalry reJiiments
or artillery batteries. B + I AI A
This is the complete tactical game of the
Ballie at Waterloo. Its very size and com-
plexity demand serious commitment and
concentration of effort. Not for the weak of
will, intent players should first master La
Bataille de fa Moskowa (GDW) as a basic in-
troduction to this game. It will tax you to
learn the rules, exhaust you to play even the
shorter scenarios, and consume enormous
amounts of time and intellectual energy, but
more than any game I've ever played, Well-
ington's Victory will return everything you
put into it a hundred-fold.
I thought I would die when I first laid
out the map; it is 800/0 shades of yellow, used
to differentiate height contours . It works
very weI! graphically but I imagined the
blues, reds, grey and green counters would
make it an artistic nightmare. Not so, I soon
found out; the effect is Quite pleasing and
both units and map remain highly visible
during play. The game is a shade shy of a
miniatures game, it is so complete and all-
encompassing. In these few words I cannot
begin to delve into the nature of the game, so
I must content myself with descriptions of
rules and contents.
The sequence of play has twelve phases,
but is asymmetrically designed to give a more
or less feel of simultaneity in a turn. Phases
include command, rally, facing / formation ,
march, shock, reciprocal artillery fire and
reciprocal infantry fire. Play in both scenario
and campaign game continues until one or
more armies is demoralized, thus simplifying
t.he victory conditions to one of a basic,
bloodthirsty nature. Counters display com -
mand designations, unit. strength, effective-
ness and movement allowance. Infantry
show line or column formation on flip sides.
Artillery counters show also bauery class and
crew effectiveness ratings. Leaders have
command ratios as well as movement.
Separate counters represent skirmish com-
panies and artille ry crew . CRT's are for fire
and shock combat. Shock is based on com-
paring strength ratios and effectiveness dif-
ferentials, then rolling one die; shock is af-
fected by terrain, formation and cavalry im-
petus . Fire combat is affected by target elass,
firing unit class and format.ion. Current unit
strength is kept track of by placing a st.rength
marker under the. unit. This system, while
facilitating game functions, leads to some
rather unwieldy stacks.
A player always has enough to deal with
in the game . Units must be faced and in for-
mation (line, extended line, skirmish, square,
column, disordered, or roUled). Stacking
depends on terrain and unit type, and the
order of units in a stack affects combat. Ter-
rain affects movement, line-of-sight and
observation, fire and shock (melee) combat,
and represents difrerent classes of protection
and elevation. Fire is ranged and firing
depends on unit class and effectiveness
rating. Fire zones reflect areas of influence
for fire power, and artillery and skirmishes
may run out of ammunition. All types of
units have specific, well defined capabilities
such as infantry formation, cavalry charge,
sk irmish formations, limbered or unlimbered
artillery. Other rules inelude morale, com-
mand cont.rol, demoralization, brigade com-
mitment and activation plus optional rules.
Not only are t.he rules complex, but play
is [00. The winning player is usually the one
who best understands the I:Oncepts of com-
bined arms and formations . Proper use of
leaders and Ihe command network will allow
greater control over the masses of units at
one's command, and heightened mobility.
The game rewards the adventurous player
but. also heavily punishes the ill conceived at-
tack. Morale alone can often break up an at-
tack, so lilt Ie must be left out of the planning
of each attack and defense.
It is by far one of the toughest games to
master though play may be learned with only
a few hours of siudy. Scenarios are a must
before attempting to play the full battle
game. Unfortunately, map orientation did
not allow anyone-map scenarios, so be con-
tent with a larger playing surface. Expect to
experience 20-20 hindsight when learning
because mastery (I haven't!) comes only with
extensive play. It is a game oddity in that it
comes without the standard errata
shee t. . . none, it appears, was needed. Bravo,
Mr. Davis.
A few words cannOt begin to convey the
excitement, I he pleasure, nor the trials of
playing this game. I suggest strongly that
readers check the designer's notes in the
rules, plus two articles from MOVES #34-
"Napoleon's Viclory" by Jerrold Thomas
and "True Victory" by John Koontz - as
well as the: major review done by Fire and
Movement magazine. This game is simply
too large for these short reviews.
NAPOLEON'S LAST
BATTLES (SPI, 1976)
Design: Kevin Zucker
4 games packaKed together, can also be played as
one campaign game. 8 pages o/standard rules
plus 4 pages of campaign rules, 100
counters/ game, four 22" x 17" unmounted mapS
(may be trimmed to form one large 43 " x 33 "
map), boxed. 480 metres/ hex, 1 hour/ turn.
350-750 men per strength point. All use the
NAWsystem. AlB + I A
QUATREBRAS
A short, low-unit battle for the strategic
road intersection of Quatre Bras marked the
meeting engagement between the French
under the incompetent Ney and the Anglo-
Allies under Wellington. Almost always a
French victory, this game serves as a fast,
sharp introduction into the quad. Only a very
few rules differentiate these games from the
regular NA W games: slope hexsides which
block line of sight, stacking two high, and
chateaux . Optional rules include combined
arms attack bonus and Imperial Guard com-
mitment. Victory depends on eliminating
enemy units and holding Quatre Bras . The
scattered arrival of the Anglo unit.s makes it
hard for them to muster enough men at one
time to seriously deter the French advance
and victory. However, it is short and sweet,
being eight turns long and taking perhaps
half an hour to play. It is an important sector
of the campaign game, if the folio doesn't
arouse your interest however.
-'-~-.
U%~June. .
The WaterlOO
. Qu<.trC Bras .
GJjgny.G\Vavre .
LlGNY
A set piece battle between the French
and the Prussians who are securely enscons-
ed across the river and in Ligny. A game for
those who enjoy pounding, ponderous ar-
mies and slow advances. A difficult game for
the French to "".in as they did historically
since victory depends entirely on the French
demoralizing the Prussians without taking
more than 35 strength point losses. It's a
challenge. The west edge of the board poses
an artificial limitation on the movement of
Napoleon's troops and does not allow a
mobile outflanking manoeuver which could
win the battle for the French. If p1ayed with
the adjoining Quatre Bras map, the Prus-
sians find themselves squeezed by the French
left. coming upon them from the west and not
trying to attack across protective rivers . The
board limits are my only complaint about
this game, which like the rest of the quad, is
excellent gaming quality.

WAVRE
The Prussians gained time to regroup
and reorganize because of Marshal
Grouchy's poorly conducted pursuit. They
fell back to the town of Wavre and held off
the advancing French long enough to send
help to Wellington fighting at Mont SI. Jean.
Victory depends on both sides exiting units
towards Wellington in the west, plus
eliminating enemy units. French receive
points for Prussian units remaining on the
board at the end of the game.
For the French, the goal is twofold: exit
units and delay the Prussians from doing so.
The Prussians must establish a strong delay-
ing force and rush everything else off ,he
map, choosing to exit the remaining
defenders only at the last moment. There's a
lot of tense excitement in this game as both
sides struggle to leave from the same area and
prevent the other from doing so at the same
time. It's short (eight turns), fast, and
furious. A good game.
LA BELLE ALLIANCE
This is the famous Battle of Waterloo.
Done in almost the same scale, it's still hard
to recognize NA W in this descendant. The
colour, the graphics - all is improved in this
version. It's also a much better game. Vic-
tory comes with demoralizing the opponents
army, and morale levels change if the French
enter the town of Waterloo and when the
Prussians first battle the French.
This is the only folio game where the
chateaux have any effect on play. Here they
channel the French centre between them and
allow a: weaker Allied line to hold its centre
longer. The size of the map gives bOlh sides
more notice of the Prussian advance and
allows both to take advan tage of the extra in-
telligence. The thin red line of the Anglo
Allies must hold out until the Prussians can
arrive to shore up their weakening forces.
The French on the other hand must attempt
to break the Anglo Allies (demoralization or
better yet disintegration) before they can be
reinforced. This is not an easy task but it is
not impossible. A weighted attack from the
French left flank can carry the day . A French
attack up the centre against the chateaux will
end the battle almost as it did historically.
This is a good, tight game, one with
plenty of excitement and action. For the
entire eight lUrns, the game is alive with com-
bat and movemen t as both sides try to force
the issue.
THE CAMPAIGN GAME
The four maps of the folio game assem-
ble into one large map to cover the entire
three days of the famous \)"aterloo cam-
paign. Only about one half of the combat
units are used, since many are duplicates .
Leaders now come into play to effect a
system of command control central to the
campaign game; commanders (i.e.
Napoleon, Wellington) transmit orders
either directly to combat units or allow of-
ficers (i.e., Lieutenant General Drouet) to
command units with thei r same designation.
The length of a command line is five hexes,
and may not be traced through enemy ZOC's
(unless occupied by friendly units) nor pro-
hibited terrain. Units out of command may
not attack or enter an enemy zoe.
Leaders also allow reorganization of
units, which essentially entails returning
previously destroyed units at their reduced
(flip-side) level. Units return one game-turn
later and only if their leader is more than ten
hexes from any enemy unit. Only two units
of a given command may be returned in any
turn. Demoralization has the additional ef-
fect of increasing clear lerrain costs to 2
movement points and adding the possibility
of eliminating units instead of reorganizing
them. Supply must be traced to map edges on
each first daylight lUrn, but it's pretty hard to
isolate significant numbers of units simply by
lack of supply.
Optional rules include French late start,
cavalry impetus , leader advance advantage,
and, one which should be used, cavalry
retreat before combat. The campaign game is
long and slow because of command control,
and has been accused of imbalance. How-
ever, it's a good game for both sides since the
command restrictions tend to be the great
equalizer. As in most games of this cam-
paign, there is a tendency to form solid lines
across the board and, for the Prussians, to
fall back (even race back!) to Waterloo, ig-
noring the realities of their supply network.
The French must actively attempt to prevent
the Prussian and Anglo-Allied armies from
joining up in the south and forming a slowly
retreating line. Victory is dependent on
destroying enemy units and on the French ex-
iting up the Brussels road . The Allies must
remember to keep an active reserve to pre-
vent a contingent of fast French cavalry from
ru nning off the board and gaining victory
points. This is one of t hose rare games where
everything seems to work well; the folios are
excellent, the campaign game - while not
perfect - is good, the rules clean and easily
understood, and the components superb.
LA BATAILLE
DE LA MOSKOWA
(GDW, 1977, orig ME, 1975)
Design: Laurence Groves
Development: John Harshman
22 page rule bookler with 16 pages oj scenarios,
plus charts, 1440 counters (375 are markers),
jour 28"x22" unmounted maps, ziplock. 100
metres/hex, 20 minures/turn. 1 Slacking poinl
equals 120 injanfry. 70 cavalry or 1 10 3 guns.
BIAIB
Borodino was the culminating battle of
the 1812 campaign which pitted the French
against the entTenched and desperate Rus-
sians. If [he Russians failed to hold lhe
French, they knew M ~scow would be lost. ..
it was, but the battle could have gone against
the french at almost any poim.
This was the first game to offer a
realistic view of Napoleonic tactics for small
units. It was to spawn a number of games in-
cluding Wellington's Victory (SPI). The
original edition ",as improved by GDW in
both map and rules, but although they made
7
more professional counters, they don't have
the original edition's appealing colours.
Nonetheless, this is a fine simulation.
While not an overly complex game to
learn, it does take a long time to play and it
takes a while to familiarize players with t he
int ricacies of the tactical game. Each type of
unit -leaders, infantry, cavalry and artillery
- has its own specific functions, such as in-
fantry square, skirmishers, cavalry charge,
dragoons, lancers, counter-battery fire,
limbered and unlimbered status. There is fire
and melee combat, facing rules, unit
breakdown and reformation, ranged fire,
line-of-sight and march order to deal with.
Luckily, the re are six short one or two map
scenarios players can try before attempting
the full campaign game.
A unique idea was premiered with this
game; the limited intelligence system built in-
to the counters . Units appear on the board
with stacking points and movement allow-
ance visible . On the flip side of the counter is
fire factor, morale, melee value, range, lance
bonus (and, for artillery, fire factors at three
different ranges). The opponent sees only the
stacking value, thus knowing only vaguely
the relative capabilities of a unit.
Stacking is done according to Slacking
point values of terrain. Some of the larger
units may be forced to break down in order
to enter certain kinds of terrain. Cavalry and
infantry may not be stacked together, and the
order of units in a hex is crucial since only the
LOp unit(s) may fire.
Casualties are also expressed in terms of
stacking points; a marker is placed under the
counter to represent points lost . Strength and
fire values are lost in proportion to loss of
stacking points, and sufficient losses may
force a unit to break down into smaller units.
Units taking serious losses are removed'Trom
the board and may be regrouped with other
damaged units to return an amalgamated
unit back to the board, care being taken to
remain true to type and unit size.
Leaders have a significant effect on the
game. They offer melee, fire and morale
bonuses, but may be killed on certain dice
rolls. They are also required for rallying and
regrouping, so care must be taken not LO lose
them in battle. The CRT uses a large, two
dice table; one die roll decides which chart
0-6) to use at which odds and the other de-
cides which result is chosen (1-6) - a
36~possibility chart! Combat results a're re-
treats and losses in stacking points (attacker
and/ or defender). Certain units may retreat
before combat (cavalry, skirmishers, leaders,
aides, limbered horse artillery), subject to
cenain res trictions, and in doing so become
dispersed for one turn . Units taking one-
third or greater casualties (also uriits v,.-hich
overstack or which are charged by cavalry)
must check morale to see if t.hey. raUL.
A particular lack of rules constraints
pleases me in this game: neither Russian nor
french player have restrictions placed on
them as to the mobility or attack capability
of units. All Russian units may move or at-
tack and Guards may be committed at any
Lime in the game.
8
Coordination of different units, the unit
types, proper application of many small but
important. rules, and maintainence of an
overall view of strategic necessities makes
this game long and difficult to master, but
the rewards are many. Victory conditions
vary with the scenario, but most deal with
control of various redoubt hexes. Mastering
the system well enough to meet these condi -
tions makes one particularly pleased at the
end of the game . In the campaign game , one
must also hold the redoubts but with only a
certain, low casualty level, thus placing
constraints on the players against foolish or
rash play.
My only two complaints about an other-
wise superb game are in the maps; too much
white space makes a long campaign hard on
the eyes (no mean complainl when a cam-
paign may take 30 or more hours to play!)
Also, curiously, no one considered including
rules to cover unit formations -line or com-
bat. Only squares and march order are in-
cluded - a serious omission which detracts
from a true evocation of Napoleonic tactics .
But otherwise a delight and a mUSt in the col-
lection of Napoleonic and tactical buffs.
NAPOLEON'S ART OF WAR
(SPI, 1979)
2 games packaged together, not available
separately. 4 pages of standard rules, 1 PO!W
exc:lusive rules per game, 100 counrers per game,
one 34" x 22" unmounled map, boxed. No
dis ranee scale given, 1-2 hours/turn. Division
and smaller sized units. Both use NA W
system with variations.
DRESDEN
Design: Bob Jervis C/C!A
Dresden pits the combined forces of the
Russians, Prussians and Austrians against
the French who are securely entrenched in
the city of Dresden, 18 13. Victory depends
on elimination of enemy units, taking central
hexes in the city (Allies only), and a
prolonged batt le (French only). Special rules
include stacking of two units, inactive reserve and controlling Eylau . Demoralization is not
units, rain and night effects, French
garrisons, disruption and reorganization,
and Allied stack coordination . Components
are of high calibre; counters use symbols
similar to those found in WellingOn's
Victory. Very nicely done.
This game incorporates a number of
special rules which in general would great.ly
benefit all of the NA W system games.
Morale fluctuates according to advances and
retreats due to combat as well as elimination
of units. Allied attacks made with units of
differing nationalities suffer a one column
shift of the CRT. Units eliminated in com- . heights on which the Russians defended and
bat, that are not surrounded nor part of a
demoralized army, may return to play at the
end of the day (they are considered disrupted
instead). Reserves, as was the nature of
armies of the day, are held back and muSt be
activated (Allies) or, if voluntarily activated, French to sweep around their flanks and
cause a morale drop. These are nice touches
and most a welcome breath of fresh air in the
NA W system. However, it's unfortunate that
these additional ru les couldn't have been
placed in a better game.
i n Dresden, the Allies must before the
third day oust the French from the city - a
very difficult task and not likely without
severe casualties. Difficult if not impossible.
It's a slow, slugging match, bloody and
senseless, in which the Allied player batters
his army against the walls of the city. Little
fun, and despite redeeming characteristics in
the rules, not a game to play more than once.
EYLA U
Design: Omar DeWitt B/C/A
Eylau was the bloody battle on the
snow-swept heights of Poland in February,
1807. In the dead of winter, the French
slowly grouped into a sizeable army during
the battle against the Russians under the wily
Benningsen. In the blinding blizzard, the
French assau lted the heights held by the
Russians and were driven back with great
losses until Davout's arrival forced the Rus-
sian tlank. Lestocq's Prussians held the
French back for a while, but not for long.
Seeing defeat imminent., the Russians and
Prussians fled the field, giving the French a
hollow, inconclusive victory that would be
sett led at Friedland.
Special rules in Eylau include movement
restrictions (French Guards and most Rus-
sians) during the first two game-turns, divi-
sional integrily and divisional fresh strength .
The lalter mle allows certain divisions to use
a specific combat bonus once in the game
and to reflect their fresh status. Divisional in-
tegrity adds two strength points or improves
the odds one column if two or more units of
the samc division are involved in an attack.
More than one bonus may be applied to an
atiack. An optional rule attempts to simulate
the effects of the severe weather by altering
combat results on certain die rolls. Rather
than the intended effect., it makes the game
play like a Keystone Kops comedy. Given the
inaccuracies it should be used to lend
humour to an otherwise boring game .
Victory depends on eliminating units
taken into account, and I've played two
games down to the lasl half-dozen unit.s on
each side. Without morale constraints, it's a
bloody game. You will never see the Allies
flee the field as they did in reality, due to
crumbling morale and strength. Instead, the
French can deal the telling blow they missed
in the actual battle . Also, in actuality the
blinding snowstorms gave commanders little
intelligence, and units drifted of len into each
others' guns, giving the battle an overall at-
mosphere of confusion and desperation.
The map gives no indication of the
which cost so many French casualties.
Almost everylhing else is superfluous since
lakes and rivers were frozen and snow
covered . The inability of most Russian units
to move in the rirSI two turns allows the
restrict their movement earry enough to
decide the game. The Russians never see the
counterattacks, except with Lestocq's Prus-
sians, that they made in the battle.
Unfortunate that this game, with its nice
touches, is actually not bad to play. It needs a
bit of rules changing (Russian exit from the
map, demoralization, weather rules) but it
could be a fair game. It will not, however,
reflect the events on the fields of Eylau
without changes in both map and rules.
NAPOLEON AT LE,IPZIG
(OSG, 1979)
Design: Kevin Zucker
16 pages of rules (plus 30 page historical
narrative and scenario booklet), 400 counters,
two 35" x 23" unmounted maps, boxed. 480
metres/hex, I to 3 hours/turn. 350 to 800
men/strength point (regimenI, brigade and
division size counters). AlB IC
Aficionados will immediately recognize
this as the handiwork of the designer of
Napo/eon's Last Battles (SPl); same scale
and similar rule structure make the games
dose cousins. The game covers the four days
battles at Leipzig where the combined armies
of Europe converged on the French from all
sides. The outcome was a crushing defeat of
the French, with the Allies eventually march-
ing to Paris early in the next year.
Typical of the careful thought OSG puts
into its package, the game comes with exten-
sive back-up material. The study folder gives
a complete organizational listing of units in-
volved in the battle (which also acts as a
scenario set-up guide), plus a reprint of
Petre's battle narrative. Very impressive . The
counters are coloured separately for each na-
tionality, thus providing nine different col-
our combinations . OSG chose to colour most
terrain shades of green, with woods yellow
for their autumn appearance. It's all rather
bright and striking but overly colourful to
the point of borderline psychedelic The
cOunters are often fearfully difficult to read,
especially the darker colours. Superior com-
mand designations are superimposed on the
face of the counter, allowing immediate
recognition of organization but further
obscuring combat and movement figures. It
smacks of a touch too much enthusiasm.
However, the inclusion of contemporary
portraits on the map is a very nice touch .
The basic game is the well known NA W
system, almost identical to Zucker's NLB -
easy to learn and fast in play. Four scenarios
cover various limited aspects of the fighting
on one or two maps, usually with additional
map boundaries to define the area of fight-
ing. One of the scenarios, interestingly
enough, simulates an early meeting engage-
ment on 14 October between the French and
the Army of Bohemia (mostly Russian) . Vic-
tory conditions in the early scenario deal with
territorial gains and in the three others wi th
reaching various demoralization levels (i.e.,
the elimination of enemy units).
There are actually two campaign games:
the basic campaign game and the grand tac-
tical game . In the former, leaders, command,
reorganization, demoralization, supply and
some optional rules expand the scenario
rules. Chain of command operates similar to
NLB. Leaders have an engagement .capacity

rating which refers to the number of officers
and individual units which may engage the
enemy forces. Forces not in command may
not enter an enemy zoe to engage it. Units
may be returned at reduced strength (f1ip-
side) in a reorganization phase of the next
first day game-turn, provided an appropri-
ate leader is available and not within ten
hexes of an enemy unit. Reorganization of
sufficient units will also allow an army to re-
cover from demoralization. Units found out
of supply on the 9 a.m. turn of each day are
permanently eliminated. Optional rules in-
clude cavalry retreat before combat, cavalry
impetus and control. French late start and
leader advance advantage (with which more
than one unit may advance after combat).
c:NAPOCEON
Acr LEIPZIQ
The grand tactical game uses all stan-
dard and campaign rules, plus heightening
the difficulties of command, especially for
the Allies. Each commander has a person-
ality profile which outlines the special rules
for each, affec.ting command capacity, com-
mand distance and ability to order troops.
Orders are required by the French player to
move and have combat, even to enter enemy
ZOC's. This may increase the realism in por-
traying the difficult.ies of the French but it
lengthens the game considerably. An inter-
esting and playable concept introduced here
is "integrated stacks" - meaning divisional
or corps integrity. I nitiative rules allow some
leeway in the chain of command rules as the
reserve movcmenr rules. Artillery is given a
dubious benefit with regard to firing up or
downslope, and both enemy concenrraiion
and cannister shot give artillery a bonus. A
nice but rather ineffectual rules covers the
one-time use of the Bri tish congreve rockets .
Victory conditions for bOlh levels of
campaign game revolve around the Allied
destruction of the Leipzig bridge. To do this,
the Allied unit need only end a player-turn
adjacent to any chateau hex of Lcipzig. This
usually means wholesale destruction of inter-
vening forces to reach the hex, but it is in
itself an unrealistic condition to reflect the
actualities of t.he battle. Leipzig itself was not
the goal of the Allied armies, but the final
destruction of the French was. The victory
conditions should reflect that fact, and the
lack of insight into this condition of battle is
my major complaint about the game.
Otherwise, this is a good, playable game
once you can get past the overloaded graphic
effects. It has many nice chrome rules and
graphics which add to the aesthetic pleasure
of play. The grand tactical game may not be
to everyone's liking, since it tends to dirty the
effect and drag the game out into a long
match of wrestling with the subtleties of the
rules. However, the campaign game itself is
worth the effort and time to play. I ap-
preciate the inclusion of the study folder,
although the use of Pet.re's narrative is not as
welcome as would be another's (most
Napoleonic buffs have the Petre works as
standard fare). But the overall effect, from
box cover t.o game play is very good.
NEV VS WELLINGTON
(SPI,1979)
Design: Joseph Balkoski
12 pages of rules, 255 counters, one 33 x 22"
unmollnfed map, boxed. 100 yards/hex, 15
minures/rurn. Units are company, bartalion and
reRimen t, wiih artillery batteries. B/BI A
This game is'the long awaited "Sequel"
to Wellington's Victory (SPI), covering the
battle of Quatre Bras two days before the
final engagement of Waterloo. Historically,
while the bulk of Napoleon's army was
fighting Blucher and the Prussians at Ligny,
Ney was to be busy dealing a severe blow to
the Anglo-Allied forces who lightly held the
important road intersection of Quat.re Bras.
Ney, once called by Bonaparte' 'the bravest
of the brave," hesitated and did not make
any serious moves towards the enemy until
after 2 pm. By this time, the Allies were con-
siderably reinforced and ready for the
French. After an inconclusive and militarily
sloppy bartle, the Allies retreated in good
form while the French held the town. Had
Ney attacked earlier and pushed the Allies up
the road toward Brussels, the campaign
might have been considerably different.
The game begins at 2: 30; no scenarios
are provided, however, to show the
possibilities of either an early French attack
or the intervention on the French side of
d 'Erlon's corps which could have joined the
bal tIe later in the day. Admittedly, both op-
tions swing the balance of the game heavily
toward the French, but the game as it now
stands is tough, almost impossible for a
French victory above marginal level. The
rules are a trimmed version of WellinRfon's
Victory, being almost identical to the earlier
game in all aspects. The most notable
changes are the new, more comprehensible
observation/ sighting rules and the absence
of command rules (although leaders still have
an effect). The map makes the same use of
colour shades to delineate height, but this
map uses pleasing shades of green and brown
instead of yellows. The counters are quite
varied in colour to represent the various na-
tionalities of the Anglo-Allied army and the
overall effect on the board is quite enjoyable.
9
Although technically an accurate and
excellent game, it's not much for playability.
The Allies have too little to do and toO little
to worry about, while the French have few
options except a swift, unsubtle attack. To
make this game superb all round, far more is
needed to go into scenario creation to allow
some flexibility. [t still remains interesting
and fans of its ancestor will find it easy to
digest, but not much fun.
THE GREAT REDOUBT
(VP,1979)
Design: S. Craig Taylor, Jr.
24 pages of rules, 315 counters. one 22" x 28"
unmouflfed map, boxed. 400 yards/hex, 30
minutes/ fum . Regime'll/ brigade sized counters.
B/B/B
This is the companion game to Thin Red
Line, using an identical system to portray the
battle for Borodino , 1812. The components
are similar, the map being easier to read and
distinguish terrain. All rules are the same, in-
cluding optional rules, except that for no ap-
parent reason skirmishers are not included in
either rules or counter mix. Anyone familiar
with the battle will immediately recognize the
redoubts, the gullies, the river. The orchards
have been transformed into forests and
Borodino itself has become fortified, but the
terrain is obviously the known battlefield ac-
cording to yet another designer.
Victory, as in Thin Red Line, depends
on points awarded for routing or eliminating
enemy combat and leader units plus achiev-
ing certain geographical objectives (in this
case the redoubts, neches and road hexes).
Also the Russians get points when the French
Imperial Guard makes its first morale check.
For notes on the rules and components,
see Thin Red Line. The conclusions may be
considered valid here as well.
LA BATAILLE
D'AUERSTADT (ME, 1978)
Design: Monte Mattson and Dennis Spars
14 paRes of standard rules and 4 paRes of
exclusive rules plus charrs. 240 unir cOllnters plus
.240 marker counlers, one 22" x 34 " unmounted
map, ziplock. No disrance scale given, 20
minures/turn. Regiment and battalioll sized
unirs. B-1 BIC
This game uses the same standard rules
as La Bataille D'Espagnol-Talavera (Mar-
shall Enterprises, 1979). All the comments
about the rules stand and if anything, the
map is of even poorer quality, bordering on
puerile as far as graphics go.
As in the other game, once one gets.
through the confusing muddle of the rules,
one reaches the exclusive rules and the vic-
tory conditions. Victory for the French
depends on capturing Lhe King or Queen of
Prussia, destroying 2/ 3 of the Prussian army,
or attaining certain geographical objectives.
To the latter two conditions, I can only nod
my head in agreement, bur to the first I can
only shake it in wonder. Well perhaps she was
there, but what does it have to do with the
purpose of the battle? Furthermore, it st rikes
me that the bartle itself cannOL be properly
appreciated without simulating the contem-
10
porary battles at Jena. The game would have
done better as a two-map reconstruction of
both fields of battle.
This is a good system marred by the
heavy hands of amateur over-design. What
has the potential to be a superb series falls
short of the attempt. However, a serious
remake could elevate the games to their pro-
per places in no lime.
LA BATAILLE D'ESPAGNOL-
TALAVERA (ME, 1979)
Design: Monte Mattson and Dennis Spors
14 pages of standard rules and 6 pages of
exclusive rules plus charES, 480 combat counters,
plus 240 marker counters, two 34" X 22"
unmounted maps, ziplork. There is no distance
scale given, 20 minutes/lurn. Regiment and
ballalion size un/7s. B-I B I C
This is one of the games produced by the
same fo lk who gave us La Bataille de la
Moskowa under the old name Martial Enter-
prises (or so r have been told) . The game is
one of a series under the general title "Les
Bataille Dans L'Age L'Empereur Napo-
leon," all of which share a set of standard
rules. All of the games simulate tactical com-
bat in the age of Napoleon.
The game components are somewhat
amateurish; the maps look like a high school
geography project and the counters are so
multi-coloured and detailed as to be almost
unreadable. Instead of pointing to the north,
the map compass points to Paris. Too cute .
They have chosen a bewildering selection of
colour combinations for their COunters as
well as a number of non-standard symbols
(i.e. crests); the overall effect is confusing
and unpleasant to behold.
The rules are written with as much am-
biguity as possible, but a dedicated warga mer
may sort through them despite it all and still
play the game. Rules sectjons are either
labelled such curious titles as "errors in judg-
ment" and "machinations of fate" or are in
French zone d'inJluence, combat a laJeu and
tirailleurs a cheval. Colourful perhaps but
confusing and unnecessary. The use of snip-
pets of French throughout the rules only
serves to occlude their meaning.
Essentially, the rules cover the same area
as in La Ealaille de la Moskowa, except that
line and column formations are taken into
account. Units have facing (called "orienta-
tion"), fire and melee combat, morale and
losses are taken in stacking points (called
"increments"), cavalry can charge ("charge
a cheval"), and leaders affect combat and
morale. Northing new here. Were il nOt for
the overly enthusiastic attempt to add artifi-
cial colour to the game, it would be a solid,
enjoyable system . Unfortunately, the bad
cosmetics delract seriously from the enjoy-
ment of the game. There are I hree, no less,
errata sheets (called "ammendments") . The
OB charts use phoLOcopies of the counters
instead of typed descriptions and at least a
quarter of lhesc are poorly reproduced as to
make them unreadable . The combat system
is more or less identicallo the earlier game.
Special rules cover the particular battle
and describe five scenarios and respective
victory conditions, mostly geographical in
nature. Even the special rules are not free
however of the overdone style seen in the
larger body of rules. The unfortunate part
about this game, and others of their series, is
not the game system itself, which is quite
playable and enjoyable, but the claptrap they
have layered onto the rules and components
in order to make it either colourful or
noticeable. They succeed only in making the
game less pleasurable 'and downright tedious
to learn. A pity they have chosen this route,
since theirs is the only tactical game on the
Spanish front. They could benefit from an
agonizing reappraisal of their direClions.
THIN RED LINE
(YP,1979)
Design: S. Craig Taylor, Jr.
24 pages or rules, 275 counters, one 22 " X 28 "
unmounted map, boxed. 300 yds/hex, 30
minutes/ turn. Each strength poinr equals 300
men, brigade size counters. BIBle
Yaquinto is the dark horse in the in-
dustry right now. They have produced eigh-
teen games at the time of this writing in a
short year of business. Quite impressive.
Thin Red Line conforms to the "mandatory
Waterloo gamc" rule for wargame com-
panies. However, it is significantly different
from all other comers in the field, as are
many of their games . They have chosen to
use a hex IV2" wide; lhis is designed so as to
accommodate their oversized square forma-
tion counters, themselves 3;4" on a side.
Other combat units are 3;4" X V2" and both
leader and marker counters are lhe standard
V2". The map is mostly shades of green,
poorly distinguished from each other and
difficult to read - but not impossible. The
counter colours are the Prussian green, the
Allied red and the French blue we have come
to know and love . Rather than standard
military symbols, infantry have national
flags and cavalry crossed swords. Artillery
suffers the dull dot representing shot. In-
teresting, if nothing else. One counter side
represents line and unlimbered artillery, the
other column and limbered formations.
Other counters represent skirmishers, leaders
and various informational markers. The
Anglo-Allies and French are provided with
only six counters each for square formations,
the Prussians with four. Considering that at
one point in the bartle there were 20 English
squares alone formed on the front, this is
simply not enough.
The rules are long and written with a
bent for length rather than conciseness, but
t hey can be figured out with only a little extra
effort. The game is of more than moderate
complexity, so more than one reading is
necessary. Yaquinto considerately included a
complete sequence of play on the back of the
rules fOr" quick reference.
This is a somewhat extraordinary game.
It combines a number of rules from other
tactical games, adds some of its own, and
comes out with a highly detailed, lengthy
simulation of the battle. Combat units have
fire and melee values (ranged values for ar-
tillery) plus parent unit identification.
Leaders show which units they command
plus .command distance, obedience factor,
and morale modifier. ZOe's extend into the
facing hex only unless the unit has opted for
all-round defense or square formation . Fac-
ing affects movement, fire, and artillery'S
field of fire; due to the large size of the hexes ,
it is easy to keep facing unambiguous. Since
more than one unit may be in a hex and face
in different directions, the . oversized hexes
facilitate this rule. Facing also gives units
definite front, flanks, and rear.
Units pay to move according to terrain
and formation as well as to change facing
and to make a rearward move. Units without
leaders present may not move their full
movement allowance. Cavalry may charge,
but only in a straight line; in doing so, they
must also check morale to see if they can ac-
complish charge movement. Morale is also a
major factor in combat, and units failing a
fire or melee morale check rout.
Combat is fairly in vol ved. The first step
is a mutual fire or melee round, then both
sides may have to check morale, after which
rout movement and possible advance after
melee are performed. Numerous small rules
cover a host of possible situations and
modifications to the procedures. Combat
losses in points are kept track of on charts
which record a unit's strength and morale.
This requires a lot of bookkeeping and delays
the flow of the game, but it works. The CRT
shows the number of hits taken and depends
not on odds for resolution, but on the
modified strength or fire power of the attack-
ing unit alone (both sides attack each phase
in this game) .
There are six pages of optional rules and
scen;uio notes . The optional rules include
shifting initiative, road columns, Napoleon's
illness, cohesion hits (essentially fatigue),
skirmishers, cavalry reaction charges and
recall, ordre mixte, command control (here's
where obedience enters the game), multi-
player rules, limited intelligence, and a
number of options for both morale and co~
bat. Although they slow the game down
considerably, some of lhese rules should be
made mandatory by the players after getting
accustomed to the basic game .
Players have the option of three
scenarios: a short game which ends when the
Prussians enter, the historical game, and the
early start. Also, two what-if variants suggest
no Prussian arrival and a free set-up. Victory
depends on points awarded for the elimina-
tion or routing of enemy units and leaders,
plus occupying geographical objectives such
as Hougomont, Plancenoit, or La Hay
Sainte.
This is a good game, albeit a long and
somewhat confusing one. The criticisms are
few; the rules format is difficult, the counters
too thick and impossible to cut free without a
sharp blade (or else you will damage them -
take my word for it). The map is coloured
poorly and could do with some upgraded art.
But these are cosmetic changes . For a first ex-
pedition in Napoleonics, Yaquinto has done
quite well and seems to have learned a lot
from what has gone before in the field .

THEORY AND TECHNIQUE
ANYTHING-TO-ONE
A System for Resolving Continuous Odds Combat
by Michael W Phelps
Oh, here we go agai n, Simonsen indulging
himself in another math-oriented a'rticle on
game design, 8 ut believe me, it' s not t hat
bad,. ,you mig ht actually be able to use this
orle ! We've all been frustrate d at one time or
another with the inability to muster the f inal
few Combat Poin ts to make a t hree-to-one
attack out of a less favorable tWO-Io-one"
and at t he same time dismayed by the
unrealistic spectacle of ourselves counting
out Streng t h Poi nts like an orphan his pen -
nies, Here's the solution to that one! - RA S
As the hobby of wargaming observes
more than twenty-five years of growth, it is
interesting to note how the state-of-the-an in
game design has advanced in that time. The
early efforts from Avalon Hill, such as Tac-
tic's II and Stalingrad, seem crude by contem-
porary standards of game design. Many
design tools have emerged in the past quarter
century to make game systems more play-
able, exciting, and realistic. Examples of
these Include mechanized movement phases,
geomorphic maps, production systems, im-
pulse movement, divisional integrity rules,
untried units, limited intelligence, and much
more. These are all aspects of gaming which
were not around when Charles Roberts was
breaking new ground in the area of adult
level games . Of course, some onhe features
of what can be called "first generation"
games are still with us. In fact, their presence
in current game systems is pretty much taken
for granted . Some are good, while others are
of questionable utility. One of the good ones
is the hex grid. First tried in the
Chancellors ville game, it is now such a hall-
mark of our hobby that game companies use
it as 'their logo, and the "Charlies" hobby
awards are even shaped like it.
Another game device which has endured
this revolutionary quarter century (and has
begun to show its age) is the combat results
table (CRT). The story of how this particular
part of every wargame came to pass is virtual-
ly legendary by now - how Charles Roberts
conceived of it in less than an hour based on
some simple precepts of the relationship be-
tween attacker and defender strengths and
the likelihood of success, and how Rand Cor-
poration later questioned Roberts as to the
source of his table, since they had been work-
ing on a classi fied version of the very same
table for years. In any event, the CRT was
born, and in the years since that humble
beginning, it has been employed in the same
structural form in virtually every game.
(There have been a few rare exceptions, such
as the matrix CRT's used in Kriegspiel).
Granted, we have seen differential tables ap-
pear, along with column shifts, two dice
tables, split results, step losses, retreat
points, optional intensive combat tables,
cutesy little symbols (and Rand game trade-
mark), and other variants.
In virtually all such systems, however,
the basic concept of the CRT remains that of
a discrete matrix of combat resu lts which
cross-indexes the combat strength relation-
ship (either ratio or differential) with a ran-
dom variable (a die roll). In trus sense, the so-
called '''state-of-the-art'' CRT's of current
games are no different from the relics of that
bygone era with their De/Ex/ Ae results. All
the little additions throw some interesting
wrinkles into the new systems, but they do
not change the basic nature of the beast.
This brings us to the heart of the matter
as far as this article is concerned, and that is
the rule df virtually all ratio CRT's which
states that the final combat ratio shall be
rounded in favor of the defender to an in-
teger ratio. (Remember the little slide rule
that came with the Tactics II game, and had
black bars in the window to show you which
integer odds to use.) We have all lived with
this ancient rule for so long that we hardly
give it a second thought. It has become total-
ly natural to figure combat odds in terms of
integers, and to search the board for enough
extra strength points to reach the next highest
column on the CRT. This tends to lead to
some very strange unit movement as players
shift spare counters to meet minimum odds
in critical attacks. Too often players are forc-
ed to make moves which are strategic non-
sense, but vital to achieving the next higher
integer odds.
The integer odds phenomenon can be
especially frustrating in dealing with stacks
of units where the combined defense strength
is very large. In such cases, the number of
units' required to increase the odds is so high
as to exceed stacking limits in the surround-
ing hexes. The frustration level is indeed high
when units can be poured into an attack, and
yet not make any difference whatsoever. Yet
we go blindly ahead with the old integer odds
system in game after game, as if there were
no other.
To be sure, some garners have tried to
devise a continuous odds combat system,
with varying de'grees of success. Such systems
have appeared. in the short-lived Databus
(based on a "decibel" concept of A/D ratio
11
and requiring a whole new set of combat
results) and at least three articles in the
General (all based on the biasing of the die
roll depending on the number of "residual"
strength points). No one, to my knowledge,
has hit upon a reasonable solution that offers
both a workable system for new games and a
system which can be retrofitted into existing
games. The rest of this article will describe
the development of just such a system.
FIGURE 1: Sample Odds Column
DIE Combat Result
7 De
2 Dr
3 Dr
4 Ex
5 Ex
6 Ar
Consider the sample CRT column
shown in Figure I. Any gamer can look at
this column and see that the chance of getting
a De result is lout of 6, Dr is 2 out of 6, and
so on. Expressed as a set of decimal frac-
tions, the probability of each event is given
by:
P (De) 0.17
P (Dr) 0.33
P (Ex) 0.33
P (Ar) 0.17
Together they sum to 1.0, which merely says
that one of the four indicated results will
always occur.
The roll of the die generales a random
combat result which is governed by the above
probability distribution. This is the infamous
"base-6" system. Note, however, that the
very same probabilistic dfect can be achiev-
ed by drawing a random number between I
and 100 and comparing it with the
cumulative probability distribution of the
same column. That is, let the cumulative proc
bability value of each result be the sum of the
probabilities of each result below it and
itself. For example, the cumulative value for
the Dr res ult is 0. 17+0.33 + 0.33 = 0.83.
Convert this to a percentage number between
1 and 100 and it becomes 83. The cumulative
value for Ex is 50. If the rahdom number
drawn earlier lies between 51 and 83 (in-
clusive), the combat result is a Dr. If it is be-
tween 18 and 50, the result would be an Ex,
and so on. The probability of each result oc-
curring is the same (to within the accuracy
selected for the percentage values) as in l he
base-6 column above.
12

The concepts of cumulative intervals numbers from 00 to 99. (A selection of 00 Note that odds such as 1:2 are inverted
and base- I 00 random numbers are only half corresponds to a 100 result.) That random on the graph to become a DI A ratio, so that
the tools needed to create a continuous odds number is then compared with the newly the distance between integer points is the
system, however. The remainder of the created cumulative values and whichever same across the graph . This has no effect on
system requires a means of combining the result it feills in is then applied to the units in the process of combining adjacent odds, and
event probabilities for two adjacent integer the combat. it makes the graph easier to read . For games
odds columns to obtain the effective prob-
abilities for a non-integer odds attack (i.e., FIGURE3
use probabilities from the 2: 1 and 3: 1 col-
umns to resolve a 2.5: 1 attack). Let the col- CUMULATIVE INTERVALS
umn in Figure 1 be the 2: I column, with the FOR CONTINUOUS ODDS
3: I column shown in Figure 2:
100
FIGURE 2:
Sample Integer Odds Columns
90
DIE 2:1 3:1
7 De De De
80
2 Dr De
3 Dr Dr w 70
4 Ex Dr :3 Dr
5 Ex Dr ~ 60
0:
6 Ar Ex w
co
The cumulative probability values for these :!: 50
::>
two columns can be drawn using vertical Z
Dr
lines as shown in Figure 3. Drawing a ~40
base-IOO random number for these integer o
columns produces the proper probablistic ef- Z Ex
fect for each of these odds. Now if we con- ~30
nect the various interval marks (Ex on 2: 1 to
Ex on 3: 1) the space between the two vertical 20
lines becomes divided into zones, and the
vertical width of each zone represents the
probability of each result at a corresponding 10
Ar Ex
non-integer odds! (See Figures 4 and 5.)
Thus , the probabilities at odds of 2.5: I
o~-------- ________ +-______________ ~ ______________ ~

would be 2:1 COMBAT RATIO 3:1

. FIGURE 5:
Probabilities for Non-Integer Odds
RESULT PIRESULT! CUM. VALUE CUM. INTERVAL
FIGURE4
De 0.25 100 (76-100) CUMULATIVE INTERVA-lS
Dr 0.42 75 (34-75) FOR CONTINUOUS ODDS
Ex 0.25 33- (9-33)
Ar 0.08 8 (l-8)
90
Thus, if a base-IOO random number is drawn
and comapred with the 2.5: I cumulative in-
terval values above, the combat can be so
resolved at the proper probability distribu- 75
tion for those odds. The resulting prob- w
abilities are merely the linear combination of ::> 70
..J
the probabilities that arises at the adjacent ~
>60 z
integer odds . 0: --I
W m
An entire conventional ratio CRT can co ::0
be converted into an equivalent continous :!: 50 <
r
odds CRT by using the graphic method il- ::> (f)
Z IV
lustrated above. Figure 6 represents the CRT :!: ~
from the Blue & Gray quadrigame , with the 0 40
zig-zag lines demarking the various pro- 0
Z 33
bability zones for each possible combat ~ 30
result. To use such a graph, the odds of
the combat (say 2.8:1) are computed. That
value is then found along the bottom of the 20
graph. A vertical line drawn upward from
that point intersects the zone boundaries 10
and, in so doing, creates the cumulative in- 8
terval values for those combat odds . A
base-IOO random number is drawn, either
with two polyhedral dice or by drawing from 2:1 2.5:1 3:1
two sets of differently colored chits ' to form cOMBATRATrO

FIGURE6
BLUE & GREY eRG
100 __- -.......- - - - - - - - - -....- - - - - - - - - - _ 100
90
80
~ 70
....J
4:
> 60
0::
w
III
~ 50
:::J
Z o:D
~ N
040
o !:!>
z for articles, programs, gossip, and maybe
~ 30
20
10
5 4 3 2 1 2
COMBAT RATIO (01 A or AID)
with column shifts, we can interpret this to be
a shift of one or more units in the proper
direc.tion (i.e., a 2.67 becomes a 3.67). If die
roll shifts are used, a whole new chart must
be created, since the result probabilities for
each integer odds will have changed. This is
not so bad, however, for most games would
only require one or two additional charts.
With such a combat system, the gamer
can plan his attacks using available units
without all the mental juggling of trying to
find units to fill out integer odds. He can
concentrate on just improving the odds using
what units he has on hand, knowing that
each additional unit will indeed make a
critical difference!
Consider the game design potential of
such a system. Although the illustrated ex-
ample was a backfit onto an existing game
system, a brand new game being developed
can use the graphic method directly and not
rely on the artificialities of a base-6 pro-
bability system . The designer could feel free
to create any free form CRG (Combat
Results Graph) to suit his requiremen ts .
With appropriate graphics, such as color-
coding the regions between the boundaries,
the CRG can be much easier to read and use
than a standard CRT. New adjustment
mechanics , such as non-integer 'column'
shifts, could also be introduced. This system
could also be applied to differential combat
tables in which each column is used for a
span of differentials (i.e., 5-10,11-20, etc.).
Another consideration is that the con-
tinuous odds system can be implemented
86
Z
-I
m
:D
~
r
en
'TI
20
6 oriented on the TRS-80 Model , and as addi-
3 4 5 6
easily. on a computer or programmable
calculator, using the accuracy of the machine
instead of a simple base-H)() system. That is,
a base-l00000 system could be used to pro-
vide much finer resolution of the dividing
points between intervals. I have already done
this with my HP-6i in such a way that the
CRT being converted is read into the
calculator from a separa,te magnetic card.
The resulting program is totally flexible for
many games, and even generates its own ran-
dom numbers. All the user has to do is enter
the attacking and defending strengths and hit
the run button . The calculator returns the
coded result (i.e ., 1 '" De). The new HP-
41C, with its alphanumeric display could
return the result directly . Of course, the
TRS-80 microcomputer is a logical extension
ofthis.
In summary, the proposed system for
resolving combat at continous odds offers a
new dimension in wargaming. It is flexible
enough to be retrofitted onto most existing
games and can be readily designed into new
games. It would do away with many of the
artificial worries of finding that one more
unit to meet critical minimum odds. It would
account for all of the strength points involv-
ed in the attack, without resorting to com-
plex die roll modifiers based of residual
strength points. By breaking out of the
rigidities of traditional CRT's, games can
truly become games of strategy rather than
bookkeeping exercises. To the extent that it
makes design more faithful to reality and
play more enjoyable, it should show great
appeal in the future .
13
SpiBus
SPI's Newsletter of Microcomputer /
Conflict Simulations Applications
. This column will serve as a re-opening of
SPIBUS, and 1 hope it serves it well. I am the
Bill St. John that was referenced in MO VES
51. To give you a little background on my-
self, I served two years on Active Duty with
the US Army and have since maintained an
active status in the National Guard. I am cur-
rently serving as the Assistant Provost Mar-
shal, 42d Division, I have been in war-
gaming for several years and have owned a
TRS-80 since late 1978.
My philosophy for this column is that I
will function as an edi tor and a clearinghouse
even good rumors. To function in this man-
ner, I will need help from you in the field.
Response has been a little slow to our first
call for help, and I hope response will come a
little more frequently now .
To begin with, the column will be
tional information comes forward with other
computers - for instance the Apple or the
PET - we will expand the column to include
them. There are two major items I desire this
column to perform:
Game reviews;
Development of standard coding for
certain routine items.
This column should provide game
reviews of currently published commercial
and not-so-commercial games. We will be
contacting several of the firms to ask them to
submit their current offerings to us for
review; therefore, we will need people in the
field who can do 300 or so word reviews of
each game. Relevant questions might be: Did
it hold your interest? Were the graphics
good/ fast/entertaining? Was it a challenge?
I'm sure the list goes on from there. If any of
you have developed a game and would like us
to review it, we'll be glad to . We will not be
attempting to publish any games under an
SPI banner in the foreseeable future, so if
you have anything you feel is exceptional,
you may want to contact one of the commer-
cial firms directly.
Several things I would like to do is pro-
vide pieces of programming which would be
standard for certain things (range finders like
those previously published) that may be used
in every game. This will relieve those of you
who might be creating a game from spending
time creating the wheel.
The column's future, on the other hand,
depends on what the reader wants it to be and
I will bend in that direction. I do not want to
repeat what is already available from the
computer magazine field. For example, Soft-
side magazine is publishing three computer
games per issue in an excellent format and
can probably perform the tasR much better
than I can.
If you plan to submit a program to me,
please observe the following:
[continued on pagel 71
14
SCENARIOS A ND VARIANTS
ENHANCED NAPOLEON
AT WATERLOO
A Revised Order of Battle and Play System
by J ohn Scarbeck
There's always the temptation to take a sim-
ple game tha t works well and pile on chrome
to make it more " rea listic," I don'r think John
has done that here, He has added to the
complexities of a very clea n game, but the
payoff in play va lue should more than ade-
quately com pensate all but the newes't of
gamers., .plus the order of battle ref inements
Sllould please (or sta rt debates amongstl th e
historian-garners , - RA S
Napoleon at Waterloo is an enjoyable
game . Its fault lies in its accuracy, or rather,
lack of it. Not only do the French normally
win (notwithstanding aggressive British play)
but also the opposing armies frequently
change positions, maneuvering constantly
(Waterloo was a static battle); and sometimes
the British are almost annihilated! Simple,
exciting, but a game - nO{ a simulation.
Therefore I undertook to revise NA W, in-
. stalling new orders of battle, and making it as
realistic as possible .
I realize that NA W is an introductory
game; my revision at least doubles its com-
plexity. Similarly, it enhances historicity,
while keeping playing time under three
hours.
[ 1.0) INTRODUCTION
My game is an operational simulation of the Battle
of Waterloo. The rules include those of NA W,
with several amendments, The major change is a
new order of ba ttle for each side. which follows.
Also. units take los ~es in terms of strength points,
instead of suffering elimination; and a strength-
differential Combat Results Table is used . Note ;
Current strengths of individual units can be main-
tained by using numerical chits (from games such
as Wellington's Victory or Terrible Swift Sword);
however , in order to avnid large .Itacks, I suggest
keeping a record of each unit' S current strength on
a sheet of paper. Done this way, a more realist ic
flavor is obtained, as each player may keep his
own tally, and need not reveal a unit' s strength un-
til it is attacked. When using a combat differential
system, even an error of one strength point in
estimation could lower the expected attack by one
column.
[2.0) PLAYI NG PIECES
OENERAL DESCRIPTI ON:
There are three armies: French, Anglo-Allied, and
Prussian. The latter twO are friendly, and are
known as the Allies. The French are represented are placed on map according to the foll owing
by blue counters, the Anglo-Allies by red, and the schedule:
Prussians by green. These counters may be secured
CASES :
through cannibalizing existing blank counters
(e .g., those of War in the West) or by purchasing
[3. 1] French Set-Up
blank counter sheets. in Napoleonic colors, from
Simulations Publicati ons . In fan try; II I: hex 1513; 2/ 1: 1612; 3/ 1: 17 12;
4/ I: ISI2; Si ll: 1314; 6/ 11 : 0813 ; 9/ 11: 1013;
CASES: 19/ VI : 1315 ; 20/ VI: 1316; I / IG: 1517 ;
2/ 1G : 1317; 3/ 10: 1416.
[2. 1] Summary of UnitTypes
Cavalry: 1/1 : hex 2011; 2/ 11: 0514;
LC/ IG: 18 14; HC/ IO: 1016; 11 / I1Ic: lOIS;
1 &6 1'"I'"",
15 Ca valry ~ 1
IlIe'/R I2Illlc: 0916; 13/ 1Vc: 17 14; 14/ 1Vc: 1813;
3/ IU : 1414; 5/ Ic : ISIS .
Art illery : 1: hex 0914; II: 1511; III/ Hrs: 1713 ;
IV: 1613; VI: 1415; fO: 1411; [G/ Hrs: 1411.
~
[J o5
I Artillery
HOrSeAr(. ~
[3.2] Anglo-All ied Set-Up
Infa ntry: II I: hex 1010; 311: 1209; 2DB/ I : 1608;
3DB/ I: 0310; l l II : 0810; 41II : 0509; SI R : 1708;
6/ R : 1509; Bw/ R: OS07; Nasi R: 1408;
[2.2] The Armies' Strengths Hou: 0913.
Each infantry and cavalry Strength Point (SP) Cavalry: I / Cv / R : hex 1208; 2/ Cv/ R: 1407;
equals 500 men; each artillery and horse artillery 3/ Cv/ R: 09 10; 4/ Cv / R: 1607; S/ Cv/ R : 0711;
SP equals 5 guns. 6/ Cv / R : 1707; 7 / Cv/ R : 1108; I/ DBCv/ R: 1107;
[2.2 1) The Fre nch Army 21D BCv / R: 1207; 3/ DBCv / R : 1307;
Cv/ Bw / R: 0707 .
Infantry (div./ corps ):I/1(S); 2/ 1(10) ; 3/ 1(8);
Artillery ; I: hex 1409; IIHrs; 1409; II: 1110;
4/ 1(4); S/ 1l(8); 6/ 11(11); 91lI(7); 19/ VI(8) ;
lO/ VI(8); I/IG(8); 2110(9); 3/ 10(9) R : [310; R/ Hrs : 150S.
Cavalry(d iv ./ corps): 1/ 1(3); 2111(2); LC/ IO(S);
HC / IG(3) ; Il/lllc(3); I2IIllc(3); 13/ 1Vc(2);
14/ IVc(3); 3/ 111(2); 5/ Ie(2)
[4.0] MOVEMENT
Artlllery(corps): 1(9); n(S) ; Ill/ Hrs(3); IV(2); OENERAL RULE:
VIiS); 10(16); IG/Hrs(6)
As in NA W, the French player moves and auacks
[2.22) The Anglo-Allied Army
first. Movement rates are standardized; cavalry
Infantry( d iv'/ co rps) : 1/ 1(7); 3/l(12); and horse artillery units have an allowance of five.
2DB/ I(2); 3DB / I(13); 21IJ( 10); 41Il(4); infantry units four, and non-horse artillery units
S/ R(II); 6/ R(1 0); Bw / R(S); Nas/ R (6); Hou(7) have an allowance of three.
Cavalry (brig ./div '/corps) : I / Cv/ R(2); CASES:
21Cv/R(2); 3/ Cv/ R(3) ; 4/ Cv/ R(2); 5/ Cv/ R(3);
6/ Cv / R(3); 7/ Cv / R(2); I / D BCv/ R(2);
[4.1] Zones of Control
21DBCv / R(2); 3/ D BCv/ R(2); Cv/ Bw / R(2) [4.11] All units must pay an additional movement
point to enter an enemy ZOe.
Artillery(corps ): 1(5); IIHrs(4); 11(4); R(S);
R/ Hrs(13) [4.12) Only cavalry units may leave an enemy
[2.23] T he Prussian Army ZOC (Exception : See 8.22); to do so they must
pay an additional movemelll POiOl,
Infantry(div / corps); 1/ 1(16); 5/ 11(15); 6/ 11(14);
13 / IV(14) ; 14/ IV(I3); IS/lV(12); 16/ IV(12); [4.2] Terrain Effects Chart
Cavalry(brig .l d iv./ co rps ); lICv / I(3); HEX EFFECT ON
TYPE: COST: COMBAT:
I/ Cv/ll(3); 2/ Cv/ll(2); I / Cv/ IV(3);
21CvIlV(I); 3/ Cv / IV(2) Clear/ Road lMP/ hex None
Artillery(corps ): 1(2); 11(2); lV( 13); Hrs(ll) Building IMP/ hex Doubles
defender's strength
Woods 3MP/ hex Attacks-shifted
one column left
[3 .0] SETTING UP Exception: see6 .71.
THEGAME (4.3] Optional Retreat
OENERALRULE: Because of small mapspace (unfortunately part of
Only the French and Anglo-Allies begin the game P1ancenoit is missing), French unit s may retreat
on the map (see Section 7.0 for Prussians) . Units off the southern edge, at no credit or penalty,

They may never return. Other nationalities ' units
may follow, albeit futilely.
[5.0] STACKING
GENERAL RULE:
One division or divisi on-eq uivalent may be stack-
ed per hex. (French cavalry divisions ar~ con -
sidered brigades for stacking purposes.) Up to
three cavalry and /or artillery un its may be stacked
in a hex (i.e., cavalry and artillery units a re a llow-
ed to intermix).
[6.0] COMBAT
GENERAL RULE:
NA W artillery rules apply, as do other ~ombat
rules , with the rollowingexc~ption s:
CASES :
15
lose more than one SP in a single combat) . A result
uf Ex remains Ex.
[6.7] Hougomont
[6.71] The Houg omotl[ hex triples a unit' s
strength fo r defense only. All other tOw n hexes
merely double their defenders' strength .
[6 .72] As long as the HougomonL unit exists , no
o ther Allied uni i may occupy Hougoll1ont. Other
All ied units may mOve through, but not occupy,
the hex . If the uni t is eliminated, thi s restriction is
rescinded .
[6.73] The Hougomon t unit may not move,
retreat, or attack (even if adjacent to a French
uni t). However, an Allied unit adjacent to the
Hougomollt unit, and also adjacent LO a French
unit (which is adja~ent to both the H ougomol1!
an d ot her Allied uni t), must al/ack that French
unit. In other words, the Hougomont unit does
not act as bombarding art illery, obviaLing the
necessity of attacking an enemy (French) unit fur
ano ther Allied unit.

[6.1] Strength Differential [6 .74] If the H ougomon t unit is destroyed , and

The attacker may not lower the strength diffe ren-
Lial. If 19 SP' s atiack 9 SP's the attacker musl use
the 9-11 column o n the combat resu lLs table (see
Case 6 .8).
[6.2] Allied Combat
[6.2IJ W henever a Du tch-Belgian (DB) infantry
or cavalry unit participates in an attack , the dif
feren Lial colu mn is shi fted une to the left on the
Com bat Results Table.
another unit (French or Allied) occupies Hou go-
mont, then the new occupant muSi make all re-
quired attacks. Conseq uen tly, the non-attack rule
(6.73) applies only to the Hougomont unit.
[6.75J The Hougomunt unit ignores a Or resull.
[7.01 REINFORCEMENTS
Only 01 and Ex results affect ii. The Prussians arrive per the Rein forcement
[6 .8] Other Factors Schedule , and appear at a speci fied area. T hey a re
Heated according to NA Wrule s (see section 7.0) .
[6.8IJ Units may advance after combat on ly if not
in an enemy ZO C (excluding the va<.:.ating unit's) at Prussian Reinforcement Schedule
start of advan ce . Gf T: CORPS: AREA.

[6 .22) Whenever a Prussian unit (including bom- [6 .82] At tacks made upon unit s in woods hexes 4 rv H exes 2314, 2315,2316,23 17
barding artillery) participates in an atLack with an are sh ifte d one column left o n t he CRT.
5 11 H exes 2~07, 2308, 2309
Anglo-Allied unit, the differential column is [6.83J Be<.:ause of differences in relat ive com bat (p lu s Hrs)
sh ifted one to the lefl on the CRT. (This holds true potential o r different branches of Napoleoni~ ar-
for a bombarding Angl o-Allied art illery unit help- 6 I Hexes 2307, 2308, 2309
mies, [he die roll may be modified in res olving a t-
ing one or more Prus,ian units in an alla ck.) tacks as follows:
[6.3] . Prussian Combat COMBAT UNIT [8.0] DEMORALIZATION
CAPABILITY CHART DEFENDER
CASES:
[6.3 1] When aL Lacking a Prussian unit, the
strengths of Fre nch infantry, cavalry, and a ttack- ATTACKER lof Cav Art [8.1] The French
ing (non-bombarding) artillery are doubled. In1 0 -\ -I Only the French arm y ma y become demoralized.
[6.32] When ever a P russian uni t suffers a Dr Cav +2 +1 -J Demoralization uccurs when an Imperial Guard
result, if mllsl also lose one strength point. Hence, (IG) infa l1!ry unit receives an Ar result against Ihe
for the affected Prussian unit, a Dr result may be
Art* 0/ ,..2 0/ - 1 0/ -1
AngloAllies. Therefore, the French army may
read as Dr1 . All ot her results remain unchanged . Values are for l-hexl2hex distances . Nota: never become demorali zed if the three Guard in-
When more than one com ba t arm is used on attack fantry units do not attack the Anglo-All ies.
[6.4] Artillery
and / or defense, thc player in question selects pre-
When an artillery unit is anacking (or bombard- ferable arm . Exception : If both attacker and [8.2] Effects of Demoralization
ing) with one or more friendly non-artillery uni ts, defender involve infantry and cavalry in a comba t, [8.21J If the F ren ch become demoralized, all of
and a friendly loss results, one of the nonartillery neither may select the cavalry arm. their units attack at halfstrength (rounding up),
units muSI take the loss. Attacking or bombarding
artillery units may Tlever take a loss in such a case.
[6.5) Cavalry
When defending in (or attacking an enemy unit [6.9] Combat Results. Table '
de.fending in) a woods or building hex, a cavalry
I" DIE -7- -6-4 .,.3-1 0/2 3/5 6/8 9/11 12/14 15+
unit may not use a combat capability die-roll
bonus. Cavalry shou ld be considered infantry in -1 AI Al Al Al AI Ar Dr Dr Ex
such cases. 0 Al Al Al Al Ar Ar Dr Ex Ex
[6.6] Isolation 1 Al Al Al Ar AT Dr Dr Ex 01
A unit defending in a hex surrounded by enemy 2' Al Al Ar Ar Dr Dr Ex DI 01
units and/ or ZOC is isolated. It may then suffer a 3 Al Al Ar Ar Dr Dr Ex DI 01
more ad verse co mba t result than ot herwise.
4' Al Al Ar Dr Dr Dr Ex DI 01
[6 .61] An isolated unit defending in a build ing hex
5 Al Al Ar Dr Dr Ex 01 DI 01
lose~1 thc defense multiplier for that hex (thr ee for
Hougomo nt, t wO for the others). Exampla : an in 6 Al Dr' Dr Or Ex 01 01 01 - 01
fantry division in Plan cenoit, wit h a strengt h of 7 AI Ar Dr Dr Ex 01 01 01 01
eig ht and .l Urrounded by ene my units/ ZOe ,
defends with a strength of eight.
- S' Ar ' Ar Dr Ex 01 01 01 01 01
[6.62] An isolated unit defending in a clear or A1 :' attacker loses 'one SP. 01: defender Joses.one SP. Ar. Or. and Ex: see
wuods hex may have its combat result changed . In . Case 6:3, NA'Wtuies. Displacement: may occur wtJen unit retreats; see Case
su ch a case, Dr becomes 01 , and 01 beco mes 02 . 6.5 , NAWrules. Isolation: see Case 6.62.
(note that this is the only instance tha t a unit may
16
but defend normally. French units attacking Prus- I verified the Prussian OB: Weller listed the off 14,000 Frenchmen . s The problem was
sians auack at face-value. total Prussian strength (before the Battle of that those 3500 hadn't been presen t at once,
(8 .221 When the French become demoralized, all Ligny) as 99,715. 2 After the battle, in which but rather were a total of the men who had
Enemy units may exit French ZOC by paying an the Prussian ranks were reduced by 16,000 fought there all day (Wellington constantly
additional Movement Poinl. casualties and 8,000 desertions ,3 the iotal pulled ou t bloodied and sent in fresh bat-
was 75,715. After the detachment of talions). Nonetheless, Weller mentioned all
Thielmann's III Corps (ordered to distract units that had defended Hougomont, and
Orouchy's force at. Wavre from the Prussians those that had fought the longest. So once I
[9.0] VICTORY supporting Wellington) the total drops to compiled the composite garris.on, I simply
58,715, an approximation which tallies close- subtracted each participating' unit's strength
CONDITIONS ly with the actual total (see following). Even from its parent division .
GENERAL RULE: better, Bulow's large IV Corps' exact total is Composition
After the tenth game-turn , each player lot als hi s known (from Weller) because it did not fight of Hougom o nt Garris on Men
lo;ses in terms ofslrength points. He then converts at Ligny. 2 companies of 2nd Od reg.,
his loss intO manpower (each SP = 500 men) . For I drew the French total mainly from of2/1II : 200
viet ory purposes, artillery losses are considered in Koontz, with some corroboration from
Nassau Lt. btn., of 1I2DB/ I: 900
terms of men, not guns. To convert anillery Weller (who listed the French also by corps
streng th point; to men, seeCase9.1. After totaling only). D'Erion's I Corps had not fough t at 2nd Line btn., of 1/2/ I1: 500
losses , a ratio is obtained by dividing French losses either Quatre Bras or Ligny, and consequent- Misc. Hnvrn . troops, of 3/2/ 11 : 1200
by Allied (including Prussian) lm;ses. The result.ing 1y its exact strength is recorded.
quotien t is compared to [he Victory Scale, and a
J enumerated the Anglo-Allied army Adv. Od . bm ., ofl/Bw/R : 700
winner (for game, nO[ battle, purp()ses) is [hen
mainly from Weller (who listed battalion (Info . from Weller, pgs . 79,88-92) 3500
determined .
strengths) with help from Koon tz, who [3.0] The Hou . unit stans in Hougomont,
CASES:
recorded each battalion that participated at with the three adjacent French units likewise
[9. 1] Artillery C o nversi o n Table Waterloo (e.g., many from the II Corps were starting one hex northeast of their pictures
Ang lo-All ied army: One artillery SP = 180 men at Hal-Tubize). Since only five Anglo-Allied on the map , for two reasons. First, with the
Pruss ia n arm y: One Artillery SP = 150 men divisions fought at Quatre Bras , most of the Hou . unit starting in the woods hex, Hougo-
Fre nch a rmy: One artillery SP = 1SO men army's strength was easily obtained. The mont itself can easily be occupied by the
other five divisions were difficult, but Weller French, while the Hou . unit is surrounded
[9 .2] Victory Scale
provided the answer. He listed the losses for and wi thin a few turns destroyed - an
Stated as a quotient of French loses divided by each Allied nationality (2,275 British; 819 ahistorical result. Second, by one o'clock
Allied losses: Brunswickers; 369 Hanoverians; 1,058 (when the game begins) in the actual battle,
CLASS OF Dutch-Belgians 4) at Quatre 8ras; because 1 Lhe French had already advanced into
VICTORY VICTOR
knew the approximate strengths of the five Hougomon t wood, while the Allies had
0.90 and le.lS Is [ French player divisions (III, 3/ 1, 2DB / I, 5/ R, Bw/ R) at retreated in to the buildings. ~
0.91 - 1.03 2nd French player Waterloo from Koontz , along with the na- [4.0] The French LC division has a move-
1.04 - 1.16 3rd French player tionalities in each, and based upon ment allowance of five, not six as in NA W.
1.17 - 1.29 4[h French player knowledge of which divisions suffered heavi- Hourly game-turns tend to equalize move-
est at Quatre Bras, 1 made satisfactory ment rates (e.g., all combat units have an
]'30 - 1.42 DRAW NONE
estimations that jibe closely with the actual allowance of six in Blue& Gray) .
1.43 - 1.55 4th Allied player totals .
[6.21J Historically , the Dutch-Belgians per-
1.56 - 1.68 3rd Allied player
The Hougomont garrison remained , formed poorly at Waterloo . Many of the
1.69 - 1.81 2nd Allied player however; though complex, this puzzle yield- Belgians' sympathies lay with Napoleon, and
1.82 and up 1st Allied player ed an adequate solution. 1 knew, from both consequently they fought less effectively
Weller and Holmes, that 3500 Allies had held than the other Allies. In fact, many deserted
If, at the end of [he game , [he French player's units
were the last to occupy Hougomont, La Haye
Sainte, or Plance noit (all hexes), the class of vic-
tory is shifted one row upward for each position Comparison of the Armies
occupied. Examp le: AI the end o f a game, [he
casualty quot ient is 1.50, indicating an Allied 4th French SP's : Represe n t ing : Actual :*
class victory; however, a French unit was the last Inf 98 49,000 48,950
to occupy La Haye Sainte. Therefore the class of
victory is shifted upward one level, and the game Cav 31 15,500 15,765
results in a draw . Art 49 7,350 (245g .) 7,232 (246g.)
178 71,850 71 ,947t
Notes
[2.2] The order of battle is as accurate as Anglo -Allied SP's; Representi n g: Actua l:
possible . All sources ag reed that Wellington Inf 100 50,000 49,608
had approximately 68,000 men and Cav 25 12,500 12,408
Napoleon 72,000; that Wellington had 156 Art 31 5,580 (155g.) 5,645 (l56g.)
guns and Napoleon 246. But what of the
Prussians? References to them were vague 156 68,080 67,661
(the West Point Atlas said that between 40 Prussia n SP's: Representing: Act ual:
and 50,000 Prussians actually fought at
inf 96 48,000 47,881
Waterloo l ); moreover, Weller's OB listed the
Prussian strengths (at the start of the cam- Cav 14 7,000 7,081
paign) by corps, not division. Luckily I Art 28 4,200 (l40g .) 4,080 (136g.)
possess MOVES #34, which contains John E. 138 59,200 59,042t
Koontz' superb article, "True Victory," as
well as his revised Welting ton '5 Victory order * Figures from Holmes, p.88, for both French & Anglo-Allies. t 1ncludes
of batt le . It was this source that solved most 1 Corps exact total. t Estimate includes IV Corps exact total.
of the Prussian problem. From other sources

during the battle; furthermore, the Dutch-
Belgian cavalry also performed egregiously,
even refusing to chargeP
[6.3] In play-testing without these rules,
Prussian casualties fell far short of the
historical amount (7,000); the large size of
Prussian infantry divisions caused the
discrepancy, because the grossly out-
numbered French attacked with poor dif-
ferentials: hence, the doubled - French
strength (which does have historical basis).
The Prussians, conservative after several
defeats by Napoleon, held ground lightly,
retreating at the slightest inclination. At
Waterloo, in a few minutes, two battalions
of the Imperial Guard expelled 25,000 Prus-
sians from Plancenoit! g
[6.4) Since the victory conditions are based
on casualties, it obviously would be an ad-
vantage to occasionally lose 150 or 180 rather
than 500 men. Also, infantry and cavalry
took a much higher percentage of losses than
did artillery in terms of men; rather than
become casualties, many artillerymen fled.~
\6.5} Why should cavalry benefit when at-
tacking a woods or building hex? Logic dic-
tates otherwise. When defending in such
hexes, the cavalrymen should be considered
dismounted.
[6.6] Except for the Hou. unit, few units
ever experience isolation; nevertheless these
rules reflect the disadvantage of units being
cutoff.
[6.7] These rules make the Hou. unit's
destruction unlikely. Conceivably, the
French may still capture Hougomont, but
they must concentrate on that sector,
weakening themselves elsewhere. Historical-
ly, 10,000 men fell in or near Hougomont:
7500 of them were French. 10 The tripling ef-
fect recreates the Gibraltar-like characteristic
of the semi-fortified, thick-walled (im-
penetrable to artillery fire II) structure. Final-
ly, the Hou. unit may not move because, be-
ing otherwise occupied, it didn't at
Waterloo. 12
[6.8] The NA W CRT was changed from an
odds to a differential CRT because of the
"bloodier" results (i.e., fewer attacking SP's
- are needed to inflict losses). In play-testing,
each side's casualties constantly fell short of
the actual total. The only solution was to
alter the CRT.
[7.0] The reinforcement schedule is founded
on thorough research, and is historically ac-
curate. It is also radically different from the
NA W schedule, in that the Prussians arrive
on three consecutive turns, and descend in
size of each new body of reinforcements.
Holmes pictorially (p.95) and Weller verbally
(pp .126, 130-131, 139) indicate the disposi-
tion of the Prussians, as well as each corps'
time of arrival. But the best source for Prus-
sian deployment is undoubtedly The Battle
of Waterloo (" ... and a plan of the position
and movements, wi Ih those of the Prussians,
traced by a near observer."ll) The frontis-
piece of this classic 1815 edition shows each
corps' entry point on the map, its path to the
French lines, and the spot where it attacked.
It is this diagram which insures the schedule's
accuracy.
[8.0] Most of my play-test games contained
the demoralization scale; each game the
French level changed. Whenever the French
did become demoralized, the game became
an Allied rout, and the Allied casualties re-
mained too low . Of course, the Allies never
reached their level. Finally the levels were
abolished, thereby facilitating play. How-
ever, the French had been demoralized dur-
ing the battle. (Sometime after 7:30, the Im-
perial Guard infantry, having previously
been in reserve, attacked the AnglO-Allies
between La Haye Sainte and Hougomont,
supported on either flank by elements of the
I and II Corps. After absorbing a pounding,
the Guard retreated - the first time it had
ever been defeated. Unsurprisingly, the re-
mainder of the battered French stopped
fighting and hastily retreated. 14) Therefore a
limited but accurate demoralization rule was
instituted. This rule simulates Napoleon's
method of withholding the Guard until the
critical, decisive moment, and forces the
French player to place the Guard infantry in
reserve. Later in the game, he has the option
of sending the Guard to fight the Prussians,
or to gamble like Napoleon by attacking the
Anglo-Allies.
[9.0] There is no provision for exiting
French units to the north because it is im-
possible. In weeks of play-testing, even in
games with a French morale bonus, the
Allied line was never broken; no French unit
infil trated past the Allies, let alone exi ted off
the map. But this too is historically accurate .
Hougomont, La Haye Sainte, and Plance-
no it were chosen as hexes whose possession
raises the French (or lowers the Allied)
player's victory level because of their obvious
strategic importance, in the center and on the
flanks of the fighting. But the French will
rarely hold one of these positions at game's
end (historically they held none), and prob-
ably never more than one.
An interesting hypothetical scenario
(for those tired of seeing the French lose
Waterloo) is a battle between the French and
the Anglo-Allies, assuming that Grouchy's
force had managed to prevent the Prussians
from supporting Wellington, or that
Gneisenau, Blucher's chief of staff (tem-
porarily in command until Blucher had
recovered from his fall at Ligny), had had his
way (Gneisenau disliked Wellington, and
thought he wouldn't fight at Waterloo;
therefore, he didn't want to send his army,
alone, to battle Napoleon). Theoretically the
stronger French would win - and possibly
be able to exit enough units (48 + SP' s, based
on the NA Wvictory conditions) to guarantee
capture of Brussels, Ghent, and all Belgium.
The End of an Era (title of my NA W
variant) may not be as playable as NA W, but
it certainly is a more realistic simulation. If
players want to have fun, or have little time,
they may play The End of an Era with the
NA W advanced CRT and no SP step-losses,
but with my OB. This game would be as sim-
ple (but more accurate) than NA W.
17
Footnotes
IMap #168
"p. 243
3Brelt-James, 69.
4 pp. 69-70
SWeller, 94; and Holmes, 90.
6Weller, p. 89, states that the fight for
Hougomont began at 11 :50, and thai the Allies,
within an hour, had rerreated from the woods
into Hougomont. BreltJames, p.106,
substantiates this report.
7Weller, \42 and 163
SWeller, \46 and 203
9Weller, 155
lOWeller, 94; and Holmes, 90
llWeller,86.87
12Weller, 94; and Holmes, 90
13Thus ends the long title, the first part of which
is recorded in the bibliography.
14Weller, 144-\50
Bibliography
The Battle of Waterloo, Containing the
Accounts Published by Authority, British and
Foreign, and Other Relative Documents, 3rd ed.
(London: T. Edgerton Military Library, 1815).
Brett-James, Anthony. The Hundred Days
(New York: S1. Martin's Pres>, 1964).
Dupuy, Col. T. N. Numbers, Predictions
and War: Using History 10 Evaluat" Combat
Faciors and Predict the Outcome of Ballies
(Indianapolis / New York: Bobbs-Merrill, 1979).
Elring, Co!. John Roben, and Esposito,
Brig. Gen. Vincent J. A Military History
and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars
(New York: Frederick A_ Praeger, \964).
Holmes, Richard. "Walerloo," pp. 82-\ 05;
f-rom Two Centuries of Warfare, by Christopher
Chant, Richard Holmes, and William Koenig
(London: Octopus Books, Ltd., \978).
Koontz, John E. "True Viclory".
MOVES, Augus t/September, 1977, pp. 4-10.
Weller, Jac. Wellinf(ton at Waterloo
(New York: Thomas J. Crowell, 1967) .
S PI BUS {continued/rom page B{
Either tape or disk is acceptable, but I
would prefer disk;
Virtually any Disk Operating System is
acceptable, but if you have modified your
version of the DOS, please advise, or better
yet, place the program on a data disk;
Disks can be accepted only in 35 track
format;
Cassette tape's can be accepted only in
standard Radio Shack format;
Remember to package your disk/tape
appropriately (i. e., protect the hell out 0 f
it) and include return postage;
If possible, review past issues of either
Computing 80 or Kilobaud; both have had
good articles on documentation and
program description.
Any questions or suggestions are ap-
preciated; please send them to me:
Bill St. John
17 G len Drive
Troy, N .Y 12180
18
DOCUMENTED PLAY
FORTY-FOUR, FORTYAND FIGHT
The Campaigns i'n the Ardennes
by Karl G. Wiegers
Karl returns ' agai n to his fa vorite Bulge
simu la tion and gives us comparative ac-
co unts of two playings of t he campa ign
games fro m Bartles for the A rdennes. Th e
'44 Campaign is one of t hose battles t hat will
endure as a game subject for as long as there
are such t hings (S PI has done five of them!) .
Except for our "Bu lge" (now called Big Red
One, after the movie), SPI 's most playablG
versio n is the one of whicl, yo u' re abou t to
read . -RAS
While the four onc-map games in Bar-
tles Jor the Ardennes (St. Vith, Clervaux,
Celles, and Sedan, 1940) are excellent, enter-
taining simulations, they capture only part of
the flavor of World War II combat in the
Ardennes area of Belgium, Luxembourg,
and France. However, players who own the
entire BFTA package can recreate both the
1940 (Blitzkrieg to the Meuse) and the 1944
(Baule of the Bulge) campaigns, using all
four folio-sized maps. Besides these two
campaign games, several additional
scenarios are also available, some involving
variant reinforcement schedules, and others
which are limited campaign simulations.
The outstanding design by Danny S.
Parker results in multi-map games that are as
exciting as the one-map simulations. Tactics
of play in the campaign scenarios are much
the same as those involved in the individual
folio games . However, the campaign games
have a tremendously different strategic feel
than do the folios. In the folio games, the
limited obj.ectives and narrow front make the
deploymcnt of reinforcements fairly straight-
forward. But the broad front of a campaign
sccnario puts the player in the role of a
higher-level commander, and the most eiIec-
tive axes of attack may be quite different
from those in a more limited act jon. Defend-
ing units which securely anchor a flank in a
one-map scenario may be the vulnerable
hinge in a line that might extend across two
map-sheets.
This article presents after-action repons
for both the 1940 and 1944 historical cam-
paign scenarios . Each game provides an
enjoyable and manageable simulation of its
respective battle, with enough ebb and flow
to keep the game interesting for both players,
Blitzkrieg to the Meuse
This twelve-turn simulation of the first
German attack through the Ardennes in 1940
features an enormous disparity in strength
between both sides. As the Table shows, the
Germans amass a total of 525 strength points
(SP's), versus 161 French SP's and a mere 32
for the Belgians. This imbalance is leveled
out somewhat by the fact that the Allies
often can defend with the advantage of heavy
terrain (especially behind rivers), while the
Germans must march clear across the map-
sheet from east to west just to engage the
enemy. Most of the German artillery and
many infantry divisio ns will not. even make it
to the combat zone by the end of the game.
The Luftwaffe provides four air points each
game-turn for road interdict.ion and/ or
ground support, whereas the Allies have only
three air points for the entire game.
The Germans begin the scenario with
ten infantry divisions deployed on the map-
sheet. The French have units near Sedan in
the southwest corner of the map, while the
Belgians have veryweak forces scattered near
Liege. Huy , and Namur, and throughout the
woods. A German victory is achieved by exit-
ing at least 75 mechanized SP's off the west
edge of the map, although this number can
be reduced by capturing the cities of Sedan
(worth 25 SP's), Dinant (10); and Namur
(15). In addition , no more than 20 German
mechanized SP's may be lost by the end of
t.he game.
Game-T urns 1-3. The German onslaught
begins \vith the appearance of five 2/ 3
Panzer divisions, four infantry divisions, the
1st Geberg, and the Niwi airborne battalion.
A three-pronged assault is launched toward
FIGURE
700
,._-- -----
650
,- A meric an
600
_ ... .1
550
.tl German
.S 500
C)
Q.. 450
~
g, 400
g 350
CI)
300' ,,
I plied both to interdiction attaCKS (with poor
250 ,
..
I results) and in support of ground combat (a
200 I
150--'
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Game-Turn
the key cities of Namur (7 Pz), Dinan t (2 and
10 Pz) , and Sedan (1 and 5 Pz), with the
prime goal of securing bridges across the
Semois and Meuse Rivers before they can all
be blown by the defenders . Subsequent
mechanized reinforcements back up these ar-
mored spearheads, supported by force-
marching infantry. By the third game-turn, a
weakened Rommel has crossed the Meuse
between Givet and Dinant, but the French
IDLC and powerful 5th Mechanized divi-
sions destroy Rommel's overextended regi-
ment that same turn . Several German infan-
try divisions approach the Belgian defenders
of Huy, and the 1st Panzer pushes the French
5/ 5DLC out of Florenville with heavy air
support.
The few French units may move on
game-turn one and head toward Dinant to
fortify that undefended sector. By game-turn
3, the 61st Infantry has secured all the Meuse
bridges between Vireaux and Dinant. The
French units near Sedan construct improved
positions in the woods around that city and
await the inevitable attack. A Belgian with-
drawal rule requires that all Belgian units
head for and remain north of the Meuse
River, so they deploy their pitiful forces east
of Namur (8th Infantry) and Huy (2 CA and
2nd Infantry). The Allies are very successful
at bridge demolition, destroying most of
those around Namur, Huy, La Roche,
Florenville, and hex C I 009.
Game-Turns 4-6. Four German mechaniz-
ed regiments force a bridgehead across the
Meuse against the French 5/ 1DLC on game-
turn 4, but this is to be the limit of German
penetration south of Dinan!. Dinant itself is
taken by the 10th Panzer and 471121, who
evict the 14/ 4DLC on turn 5. The Belgian
defenders near Huy are methodically
destroyed by the 8, 28, 32, and 62 Infantry
Divisions, who then move on to Namur. Far-
ther south, the bridge across the Semois
River at Bouillion is captured intact by 5th
Panzer, although the efficient Allied demoli- .
lion teams have really hampered the German
advance. By turn 5 the bridgehead across the
Semois is being expanded , and the 1, 2, and 5
Panzer begin chewing on the entrenched
defenders east of Sedan. Air points are ap-
favorable one-column odds ratio shift).
The French spend these three game-
turns shuffling and strengthening their
defenders near Sedan. The 5th Mech, IDLC,
and 61st Infantry are successfully containing

the enemy penetration across the Meuse at
Givet, and the entire sector between Vireaux
and Yvoir is reinforced by fresh French
troops. The French still don't have the
strength to launch a counterattack in force,
but have adequate defenses in both breadth
and depth to insure that the Germans cannot
break through .
Game-Turns 7-9. The German attacks on
the flanks are going well, but the center of
the line has reached a stalemate as the 10th
Panzer and supporting elements futilely bat-
ter against ever-stronger opposition around
Givet . A flimsy bridgehead is in fact
established across the Meuse at Dinant, but
cannot be expanded. Repeated attacks at
both locations cause serious French
casualties, but they are replaced rapidly . The
advancing Wehrmacht decimates the
Belgians around Namur, and one of the two
city hexes is occupied . Meanwhile, at Sedan,
the three Panzer divisions the re have been
joined by some infantry and the 29th Panzer-
grenadiers. These massed forces reach the
outskirts of Sedan as they roll back the en-
trenched defenders.
On game-turn 7, the French 71st Infan-
try heads for Sedan, while other reinforce-
ments move toward the threatened Dinant
sector. The Belgians around Namur receive
support from the French 14z/ 5NA regiment
on game-turn 8. By the 9th turn, the gap be-
tween Sedan and Charleville-Meziers is
strengthened by elements of the 53rd and
71 st Infantry. Stiffening Allied resistance is
beginning to alarm the German commander.
Game-Turns 10-12. As the game reaches its
climax, the outcome is by no means certain.
The last Belgian oulpost is eliminated on
game-turn 10, but the assault on Namur is
only partially successful. A combined a ttack
supported by Kleist's artillery corps fai ls to
dislodge one last regiment from the second
Namur hex by the end of the game . Sedan is
occupied by the 5th Panzer as the 5/ 5DLC
unit is eliminated on turn 10. An attempt by
the 36th l nfamry to outf1ank Sedan by cross-
ing the Meuse at hex COllI is thwarted by the
French 4CFM and 213/ 55 units. However,
the I, 2, and 5 Panzers consolidate Sedan
and cross the Meuse by the end of the game .
Repeated attacks on the French defenders in
hex A0606 inflict heavy casualties and con-
sume all avai lable Allied replacements, but
no breakthrough is achieved. The 4th and 5th
North African divisions finally tip the scales
in favor of the Allies around Dinant as the
scenario ends.
TABLE: Total Strength Points
in Blitzkrieg to the Meuse
(number of units in parentheses)
NATION INFANTRY MECHANIZED
Germany 334 (76) lSI (28)
France 73 (27) 49 (16)
Belgium 15 (9) 9 (9)
The Germans exited only 24 mechanized
strength points, from the roads northwest of
Namur . In addition, both Sedan and Dinant
were captured, together equivalent to 35
more exited SP's; only 13 mechanized Sp's
were lost during the battle. But the sum of 59
victory points fell short of the 75 needed,
resulting in an Allied victory. The excellent
play balance of Blitzkrieg to the Meuse is evi-
dent, as one more game-turn would have
resulted in certain German victory. Also, a
small reallocation of the units--trying to cap-
ture Namur could probably have resulted in
success before the end of the game. Sending
at least 30 mechanized SP's (Panzer-
grenadiers are good for this task) through the
fragile Belgian defenders will help facilitate a
German victory, too.
Battle of the Bulge
The ultimate scenario in BFTA, of
course, deals with the best known battle of
World War II, the Battle of the Bulge . In 36
game-turns, the Germans must knife through
the unprepared American defenders, capture
numerous key lowns spread over all four
mapsheets, and then defend their gains
against ever-increasing Allied strength. Ger-
man victory poims are achieved by taking
cities and towns, and by exiting mechanized
units off certain mapedges. Although the in-
itial advantage lies with the Germans, after
the first few game-turns their advance is
slowed down by Allied air power, random
supply shortages, and very limited reinforce-
ments and replacements . The Figure graphi-
cally illustrates the relalive number of Ger-
man and American Sp's present on each
turn, without considering losses or replace-
ments. The initial deployments in Battle of
the Bulge are the sum of those in the St. Vith
and Clervaux folio games .
Ga m e-Turns 1-4. The German attack pro-
gresses on several fronts. In the south, 7th
Army (5 Fl, and 352, 276, and 212 Volks-
grenadier divisions) pushes to"iard Luxem-
bourg City and ArIon against the US 4th In-
fantry. Clervaux is taken rapidly by 2nd
Panzer, who then press on toward Bastogne,
supported by Panzer Lehr and the tough 26th
Volksgrenadiers. The understrength 560 VO
are joined by 16 Panzer and 62 VG in driving
back the lone 112128 infantry regiment.
(This is the American unit that so securely
holds the mapedge f1ank in both Clervaux
and St. Vith, bul it looks awfully isolated in
the campaign scenario.) St. Vith's defenders
ARTILLERY CAVALRY TOTAL
40 (4) 0 525 (108)
25 (5) 14 (5) 161 (53)
8 (I) 0 32 (19)
19
are hammered by the 1st SS Panzer (LAH)
division, which is backed up by 12th SS
Panzer (HJ). 62 and 18 VG divisions, plus
tank and artillery support, begin to reduce
the two exposed regiments of the US 106th
Infantry in the Schnee Eife,!. Farther north,
the combined efforts of3 FJ, 12VG, and 277
VG and several artillery units force the
retreat of some US defenders near Bullingen.
Von der Heydte's paratroops survive their
drop, only to be destroye'd one turn later .
In the face of ove'rwhelming odds, the
Americans can do lit.tle but try to establish a
continuous defensive line as reinforcements
begin to arrive. Heavy losses are taken, but
the flanks are securely held. The US
defenders blow up bridges left and right,
although the fcw German engineer units
prove to be very efficient at rebuilding them
throughout the game.
Game-Turns 5- 8. St. Vith is captured by I
LAH, with aid from 560 VG, Skorzeny. and
12 Hl, on turn 6, and Bastogne falls to the
2nd Panzer and the Lehr recon regiment one
game-turn later. A joint attack on turn 8 by I
LAH and 12 HJ on CCB/7 in Vielsam is
repulsed . However, the last of the US
4221 106 is mopped up by game-turn 5, and
7th Army makes steady if not spectacular
progress to the southwest. The German rein-
forcements on turns 7 and 8 are sent toward
Bastogne (Fuhrer Begleit Brigade, 3rd
Panzergrenadier), Luxembourg City (9th SS
Panzer [H]), in addition to Malmedy (2d SS
Panzer [DR]).
Allied reinforcemems begin to arrive in
greater numbers during these four turns, and
defenses are looking more stable. 7th Ar-
mored Division bridges the gap between
Houffalize and Vielsam on game-turn 6.
Meanwhile, the 82d and IOlst Airborne
deploy behind the Ourthe River and contain
the German penetration past Bastogne; CCB
and CCR of 10th Armored extend the IOlst's
line past the end of the Ourthe. The Vielsam
area is reinforced on turn 8 by the fresh 1st
and 30th Infantry Divisions . By turn 8 the
northern front is fairly stable, but between
Bastogne and Arion is open country.
Ga m e-Turns 9-12. Important attacks by the
2 DR Division must be postponed as German
supply shortages begin to crop up on turns 10
and 12. The Fuhrer Begleit Brigade and the
Panzer regiments of Lehr and 2 pz make a
foolhardy penetration to Neufchateau and
encounter elements of the US and 10 Ar-
mored divisions, resulting in the trapping
and eventual destruction of 130/ Lehr. How'-
ever, the reinforced 7th Army attains its _o b-
jectives, occupying both Arion and Luxem-
bourg City on game-turn II while inflicting
two step losses on regiments of the US 4th In-
fantry . To the north, Elsenborn is captured
by 277 VG, 12 VG, and 501SS Tiger Brigade.
On game-turn 10, both Houffalize and Viel-
sam fall, and the Panzer divisions involved
regroup for the next series of thrusts toward
the northwest towns and victory points .
On game-turn 9, two combat commands
each from the 3rd and 10th Armored divi-
sions are sent south of Bastogne to seal the
last major gap in the American line. These
20
two powerful divisions will both cut off the
flank run by several panzer regiments and
form the spearhead for the imminent Allied
counterattack. Elements of Patton's 3rd Ar-
my (4th Armored and 5th, 26th, and 80th In-
fantry divisions) arrive in time to launch
counterattacks on the German infantry in
Luxembourg, inflicting heavy losses on 276
VG. Constant shuffling of the US units near
Elsenborn is needed to shorten the line and
provide reserves; repeated efforts to dislodge
the Tigers from Elsenborn are not successful.
The town of Malmedy remains in American
hands due to the supply shortage problems of
the 2d SS Panzers, and elements of the arriv-
ing 84th Infantry take positions in support of
that town. Several British units deploy along
the Meuse River (they can only participate in
the battle if activated by nearby German
troops), but they will sit out the rest of the
battle as spectators.
It is almost impossible for the
Americans to gain the defensive divisional in-
tegrity bonus at any point in the line, since
there are just barely enough units to maintain
a continuous defensive perimeter and beef up
the most seriously threatened positions.
Although a few American units have been
cut off by the advancing enemy forces, so far
they are still serving as thorns in the side of
the Germans . The presence of several strong
US artillery units and their 2-point FPF
strengths is making a real difference in the
outcome of many enemy attacks. US replace-
ments (one step each game-turn) are effec-
tively limiting the German progress in some
areas; depleted units are pulled out of the line
long enough to incorporate replacements,
then jump back into the fighting . (The Ger-
mans ma"y pick up replacements at the rate of
only one strength step during every other
game-turn.)
Game-Turns 13-16. The tide of battle is
distinctly turning against the attackers, as
supply shortages, Allied air power and
replacement.s, and ever-increasing opposi-
tion in heavy terrain bog down the offensive.
The pattern for tt" ,,,,tflf the game is set on
game-turn 13: attacks launched toward the
key lowns of Manhay (12 SS Panzer, 116
Panzer, 3 Panzergrenadier), Trois Poms
(1 SS Panzer, 560 VG), Malmedy (2 SS
Panzer and infantry), and La Roche (26 VG
and elements of 2 Panzer) are thwarted as the
Americans shuffle in fresh units faster than
the Germans can destroy them. The southern
front is becoming a Ge;man defensive strug-
gle with major American attacks throughout
the Arlon-Luxembourg City area. The rem-
nants of Panzer Lehr, Fuhrer Begleit, and
several odd units defend the approaches to
Bastogne, as the slow-moving German ar-
tillery finally becomes useful in a defensive
role. (A very few German artillery units are
actually supporting some attacks on the
towns situated on the northern part of the
battle front .)
In a definitely ahistorical move , several
regiments of the WIst Airborne advance on
Bastogne, inflicting three steps of losses on
elements of the hapless Panzer Lehr. A
critical defensive position farther north has
the 352G/ 82 and 119/30 regiments in an im-
proved position in heavy woods at the cross-
roads in hex B0606. Although nearly SUT-
rounded by enemy units, these two units are
almost invulnerable in their prepared posi-
tions, and they are greatly slowing down the
German push to the northwest. Arlon is
recaptured on game-turn 16 by a whole slew
of US infantry, armor, and artillery units,
who eliminate the 13 and 14 regiments of the
5 FJ division in the process. At the same
time, a fresh American armored division, the
2d , is racing south to support WIst Airborne
in their move on Bastogne. This key town is
worth 5 victory points, enough to change a
German victory into the historical defeat suf-
fered by Hitler's last attacking armies.
Game-Turns 17-20. Supply shortages are
definitely causing some problems for the
Germans, but only for an average of one
panzer division every two game-turns. The
northern front has degenerated into trench
warfare; desperate attacks on units defen-
ding Malmedy, Manhay, Trois Poms, and
Monshau are all repulsed with losses which
the Germans can ill afford. The few rein-
forcements which arrive are almost all need-
ed in a defensive role on the southern flank,
where persistent Allied attacks are threaten-
ing to recapture some of the towns that the
Germans must retain to have any hope of a
win . American attacks on the defenders of
Bastogne are meeting with some success, too .
All along the front it is clear that Germans
have shot their wad. The breakthroughs they
need are not forthcoming, and no reserves
exist to replace the losses which are mounting
with each turn. The need for the Germans to
mass their forces to try to move ahead at the
most vital areas has resulted in some danger-
ously thin spots in the line; the emboldened
Americans just might be able to knife
through a weak spot and cut off the German
armored formations. At this point an even-
tual Allied victory certainly appears in-
evitable.
A tally of victory points is made at the
end of twenty turns of play to see if a decision
has been reached . In this game, the Germans
have accrued 13 victory points for towns cap-
tured, and none from exiting mechanized
units or eliminating British units . This is
enough points to avoid an Allied Strategic
Victory, but the prospects of getting enough
points during the rest of the game to result in
a German win are pretty slim. Since the
remaining 16 game-turns are likely to be pro-
gressively more lopsided and boring, the Ger-
man player surrenders at the conclusion of
twenty turns of play. As with the 1944 folio
games, Battle of the Bulge suffers from a
play balance problem. The victory point
totals needed for a German win are just too
demanding. The rule which calls for victory
point evaluation after twenty turns will pro-
bably result in most games being played for
only twenty turns. Even if the Germans have
too few points at that time to be declared vic-
tors and too many to be declared losers, the
outcome of the game will probably be ap-
parent at that time . No one is likely to get
bored in the first 20 game-turns, though!
Other Campaign Scenarios
Three optional variant scenarios are
provided for Blitzkrieg to the Meuse, allow-
ing players to simulate Belgian defense in the
Ardennes instead of behind the Meuse (no
Belgian withdrawal rule in effect) , improved
French command (all Allied reinforcements
enter the game two game-turns earlier than
scheduled in the historical scenario, and the
Allied player may take up tb 16 additional
optional units as reinforcements), and a
smaller scale German offensive. Victory
conditions are modified in these three
variants to compensare for changes in the
balance of play .
There are several major variants for the
Battle of the Bulge. One optional rule in-
volves rolling a die every orher game-turn to
check the weather that day; the availabiliry
of Allied air points each game turn then de-
pends upon the weather, rather than using
the historical air point schedule provided.
Another intriguing situation involves the se-
cret select.ion of one of four alternate
strategies by the German player at the begin-
ning of the game. Multiple victory point
schedules are provided, depending on
whether the German strategy involves the
H istorical Plan, the Small Solution, Opera-
tion Luxembourg, or a Spoiling Attack .
These variants all involve modified orders of
battle and victory conditions; the Spoiling
Attack is only 10 game-turns long. An All-
Out German Effort in 1944 scenario features
the rapid arrival of heavy German reinforce-
ments, more rapid reaction of American
forces to the enemy offensive, and a
commensurate increase in the number of vic-
tory points the Germans must have to
achieve victory .
For those who wish to capture the flavor
of the 1944 Ardennes campaign without the
36 game-turn commitmem, two shorter
multi-map games are provided. Angriefen!
covers the first five days of the attack on the
St. Vith and Clervauxmapsheets only. Using
the historical plan victory point schedule, the
Germans must make unreasonably rapid
progress to win, a condition which results in
the game being somewhat biased in favor of
the Allies (as usual). But Angriefen! is easy to
set up, not too long, fast moving, and, for
my money, the most enjoyable of the shorter
campaign scenarios in BFTA. 22 December
simulates four days (game-turns 13 through
20) of the 1944 Ardennes battie, a slice of rhe
action between the initial assault and the
beginning of the end. The bulge forming pro-
cess is well underway, spearheaded by Panzer
Lehr and t he 2d, 2d SS, and 116th Panzer
divisions. This scenario permits the player to
explore alternative Allied approaches to con-
taining the Bulge and turning the tide of war
in favor of the Americans.
As with the four folio games in BFTA,
many enjoyable hours of historical and not-
so-historical recreation of the vital actions
fought in the Ardennes are provided by the
various campaign scenarios. Once you set up
all four maps together, you won't put them
away for a while .

MonsterQuestl
SPI is searching for monsters! In April of 1981 SPI will be
publishing a supplement to our popular fantasy role-playing game,
Dragon Ques t. For that supplement we need ghouls and ghosties,
devils and demons, fairies and fomors. In fact, we need about 200
different monsters for inclusion in the DragonOuest world. But
not just any monsters. What we want are monsters taken from
literatu re and mythology, researched and presented in the style of
DragonQuest, itself. We are also looking for animals and birds and
fish that we missed in DragonQues( and that would make a
valuable addition to the game.
If you are a role-player or fantasy enthusiast (or if you just want to
see your name in print), we'd like your help. Copy and fill out the
form below and send it to SPI. If we use your monster(s) we will
pay you $5 in cash or $10 in credit upon publication , and publish
your name along with the monster. Submissions are subject to the
following strictures:
1. All submissions must be postmarked no later than December
31,1980.
Return with Submissions
AGREEMENT
This agreement, between Simulations Publications, Inc.
Ihereafter SPI), a corporation of the State of New York with its
principal place of business at 257 Park Avenue South, New York,
N. Y. and (insert your name)
(hereafter Author) of (insert the name of monster)
(hereafter Work).
WITNESSETH
1. Should the Work be published in the DragonQuest Monster
Supplement, it is agreed that t he Author will be compensated by
either $5 in cash or $10 in credit (at the Author's perference!.
2. It is understood and agreed between S PI and the Author, that
should the Work be published in the DragonOuest Monster Sup-
plement, the Author assigns all the rights, tilie, and interest in the
Work and any subsequent copyright in the Work to SPI or its
assigns, absolutely. .
For S PI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Title: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Oate : _ _
Author Oale : _ __
Street _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____
City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ _-"-Zip _ __
Cash _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Credi t _ _ _ _ _ __
21
2. All submissions must.be typed according to standard Dragon-
Quest format on a copy of the form below or double-spaced on a
clean sheet of commercial bond according to the same format.
3. All submissions must include the name and address of the
author, and bibliographical information indicating one or more
sources used to research the monster. Bibliographical information
must include the title and author, publisher, location of publisher
and date of publication for each source .
4. Submissions must not contradict the existing rules or format of
DragonOuest in any way.
5. All submissions must contain the release statement at the bot-
tom left of this page . All release statements must be signed by the
author. In addition, all submissions should indicate a preference
for payment in cash or credit.
6. Submissions must include only monster or non-player
character types culled from literature or mythology and not cur-
rently covered by copyright protection . Authors should indicate
the mythos from which the monster derives. Original creations are
not acceptable for publication .
7. All submissions-become the property of SPI.
MONSTER Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
FORMAT Street: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
City: _ _ _ _ _State: --Zip: _ _
NameofMonster: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Natural Habitat: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Frequency of Appearance: _ _ _ _ _ Number: _ _ __
Description: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Talents, Skills and Magic: _______________
Movement Rates:
PS: _ __ MD: AG: MA:
EN: FT: _ __ WP: PC:
NA: _ _ _ _ _ _ __
PB: AP:
Weapons: _______________________________________
Comments: ____________________
22
PLA YER'S NOTES
IN THE ARENA OF DEATH
by Philip Marchal
A rena of Death is a game of gladiatorial
combat in the fantasy world of Dragon-
Quest. The players represent individual <.:om-
batants in the Arena, competing against
lerrifying <.:features and each other for fame
and great weal th. The purpose of t hese
Players Notes is to guide the players and to
pro~' ide background and usefu l information
for their engagements in the deadly Arena.
Attributes
The Attributes a player has represent his
phy~ical slrength, his manual dexteri ty , his
agility, etc. Each character is as signed <.:ertain
values for all of h is pa rt icular Attributes.
Mos t p layers are also assigned a number of
Unassigned Altribu te Points (UAP). These
po in ts may be distributed among any At-
tributes excepl Popularity and Action Point
Allowance, as long as no one Attribute is
assigned more t han V. of the total number of
unassigned points. Among a player' s At-
tributes , five are particularly important.
They are Agility, M anual Dexterity, Physical
St reng tll, and Endurance and Fa tigue
P oi nt s.
Agility. ' Probably the most impor tant At-
tr ibute wi th tile possible exception of Fatigue
and Endurance Points, Agility is used in a
great many game functions. A player's Agili-
ty modifies the Strike Chance in Ranged ,
M elee, and Close Combat. The player with
t he greatest Agility implements his ac tions
first in each pulse. In addition, Agility can
modify a player's allempt to break out of
Close Combat.
Players sllould always increase tlleil'
Agility by the maximum amount possible, V.
of their total unassigned Attribule Poin ts .
Players should do this because of the many
imponant modificat io ns that Agili ty pl'O-
vides and because a player must compensate
for lost Agility due to wearing armor. Since
the average Agility of a foe is 16, a playe r
with an Agility of 16 or greater will have in-
creased Strike Chances. If a player increases
hi s Agilit y by';' of his tOlal UAP, his Agility
sh ould be about 16. Although Agility and
Phys ical St rengt h will be equally useful in
breaking o"ut of Close Comba t , the modi fica-
t.ions Il ighe t Agility a rfords will more than
outweigh the benefits of a bigger weapon
that grtater Physical Strengh provides.
Physical Strength. Physical Strength dic-
lales which weapons a player can tffective\y
wield. Differences in Physical Strength be-
tween opposing players modifies a given
player's Strike Chance in Close Combat and
his abili ty 10 break out of Close Combat.
In general, players should try to get their
Physical Strength up to 16 points. This level
lets a player wield 21 of the 29 weapons, in-
cluding the best weapon for use in Close
Combat. This level also gives a positive
modification in determining the Close Com-
bat Strike Chance.
However , some players will want to
wield the very large weapons which does re-
quire greater strength. I f so , they should
raise thei r Physical Strength to 18 points
which allows a player to wield three more of
the most powerful weapon~. A[though these
bigger weapons are deadly, players must
remember that they are for Ranged and
rvle[ee Combat only. Since most foes are
strongest in Close Combat, they will engage
players in Close Combat. A player will find it
difficult to disengage a foe in Close Comba t
due to the Physical Strength of the foe which
on the average is 26. Therefore , more power-
ful \veapons-in Ranged and Melee Combat
will probably nOt be that useful.
Manual Dexterity. Manual Dex terity
reSI ri<.:ts a player in <.:hoosing whicll \veapons
he can use and modifies Strike Chances in
Ranged, Melee, and Close Combat.
Players sho uld Iry 10 raise I heir Manual
Dexterity to 17. This level gives a positive
modification in all three types of combat and
enables a player to usc 27 of the tOlal 29
weapons and 20 of the 21 weapons that a 16
Physical Strength allows. However, players
must remember that - sbields reduce their
Manual Dexterity. Therefore, a player ""'ill
probably have to expend t;, of his total U A P
to attain a Manual Dexterity of 17. Even if a
player wants to use the larger weapons re-
quiring a Physical St rengt h of 18 , he will not
have to mise hi s Manua[ Dexteri ty above 17
to wield all of them.
Endurance and Fatigue Points. En-
duran ce and fatigue Poin ts are a player's
life's blood. Once a player has lost them, ht:
is dead.
Players should assign '14 of their total
UI\P on Endurance Points and the re-
ma inder, after Physical Strength, Agi[ily,
and Manual Dexterity, on Fatigue Poillls.
Endural)cc Points are mOI'e valuable than
Fatigue points because a player can lose mOl'e
Fatigue Point s than he ever had. This is so
because a player cannot lose both Fatigue
and Endurance Poin ts in the same attack.
For example, a player wil hone Fal igue Point
left takes 9 points of damage. He can lose on-
ly 1 point since the t'emaining R points o f
damage <.:annot be taken from Endurance.
Weapons
A player must carefully choose weapons
for all uses. When choosing weapons, a
player must examine all the features of each
one and must always be sure he has the
Physical Streng th and Manual Dexterity to
use it effect ive ly. Players must be sure they
have a t least one I'o'eapon suitable for all three
types of combat: Ranged, Melee and Close.
Foes and Combat Technique
Foes are always most effe c:t ive in Close
Combat. Players ~hould always expec t Close
Combal immedia te ly from foes. Oncc engag-
ed in Close Combat, it is unlikely a player
will be able to disengage because t he foe will
almost always have superior strength.
In general, players should always ex-
ecute some Ranged Combal befure ([osing in
on a foe. Players should always Iry to slay in
Me[ee Combat as long as possible, because in
Melee Combat players will always ha ve a
great man y advantages over their foes. Even
if a player feels he can kill a foe in Close
Combat, he sllould still try 10 slay in l'vlelee
Combat as long as possib le because of his ad-
vantages.
Experience Points
Experience Points are gained by players
for killing foes and each other. Experien ce
Points ca~1 be trad ed in for increases in the
value of Alt ributes.
Base Chance is the best At tribute to
raise. It costs only 200 E xpe rience PoinlS and
it will im:rease a given weapon's Base Chance
bv 3. Increasi ng the Damagt Modifier of a
given weapon and Endurance and Fa tigue
values are also very useful but more expen-
sive. Increasing the values of the other At-
t rib u tes is useful but not as useful as increas-
ing Base Chance, Damage M od ifier, and E n-
dura nce and Faliguc Values.
Players shuuld ra ise t heir Base Chance
twice for each ra ise in Damage I'vlodifier, and
Endurance and Fa tigue Values. The Damage
Modifier for Close Combat weapons is must
import an t bel'ause foes are most likely to
fight players in Close Combat.
Therefore, players should raise the Base
Chance for their Close Combat weapons
first. The Base Chance fOI' any p ne \veapon
should never be raised above 80rIJu , because
80070 is close enough to a sme hit and
because, at that point, it is more impurtantto
raise the values of olher Attributes. Las tly,
all the raises in Hase Chance, Damage
Modifier, and Endurance and Fatigue Values
should be made simultaneously .
 23

1)raaonQuest
Gamesmaster's
Screen
* All important charts
on GM'sside
* Weapons chart on
players'side
* Four color illustrations

Now available
in retail stores
nationwide for $3. 50! A masterful solution! For every GM who has ever tired at searching
vo lu minous rule book lets for the one elusive number ... hel p is on the way.
The first in a series of supplements and play in g aids, the OragonOues(
Ga mesmaster's Screen is an 11" x 34" sheet of backprinted stock wh ich
folds down to store in your OragonOues[ box. The Screen con tai ns t he
most of ten used charts and tables fo r t he GM 's use, and also acts as a
shi eld f rom t he prying eyes of overeag er players.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ....

Richard Berg's Review ofGames
ABiWeekly Gamesletter of Independent Opinion and Criticism
... provides subscribers wilh timely and professionally
written reviews of games recently released or about to
hillhe market. The inimitable Richard Berg edits this
independent new'slette r and h e l p~ you exam ine the
componeins. game system, physical quality, play-
abi lity, and historicity of at least three new games in
each bi-weekly issue. Also featured in each issue of
the newsletter is "Grapes," a column that keeps you,
the subscriber, informed of the lalest hobbylindustry
news and gossip . I r the newsletter saves you fro m
buying a couple of turk eys - or o ne big bu zzard - it
will pay ror itself in no time!
Don't miss a single issue of
Richard Berg's Review of Games
25 ISSUES PER YEAR
MAILED VIA 1st CLASS MAIL
TO INSURE "FRESHNESS"
$20 for a one-year subscription
Excerpts from the first great issue...
Richard Berg on Ace of Aces:
"Despite its deceptively innocuous appearance, Ace
of Aces is not only the best recreation of W WI jlying
in game form but it is also the most ingenious andjim-
filled game to come out in the pastfew years .
Thaddeus B. Kubis on "88"
"The first plus of '88' is the geomorphic map sec-
tions. Not only does this allow the players to set up
their own battlefield but, unlike other games ... the
coJ,'ering terrain is movable and adjustable. "
John Prados on The Battle of Prague
" ... there is an 'Austrian Reaction' rule which re-
quires over 20 % of the 47 Austrian units to remain in
place on the board until Turn 12 or the Prussialls at-
tack them ... A rapid advance with the artillery leaves
Frederick in a commanding position on the high
ground even (f the Austrians manage to reform their
line."
24

Ask your SPI game dealer

about these sfIf game titlesl

~
00
~ >---< o~ I '>-~n -(\ e:.. ).-----{
'1' / 54 \ ; 46
II(
'. G.I
, \ K~ /4"2' --;\hCoiro-( !J8~ \ ?; .-
<>t ) . - - ( Mwn, "'" 61
j, I \ -----.r~
f",,1 Mgob 47 \ lI'I
~ \:' 1'~1 ~ ~ 39' SIn 62

DragonQuest
AN EXPERIENCE IN
HEROIC ADVENTURE
The leading edge product of a complere
faouasy role-playing line. Players assume
th e roles of characters in an adventure set
inside a fan tasy world crealcd by a
Ugamesmali:ter_" Discrete game sy s tem~
control such functions as combat, magic
use and monster generation,
2820, $9.95
The Wreck of
the BSM Pandora
An sf adventure in deep space'. From one
to five players become crew members of
a biological survey mission and auempl
[0 keep [heir ship from enlering cold shu t-
down. As they anempt 10 rCs tari the
ship's systems, Ihey musl also recap ture
Or destroy Ihe alien life fo rms now run-
ning loose in the ship' s corridors.
2960, $5.95.
Deathmaza
CORRIDORS OF DOOM
A unique fantasy adventure game for one
to six players in which they c reate their
own dungeon room by room from [he
play ing pieces. AS the part y wanders
through Ihe labyrinth in search of
lrcasure, they encoulller m onS1ers,
magical pOl ions anti statue.l), and unex
pee ted Iraps.
2800, $5 .95 boxed.
;~)~-<=!' ; \=);
TimeTripper
A soldier in Vietnam accidentally creates
a time warp that sends him back to some
of the mOSI famous baltles in history and
ahead 10 famastic adventures in the
future. From one to four players become
TimcTrippers , searching to return to tlreir
present: Timemasler game also included.
2970, $5.95.

~ 536-0
~ Iii ~
8:;:; 00 I, ~ (3)5 [YJ -<S>
5

World Killer
THEGAMEOF
PLANETARY ASSAU LT
A planet's defense forces attempt to pro-
[ee l [heir mother world from an invading
armada of aliens. Simple but unique
[hreedimensional space combat; open
ended for mal for eXie nded scena rios .
Featured in A res nr. 1.
2980, $5.95.
The Creature that War of the Ring John Carter,
Ata Sheboygan BASED ON J .R.R. TOLKE1N'S Warlord of Man
LORD OF THE RINGS Character adventure game in which each
Science fiction mons[ers - giant gorillas,
Two games systems in one. In character player portrays a hero and a villain. who
spiders, dinosaurs and [he like - attempt
game. Ihe Fellowship tr ies to elude steals Ihe hero's true love and attempts to
10 ravage a Iypical American city before
Sauro n's evil min ions and deslrov rhe flee across the wilds of Barsoom, Three
police and National Guard ean reael.
One Ring in the Crack of Doom; in-cam- levels of play from duel game 10 army
Monseer.> have special abililies 10 .:hoose
paign game , the armies of J\l iddlc Earth campaign game. Faithful adaptation of
from; human player mus t balan ce mob ile
clash in a co rnincnt wide campaign. Edgar Rice Burroughs" John Caner of
and at tack forces.
1790, $18.00. Mars series.
2330, $5.95 boxed.
2380, $19.95.

Here are the rest of SPl's great science fiction & fantasy releases."
After the Holocaust ($14JXJ) BattleFleet: Mars ($15.00) Demons ($5.95 boxed, $3.95 50ftpack)
Freedom in the Galaxy ($19.95) Invasion: America ($18.00) Objective: Moscow ($27.00)
Outreach ($12.00) Sorcerer ($12.00) StarForce ($12.00) StarGate ($ 3.95) StarSoldier ($12.00)
Swords & Sorcery ($18.00) Titan Strike! ($3.95) Vactor 3 ($3.95) War in the Ice ($12.00)

CHINA WAR
A Statistical Report of Game Characteristics
by Claude Bloodgood
Preparing a statistical review for a game
that simulates potential conflicts in today's
world is both interesting and challenging.
The hi ndsight a designer may utilize for
his torical simulations does not exist, and this
lack necessitates a strong dependence on
designer judgment and speculation . This
review reflects the nature of the subject and
the judgment factors involved; conflicting
opinions on designer evaluation of various
military potentials are the bridge that spans
the gap between gaming and reali ty, and this
is what makes wargaming so unique.
China War has three scenarios, and
ga rners at the Virginia State Penitentiary
have gi ven 't he first two a good workout, but
have had no real interest in the third scenario
which they consider unrealistic. Scenario 1
("The East is Red") simulates a Soviet inva-
sion of China, and this is the primary supject
of this review; scenario 2 ("Objective:
Hanoi! " ) simulates a Chinese invasion of
Vietnam and is a secondary subject for this
review. All statistics were compiled separate-
ly for these scenari os , wi th each treated as a
game 'in itself. The first stats listed are for
Scenario I, and those following in paren-
thesis are for Scenario 2.
Statistical Analysis
Participating Players: 43 (67)
53 . 1% o f a ctive players selected Scenario 1 from
invento ry of more than 70 titles available during
the six month s ended 8/ 15 / 80 . (82 .7% selected
Scenario 2 .)
Repeat Players: 30 (52)
69.7% of 43 pa rticipants pla yed Scenario I again
after compleling one set (both sides played).
(77 .6% of 67 participants repeated play of
Scena rio 2.)
Total Games Played: 76 (142)
Scenari o 2 was played more than I fo r several
reasons. It is ideal fo r learning the game system ,
plays quick ly, and the historical Chinese
invasi on of Vietnam (1979) provides an index for
gamers to measure results against before tryin g
Scen a ri o I .
Average Playing Time: 5.55 hours
(2.76 hours)
T o ta l playin time was 422 hours for 76 games
with Sce nario I . (T otal playing time was 391 V,
hours for 142 games with Scenario 2, New
pl ayers should play one of the small scenarios
rirst (2 is reco mmended) and can expect t heir
fi rSl ga me to take 4Y1 -5 V, hours unless
thoroughly familiar with the rules .)
Shortest Recorded Game: 1.25 hours
(0.45 hours)
Co nceded after 4 complete turns between
experienced players in Scenario I. (Conceded
after 4 Y1 rums between experienced players in
Scenario 2.)
Shortest Complete Game: 3,50 hours
(1.50 hours)
Both were played between experienced players
repeating the same scenari o.
Longest Recorded Game: 13.75 hours
(5.75 hours)
Played between two relati vely new wargamers,
one new to China War, and one wilh a
Scenario 2 set o f games previously played before
trying Scenario I. (Scenario 2 lime recorded
between two inexperienced ga rners new to
China War. )
Best Side Results: PRe 39-37
(PRC 82-60)
Scenario I proved to be a highly c hallenging
game from either side . (Scenario 2 resulLs reflct
some unequal pairings, but these iue minimal.)
Game Imbalance: 2.8% (15.5%)
Formula is wins minus losses, divided by number
of games played . Average pla y-balance is in the
12-14% range.
Game Balance Analysis
Scenario 1, "The East is Red," has an
excellent play-balance that is rarely found in
wargames, and if the designer's judgment of
Soviet-Chinese military capabilities is any-
where near accurate, confrontation between
these twO powers is a wild gamble for both.
Scenario 2 is not so well balanced, and the
25
'victory points offered for PRe occupation
of Hanoi and Haiphong make it tough for
the Vietnamese player to win . The long
history of mountain and jungle warfare in
this area clearly conflicts with the concept of
winning by taking these cities; while it ap-
pears the designer sought an artificial means
of balancing the play, the device selected was
unfortunate. Despite this criticism, Scenario
2 is a good introduction to China War, and is
recommended. Some minor adjustments to
the victory points awarded for Hanoi and
Haiphong will balance play,
Subjective Analysis
Play Balance: 8.31 (5.62)
Average of 43 responses (67 responses for
Scenario 2) : 9 is perfectly balanced, I is totally
unbalanced.
Playability: 7."1. (7,03)
Average of 43 responses (67 responses for
Scenario 2): 9 is supremely playable,
1 is unplayable.
length of Game: 7.'Zl (6.74)
Average o f 40 responses (65 responses for
Scenario 2): 9 is exactly the correct lengt h,
I is much too long or short.
Game Challenge: 7.81 (6.59)
Average of 43 responses (67 responses for
Scenario 2): 9 is extremely challenging,
I is no challenge.
Rules Disputes: 6.96 (6.84)
Average of 43 responses (67 responses for
Scenario 2): 9 is none of consequence,
1 is constant d isputes.
Comments on the Game System
China War utilizes a moderately com-
plex game system that covers a broad range
of mechanical game functions, and while not
excessive, these functions must be learned.
The "Objective: Hanoi!" scenario provides
a good basic understanding of the rules with
limited units that simplify . learning the
system, The movementlreaction movement
rules are the strongest part of the game
system, and around this all the rest fall into
place nicely. The use of terrain effects on
both mov~ment and combat is excellent,
especially restrictions imposed by moun-
tainous terrain.
The unit Cadre Level rule is the weakest
part of the game system, not because of
designer inaccuracy, but because what it
represents is intangible and players fail to
understand its purpose, and this leads to dis-
putes. Most other rules are clean and clear;
supply problems are handled with lines of
supply and sources, and work perfectly.
Chemical and Electronic warfare are possible
{continued on poge 33}
26
SCENARIOS AND VARIANTS
FIREFIGHT-CITY
Looting Cityfight for Chrome
by Gary C. Morgan
Just so tha t you know, when we did
FireFight, the mission was "keep it simple"
because a lot of non-gamers (in the Army)
were go ing to use it to train o n. In te restingly
e noug h, the game maintained a lot of flavor
even though it was desig ned unde r a lot of
constrain1s (not the least of which was some
a rmy bird colonel tel lin g me how to design
cou nte rs). Mr. Morgan now allows us to
bu ild something more complex using this
past Origins Best Modern Game winner,
Cityfighc. - RA S
Winning a Charles Roberts award at
Origins 80 is an outstanding tribute to a
supe.rior game and the people who produced
it. Cityjight is truly a gem, both in realism
and playability. It is a combination of all the
good innovations to come out of SPI in the
past few years, without the muddle of over-
complexity. The game can become verY
involved, but only at the players' optio;,
without contaminating the basic game
mechanics.
This artide is not written on Cityjighl,
but about its country cousin: Firejight. I will
attempt to incorporate a few of Cityjight's
advances into Firejight, plus some other
points for realism . The ultimate realization
of these suggestions would be a Firejight ex-
pansion kit consisting of some extra counters
and a rules addenda brochure . If you are a
gamer involved in post-World War [I, tac-
licallevel games, Firejight is your baby. You
will enjoy the individuality of the game
pieces, the dynamics of weapon ranges, and
the desperate lethality of combat (no
"retreat" result on the CRT). Firejight's
greatest strong point is its playability (a con-
. sideration often abandoned in tactical
games) . It is an ideal game to teach a person
who is not a wargamer, and have him playing
immediately.
The new gamer is presented with the
basic game mechanics in a concise, layered
format. The average game can be played out
in thirty minutes to two hours; which will fit
into almost anyone's timetable. This is whv
Firejight earns its keep while an "cIephant;'
like Mech War 2 lies in the closet collecting
dust (it's a great source of extra counters).
Let's assume, as a reader of MOVES,
that you have played Firejight often, and are
ready for a bit more realism (with the
necessary additional complexity). Let's also
assume that you are familiar with Cityjight,
and if you don't own it, you will in the near
future (both games are outstanding buys ;
you certainly gel your money's worth). Some
of the proposed counters mentioned in this
article are handily available in Cityjight or
Mech War 2. Players familiar with the City-
jight system may wish to use the complete
Cityjighl command control rather than the
one I have listed in this article (my system is a
simplified version which eliminates a lot of
bookkeeping) . Firejight fans are also en-
couraged to use the additional vehicles and
scenarios found in MO VES #30 and 31 .
ModeJ11.
US.and So":'Jet
'Sman~t1lt
TclCtJCS
[30.0] FIREFIGHT IV
COMMENTARY:
These add itional modifications can be incor-
porated back into any level of Firefighl to exten-
sively simulate limitations of weapons, and
,apabilities of units due to equipmelll, training ,
and command control.
[31.0] SOVIET
DEFILADE LIMITS
COMMENTARY:
Nearly all Soviet AFV's are designed to meet the
needs of their offensive doctrine . A prime ,on-
sideration is their low-hcieht silhouette which
makes them hard to acquire- and hit. especially in
the open . The low profile turret limits th e upward
travel of the gun breech (which i, required if the
gun is to be depressed). For a tank to gain benefit
from a defilade position, the longitudinal axis of
the hull is usually elevated, requiring the gun to
depress well below level. Soviet tanks (and the
BMP) are unable to depress their main guns below
level, while US tanks are bu ilt with high si l~ouettes
which allow significant negative main gun depres-
sion capability .
GENERAL RULE :
While all Soviet armor may enjoy a defensive ad-
vantage from a defilade position , Soviet tank and
BMP may IlOt fire main guns over a defilade hcx-
side position at targets of equal or lower elevation.
Defilade positions do not prohibit ATGM attacks
by Sagger-capable Soviet vehicles. In a de fens ive
scenario, Soviet AFY 's may begin the game in a
dug-in , defilade-type improved position whi ch
allows them to fire main guns as well as derive
defen si ve defilade advantage. New improved posi-
tions can nOI be created once play begins. (Amend-
ment t023 .0 and 23.1).
[32.0] ATGM LIMITS
COMMENTARY:
The wire-guided missile has made a major impact
on mechanized combat. It also has many limita-
tions wh ich must be consi dered for it to be truly ef-
fec ti ve . Generally, ATGt-'1's are many limes slower
than ami-tank ballistic ammunition, with night
times approaching 30-60 seconds at maximum
range. T rained gunners must track the target and,
possibly, manually control the mi ss ile for the time-
of-flight. and can be distracted by suppressive
direct or indirect fire, making the mi ssi le miss the
target. Armor crewmen can often see missiles com-
ing toward them in t.ime to move their veh icle to
cover, or shoOt suppressive fire at the launch unit
to defeat the missile. Many new tanks such as the
XM - I and T-72 are equ ipped with tit anium -
ceramic laminate armor which is impervious to
fr ontalaspect ATGM impacts.
CASES:
[32 . 11 ATGM (8agger, TOW, Shillelagh)
These missiles may travel only 20 hexes per turn .
The missile must travel in a direct path toward its
intended target and upon reaching the 20th hex it
will " freeze" in mid-air and resume movement
during same phase of the neXI turn. The launch
unit must not move while guiding the ATOM. The
mi ssi le will be a " no effect" (miss) if: The launch
units moves; or receives any combat result from
direct or indirect fire; or the line of sight 10 the
targel uni t is lost. The ATGlvl attack ing player
must desi gnate the mid-air limit hex of the missile
with a special counter (a blank) indi cating the
missile's heading (and noting the launch unit if
man y such attack s arc in progress). Upon subse-
quent resumption of movement, the missile ma y
mak e a onehexside facing change (0 either side
and travel in a direct pal.h toward its intended
target to a limit of 20 more hexes fo r that tllrn .

[32.2] Any vehicle equipped with "Chobham"
type armor (XM-I, XMBT) will always be moved
with an indicated frontal aspect. Players may
desire to use the top edge of the counter (or the left
edge which shows the front pictorally), but must
clarify the front to the other player in a mutually
agreed manner. If one of these vehicles receives an
ATGM auack , trace a line from the center of the
launch unit to the center of the target vehicle. If
the line passes through the hexside which touches
the counter's frontal aspect edge, the attack is a
"no effect" and misses. (An addition to Cases
27.32 and 27.42.)
[33.0] SOVIET DOCTRINE
COMMENTARY:
Due 10 Ihe Soviet policy of limiting initiative and
crealivity in tactics among its junior officers, the
Soviet army plans LO conduct tactical operations in
planned, rehearsed doctrine. This bypasses the
need for complex communications, command,
and control required by the U.S., but sacrifices
flexibility and coordination. Soviet platoons stay
very close r.ogether and direct fire is by platoon at a
single target. When a platoon operates with the
company, it slays close to t he "guide" plaLOon
and the company commander. Only when a pla-
toon is ordered on advance recon (point) or col-
umn flank security is it out of visual contact with
the company com mander.
While all three plaLOon tanks or APC's have radio
receivers , only the platoon leader has a trans-
mitter. The platoon leader leads in column forma-
tion and is the center vehicle in line abreast forma -
tion. Number two is second in column and righ t of
the platoon leader in the line abreast. The number
th ree vehicle is commanded by the experienced
platoon sergeant and follows number two in col-
umn and is on leader's left in line abreast.
In company operations each platoon deploys as its
platOon counterpart vehicle wou ld, second pla-
toon right of the first platoon, and third to the lefl
of the fir st. When contact is not expected, the
company travels in a si ngle column - fina, se-
cond, and third platoon in that order. The tank
company commander leads in front of first pla-
toon. The APC company commander will sand-
wich between first and second platOon . An APC
company is usually escorted by a reinforce tank
platOon of four tanks which lead the company.
When approaching contact, the company splits off
into three parallel columns: first platOon in the
cen!!r; second on the right ; and third on the left.
When Co ntact is imminent or when attacking a
known enemy, each platoon column wheels into
line abreast (as described before).
The APC company's four lanks break out in to
close line abreast when the company moves to pla-
toon columns , and spreads our when the co mpany
goes to line abreast. The platoons may all be exact-
ly abeam each other (called three-up) or may be
echeloned back in a IwO-up "Vic," or Arrowhead
(one-up), or Echelon left or right (twOlIp) . The
company commander is uo;ualiy near the center
either forward (tank company) or baek (APe
company) , of first platoon.
[3 3. 1] All Soviet vehicular units will attempt at all
times to fo liow all doctrine as set forth in 33.0 in
Iheir operations.
[33.2] Each platoon will designale a plato on
leader and a plalOon sergeant. In the first and third
vehicles, re spectively. These designations will
assi st in fulfilling 33. I.
[33.3] Each company will follow 33.2 for each
platoon and will also designate a company com-
mander in a tenth vehicle. These designations will
also assist in fulfilling 33.1 .
[33.4] Each platoon vehicle will not exceed a
radius of 5 hexes from the platoon leader . If a
vehicle exceeds 5 hexes from platoon leader, it is
suppressed until it regains position .
[33.5] If the platoon leader is killed, the platoon is
stOpped and suppressed umilthe following game-
turn . After that game-turn, the platoon sergeant is
the new platoon leader and [33.4] applies to hi '11.
[33 .6] If both platoon leader and platoon sergeant
are killed, the number two vehicle is suppressed in
definitely unless it comes within 5 hexes of com-
pany commander vehicle.
[33.7] Whenever possible, aI/platoon vehicles will
fire at the same target. All platoon vehicles will
move toget.her, in a turn.
[33 .8J Each platoon leader's vehicle will not ex-
ceed a radius of 20 hexes from the company com-
mander's vehicle.
[33.9] Platoon leaders 2 and 3 will not exceed
more t.han 10 hexes distance from any vehicle of
their platoon to any vehicle of platoon one. Pla-
toon twO will always deploy to platoon one's right
and platoon three will always deploy to one's lefi.
[33.10] Any platoon which does not meet criteria
of 33 .8 and 33 .9 is suppressed until position is
regained.
[33 . I I] If the company commander is killed. pla-
toons 2 and 3 are suppressed on the following
game-turn , after which plato o n leader 1 is the new
company commander and 33 .9 is measured from
him.
[33.12] If platoon leader I is killed, _'ommand
passes to platoon leader 2 then 10 platoon leader 3,
for purposes of 33 .8. If company commander and
platOon leader I are both killed d;,regard 33.9.
[33.13] If a battalion size force is to be used, bat-
talion headquarters will be designated from Data
Appendix E. The 3 company commanders will
follow same guidance as the three pla toon leaders
in 33.8 a nd 33.12, regarding the battalion. Head-
quarters contains Ihe battalion commander in one
vehicle and his chief of slaff in anolher (who takes
command if the commander is killed - a this 10 hex radius.
modification of 33.11) . If bottl battalion com-
mander and chief of staff are killed, 33.11 is in ef-
fect, substituting company commanders for pla-
LOon lea ders.
Note: Pla yers may wish to use leader coun.ters
(with name and rank) from Cifyjighl to facilitate
tracking command figures. An alternate method is
to write the three digit numbers of all vehicles and
group them by unit, annotating leaders in their
respective ve hicle s.
[33.14] .Mortar units, ATGM sections, and anti-
tank platoons are exempt from all 33.0 Soviet
Doctrine.
[34.0] US DOCTRINE
COMMENTARY:
US Army Tactical Doc\rine is infinitely more flexi-
ble than t he above desc ribed Soviet Doctrine. Very
little formal doctrine is mandatory, allowing each
unit's leader to utiIiO!;e his resources as he sees fit.
The tank pla toon, (;omposed of five tanks is infor-
mally subdivided in to a heavy section of Ihree
tanks , led by the platoon leader; and a light section
of IWO tanks, led by the platoon sergeant. Hoth
sections move during "Travelling ." When contact
is possible or imminent, "Bounding" is in effec l.
This mode requires one ,ecrion to move while the
27
other halt s; when the moving section attains its im-
mediate destination , it halts and Ihe stopped sec-
tion begins moving, usually past the first section,
to a new immediate destination . When the s tOpped
section is loaded and prepared t.o cover the moving
section , ready to fire suppressive or return fire at
revealed enemy position, this Iechniquc is calle d
"Bounding Overwatch." Usually all the vehicles
in the moving section move, and the vehicles in the
halted section are stopped and all shoot when re-
quired, though not necessaril)'al the same target.
The mechanized infantry platoon with its four
APC's may possible divide into two parts, with the
pia lOon lead er in one and the platoon. sergeant in
the other . Another possibility is for the plaloon
leader and APC' s 2 and 3 to form a heavy section
and the platoon sergeant's APC (number 4) to be
the light section . When in the "Travelling" mode,
Ihe whole platoon of .four moves simultaneous ly.
During "Bounding" or "Bounding Overwalch,"
the platoon may split into the two-pair formation
or Ihe three / one formation .
In company operations, each platoon is given an
area of responsibility and each is basically
autonomous . Each plaloon can prOv ide mutual
support for another (Bounding Overwatch by pla-
toon instead of section) , if required . In company
teams, the tank and meeh infantry platoon do
what each does best. The company commander
provides the basic plan and Objective and by stay-
ing in radio contact with Ihe platoons, he can or-
cheslrate the operation by redirect ion if the si lua-
tion warrants.
CASES :
[34.1] US units will attempt to usc the guidelines
set fOrlh in 34.0 as a foundation for fire and
maneuver.
[34.2] Tank platoons will subdivide into a 3-tank
heavy section, led by the platoon leader, and light
section of 2 tank s led by the platoon sergeant.
[34.3] Each vehicle will remain within 10 he xes of
its leader or will be suppressed unlil re-entering
[34.4J If a leader (platoon leader or plaloon
sergeant) is killed , the other vehicle(s) in the sec-
tio n are suppressed umil the platoon regroups intO
a sing le entity , under the surviving leader.
[34 .5] If both the platoon leader and plalo<,>n
sergeant are killed , the remaining vehicles in the
platoon are suppressed indefinitely. Presence of
the company commander will cancel a morale sup-
pression due 10 killed leaders for each veh icle in
the 10-hex radius from the commander's vehicle.
[34.6] A mech infanlry plaroon is not required to
subdivide, but if it does so , the divisi ons described
in 34.0 are recommended. Case 34.3 does not app-
ly to mech unils, except in Case 34.7.
[34.7] Mcch units do nOl suffer morale suppres-
sion if either the platoon leader or platoon
sergeant i, alive . [f boch ilre killed , all surviving
units in the pla LOon arc suppressed indefinitely .
Suppression will be cancelled for every vehicle
wit hin 10 hexes from a company commander's
vehicle.
[34 .8] TOW and mortar units arc "not bo und by
the restrictions of 34.0.
[34.9] If units begin play in an understrenglh or
incomplete condition (simulating previolls combat
attrition o r subdivision of another unit) , players
may find restrictions of 34.0 to be unrealistic or in-
appropria te. If any deviations arc planned , player.,
shou ld mutually agree on tho se in effect and those
lobe deleted.
28
[35.0] NIGHT/LIMITED
VISIBILITY COMBAT
COMMENTARY:
Soviet doctri ne calls for operations around the
clock, gaining a defensive advantage from the
limited visibilit.y at night to allow vehicular com-
bal. Both Soviet and US tanks, and the BMP, are
equipped with night vision devices. Both sides rely
on Slarshell - artillery delivered, parachute
suspended flares, to illuminate areas of the battle-
field. The damp European climate often produces
thick ground fog, especially at sunrise and sunset,
which can severely reduce visibility, and can also
limit range .
CASES;
[35.1) During night combat, units may not be
spotted unless they move, shoot, or are il-
luminated. To preserve secrecy, players may wish
to use dummy counters or track units on a note
pad until they are revealed.
(35.2] All fireteam, MG units, and the M1l3 fire
three. SP74 guns fire during the Direct Fire Phase,
subject to all LOS restrictions of direct fire Don't Miss a Single Issue of MOVESI
weapons. When an SP74 fires, it targets one hex. Each issue of MOVES contains design
The attack ra ting is 9 on the impact hex,S on adja- analysis, player's notes, scenarios and variants
cem hexes, and 2 on surrounding hexes. (The at- on S&T and Ares issue games. Coming in the
tacking player should reference the appropriate next issue of MOVES will be features on Fifth
CRT, either anti-personnel or anti-vehicle, to Corps (S&T 83), The Kaiser's Battle (S&T
determine the impact hex using an attack rating of 84), and Citadel of Blood (Ares 5).
9.}"lf the target is in clear terrain, the target hex is
always the impact hex. If the terrain modifiers
would convert the attack to "no effect," the fire
hits one hex closer to the firing unit, and this hex is
the adjusted impact hex.
ORISEK O [i\%~[l1)u~D~
[36.2) Each SP74 gun is considered a vehicular
target if attacked. Attacking player should retreat ACCESSORIES FOR
the unit as an APC for purposes of determining ADVENTURE GAMES
this attack rating.
[36.3] If an SP74 gun receives a K or Kf result, it . ;' ~:rHEFI:R ST
will then detonate its ammunition. The owning ''':'";PtAVAS LE
player will calculate an attack of the SP74 on it- . ?"~_jiIDD E.N .. .
.\~\ ci"'~a~\t:E~~s
self, primarily affecting any surrounding units.
[36.4] The Soviet player should receive no more
[han 6 SP74 guns (a battery) within the limits of
Firefight, for direct fire use.

at suppressed strength. They are limited to a two-
hex range unless the target unit is illuminated, or
has fired in the last game-turn and has not moved
since (in which case ranges are normal) .
[35 .3] All tanks, theBMP, BRDM, and MICV are
equipped with night vision devices. The)! cannot
detect units in woods/town hexes who have not
moved or fired. These vehicles subtract one from
their attack rating at night. Maximum range is 15
~I""'~~~~ibtetftt ,
References
FM 30-102 Opposing Forces, Europe
FM71-1 Tank and Mech Infantry Company Team
,,~~:.iY;SMOKE$CREENS ' pilt~~ndlng ;.
TRADOC Bulletin 7: The BMP
;c~'#25,b L"1001 SCreensI1>OO, Bases .
TRADOC Bulletin 10: The Main Battle Tank
i<t :;,t ; Wtj O::6'I,bs::''';Price,~$9.00; ea. ;.
':~'#25:1~-'-50 Sere E!n S ,<,only) '" ,';

Hi!i~!t~~I~t;:~~::::;t
hexes with night vision aids.
[35.4) Any indirect fire unit may fire Starshell INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS
(ST) fire missions to provide illumination. FOR MO VESMAGAZINE
Targeting and persistence procedures are identical Most of the articles in MOVES are written

~S~~:~~~E:C~i!;;;d~~,~.
to those used for smoke in Section 14.0. Starshell by its readers. We'd like you to give it a try - if
will illuminate all hexes up to four hexes from the your article is "Iell written and on a subject of
impact hex. Any illuminated unit may be fired interest to readers, there's a good chance it will
upon by any unit with a clear LOS to the target, us-
ing the firjng unit's full altack strength. Players
see publication. The Subject of your article is
up to you . From time to time the Editor will
~"c~,; "~:~ "'"~~~t:'.~~;: ,-, :~TWO . '-,
may use a blank counter (or a Stars hell counter
from Cityfighl) to indicate the position of the
suggest potential article lOpics. Don't be afraid 6.5-5 ~~ ,.;'~ SIZES'
to write on other publishers games - MOVES
various nares. is not a "house organ" that ignores the rest. of I----"--"--i
t==-=g0~~ ./ ::". ,-:-"'A
:.-VAlLAB
.:. ,....:.. .::bE '
...."...
the gaming world.

[35.5) Limited visibility due to ground fog should
be determined at the beginning of the game. Both
players should roll one die and mUltiply the com-
bined result by five hexes, so the prOduct will in-
dicate the maximum limit of visibility in the game,
from 10 hexes to 60. No direct fire weapon may
fire at targets beyond this range.
[36.0] SOVIET SP GUNS
COMMENTARY;
ii~;;~!:1~{~:e)'
Manuscript Requirements. Typewritten,
double-spaced on white bond. line length 55
!O 65 characters; no more than 25 line.s per
page. Min-max length: 6 to 30 manuscript
pages. Pages should be numbered and tagged
with author's last name. Cover sheet should ~;cJiP~~ :::':WL ;O;6:'ltJs. Price;$6.0Q. ea. ,
give date written, full-name, address, phone
number, suggested title, and honorarium i/# iforQ.E!;5'8: 1qbh o(panz~ibl.ilz. :sizer
preference. ~:-c-l:fR:~~i;~yVt::O:5 ~l bs;;,PriCEi$6.:00 ,ea.:
Honorariums. For all published submis- ;;:;i:::).d':'ORD~~'siM~ST'INCi.UDE;SHIPP!NG A~D ..
sions (except letters and Footnotes) MOVES '0.:!''''HANDllNG C}/4RGES:(SEE-CHART B.now~ .
Magazine pays an honorarium at the rate of $5
-'-i~~ . -"""
'~' . , ".....
per running 10" of edited text, calculated to the :J} SHIPPING 6 HANDLING CHARGES (under 50 poundS)

Current Soviet tactical doctrine and deployment nearest half column. Alternatively, Authors F- lq;1 nl reta' Dlgl! . 0 ZIP Code
reveal numerous appearances of the Ml974 may elect to take their honorarium in SPI pro- Weight Ilb~ ) 400-574 OlO-39i
600-61 9 575591 835994
122mm self-propelled gun on the fronllines with dqcts at the rale of $10 per 10" rendered 620834
first echelon tank and BMP units. These guns act against the list price of the items. Honorariums Sl.08 Sl is S 1.29
in a direct fire support role to suppress and (cash or credit slip) will be rendered 30 days \ .6\ 2.03 2.59
2.29 3.12 4.25
demolish defensive strong poi nts. A battalion of after publication.
2.97 4.23 5.91
three batteries (I8 guns) will reinforce a tank or Copyrights and Agreement are located on 3.65 5.32 1.57
BMP battalion when it acts as a Regimental Ad- the back flap of the Feedback card in this issue. 4.33 6.42 9.23
vanced Guard. One uf the three batteries is up with A facsimilie may be used. 5.01 7.52 10.89
the maneuver battalion's forward company, while -5 .09 8 .62 12.5-5
Please include with your submission a 6.37 9 .71 H .21
the other two stay back in an indirect fire role with stamped, self-addressed postcard. On the ,;: . 41 to 45 7.05 10.8\ 15.87
the battalion's main body. This forward battery message side of the card write the name of your ~~l~ .~......... _ "_~._ >_~.."y '"
:~,Y FO (~rgn .6 rdEfrs .use"-.lejst, cOlumn " ~ S2J,'"j"' A .
divides into three pairs of SP74 guns. Each pair article. This card will be used !O inform you of
moves together and both guns f'i re at the same Look for our catalog in the next
the status of your submission. Articles and illu- issue of S& T or send lor
target. strat.ions cannot be returned . Address all sub- your free copy today.
missions to:
CASES;
Redmond Simonsen, Editor, MOVES f<~ORISEKJNPUS;-RIES P.O"Box 52
(36.1] A counter should represent each SP74 gun MAGAZINE, SPI, 257 Park Avenue Soutb, < .. Hinsdale,.IL.60521 .
(again, available from Cityfighl or Mech War 2). New York, N.Y. 10010
Each SP74 gun have a movement allowance of
RESEARCH FOR SIMULATION
BACK ON LlrrLE ROUND TOP
More Notes on TSS
by Dr. David G. Martin
Dr. Martin has con tributed Order of Battle
resea rc h to Bloody Apri/ and TSS as well as
material for u pcoming games in the system.
He here amplifies and suggests some co rrec-
tions to the On Little Roundtop article which
ap peared in MOVES two issues ago . -RAS
I learned to play TSS by using the Little
Round Top scenario, and have long been
dissatisfied with its balance and flow. Hence,
I was most happy to see Mr. Roach's revi-
sions of the scenario in MOVES 51.
However, Mr. Roach in his presentation is in-
accurate in several points of information,
largely because he did not make use of the
two major available sources on the battle:
Coddington's The Gettysburg Campaign,
and the Ojjicial Records oj the War oj the
Rebellion (the sine qua non of all serious
Civil War research, called OR for short).
Union Positions
1. Mr. Roach is correct that two reserve
regimcnts listed in the original LRT scenario
werc. not present in the scenario's map area:
the 9th Mass had been left on the army's
right flank, and the 5th NJ ,vas skirmishing
west of the Emmitsburg Road, north of the
LRT scenario map.
2. The 1st US Sharpshooters was also skir-
mishing in th e area north of the Peach Or-
chard , and so should not appear in the
scenario (OR 27.1.516-517) .
3. Batlery K4US 'was positioned south of the
Klingel House along Emmitsburg Road
north of I he scenario map, not at hex 0530
(position of monument on battlefield).
4. The 3rd Maine was posted at the Peach
Orchard (hex 0431), n ot at Devil's Den (OR
27.1.507-508) .
5. Mr. Roach is correct that DeTrobriand 's
brigade was not in Rose Woods (area at hex
0826) when allackcd by Kershaw. This was
because DeTrobriand had already been push-
ed out of Rose Woods by Anderson's brigade
(Coddington 404-405). At 4 p .m ., when the
Little Round Top scenario starts,
DeTrobriand should be in Rose Woods as
follows: 17 Me [0729]; 3 Mich [1 730]; 5 Mich
[0928]; 40 NY [0828] ; 110 Pa [0928]
(Bachelder's Ju ly 2 map) .
6. The positions of Ward's men at Devil's
Den are generally, but not precisely correct
(see Bachelder's July 2 map and my Devif's
Den game). They should be: 4 Me [1324]; NY
[1126]; 124 NY [1225]; 99 Pa [1026] ; 2 US SS
[1726); 4NYbat [1325]; 20 Ind [1126] .
7. Similarly, Roach's poslllOning of Semmes and Barksdale at l7:00, and Waf
Graham's brigade at the Peach Orchard is ford at 17:20).
not entirely correct (again, see Bachelder's
Terrain
map) : 57 Pa [0229]; 63 Pa [0128) ; 68 Pa
1. Mr. Roach is correct that Devil ' s Den wa ~
[0331); 105 Pa [0229]; 114 Pa [0230] ; 141 Pa
not as wooded as the TSS map shows (delet{
[0430]; bat EIRI [0230]; 2 NJ bat [0428).
woods in 1226, 1325, 1326) .
8. Burling's brigade should be south of the
2. I disagree, however, that 0928-0929-J93C
Wheatfield Road at 0727, and Winslow's
should be cleared of trees. Mr. R oach'~
battery (D 1NY) should be in the Wheatfield
evidence is a sketch in Battles and Leaders.
at 0726 (Bachelder's map).
which he appears to have used as his prin.
cipal source; all contemporary maps ane
Confederate Positions
photographs (see Frassanito's Gettysburg, A
1. Almost every source (including OR Journey in Time Group VI) show a solid Iin{
reports) place Hood's Division in the woods of woods west of Rose Hill (called the " Rose
west of the crest of Warfield Ridge at the Woods").
beginning of its assault at 4 p.m. on 2 July.
3. The terrain at the Peach Orchard is a bil
Only Law's Brigade and part of Benning's
off - anyone who walks the area will notic(
were south of the Emmitsburg Road (Cod-
the distinct crest on its southern side (hexe!
dington Map 7). Mr. Roach placcs most of
0431 and0531, facingsouth) .
Hood too far south, and also a little too far
east for a 4 p.m. set-up. In this case, the Summary
original TSS scenario set-up was ac tually Mr. Roach has made definite im
more accurate. provements in the set-up of the original TS~
2. The timing of the Confederate assaults is LRT scenario, but also has suggested severa
inaccuracies. Hopefu lly the entire TSS game
a matter of debate. In essence, I would agree
- rules, counters, and set-ups - will soar
with Mr. Roach in his basic revisions, though
be accurately revised so players can enjoy,
a few brigades are probably released too ear-
ly (Kershaw would be better at 16:40, with truly accurate historical simulation .
1st Annual
KENTUCKY WAR GAMES
CONVENTION
COMMONIlY CENTER, EUZABEllfTOWN, KY
December 12,13,141980
* Board Games, Miniatures & Fantasy Events
* A New Set Of Napoleonic Rules Will Be Released
* AOver15mm Napoleonic War Game With
7,000 Miniatures Will Be Played
Pre-regisb'~tion r$~-:-~-==:";;;';;";;;;';:;"'--r-..,.."
~-~-Pru~S . . . . . .~
Tour The Patton Museum Of Cavalry & Armor
Fort Knox, Kentucky
INFORMATION PACKET
Visitors Commission
Attention: John Gilbert
Box 51 Elizabethtown, KY 42701
(502)765-2175
30
Now Available

'T heTelevision
Role-Playing Gatne ' . ,

You are YOII' favorite character!

In an exciting and realistic way, you actually take on
the attributes and abilities of one of the nine major
characters from the television show, Dallas! Your
talents to persuade, coerce, and even to romance
members of the opposite sex are .all accounted for
in your special character sheet that describes these
values and others. You can play the role of
J .R., Jock, Miss Ellie-, Bobby. Pam, Sue Ellen,
Lucy, Cliff, or Ray.

You even .....ect the episode!

In each game, one player assumes the role of the
Director. With the aid of original scripts and
extensive notes provided in the game, the Director
sets the scenes , prompts the action, and springs
surprises on the character players as they vie with
one another to achieve individual goals defined
by the Director.
--------.,
(
______ -
\ ,\11.'" ,I-
,, '1.1 \
You control
\1 ",-" "
" ~~~
\\ ~ -----~~::-~ --
Cf'll.
the minor characters!
r".~-------- " l~~__ From forgers to environmentalists ,
I ---r.~~_~~!~':------'~~~J___ , from the Mexican-American Farm
\ ~f/~I~~::.:~:=->~N1-- \ Workers Union to the FBI, you
\ ' """",", .. -- .- - l _) have 37 people and organizations ,
\) ~ each represented by its own card, I
I _~P'~~~~------ __ t._ 1\ to be sought or avoided by your
--p;~~~;:~~~~---- 0 m~j~~ characte~. You use your own
, -"L~ "",,," I abIlItIes to dommate or destroy. Create your own scripts
\ .""... "'." ".~'* 'Ij! capture and control these pawns m
\ ~_ ' agame~fpower. But be careful: or use ours!
l., __~.':!-~;;;,~-~--~_-i~!~\-- \ these ~mor characters can be The game comes complete with three
I~\ -- ~!~~~---;--- -. --~}-~---- '.
cC'~~~!~- - - ---- '61 '____ \ deadly m an opponent's hands. original, ready-to-play scripts that
\ -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~~t:: - \ Dallas: The Television Role-Playing
outline the characters' objectives and
Game is suitable for ages 12 through adult _ instruct the Director in running each
\\ -~ ~ The time to pla ya game through ma y va ry,
a lt hough a typical game will ta ke two to th ree
scene. Extensive support material and
guidelines. including 70 suggested plot
\'--------------- --------- -
hours _Easy to learn , excit ing (0 play, Dallas": devices, allow anyone to construct an
The Television Role-Playing Game is a n original episode that will be interesting,
evening of fun for the entire fam ily_
unpredictable, and exciting.
F.& _4 PR ODUCT OF

TIleTe1evision ,~~ SPI257Park Avenue Sou th, New York, N .Y_10010

Role-PlayingGaJne @ 1980 LOR IMAR PRODUCTIONS, INC. A ll righ ts reserved_

Now Available for $9.95 in Retail Stores Nationwide!


Designers
Notes
WORKS IN PROGRESS
Please do not order these games in ad-
vance of their publication announcement in
Strategy & Tactics.
Fighting Sail
This game will be included in S&Tnr. 84
with a full-size map, the equivalent of 200
counters (many will be double-sized), and 12
pages of rules . As of this date (22 September)
the game is complete except. for the testing of
a number of scenarios . The game system,
which attempts to simulate naval tactics dur-
ing the Age of Sail through the presentation
of nine small frigate and ship-of-the-line
engagements, primarily portrays t.he science
of sailing in battle, representing the intluence
of wind on sails and the limitations upon ship
maneuver inherent under these conditions.
Fortunately, this system is quite simple, and
some ship versus ship scenarios can be played
in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
The game covers naval actions from the
American Revolution to the Napoleonic
Wars and the War of 1812. Some of the
scenarios included will be John Paul Jones'
famous engagement with HMS Serapis, USS
Constitution versus HMS Guerriere, the Bat-
tle of Lake Erie, and a fictional scenario
takenfrom the Horatio Hornblower novel,
Beat (0 Quarters. If the system proves
popular, it is hoped that several expansion
kits can be published eventually, covering
larger battles such as Trafalgar or the
Glorious First of June or even
engagements from the Dutch Wars of the
17th century. Joseph Balkoski
The DragonQuest Project
After six weeks of being condemned to a
back burner while the heat was on to get
Dallas out the door, DragonQuest is once
again cooking. The first product to arrive in
the stores will likely be a GM's screen. Done
in four colors with all of [he chans and tables
used in DragonQuest combat and magic (and
a few others besides) printed on it, together
with some more of J ohn Garcia's fine art-
work, the screen should be both eye-catching
and utilitarian.
Following hard on the heels of the GM
screen will be two DragonQuest adventures:
The Great Palace oj Ontonc!e and The Blade
oj Allectus. GPO is an expansion of our
Origins 80 adventure (only in note form at
that time), but contains about eight times as
much material. In fact, GPO is one of the
most extensive adventures ever produced -
almost too extensive in fact. We are now try-
ing to figure out how to shoehorn 36 pages of
material into 24. The problem is that there
are over 300 rooms and areas in the Great
Palace of Ontoncle, and all of them have to
be described to one degree or another. It is
not certain whether we can bear the cost but,
if possible, we will simply expand the plan-
ned format by 12 pages and publish the
adventure as is . If not, I shall have to take a
knife to the text and leave the description of a
portion of the palace to the imagination of
the OM (which is never a bad idea, anyway).
Blade oj Aflectus is a less ambitious pro-
ject, involving a desolate island where abide
a sorcerer, his lovely daughter, and a variety
of ethereal and corporeal guardians. If it all
sounds like something out of the works of
Will Shakespeare ... all we can say is that old
Will was not him.self above borrowing from
the works of others . Seriously, the story line
in the adventure is one of the most interesting
I've seen in role-playing to date. Unfor-
tunately, if you want to hear about it, you
will simply have to purchase the game, since
one of the key elements in Blade oj Allectus
is the interaction of the GM (who knows the
story) and the players (who don't). Both
Blade oj Allectus and Great Palace oj On-
toncle are in galley stage right now and
should be out in another eight weeks or so.
The next product in the DragonQuest
line will be our first supplement: Magical
Research and Spell Construction. Two of the
new Colleges of Magic for this work (lesser
Summonings and Shaping Magics) are com-
plete, and the third (Rune tvlagics) is in note
form . Ted Woods, who did the original notes
for DragonQues( magic, has come .u p with a
"shopping list" for spell construction which
allows players to "research" new spells by
simply running down the list of who the spell
affects, how it affects them, etc., and adding
up the totals in each of four columns . The
result is a Base Chance, Experience Multiple,
Cost, and Difficulty Factor for the spell . The
numbers in each column are given as a span
within which the appropriate value of each
attribute will fall and the GM can regulate
the ambitions of the players by using a higher
or lower number within the span (thus mak-
ing the spell better or worse). This extremely
elegant system has reduced the amount of
space we had originally intended to devote to
spell construction by more than half and has
enabled us to put an index into the supple-
ment which lists all magical or semi-magical
spells, talents, and rituals and where they are
described (along with their code).
The final package has not been entirely
set, but it looks like, in addition to the Col-
leges and spell construction system index, we
\~ill be including a long section listing and
describing magical items from literature and
mythology and will probably include a fe"....
such items of our own invention. These are
really examples of the sort of things you can
make by employing the powers of the College
of Shaping Magics. They include everything
from magic weapons that keep an eternally
keen edge to spell rings that require an expen-
diture of Endurance to manufacture. We
shall also include more information on the
Powers of Light and the Powers of Darkness
(especially their high holidays), a section on
magical plants and their properties, a guide
to the magical properties of various gems
and ... but you get the idea. David RiTchie
Dawn of the Dead
. Look! There behind the lingerie.. . it's
hideous! There's another in sporting goods!
Quick! Shoot it ... shoot it! It's coming
closer... eeeeeeeaagh!
Yes, George Romero's film classic,
Dawn oj the Dead, is finally a game, as only
SPI can do it. Already in the Art Department
(after months of "secret': design, develop-
ment, and negotiations with movie moguls),
the game pits the four characters in the film
against a shopping mall full of the living
dead. The characters, armed with an assort-
ment of handguns and rifles, must clear the
mall of its hellish infestation without getting
infected or eaten by the mindless hordes. Vic-
tory means the structure can be used as a
final fortress for humanity against the now
savage world. Defeat means total submission
to the ways of the accursed. The simple, ex-
citing game has rules covering rate of fire,
panic, abject terror, berserk zombies, con-
cealed zombies , and super zombies, and may
be played by one or twO players (both ve r-
sions have been extensively play tested) . The
components include 100 counters, an
11" x IT' map of the shopping mall (using
squares, much like Creature that Ate
Sheboygan) and eight pages of rules and
charts. John H. Butterjield
Alamo
At present, Davey and company are in
the horse latitudes of game design. The prob-
lem is that I have a high priority game on my
shoulders (Empires oj the Stellar Reaches)
and college to contend with. The two have
combined to take away what little time I had
to finish off Alamo. Consequently, the game
is in a holding pattern while I reason out a
new way to portray "the terrain and explain
the line of sight rules. These twO problems
are the only things holding up my little game
and will be solved as soon as I get some
breathing room. The thrust of the problem is
that the game is very simple in all regards ex-
cept the terrain and line of sight procedure.
The Alamo is a complex fortification made
up of no fewer than six types of building
materials and four heights of terrain. Thus,
the mechanics of the game can be very sim-
ple, but then you come head to head with all
this terrain. Most MOVES readers would
have no problem, but the game will also draw
a lot of beginners and must cater to them as
well. I hope to work out a simple, accurate,
and visually pleasing solution to the problem
by utilizing an integrated CRT and simplified
terrain coding on the map. More next time . .
Eric Smith
HofGap
All R&D work on the second game in
the Central Front Series has been completed,
and the Art Department is readying the game
for production . HojGap has a full-size map,
400 counters, and three scenarios . Covering
Force shows the firs! 36 hours (three turns) of
a Soviet/ Czech assauiI on the spread-out US
2nd Cav Regiment reinforced by three West
German brigades. With seven divisions and
attack helicopters, the Warsaw Pact forces
32
must advance quickly before the West Ger-
mans form a good defensive line, and then
break through this line toward Nurnberg.
VII Corps covers four days of this same
assault. The Warsaw Pact receives three ad-
ditional East German divisions while NATO
defends with two additional US divisions and
a West Gennan brigade. Seventh Army is
played on the Hof Gap map and the Fifth
Corps map (in S&T 82) joined together. Five
Warsaw Pact armies slug it out with the US
Fifth Corps and Seventh Corps and the West
German Third Corps in a simulation of the
first six days of the next war.
John H. Butterfield
The Kaiser's Battle
The Kaiser's Battle is a simulation of
General Oskar von Hutier's surprise offen-
sive on 21 March 1918 which almost crushed
the British 5th Army under General Hubert
Gough. Von Hutier's 18th German Army
formed just one-third of the huge German
force attacking the British lines in Picardy on
this day, but its achievements were to be the
most spectacular. This game is to be included
in Strategy & Tactics nr. 83 and, as of this
date (22 September), the game is complete.
The Kaiser's Battle was designed with the
specific intention of introducing a simple and
playable operationalltactical system of true
trench warfare as it was being conducted in
1918. The hex scale is only one kilometer per
hex, and units are portrayed at company
level at times (although, for the most part,
brigades and regiments are the rule). The tac-
tical flavor is maintained through the por-
trayal of different types of trench systems,
varying artillery (and gas) bombardments,
observation, and air operations. The game is
short (only ten turns), but the action is
furious - as it really was in this grisly
chapter in the history of the First World War.
Joe Balkoski
Empires of the Stellar Reaches
This game was rudely dumped on my lap
recently. Groaning, I agreed to do the job
like a good soldier. To my surprise, I am
enjoying the design and development of the
game a lot. It is based on the popular Em-
pires of Middle Ages game system. I have
modified the system to suit the new subject
matter, Stellar Empires. The critical changes
concern the Endeavors and the effects of
starfarring on them. Essentially, I have in-
troduced the concept of range. You no
longer merely go from base to adjacent base;
now you can travel farther and do more. The
distance of an Endeavor depends on the Tech
Level of the Base System. Those with high
Tech Levels have the ability to perform
Endeavors in non-adjacent Systems. The
ramifications of this simple change are great.
It is now almost impossible to set up a static
defense. Instead, one must make deals with
those players along the path of Endeavor to
Intercept the active Player's Endeavor.
Thus, more than one Player can play a
Defense Endeavor against a given Conquest
or Pillage Endeavor. I have also introduced
the concept of StarGates, which are expen-
sive but allow a Player to perform Endeavors
in any part of the galaxy at will. The game is
coming along nicely and should be out ~ome
time this winter. Eric Smith
Voyage of the Pandora
This solitaire game "prequel" to the
popular Wreck of the Pandora (in Ares 2) is
slated for Ares 6 and is now in the late stages
of development. The game follows the
voyage of the Biological Survey Mission Pan-
dora as it travels from planet to planet,
searching for alien life forms. The game
system is unique. The actual rules are less
than four pages long. However, there are
over 200 numbered paragraphs that detail all
the exciting events that may befall the crew as
they explore extraterrestrial environments
and travel the spaceways. The player is led
from paragraph to paragraph by his choices
and the whims of chance. Each paragraph
describes a situation such as, "The shuttle
has landed on a barren plain at the edge of an
ice field. Far to the east, the glint of bright
metal juts from the whiteness," and presents
the players with choices or die roll results that
lead him to the next paragraph. Unlike pre-
programmed role-playing adventures,
Voyage uses a series of matrices and multiple
choices to create ever-varying game situa-
tions. The 11" x 17" game-map portrays
eight different planetary environs on which
the player moves the members of his expedi-

STEVE ~ACKSON GAMES

Yes. it had to happen. Steve Jackson - the designer of OGRE, G.. V. , and THE FANTASY TRIP - is now in business on his own. An
independent publisher. Detigning the kind of games you want to play - and producing them with the quality you'd expect from far more
expensive packages. Full-color maps and covers . . . illustrated rules . . . multicolor counters . .. at $3 per game! Read on ...

THREE NEW GAMES: NO TURKEYS!

RAID ON IRAN. What if the rescue
mission had gone in? Special Forces vs.
Iranian "militants" on a map of the US
embassy. For I or 2 players. Could you
have freed the hostages?
ONE-PAGE BULGE. The biggest "lit-
tle" Battle of the Bulge game: 13" x 16"
map, 112 coun ters, tum record chart, and
aile page of detailed rules. A must for any
WWII gamer. For I or 2 players.
KUNG FU 2100. Martial-arts killers
try to destroy the tyrant CloneMaster in
this s-f game. Features an innovative man-
to-man combat system. 1 or 2 players.
AND A NEW PLA Y AID:
For any fantasy or role-playing game -
beautiful 25mm miniatures that fold
out of cardboard. Each figure shows
front facing on one side, back on the
Help stamp out "turkey" games . . . subscribe to The Space
Gamer. TSG reviews every s-f or fantasy game published (in-
cluding computer games) - and important modem/historical
games as well. Your subscription will pay for itself the first
time you're steered away from a turkey - or toward a good
game you would have missed. TSG also carries variants,
strategy articles, fiction (with related game scenarios) - and
much more. Monthly: $21 for one year, $39 for two years.
NOTE: TSG subscribers pay NO POSTAGE when ordering
from Steve Jackson Games. Subscribe today - and start saving.!
Please selld me ( ) RAID ON IRAN r ) KUNG FU 2100 ( ) CARDBOARD HEROES
) ONt:.. PAGE BULGE. I have enclosed $3 for each item. plus 25 cents per item for 3rd class
postage, or 50 cents per item for 1Sf class postage. rTSG subscribers, note abover)
Please allow 2 weeks for 1 st class, or 4-6 weeks for 3rd class. Sorry - we cannot accept retail
orders from outside the US and Canada at present. Hobby store and distributor inquiries invited.
Name . . . . . '. .. .
Address. . . . . .
City .. . . . . . . . . State. . . . . . . . Zip. < .

other. CARDBOARD HEROES: 40 full-

color figures for only $3.00. I am paying by ( ) check ( ) money order ( )credil card. TOlal enclosed.
CHARGE ORDERS (please do not charge purchases under $]0)
STEVE .JACKSON GAMES ( ) Charge my Visa ( j Charge my MasterCard
BOX 18957-S Card number . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expiration date . . . . . . . .
AUSTIN, TX 78760 Signature . . . . . . . . ... _ . . . .

tions. When used in conjunction with widely
varying planetary attributes, these create an
almost infinite variety of exploration
possibilities. The 100 counters represent the
crew of the Pandora, its bots and equipment,
creatures that may be encountered, alien arti-
facts, and other extraterrestrial items. Simple
rules covering FTL travel, the effects of ex-
treme gravity and atmosphere, expedition
preparation and supply, and communication
with extraterrestrials will make Voyage an
ever-intriguing one-player game.
John H. Butterfield
Citadel of Blood
By the time you read this the game will
have been printed and on the way to the eager
hands of the Ares subscribers. [ am very hap-
py with the game. I got a chance to test it ex-
tensively when I was on vacation and it works
well. I had several interesting games, one of
which came down to five attempts by two
heros to roll a 1 to destroy the Hellgate. They
failed and the party was killed attempting to
flee the maze. It was very exciting. There's
not much else to report except to say that I
think players enjoy the changes I have made
in the system. Eric Smith
Task Force
Task Force (formerly known as Naval
War) is complete as of this date (22
September) and is in the hands of Brad
Hessel for rules editing purposes. The game
is slated for publication in early January
1981 . A number of helpful suggestions were
offered to me during a seminar at Origins 80
. in which the game was discussed which
helped add a bit of "chrome" to the simula-
tion. I also had a chance to visit HMS Birm-
ingham when it was in NY harbor earlier in
the year, which clarified my impressions of
contemporary naval affairs a great deal. The
only work that has been done on the game
over the past two months is the addition of
numerous optional rules, such as the employ-
ment of DPEWS (Design to Price Electronic
Warfare System) on U.S . Navy warships in
the 1980's or the introduction of the
Tomahawk cruise missi1e during this same
period. Joseph Balkoski
Stat Rep: China War {contiouedjrompalle25!
for the USSR player with Combat Results
Table column shifts, with PLA Mass A ttacks
conducted the same way.
The most ' controversial aspect of the
game might prove both interesting and amus-
ing: 48.9070 felt the USSR should have greater
Nuclear power; 39 .5070 thought the PLA
should have some Nuclear power ; 7.0070
believed the P LA should have considerable
Nuclear power; and 4.6070 agreed with the
rule as written. Thus, although the vast
majority of players disagree on the rule, it
would appear that the designer found a hap-
py medium. China War is a fine game-system
that requires a little extra effort to master,
but well worth the time taken to learn it.
33
Are You Changing
Your Address?
If you are , you must let us know in advance in
order to avoid missing any of your issues of
S&Tand / or MOVES.
I. Your name - as it appears on the mailin g
label of your S&Tand / or MOVES.
2. Your CuSlomerCode and Expiration Codes
(this is the very top line of i1lformation on your
mailing label) .
3. Your old address (clearly indi cale that it is
your old address.
4. Your new address (clearly indicate [ha l. it is
your new address.
5. The effective dale of your new address .
Note: When corresponding with SPI about
your subscriptions, please write your name ex-
acliy as it appears on the mailing label. Exam-
p le: If the label reads John J . Doe, do nOl refer
to yourself as J.J. Doe o r any o ther alia s. If
you have a military rank, please write it after
your name . Exampte: John J . Doe, Lt. , not
Ll. John J . Doe . Thi s method will not confus e
our computer and will lead to be tter service .
When you send us a change of addres!;, do n't
enclose any other corre!;ponden,'e tha t does not
pertain to th a t change - i[ just slows up the
processing of the change and creates a possibli -
ty of missed informa ti on. A postcard is bcst.
Write 10 : .
Simulation!; Publications , Inc.
Customer Service, COA Dept.
257 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10010

r A N INDEPENDEZT LOOK A T THE GAMES HOBBY

Unbiased reviews of new games, miniatures, books
and related products from all parts of the hobby. Cam-
I paign is not affiliated with any game company. Also
strategy articles on popular games from many com-
panies, and articles on game design, interviews, con-
vention reports, variants, military history, press
releases and ads from game companies, clubs, etc .,
editorials, classified ads from our readers and a very
The Magazine of Strategy Games lively letters section.

Longest-lived independent magazine in the hobby (originally known as Panzerfaust) with 100 issues now in
print (the first 50 were monthly-bi-monthly since). Also the most punctual major magazine in the hobby,
having been on time (give or take a week or so) for the last 40 issues!
Subscribers receive discounts on a wide range of games and related products from many large and small
companies, when ordered through the publisher. These discounts can save you enough in a year to cover the
subscription price many times over!
We guarantee you one issue, 8 1;~ "xU", at least 48 pages, every two months, full of articles,ads, letters and
editorials to keep you informed on what's going on in the entire hobby. Single issues are available in many
hobby shops, $2.50 each. Basic, one year U.S. subscription (6 issues) $10 . U.S. Subscription sent via first class
mail $14. Basic foreign subscription $13 (U.S. currency). Foreign first class subscription, to Canada or Mexico
only, $15 . Airmail subscriptions overseas $20 .
SPECIAL OFFER: If you want to have a look first, send $2.00 and mention this ad for a copy of the
latest issue .

Send check or money order to; CAMPAIGN, PO Box 896, Fallbrook, CA 92028
34

TAKE US TO
YOUR DRAGON!

'-

MA'fSE WE
5HOULO Tt{Y A
SLACK '"'OLE!

What's a poor alien to do?

We've searched the universe for the latest Dragon, but copies of the
monthly adventure role-playing aid are as rare as zgwortz on Rdxnrk-19.

Hey, aliens (and other humanoids)! Don't throw yourself into a black hole. Intelligent life
forms across the universe are solving this monthly dilemma by subscribing to Dragon
magazine , ensuring a constant supply of the best coverage of games and gaming. And ,
they're saving money too - onethird off the newsstand price.
So turn off your warp drive and explore the universe of fantasy from the convenience of
your mailbox .

o Beam us up , Scottie. Our days of D Heck no , we like exploring strange

wandering are over. Enclosed is a new worlds, dusty bookstores and
check or money order for $24 U.S. * moldy hobby shops. Now if we could
for a year of Dragon. just find a good map of Zeta sector!

Name (please type or print neatly)

Address
City State Zip
* Oversea s rates are $ 50 for surface mail . $95forairmaiI.Slightly higher in som e gala xies.

FO.
by Eric Goldberg
Chasing the Great
White Elephant
Truth in Advertising Department:
My evaluation of The Longest Day was
hampered by Avalon Hill's refusal to send
out review copies of the game. Management
ci tcd poor reviews of previous AH games and
a belief that product development people
were less likely to analyze a game objectively
in explaining their new policy. AH did make
a staff member who helped prepare the game
available to discuss it before this column
went to print. I would like to thank the New
York branch of the Compleat Strategist for
loaning a display copy to me.
I am currently working on a fantasy
role-playing game with the intention of sub-
mitting the finished product to Avalon Hill.
So far, the design does not simulate any
aspect of the Normandy invasion.
Randy Reed, who designed and devel-
oped The Longest Day, and I were embroiled
in a feud of some note two years ago . Randy
complimented me on Descent on Crete at
Origins 78, and then, in a startling reversal,
described it and my efforts in very un-
complimentary terms to the editors of Per-
fidious Albion. Randy defended his stance
by pointing out inaccuracies in the Descent
research, whereupon I retaliated by proving
that his A ir Assault on Crete had serious fail-
ings as a simulation. We then ventured into
. the subjective territory of the relative play
merits of the two games. Randy yelled at me
over the phone, I yelled back, and we hung
up on one another.
Randy was gentleman enough to apol-
ogize for past remarks at this year's Origins .
He offered me, as a token of the sincerity of
his contrition, an immense watermelon. I
regret to report that I was not as gracious as
he - besides loath to tote an overgrown fruit
around on a Saturday night in Chester, Penn-
sylvania - and refused his kind offer. When
last seen, Randy \-\las trying to fit the melon
securely into the trunk of his car.
And that is a summary of the factors
which might have unduly influenced the suc-
ceeding article, with the exception of the
game itself. ..
Someone should have told Avalon Hill
not to publish The Longest Day this summer.
The decision to release a $65 game into a
recession economy does not reek of good
marketing sense. Even TSR, which can nail
the individual consumer for hundreds of
dollars for the whole of its tremendously
popular Dungeons and Dragons line,
refrains from c.harging that st.ratospheric
amount for anyone product. The hobby
gaming industry (adventure gaming, faughl)
has come to depend heavily on the impulse
buyer, who shies away from exhorbitant
price tags.
AH should also have been told that so-
called "monster" games are currently
anathema. Leviathan simulations became
too big to support themselves, and only a few
fanatics continue to indulge in them. Small is
beautiful, and it sells handsomely in the
bargain. To compound the pre-existing
problems, The Longest Day is a historical
design, which everyone knows runs a distant
fourth to role-playing, fantasy, and science
fiction. If the prospective purchaser has to
mortgage the family farm to afford it, the
product should have the widest appeal possi-
ble in every other selling point.
All of which goes to show how wrong
expert opinion can be. AH's strong suit has
always been the marketing of their games,
which does not, of course, immunize them
against error. [n recent years, the company
has pursued the best the third world has to
offer, acquiring gems such as Kingmaker,
Source oj the Nile, and A ir Force. Their
greatest coup was the takeover of the 3M
games, which allowed them to substantially
increase the size of their retail network .
Rumor has it that AH will recoup its invest-
ment in The Longest Day due to strong early
sales, thereby vindicating their judgment.
Hindsight makes it clear why this was a
propitious time to gamble on a big game (and
if the rumor of success proves false, hind-
sight will also explain why it failed). AH
refused to be stampeded with other manufac-
turers into the belief that monster games
were extinct. Thus, no serious sales competi-
tion threatened The Longest Day. Since the
high price meant that AH did not have to sell
as many units as it would for a regular game
to turn a profit, the initial burst of sales could
carry a large part of the production cost.
Also, many in the industry had their curiosity
piqued by AH's first venture into the massive
category. Not that the company had much of
a choice: the design and development process
had occupied two years of staff time, so a lot
of money would have been Oushed down the
toilet should the completed project had to
have been shelved.
The Longest Day shows the commit-
ment of a great deal of time. SPI designers
have been known to grumble that they could
have produced a far superior product given
the time allotted AH designers; for their
part, AH designers occasionally sneer at the
"hackwork" from SPI caused by tight
scheduling. Each of those generalizations has
a kernel of truth in it, but both are gross
oversimplifications in most cases. The
Longest Day goes far in dispelling the allega-
tion against Avalon Hill research and
development people.
It is the research that makes this game.
Designer Reed took no chances on repeating
the mistakes made on Crete, listing close to
250 bibliographic and cartographic sources
complete with commentary, at the end of the
ruiesbook. His remarks disp lay at least a
passing familiarit.y with each of the sources;
this is not just a laundry list culled from the
back pages of several books on the subject.
35
The research team included Andrew Smith, a
military history expert from England who
was among the first to discredit the research
for the two Crete designs. The designer's
notes (of which there are many) explain how
Randy reached his conclusions and from
which sources, and even indicate where the
references contradicted one another.
Randy's assertion that The Longest Day
is an important addition to the collected
works on the Normandy invasion is actually
not far from the truth. An amateur expert on
the subject has pronounced the data highly
accurate, with the exceptions of two minor
points. There is an optional rule that allows
the players to explore the possibility of the
lInd SS Panzer Corps remaining in France
throughout the campaign, rather than being
called away to shore up the Balkan part of
the Eastern Front, as it was called upon to do
hislOrically. This corps' performance shock-
ed German commanders with a poor show-
ing in its first front-lines actions, though
by the time some of the corps returned to
France, t.he troops were high-calibre. In the
game, the full corps is rated among the best
from the very start. An understandable gaffe
is accepting the test ranges of German super-
heavy artillery as the effective ranges. There
is not, to tllis day, a definit.ive source on the
matter. These are quibbles, important only
to the serious historian, and do not detract
from an impressive body of work.
The lack of a tabular Ordcr of Battle is
surprising. Great pains were taken to present
a vast amount of information, and yet one of
the two major compilations of this informa-
tion (the map is the other) can only be pieced
together from the countermix . The uneven-
ness of the organization in places can easily
be forgiven for the counters, which detail the
size, nationality, type (e.g., commandos),
number and type (e.g., pzkw V) of weapons
systems and transport modes of the units
they represent.
Randy Reed and I drew the same conclu-
sions from our experiences with the battle of
Crete. We both felt our next historical effort
should leave no doubt as to its authenticity.
Kursk and The Longest Day have each
fulfilled that goal, and that is where the
similarity ends. For Randy chose to use the
Programmed Instruction method to teach his
game. and the design reflects all that implies.
The Longest Day is simple as monster
games go. The design eschews innovation in
favor of t.ried-and-true mechanics . Veteran
players will have no trouble recognizing any
of the rules until they reach the Campaign
Game, where some li.nkering has modified
systems from previous designs . The inten-
tion, as stated in the text, was to develop "a
polished, well-tested product." This could,
of course, be most easily achieved with ex-
isting design technology.
The scale is two kilometers to the hex ,
one day to the turn and company/ battalion-
sized units. The period covered is from 6
June until the end of August. This is quite
tame for a monster game, and as manageable
in playas one will ever get in that genre.
One of the first problems encountered
during the design is one ~acing all prospective
36
simulations of the France 1944 campaign.
The invasion itself and the subsequent break-
out are two very different situations, with the
former being much more complex than the
latter. The Longest Day recognizes the
disparity, and approaches it obliquely by
simplifying to eliminate anomalies wherever
possiQle. This solution plays havoc' with the
simulation value of the game.
The scenarios are presented in roughly
reverse chronological order because that is
the only way to make the Programmed In-
struction method work with the history. The
players begin with a one-map recreation of
the actions around Mortain, then proceed
until the entirety of the playing surface is us~
ed for a three-turn invasion. It is easy to
understand the rules, a little hard to
reference them (an inconvenience neatly
smoothed over by a completist index), and
the Campaign Game is not very frightening
by the time it is reached. .
. The crux of the flaw in The Longest Day
is that the game system cannot handle the
research. The research is complex and exact-
ing in detail, while the game, for all its
pretensions, is a throwback to the AH beer-
and-pretzels standards. This is, for lack of a
beUer term, a schizoid product . The game re-
quires too much effort for what it does -
Fortress Europa, on approximately the same
subject , can be played and enjoyed in less
time - and the research is all very nice and
- that's it. The work on both parts was fully
professional, and rendered much less useful
when the basic planning stage decision on
how the two were to interface was ignored.
The physical package is in line with what
has come to be expected from Avalon Hill.
The cover displays the umpteenth Rodger
MacGowan illustration found on a World
War II game. Breathless prose reaches great
.heights of ecstasy as the side panels are
toured , until the back copy promises a
"sumptuous rulesbook." It doesn't look
very appetizing.
Avalon Hill believes in the mounted
mapboard, of which there are seven in The
Longest Day. Keeping with tradition is
laudable in this day and age, but here it was
carried to excess. The same seven maps could
have been printed on high quality cardstock,
would last almost as long, would be easier to
handle, and could have knocked $10 to $20
off the price. As it is, a portion of the pur-
chase price goes toward making a useful
weightlifting accessory (and at $7 a pound,
it's more expensive than sirloin steak). The
graphics are handicapped by extreme crowd-
ing of terrain features in the coastal regions,
and are pretty drab anyway. The terrain
analysis is quite good, in keeping with the
quality of the rest of the research.
The counters are remarkably functional
for all the data crowded into them. The color
scheme lacks pizzazz, preventing these from
being the best to come from AH . The lcorout
of the counters was the first detail to catch
my eye when I inspected the game , what with
a string of numbers running down the right
side and arcane symbology and information
to the left of it. The three numbers were, fit-
tingly, attack strengt h, defense strength, and
movement allowance (not even new and im-
proved). I blanched when, after all these
years of getting used to Redmond
Simonsen's symbology, r was asked to learn
the German Army method of coding unit
types . Randy assured everybody in the rules
that it was easy to understand and allowed
for easier classification of unit functions and
equipment. He may be right.
The charts and displays are plentiful,
and include some actual-size deployment
sheets. It's absurdly easy to set up a game
when working from a one-to-one reproduc-
tion of the uni t positions.
The rulesbook is unlike any other, if not
as tasty as advertised . The rules are extensive-
ly footnofed, with the design decisions ex-
plained. Predictably, the rationales behind
some major rules are not covered. Randy
also expresses hope that the annotation will
prove useful to reviewers, which is ironic in
light of his previous relations with them and
AH' s reluctance to dispense copies. An ex-
tensive seminar in the broad theory of
simulation design makes good reading, even
though it is not complete (the first paragraph
is numbered 18). The booklet is rounded out
by highly utilitarian displays, ranging from
symbology explanations to scenario deploy-
menls to detail on weapons systems.
Is The Longest Day worth $65? That
question is perhaps the most important part
of this review , and must be answered from
several different viewpoints. The component
value does not justify the price, nor should it
be worth the money to the typical Avalon
Hill gamer. However, the quality of work is
such that serious studcnt s of the campaign
and, interestingly enough , professional
designer/ developers should consider picking
it up . I cannot remember being as emotional-
ly affected (in my designer persona) by
another game as I was by The Longest Day.
This attitude is partly attributable to Randy's
motivation for the game being similar to
mine for Kursk, but is mainly due to it being
an important statement on the art of game
design by a professional now coming into
his prime.
The effort is far from perfect, though it
contains a high percentage of top-flight
material. I am reminded of the protagonist in
Isaac Asimov' s short story, "The Bicenten-
nial Man," a robot who seeks to become
human . The Longest Day is a game which
wants to be a simulation, but cannot be.
The lessons of The Longest Day will be
discussed in the next F.O . column, in addi-
tion to a more thorough play analysis.
The Longest Day, from The Avalon Hill
Game Company, 4517 H a rford Road ,
Baltimore, MD 21214. $65 .00 .
Playback
READER REVIEWS
Play back rat ings are reader evalua tio ns of
games that a re acquired ' through S&T a nd
MOVES Feed ba,k responses. Readers have
bee n asked to ra te eac h as pect of the games on
a scale of I (P oor) [() 9 (Excellent) . For the ac-
tual text of the qucstions, see Secti on H of
Feedbac k on page 35 . Puhli shers Abbrevia-
tio ns: SPI = Simula ti ons Publicat io ns, Inc.,
New York ; AH = Avalo n Hill , Baltimore ,
M a r ylan d ; ( ; OW = G ame Des i g ner s'
Works ho p, Normal , Ill inois ; Yaq = Yaqu into,
Dallas, Texas.
PATTON'S THIRD ARMY
Design/ Development:
Joseph M. Balkoski
Art: Redm ond A. Simonse n
Comments: Regime.nt / battalion simulation
of the U.S. Third Army ' s November 1944 of-
fen sive in the Lor rainc area of France. Limited
in telli gence, support and supply restricti ons ,
ai r power, and grou nd supp ort rules.
FREEDOM IN THE GALAXY
Design :
Howard Barasch , John H . Butt erfield
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments: Star system / province/ gal-
actic level game of interstellar rebellion against
a galactic Empire. Imperial and rebel military
units , planeta ry def ense bases, environ
mili tary combat, rebellion and planet control,
hyperjumping , and imperial atrocities.
BATTLE FOR STALINGRAD
Design: John Hill
Art: Redmond A . Simonsen
Development: John H . Butterfield
Comments: Ballalion/ company level simu-
lati on of the 1942 German assault on Stal-
in grad. Artillery bombardments, Trans-Volga .
artillery, level and dive bomber air allacks, am-
bush and surprise, Soviet reaction and st rategic
withdrawal, Volga River Flotilla .
ULTIMATUM
Design: J . Michael Hamphill
Art: Robert Yaquimo Prinling Co.
Development: J . Stephen Peek
Comments; Strategic simulation of super-
power nuclear war. Interceptors, missile laun-
ches, bomber allacks , SLBM 's, MIRV ' s,
ARM's, crisis areas and the economy, basic
a nd lOurnament game versi ons.
IRONCLAD
Design! Development:
John W. Fuseler
Art: Robert Yaqu into Printing Co .
Comments: Ship-to-ship simulatio n of ar-
mored naval warfare during the Civil War.
Facing of unit s, plaiting maneuvers, spar
 37

S ~;."!. b.
~~ 6~ ~~
.~b.~ ~~ ~~~ ~
""~.,, ~ ~\.o}. ~ ~~ .~" .~'fj
~" Io.O~\ ,0" ~\.~ ~4b. "," -~~ ~.. ~
\.\.O <~'C' \.~~ ~\"'~ o~" ~1! ~4~'" ,,~'J,." ",-~b.~ .'C~~ Typical
~4 'X., -04 ~' \.<. ~4 ,.... ~ Rating
Publisber SPI SPI SPI Yaq Yaq Yaq AH AH GDW SPI SPI SPI SPI SPI SPI Ran~e

Publication Date 1/80 6/79 5/80 na 6/79 na 6179 6/ 79 na 10/ 79 11/79

, 11/79 11 / 79 11 / 79 11/ 79
Price 5.95 19.95 15.00 12.00 15.00 16.00 15.00 \5.00 5.98 23,00 5.95 5.95 (5.95) (5.951 (5.95)
Nr. of Players Reviewing 148 56 26 20 42 19 46 64 50 77 70 90 195 202 185
Date Reviewed 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80 9/80
A. Map. Ph),sical Qualit)' 7.13 7.46 7.33 5.63 5.30 5.79 6.31 7.39 5.71 7.47 5.97 5.75 6.80 5.70 6,1-6.8
B. Rules, Physical Quality 6.57 6.78 7.12 4.95 6.28 6.05 5.81 4.22 5.65 6.70 5.73 6.13 6.19 6.36 5.48 6,4-1,1
C. Cou nlers, Ph}'sical 6.63 6.42 6.26 6.05 7.65 6.47 5.74 6.63 6.18 6.82 6.15 5.69 6.24 6.31 5.46 6.51.2
D. Ease of Play 6.24 6.33 6.12 5.80 6.3.8 5.63 6.85 4.31 6. 16 6.01 6.26 6.74 6.S0 6.46 6.04 6,3-1.0
E. Rules Completeness 6.64 6.93 6,73 5,35 6,05 6.26 6.13 3.81 5.54 6.82 5.41 6.63 6.40 6.43 4.24 6.3-6.9
F. Play Balance 6.25 6.41 6.88 5.95 7.40 6.21 6.35 4.89 5.25 7.04 6.08 6.27 5.83 5.S2 5.13 6,1.6.7
G. Game Length Suitability 6.42 6.22 6.32 6.25 6.98 5.89 6.51 5.71 6.33 6.12 6.43 6.60 6.77 6.66 6.29 6.26.8
H. Set-Up Time Suitability 6.24 5.84 5.88 6.10 7.21 6.05 7.11 5.38 6.37 6.33 7.03 7.0\ 6.59 6.76 6.56 6.26.8
J. Complexit}' Suitabilit) 6.50 7.12 6.69 5.55 7.35 6.37 5.77 5.70 5.49 6.86 5.84 5.73 5.37 5.94 5. 19 6.26.9
K. Realism 6.44 5.54 7.23 5.30 7.6\ 6.44 4.6\ 4.52 4.24 7.40 4.43 4.35 5.07 5.S3 5.05 5.9-6.5
L. Overall Ratin~ 6.55 7.17 6.85 5.65 7.43 6.32 6.00 5.23 5.41 6.91 5.56 5.94 5.80 6.21 5.19 6.16.8
M. "7. Who'd still buy 691170 81 "70 85"70 55"7. 88% 61 OJ. 630/0 52% 62% 82"70 59"70 76"10 58% 73OJo 4907. 71"70
N. 070 Rec'd money'~ worth 85"70 86 cr1o 8570 55'% 86070 78070 67"10 56"10 72070 81 070 67 070 78"70 75"70 82070 51 070 Sg'.

rorpedoes, ramming, sinking, burning ,
emergency engine capability. grapeshot am
munition, visibility.
PANZER
Design: James M. Day
Art: Robert Yaquinto Printing Co.
Development: S. Craig Taylor, J r.
Comments: Tactical armored combat on
Eastern Front in \\'\\'11. Armor and advanced
games, sighting procedures , plo([ing orders,
direct fire and opportunity fire, suppression,
close assault, overruns , artillery and mortar
fire , morale, and panic.
DUNE
Design: Future Pastimes
Art: Mick Uhl. et al.
Development:
Mick Uhl, Richard Hamblen
Comments: Strategic level simulation of
F rank Herbert' s Dune. Basic and advanced
games, character playing shields and tokens,
battle wheels, storms, sandworms, spice blow,
bidding , leader and roken revival, alliances,
b ri bery. special karama powe rs.
MAGIC REALM
Design/ Development:
Richard Hamblen
Art: Richard Hamblen, et al.
Comments: Tactical fantasy quest for wealth
and fame in twotiered realm of magic. Twenty
large double-sided hexagonal map tiles,
character cards and personal history pad,
dwell ings and ghosts , move, hide & seek ac-
tivities, monsters in combat, locating and
100 ling treasure, lrading with nalives , colors 01"
magi,' , runes.
1942
Design: Marc W. Miller
Art: Paul R. Banner
Development: J ohn Astell
Comments: Operational simu lalion of
Japanese amphibious operations in the
Pacific. Limited naval suppOrt, paratroopers.
air combat, reinforcements, Japanese naval air
power, air umbrellas for air uni t s.
CITYFIGHT
Design/ Development:
Joe Balkoski, Stephen Donaldson
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments: Tactical simulation of WWII and
contemporary combat in urban environment.
Basic, intermediate, and advanced games,
sighting and immediate firing, close assault ,
ammunition depletion, slippre,sion, mech
anized comba t vehicles , flamelhrowers , inde
pendent command and leaders , enginee!".,.
DEMONS
Design / Develop ment:
James F. Dunnigan
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments: Fantasy simula tion of wizards
who use demons to gather treasure in ancient
Armenia. Magician, and shie lds, mOrlal uni ts
search and discovery, conjuring demons and
curses, friendly and unfriendly demons, the
magic ring of Solomon, capture and lOrture of
magicians.
DEATHMAZE
Design/Development:
Greg Costikyan
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments: Fantasy simulation of adven
turers exploring labyrin th in search of glory
and gold. Creation of maze from counters ,
unusual features, monsters and negotiation,
combat, treasure, wizards and magic, special
abilities, characler cominuity.
CRETE*
Design: James F. Dunnigan
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments: Battalion level simulation of
German airborne assault against British forces
on Crete. German airdrop, landing German
mountain troops, movement from map to
map. the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), scat
tering, road movement.
REDDEVILS*
Design/ Development:
John H. BUllerfield
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments: Battalion level ,imulation of
British 1st Airborne Division drop near Arn-
hem during Operation ,\ -larkel -Garden. Op-
portunity fire, disruption. \I.se of ferry, aOli-
tank units , destruction of railroad bridge, rein-
forcements.
EBENEMAEL*
Design/ Development:
Joe Perez
Art: Redmond A. Simonsen
Comments : Tactical level simulation of Ger
man airborne drop on Belgium fortress of
Eben Emael in 1940. Bold movement~ pinning
units, fortifications, line of sight, close
assaults, demolitions, mines, historical and
Belgian prepared scenarios.
-These gemes are available together (on-
ly) as Paratroop.
38
Feedback
MOVES 53, Oct/Nov 1980
How to use the Feedback Response Card: After you've
finished read ing th is issue 01 MOVES, please read the
Feedback questions below, and give us your answers by
writing the answer-numbers on the card in the response
boxes which correspond to each question number. See
centerfold for card.
Please be su re to answer al l questions (bu t do not write
anything in the box fo r Question- numbers labelled " no
question" ). Cards that are incompletely filled out cannot
be processed.
What the n(lmbers mean: When answering questions,
"0" always means NO OPINION Or NOT APPLICABLE .
When the Question is a "yes or no" question, 11111 means
YES and "2" means NO. When the qusstion is a rating
question, "1" is the WORST rating, "9" is the BES T
rating , "5" is an AVERAGE rating, and all numbers be-
tween express various shades of approval or disapproval .
SECTION A
\-3. No qUf'S HOn Ileave blankl
Q(lestion., 4 throu,qh 18 ask YO(l to rate the articles in this
issue on a scale of 1 = poor, 9 = exceffem; = no opinion. a wittl the 10fces of PresTAr J ohn agains t the ,,'fidel.
4, C' Fol i o GUArrA, Pori II
5. Anylh lnq-t Cl -Ofl f,!
6, Fn hil nceri Ne. po lpon ot Waterl oa
7. Forty-FOll r. Fortv or Fight
8, In Ihp ArAns of DeA Th
9, Stat RAP: Chine l/lio r
10, F,reF lg hT- Ci Tv
II. B,~k on Lilli e nau nOi{) p
12. Fo r'vvard Obse rver
13. Des1g ncr' s Now:::.
14. S" ,Bus
15. Op en lnq 1I.10VtS
16. 1 hi':. issu e Clicra ll
17. VVdS this Issu e 1)02 1te l tn a n th 8 1.3st f) Il P?
18-24. \J o q I JP,:=;LI,:::'r~s
25. !'.ss lI me thor you do n't suhscrihe 10 1I.10VES Vvou ld
th e quC! ll1y o f UliS issue alone mo;:iv:Jte y ou to suhsc rihp. ?
26. For hOIlv" rli8ny Issues hCivU you had a contl nuOllS
su bscriotla n m MOVES? 0= I dO ll " sil bscr lbA ; 1 ~ nil S is
rTlV fJ rst 1$51..1'8 ; 2 - This is mv seconrl or thirrl Issue ;
3 - T illS IS my fou r th or i ii til isst le ; 4 - This is my ,ix. h
i,;s uP'; 5= Th lf is mv seventt1 th rouq h elcI/e mh issue;
6 = This I':; my tvve lfth is.:3ue; 7 = T111 3 IS my thi rt eenth
t H"uug h eighteenth ISS l1P.; B = Thi s is mv II I ne ;:een lh 0 1
sl) bsequl;nl iss ue; Y -I am "MOVES Li letime SubscrihAr
frpgmdlf)ss o f n lJ mber of issues received) .
2/. \1\I t! ;:H If:-VAl o f comp leX ity do "lOll prulc-r in games?
R.Jt e your pre ferell[p 011 a 1-9 ::"=;r::? If: , . . . . . 11 11 j"lfg ller numbers
incl 1C8 l ln q Irl cr C-i3sud C{)rn plE:ix iry . Use t h ese ga mAS P.fi
guide lin es : 4-S - Ch/ckarneu,C!a, 7 = P8trol! : 9 = Air ~Yar.
28. You r age: 1 = 13 \'r.n rs old 0 1 ':t'ou n ~;er; 2 = 14 17;
3 ~ 18 21, 4 - 22 27 ; 5 = 28-35 ; 6 = 3G or airie r
29. Y ou r Sb'X: 1 ~ mal A; 2 = remAIA .
JO. Euucii, ion: 1 = 11 veRI',' or I~ss ; 2 - I) years; :3 ~ 13 1b
years: 4 = 13 15 ve.Jrs llnd ST ili ill sc ho ol; ~,= 16 Vf:a rs,
6 - 17 vear s. Or nW r j~ ,
31. Ho . . v long Il ave vou been pl ij i inq conl ll ct : =.imul.:J tio n
gilmes? 0 = less tha n fJ y 2-fl r; 1 = 1 yAP. r: ') - ") ye2l f s S- 8
ye,3 rs; 9 = 8 or rTlOre V8drs .
32. :V\I IVll lS tl"w aV(;r;:'~~le [lum ber 01 hours vo u spend p lAY-
i ng sim ulmi on g fJln2S :=:-a c ll rrro n:ll ? O.=:... no ne; 1 = 1 hou r or
less ; 2 - 2-5 hou rs ; 3 = fi-~ hOllrs; d - Ir}- 15 hou rs;
5 ~ 1 6- 20 hou rs; 6-21 25 ; 7 = 20-30 ; 8=3 1-.1(}; ') -40 01
mo re hours.
33. Ho '.v Inan~1 sirnu li3tio fl ~df11(]S ~ ol i:l lt publ is hAf s) .:io
\,ou possess I 1 - I-10 , 2 - 11 -20 ; :3 ~ 2 1 30; 4 - 31 ,10 ;
5 - 41 ffJ; 6-51-60 ; 7 = 61-70; 8 -71-80; ') - 81 O l lTlo r~ .
34. Did vou scn d i n the eedb9ck card f nr vour IAP,t
of MOVES? I ~ VA":) - 110
35. Pic the one areH ahO II - vvh ir.;h r'Cll wou lcl rnost like: to
See qi3mcs onu articles do ne: 1 = Anc1I:;:-nt (n ome, Greek,
Bih li'ca l 13:\00 BC 600 .AD ); 2 ~ D:1rk Age, ~nd
fle nais""'CA IRrX) .AJ) - 1600 AD) , 3 ~ 3D Y,-ws W"r ~nd
pre- Nopoleonic 11600 - 1790); 4 = Napo leonic 11 790 -
18301; 5 - Civ il Wo ri 19;h Ce mu rv 11830 - 191'JJ), 6 =
World War I 119I'JJ - 1930) ; 7 ~ World War II 11930 -
1945); 8 = po st-Wo rld War II 11945 - presentl; 9 ~
Science Fiction al1d Fantasv.
36. How did 'lOU pu rc hase thi s copv of the manaziner 1
- bv subscription ; 2 = bV ma il as ? single co p\,; 3 = in a
store ; 4 ~ it was passed along to me by " friend ; 5 =
o ther means Idescr ibe)
Ji. How many people l including you rself l WIll read tbis
copy 01 MOVES? 1 = one lon ly vou rselfl; 2 = two ; 3 =
three . .9 - nine Or more .
38. Do 'lOU own. Or pl an to buv , one 01 thB lo ll owi n~
micrDcom putpr sys lems' 1 ~ I own a Com modore PET; 2
= I plan to bu y ~ PET: 3 - I 0'."" a Radio Shack TR S-80: 4
= I pi on i O buy ~ T RS-80; 5 - I ow n so me otlle(
microcomputer; 6 = I plfJn l O huv som A othpf mk rocom -
PUWf : 7 - I have no plans i O buv a m icrocomputAr
b ecause I am n01 illwrested ; 8 = I h dVB 11 0 pl;.: ns to buv a
microcorn pu tp.r hef: nlJSe I al read y have af:r::A3S to f. COrll-
" uto r; 9 - I have no plans ({) buy a mic rocomputer f or
some othe r rOaSO fl.
Rate the loffowing game proposals on a scale of 1 to 9,
with I indicating very little inclination to buy the game if
published up through 9 indicating a definite in/emion to
purchase ir.
39. The Age ol Exploralion. To th e west lies the tabled
le nd 01 CaTha\,. SOlJr~e of silks and spices and fa bu lous
'Nea lth _ To the sau ,h an d east lie th e Mo hammeda n
enem\,; a way mllS I be fou nd to uutflank hi m . and to join
Christendom has a missia n: to serve God and To con que r.
And Christendo m 11as ,II C meanS: tl1 8 ships - th e moL; 10
ind ne,v lands . But what lies out Ihere in the World
Ocea n, beyond th e pale oi Pt olem v's geog raph yl fhe
n,ap of ,IH) Age ol ExplO(alion wo uld cover the enti re
wm ld - bu l m ost wou ld be blank. Up to seven pl ayPrs -
Spai n, Port ugal , Franw . Engla nd, the Net herla nds.
Genoa. and the Germa n bankers - send expeditio ns to
l he WeS t , east, SOU th - and even the north - lO d iscover
n~w lillids. As ex plOra tion pmcee ds . the reS t ot the world
is ge nerated and d rawn on Lile piasticlled babrd w ith
cra yo ns. I hu plavers mav d isr::ove r IfJnds very m uc t) di f ..
ferent from w rlat Europe ~ctua llv f ound . TheV may Ave ll
finri Pmste r J ol'ln, li le Seven Cities a l Ci bal~, or a Thrivi ng
Viking co!onv in Vin la nd . Two hund red co unters,
r
22" x 1 g~m e-ma p . fo" r crayons, 16 panes o f rules , W
5el l for$ 10.
40. Aloxander's EmpirR. When Alexa nder the Great died
iii 323 B. C .. l'le left Ilehi nd ;he greates, empi re the worlri
h.Jd yet kn ov\ln, An .;::m ibiliOIJS q ro up o f qen-c rals , []nd -
as tle irs - i3 moronic ha lf-brO"ihAr flnrl n posthLJmo us son,
The power 5 ruqcj le that f" lI a'Ned laSTed 12 vea rs and cnri-
ed when thA w inner, Seleu kos , vv8S assassinated o n h ~s
wav to Macedo n t o clai m Alexander' s tllron ~.
Alexander's Empire is A rnulti-p l.:=ilyer simlJ la Ion of this
peri od using The Conquerors game svstem V./ill1 a
simplified form o f ta c tic& 1 60rl ll)a1 (l nd ru les dea l ing vvith
Ihe palitical infighTing of the period. includ ing ; aS53ssmd
l ion, shif ti ng loyal tips, "rmies slI ilig out the ir leaders I lor
Cnsh down) , th e Regencv l nd the Roya l treasu rv I money
"ei ng tne sou reR of pO'.'iel!. Ille rol e of the Iv1acedoniun
army- In c housing the king (i t . . VfJS hy ;:;ccl.:=mvltio n bUl '~""':3S
by no rnA~ ns a ru t) bur sw mp~ , con trol of ihe he irs
Isometi m es " li ahi li t., ra. her li1a n an asset ), AI8x~nder's
bod" and tent Iva lua hlp. prope.ganda lools), and G re~k
pub lic op ini ofl . Three s~enari os we pl anned; 3238. C..
Plo ve rs represent lead ing ge nerals as Thev strive 10
preser...'e ihe EmpJre Il lke Antipl:ltrosi, c.J rv E' OUT their o\.'\.'n
pr ivJte kingd om I PlOlernv!, Or se"o tlw 9m pire lor
themselvos ~ A n tigonosl Vic to ry cond iti ons w il l vi3r'{ tu
maTch the role lile plave r c hoo ses. In add iti on, one plaYH
Con choose to represe nt Ihe G leek City S tatus who used
thA co nf USion to .Jn empi to brPfl K free and AlmOSl suc-
c eeded . 309 8, c. .. I/Jith only li ve co ntenders left , f:-flr.: h
hOldi 119 his ovv n kin gdo m, a new f ou n d of fi ~ hti ng for
sup rem acy be'J ins . 28i B. c.. Ly,; i m~chos and Seleu kos
f ace of f in Ihe last round o f t ighting to oeTerminf:- who '-Iv lll
rule Alexander's Empile. 1 a sull tor $12.
41. Princeron. A compa ny level simu lat ion of
INJshington 's r::r iti cal v iClOIV OvC r the Bl itlsh i n earl y 1777 .
On li1l, " inht a l 2-3 Janu" rv, WAs11in!110n bold l., leel his
is ,~l J e
hagga rd Arm y fHou rHj the Briti~h orm y fit TrenTon and rae-
Dd tor the Engl ish supply i)"se a I Princeton . As his ari-
Vi1nce un its ~~ppro[1ched Princ Pton on [h A ICy mor rli 1l9 o f 3
J ElnUCH''r"', th ev L1 nexpcctecly ~[J n into Mawh ooo'::; Brit is h
br ig;:.~d e, vvhich was Acil/a ncino to Trcn to n . In th e S'lcHD
fig hl tfla'. followed. th e outnumbered Mawl'lOod dt li rs!
defeated the less well-equi p ped Colonials, but was eve n-
tually routed by Washington's recombined army. The
game recreates. at a t actical level, the c ruc ial openi ng
mom ents of the battle during w hi ch th e 17th FOOL Reg i
men t defeated Mercer's brigade and Ihen fa ced Cad-
waleder's large militia command . The super-tact ical
system high ligh1s formations and tac ti c" of th~ colonia l
peri ad . Special rules cover fences, orchards. art illery, and
the use of bay onets. The game sca le is 25 'lards per hex ,
five men per Sirength point. and five rni mnes per turn.
One 34" x 22" mop. 200 counters. t wa hou rS pla y ing ti m e
(ni ne 1lI rnsl. Add itIonal no n-his toric varia nts included.
Poss ibly an S 8 T game. To SAil for $9.
42. Cowpens. A si mU lation of one of the mOSI tacticall 'l
interesting bRttl es of the Amer iCA n Revolutio n. II. WnS
fought in backwoods South Carolina on 17 Januarv 1781
be, ween Dan M [frgan's Co lonia l force and the British
un der "B lood\' Tar letan ." Bm h sides had abaUl 1100 men ,
with mu ch of Ihe Colon ial fo rce bei nq mill lia . Bearin'llhis
fa ct in mind , orga n c hose his ground care tu II\' antJ
ski lil u liv lormed his pl" n a ; battlu. Th ~ mil itia were posted
i n thA frO llt line, wi th orders to retreat and regroup ai tAr a
few volleys . This the militia did in fine form, b ringing a
disa strous British dcica! aftcr o nl )' an il ou r' s fi'l l1 in'l .
TI1is game recrea tes the entire baule on a compa nv leve l.
Heavv emphas is is plared on comma nd Gontro l and 1ac-
tiral m ovement . Wou ld indu rie 20J mUnTers, on e
34" x 22" gilme-mop at ffJ Yilrds per hex . Pla \'ilble in lhree
hours 112 five -minu te tur ns) Passibly an S&T gam e. Ta
sell for $9.
43. Lille And Column .A. seT of mm iATLJrBs ru Ie, f or use
w i;h 15mm o r 25mm minimu re fi guri nes, Line and Col-
umn wou ld deal with the arm ies and battles of the
Na poleo n Ie \Na rs. The corn plele name would include one
boo let of rules i ~ S PI case format. one booklet of c harts,
tables , and supporT materi& l, and one book lc t of TOtt E' s
for all of th e armies part icipaTing in the wars of The era 10
total of 96 pag es 0 materiall Baxcd . $12.
44. War oi (lie Rebellion War 01 the Rebellion wou ld be 3
set oi rninia lu res n J les for use w i 11 15rnrn or 250101 figures
Dnd would cover ;he American Civil War pe riod. T he cam
pler.e qarne wou ld consist o f o ne I)ook let of rulfs in SPI
case forma 1. one booklel of ehilr s, tah les , and S II ppor t
material, and one boakle T of information on TO&E's fm
the Un ion and Con fede ra te armies for V&1I0US pe riod s 0 '
111" war iespecially f or sma lle r un ils usually nOI covered in
such rlJ les!. A t ot~ 1 of 72 to 96 pa'des cof ma teria l. Boxed.
To sell i m $12.
45. Ai' Wal; 1.917. [Jas~d on Air WAr, hUT "NiThou t Th A
compl ica ting facio rs of mode rn uir c ombEit I mdElr,
miSSiles. ECM. 8tC.), this game wi ll sifllul~!e plu nc w
plAne combat over the pAriod 19 16 10 1918. Simp ler And
easier to ma.ster i:han Air War, it 'vvill nonEtheless ret[]in .] 11
o f its predocesso r' s rt.'Cl tisfll. SpCCii3 1 fU 'es w i ll cove,
ba ll oo n::; an d jRlnming guns , whilA pil ot::; INili he indiv idu AI-
y rat ed for ~eroba ii c ab il i ~v, shooting accuracy, -ax-
De rience, and o1her c~i ti cal faCTors . Geneml ized scen arios
'Nill ccver all the st"nd" rd Tv pes 01 sir camb ~ , for t he
p er iod , allowinu you 10 cfesiq r. 'lour o.,.v n, I n add iti on,
th AfR will bA sr::Ana rios cove rin g f 2mou ~ historicAl actio ns
irlc lud i ng "i"he deaih of INern Ar Voss (Germflnv's ,; 3 ace
tokos on tho c rack 56 Sqd n singl ehandu dl,! l . Jdsat 11 vur
S lI S th ~ Bl ilr.k Flight, and Rlchthofen VerSllS Bro"",,, . $ 12.
46. The Narm w Seas. !\n opAra,io nal / tactical simu lation
01 no vu l Jction in the Medimrranean du ring World War II,
in p ar ticu lt3 r th e Mtenl p ts to run convoys th rollq h to r..'~ 3 Ita
in 1942. These act ions dec ided til e i ate of "Ih e orth
A friO:ln CF.lmpAig n and v. . ere corn p fex opere. tiorls invo lvi nn
al l of the 'Neil pons of ll ~vAI wa rforA : lAnd-based AircrAft ,
carrie r-b t:!sed aircraft , surface com hfJtfJnt s, submArines,
P T bOelS, mi nefields, etc . T h e ma i n rJct ion w ill tuk e place
on il 22" x 17" game map cove ring m ost of the Med iterra-
n e~Jn , but .21i r fJttt.Jcks ;Jl1d surface engagements . . vill be
iOLl ght OUI on " sepa rate lac li ca l disp lay. T!l e Germa n
pl"ver wi ll be in th e posijio ll of Fielri MRrs hal Kessel ring,
Hyi ng to coord i nate his aircmft , submLl f i nes, E- boElts , fm d
tile relu clanl lialia n su rface warships \0 ii nd and deslruv
trl e 8 ritish convoy. A proper ly COOr din" teel attock can be
devasl ati ng, R poo rlv coordi n ~led o ne can mean heavy
losses for fl a r'"su lt. But 'irst he musT fi nd th e ca ~vo y. W ill
I t CO r H: from th e- \ovcst th is ti me , or th H 8':..:6t. or both at
o nce? The Brilisr, pla yer will do his besl ;0 fool l'lis oppo
nent , while deploving his i orc.e,; to prot"rtths irag ile mAr-
c hant ships . . vithout Gxpo~i ng his ~ ew , prec ious . . varshi~
to lJnd u e risk in Hle n ed r Ow seas ,A,II \he f) Jtl convuy ac -
ti o ns 0119--12 will be covered, lOgethAr with 'h e Battlss of
lvI "t" " an and Calabri ~. In add ition, " m mD~ig n g~me '..... 1
Irnk th e convoy ac tio ns , 'Nl t h losses ~-Hl d SUpplios del ivered
in o ne action Af fectinn [tie sit uation in the nexl. $1 0,

47. The Iranian War, 1983. With the death of Ayatollah
Khomeini in December 1982, the poli,ical situatIon in Iran
deteri orated rapidl y. Wi thout Khomeini's backing, the
Islamic extremists in power could not depend upon the
support of the populace, w ho were being al iena ted by
economic hardship and a reign of terror to match the
worst of the Shah's excesses. Waiting to strike were the
mili tant loftists and the vanous ethnic separatisT move-
ments. some of whom looked to Moscow for leadership.
When fi ghting broke out The fo llowing March and rapidly
escalated TO fullscale civil war, it supri sed no one. For
awhile, despite the massIve influx of arms from the Soviet
UnIon to the rebe ls. it appeared that the Iranian gover
men t might put down the rebels . The n, on 15 April.
Sov iet tanks crossed the border in suppon of the socia lis t
revolutIonary forces. The US gove rnment felt it irn
peratlve to prevent the Soviet takeover of Iran and. when
thelf ultimaTum calling fo r a Soviet withdrawal was ig
nored, the Iranian War began . The Iranian War, 1983 is an
opera .ional simUlation of a hypothetical superpower can
IIIC t In Ira n. The game w ill deal with a Surprise Soviet Inva '
Slo n and the response to it by the IraOlan armed fo rces
<; d the US Ropid Deployment Force. RLi les will cover the
oq lstlC" problems facing both sides. airmobile opera-
lio ns , guerrilla warfare. ar d the possible use of taCTical
1uclear 0 1 cl.emical weapons . Would inc lude on e
22" x 34" ma p an d 200 cou nters. To sell iOI $10.
48. The Norrh Arlantic 8arrles, 1.985. When land ill the
next "'a r Go mes to Europe, it will also be fought out on the
No'th Atlan tic as The US attemptS to reinf orce her NATO
allies and the Soviet Ur ion attemp s to interdict NATO
supply hnes. This game wi ll simu late that buttle. using the
noval sys tems Irom Next War and Sixth Fleet with
necessary changes to cover carriers. cruise miSSiles, The
CAPTOR anti-subma rine mine, long range sonar sys tems
emplaced on the sea fl oor IC EASAR), and mercha nt con
voys. A short scenario will cover the fi rST few days as
Sovre, and NATO naval forces vie for wntrol of he Nonh
Atlan tiC foIIO'.'.'i ng a Soviet surprise attack , The longer
scenMio wou ld cover The NATO attempts to convoy rein
forcemen ts over to Europe. The Soviet player w Ins I' he
r flicTS su fficient losses on the convoys . even if his own
forces are destroyed in the process, The NATO player be
qlns with SLJpenOI lorces, but he has th" double problem
of p rotecting his mer ch~nt ships while destroying the
Soviet forces . All In all , a fast- paced. exciting game w hich
cap tu res the essence of modern naval vvarfarevvit lOut ex-
cessive complexity and bookkeepi llC). I/I/ill Include one
22" x 34" garne map and 200 COlln ters, A possible S8 T
game, to sell for $10,
49. Madmen and Magnums. Role'playing In the str eets
o' New York . Roll up your character: slurl,boll) , dirt poor,
maybe not too brig ht. YOU I options are limiTed : you can
join a gang and ",cqLJ ir~ some useful skills; you Ciln ap
prenTi ce I'ourself to" cra ftsman; YOli can Ir y to hustle on
your o'""n; or vall can [le t an honest job - washi ng dishes
fo r tI.e r ~st oj your life. Gel you rsel" a silwed o'f sho tgu n .
Take 8 liquor store or two. Sor"e I.ero ,ries to " tOP you; he
pIT ch es over clu tching a periorated stomer. Fontosy
worlds ,l ren' t the only place 'Nhere vio le nce, thugs , and
tan tas llc tr" os ure can be found. There are unlv so rnan,.
Woys OUT of the gutte, - and from down there, viole nce
looks like the easy w~v oul.. Madmen 8f)d il4agnums: real
lif e role playi np, whell.er you 'NA nt 10 odmi it or not .
vVould inclu de one fourcolo 22" x 17" m.'p, 48 panes of
ru les, to sel l lor 510.
50 . Th e Final frontier. W hen th" Space S l ittle becomes
operaTi onal, Ihe real race for space will beo ", - the rilce
ro exp loit th e unl imiTed oossillili les of outer space for
pol iti ca l, miliTary, seanor li e. &nd scientific pu rposes.
Sol" r powe red sate ll ites , lase r ba ilie sTmion~, and orbit,, 1
fa r.i0rie~ led by lu nar mming - all "re discussed wday,
and Thoy " ,.e only th p- beg i nnin~ . Each player will repre-
;ent the policv makers in t Ie US. USS8 , EEC , or a multi
nAlinnu l corpo i:lti on wll o deci de w othor la nd t10W)
These possihiliTies wi ll be converted in to realiTY. Euch
plaver will have his own s"t of goals , eclmica l
c~pabi liti()S , and political restraints wi ttlin which I)e mUST
ope'ate. deploving his limited resources TO expand his
teCh nical abilities or fund actual operaTions in space. Suc
cessful achievement will tend TO increase your budget.
?llowin,] fu rther developmem. but t 10 actions 0 OThers
w ill also have an effect. Thus, a Soviet breakThrough in
the development 01 on orbital ABivl SYSTem could trigger
rncreased fu~d ing fo r the US miliTa ry; whi le a second
power setti nn up orhital factories would cut into the pro-
' Its of The first. The g,lme will COW\( the period Irom 1982
TO 2020 in threeyear game-turns. M ilitalY actions would
be abstract, with The emphasis on political and economic
conflict. W ill include two 22" x r displays, 400
coumers, a Id 20 paqes of ril les in a one-inCh box. $12.
51 . The Drive on New Bas ron. After the Great War of
2010, the arms race between the United States and The
Soviet Union bega n again. In 2060, the series of small skir
mishes between sma ll A merican and RlIssian forces
erupted inlo another fu llscale conflic t. Both sides limited
themselves to tactical nuclear weapons, for neither
wanted to precipitate a mutually dp.structive holocaust
like the one 50 years before. In a lig htni ng thrUST acroSS
the NOrlh Pole, Russian forces Quickly occupied eastern
Ca nada and prepared for the fi nal push on the United
Stotes . The Drive on New Bas ron w ill simulate a Ru ssian
attack in the vicinity of New Boston on a tactICal level.
Emph asis will be on the capabilities of STandard armored
vehi cles , cybernetic tan s, anti- radia ti on suited inlantry.
aircraft. and on combined -arms ope rations. Scenar ios
simula tin g many different types of operations will be in-
cluded . Also included will be eXTensive rules lor
generating new scenarios. The Drive on New Boston will
include a 15-page rules booklet. 200 counters, and a
22" x 34" mapsheet. To sell or $10.
52. Legion of Space. I t IS he second half of the 20th cen
wry. In the 80Uyears since humankind fi rst reached for
the sta rs. the Empire of M an has grown 10 encompass a
sco re of races and a thousand worlds. For The last 100 01
lhose years, the Po x Impe riu m ha s reig ned . M an bas
known peace and prosperiTy. Hi s worlds Il ave wown ri ch
and fot . Such is the way 0 empi res . As the Imperiu m has
lost ils vital ity, so havo I\S problems grown. The loosenin g
o the Imperial hand has ,nspired unresT within the Empire
and covetousness w iThom. There have been rebellions
and coups. assassinations and proscriptions. The
perip ,ery of Imperial Space has been the SCene 01
numerous clashes with other starfaring races who sense
the E mpir~'s wea ness. The long nrghT rs abOUT to fall.
Yel, stili , between the gi ldeci Imperium and its fate , ere
st?nds a small broTherhood of determined men. Thev are
the Legion of Space . Recrui1ed from the dregs o ' the
society they serve , th e legionnaires are dp.spised outcasfS,
men w ithout plane ts wllo know no home bur the Legion .
Bu t for the l1e)(t 200 years. the\' will slay the Empire's
enemies and enforce Imperial writ on a hundred planets
WiTh The laser and the blaster . Legion of Space would re-
creato at the tac tical level engagements in the l egion's
roost fa mous batTles, from the destru ction of t le Servde
League on Beta Hydri 5 In 2783 to the massacre of the en -
ti re 13th Demibrigade and the 'inal defeat of ,he Lenion
01\ Hansen's World in 2917. Units would be squads with
individual leader counters gnd special counters to f8p re-
sent heavy weapons . Other c.;Olmte rs \ ......ould represent
ground support vehicles and pla tforms, improved posi
tions, and heavy ilr tillery Impact areas. S peci"1 ru les
would cover bizarre alie tactics. battle armor, energy
vveapons, c ombut enginec(S, fU Sion mim~s, leg ion eian,
and opera lions in .severe environ mems . Emphasis ..,1'/ould
be on plavabiliTY and excitement. Tile game wou ld include
TWO different 22" x I l" maps , 4OO-6CO coumers , and 32
pages of ru les, scenarios and backg rou nd mate",,1.
Legion of Space ""o uld be designe d to be open-ended , so
tlla t a variety of additional forces ilnd ba lliefieids r.ou Id be
added in exp uns ion modules , To se ll for $15.
53 . The Grear Rumbie Hunt. They Cilme from BatTersea .
There were ten 01 them all told, the eiqhl nameless ones.
T e historian, and The ecc!'!ntric German. Adolf Wolfgang
Amadeus Winston. The chosen representatives 01 their
tribes, the'! had taken weeks to traverse the reilcherous
streets from Ban erS8g Park TO Pa rkside. Now, u nlooked
'or, Hl ey came to Rumbledom to kill til e eigtn rulers 01
1heir bitte r en emies, stea l T e Rumb le t recJsury , and 88 rn
t he ir Ilar les lor thei r grea t adventu re. A ll tllat sti ll stood
between them and tI) e ac l.ievement of tlle ir misoi on wa s
ihe fas Tlless of the Grea t Bunker and seve ral th ousand
Ru mble warriors . The GreDt Rumble Hum wou ld sim ul"tu
'he cl imactic hot\IA Ins ide til e Great Bu nkBr l ha l I~ Th~
Subject 01 the Imier parl 01 Mic aet de Ldrr"beiTi's
underground classic. The Bombles. The name would in
clude an 11" x 17" map of the hunker, 100 die cUI
counters. and eight to 12 pages of ru les, i:lnU v;auld uSe t.I
programmed advenTured approach to recreate illl of the
tense action of HI() Borribles' invasion o' the lair of the
g reaT rats. For one to three players. Note: This is a possi-
ble Ares game , and availability wou ld be subject to agree
lTlen t with M r. Larrabciti . If published. the [lame wou ld be
accomp anied oy an article on the folk lore and history of
tho Borriblc~ . $6.
54 . The LaST Enchanrers. Mana, the r Iystenous energy
Irom which magic springs . is fas t dIsappearing from The
lace of the earth . Sorcerers fr om the compe,ing medieval
39
kingdoms o f the old world converge in the Black Forest
where the last great concentrations of the precious su b-
stance can be found . Finding mana " deposits" in the
magical wood is easy aT first. Defending one' s mana from
others bent on con trolling its powerf ul properties is also
easy, if mana is used to do so. While in a mana rich area, a
sorcerer can eaSIly repel monal threats USing conjured ar-
mies and powerful spells, and do battle with sorcerers of
opposing kingdoms. However, if his mana suppl y
dwindles. or he is separaTed from it, the effects of mortal
weapons and strategies are more harmful . In The LaST En-
chanters, magic makes its last stand in a war betwee n
fouda l empires, in which standar9 military might works
wit h ~nd aga inst the dying an of conjurers, Mana may win
the battle, but is there enoug h to win the war? From two
to six players vie for posseSSion of the vanished resource
on a 1r x 22" map of the medieval Black Forest wi t h 200
counters represen ting sorcerers, milita ry leaders. magical
and mortal armies , magical i1ems, medieval weapons and
01 course, mana. To sell for $8.
55 . Conan! AdvenfUres of (he Lion. This colorfu I simu -
lation 01 Robert E. Howard's Hyborian AgA would use a
rela uvelv $Imple game system, w it h lots 01 fri lls to
simu late the rich flovor of th e original stories. The franre
work for the ga me would be milita ry and di plomati c, but
confl Ict would focus on the ad ventures of individual
chi'lracters . Each Pl ayer would ake the role of a powerful
figure. such as Th oth Amon , King Yezdigerd, Conan him
self, or anOTher character of their own creation . The
cha racters would compete for wealTh , power, and glory
among the perils and treacheries of the Hyborian World ,
Great attenTion would be pa id 0 duplicating the wealth of
color and detail provided in the books, down to The
shadows in Zamboliia and the f)awks over Shem . Conan!
Advenrures of the Lion wi ll h~ve a f ull 22" x 34" map, 56
cards to simulate a wide variety of random events. 400
counters, and OJ 20-page rules booklet . To sell for $15.
Please rate the complexiry of the following games on 8
scale from 1 to 9 (see questions 27 forreference!.
56, Pandora
57. Barbarian Kings
58. Tito
59. Pea Ridge
60. Drive on Washington
61. Timer ippe,
62. DragonQuest
63 . Samu rdi (AH)
64. Trireme IAHI
65. Armor Supremacy (AH)
66. Naval War !A HI
67. Starweb IFB Il
68, Nuclear Destruction I FBI , pbm verSion)
69. Trea CllerOlJS Tr~j an's Trap If Bl1
70. Battle Plan (FB II
71. Star iord IFBI)
72 . Impeflalism !FBII
73. Ad"lantl High Lightn ing !GDW)
74 . Battle of Prague IGDW I
75 , Eylau ! GDW)
76. TacFo rce iG DW I
77. Blood rree Rebell ion IGOW)
78. Red Star/ Wh iTe Ea91c IGD'."Ji
79, Peorl Harbo r IG DW , 2nd edl\lonl
80, WhiTe DeaTh IGDW)
81 . Da rk Nebu la I GOW )
R2. 194<) ICDWI
83 . Rivets (MG I
84 . IceWarl MG)
85 . Invasion of he Air Eaters IMGI
86. Holy War (tviGI
87 . Anni tl ilator/ One World (MGI
88. Hot Spot IMG )
89. Artifact (MGI
90, DeilThTest 2 IMGI
91. Rommel'S P""zers (M G)
92. In the Labyrin ,h tMGt
93 . Cerborus ITFI
94-96. No queS\lons,
Simulations Publications, Inc.
257 Park Avenue South BULK RATE
NewYork,N.Y, 10010 U.s. POSTAGE PAID
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 15
FRAMINGHAM. MA.

SECTION B Questio n M - Would you have bought lhis game if 'IOU 136. D lea se of play) 143. L (overall)
The results of the following survey are used in Our kn ew then what 'IOU know now about it 11 = Yes; 2 = No). 137. E (ru les com plete nessl 144. M !then and now)
PLA YBACK system. This system reviews games by Ouestion N - Do 'IOU th ink you received your money's 138. F (balance l 145. N (money's worth)
showing the response of the people who play the games. wonh wi th this game? 11 = Yes; 2 = No ). 139. G flength I 146. No question
Questions 104-/88 are part of PLA YBACK.
After each game title there are thirteen questions flettered We will ask you to rate six games, If you have not played WORLD KILLER
"A" through "N" /. Unless otherwise noted. these ques these games. or have not played them enough to be able 147. A (mapsheetl 154. H (set-up ti me)
tions Bre answered with a "/" (poor! through "9' (ex- to evaluate them, then simply place "0" in the boxes. 148. B I rul es) 155. J Ic omplexity)
cellentl rating. 149. C Ic ounters) 156. K (reafism l
Questi on A - W hat did you think of the physical qua lity WILSON' S CREEK 150. D (ease of play) 157. L lovera ll)
and layou t of the ma psheet ? 104. A (mapsheet l 111. H (set u p timel 151. E (rules completeness) 158. M (then and now)
Questio n B - What did you think of the physica l quality 105. B Irules) 112. J (complexityl 152. F Iba lance) 159. N (monev's worth)
and layou t of th e ru les folder 7 106. C Icounters) 113. K I realism) 153. G !lengthl 160,161. No question
Questio n C - What did yo u think of the physical q\Ja litv 107. D lease of play) 114. L (overall)
WRECK OF THE PANDORA
and layout of the unit cou nters? 108. E (ru les com pleteness) 115. M Ithen and now)
162. A (mapsheetl 169. H Iset-u p timel
Question D - W hat did yo u think of the game' s "ease of 109. F Ibalancel 116. N Imoney's worth)
163. B Iru les l 1~0. J (complexitv)
play" (how well the game move d along) 7 110. G Ilengt hl 117. No question
164. C (co unters) 171. K Ireal ism)
Ouestion E - What did yo u think of the " completeness" TIMETRIPPER 165. D (ease of plav l 172. L (overall )
of the ru les (was everything thoroughly explained)? 118. A (ma psheet) US . H (set-u p time) 166. E I rules completeness) 173. M Ithen and 110W)
Question F - Wha t did you think of the game's plav 119. B (ru lesl 126. J Ic omplexityl 167. F I balancel 174. N I money's worth I
balance Iwas th e game inTeresti ng for both sides)' no. C (cou nters l 12/. K (realisml 168. G !len gt h I 175. No questio n
Question G - What did you think about the ap- 121. D (ease of play) 128. L l overal ll
BARBARIAN KINGS
propriateness of the length of t he average game ? 122. E (rules completeness) 129. M I{hen and now l
176. A (mapsheet) 183. H (set- up ti mel
Question H - What did you th ink of the amount of "set- 123. F (ba lance ) 130. N (money's worthl
177. B (rules) 184. J (complexiry)
up time" needed before you could beg in playing game) 124. G Ilengthl 131.132. No question
)78. C (CQU nters) 185. K I rea lis m)
Questio n J - W hat did you thi nk of the appropriateness DRAGONQUEST 179. D l ease of play) 186. L (overall!
of the complexity of this game?
133. A Imapsheetl 140. H Iset- up ti mel 180. E i ru les completen ess) 187. M I then and nowl
Ouestion K - W hal did you think of this game's realism) 134. B (ru lesl 141. J (com plexity l 18\. F (balance l 188. N (money's wort hl
Ouestion L - W hat did yo u think of th is game overalll 135. C (counters) 142. K (real ism) 182. G I length ) 189196. No question