La Batalla de Sagunto is the first in a new series of games from our friends across the pond, Simtac. Volume I of the 'Battles of the Peninsular War is a very attractive game. It owes alot of it's looks to the La Battale' series by Clash of Arms. Once you get over the sticker shock and open the box ($95 suggested retail), you see the game comes with two 10 sided dice, two rule books, one sheet of additional rules and clairafications, two order of battle charts, two charts to keep track of morale (make photocopies), three counter sheets containing 648 counters and one 26x40 inch map.

The map looks like one of the old La Battale maps. A lot of browns and it is dominated by a large area of rough terrain in the north. The map is attractive in spite of it's lack of variety of color.

The counters are beautiful. They are very glossy, full of color, easy to read and need to be punched out VERY carefully ! I have been told of die cutting problems, so be careful. The counters are full of information. The front shows the type of unit, number of coys (steps) and movement ability. Name of the unit and it's size. The back of the counter shows it's combat value, fire multiplier morale and range, if any.

The first rule book is for the entire series and is 32 pages in length. The rules will look somewhat familiar to any La Battale' players. Their are some differences, but none major enough to cause any problems. Units have a front, flank and rear facing. They exert a ZOC into frontal hexes only. Also, their are separate phases for artillery fire and cavalry charges. Units can disorder or rout as well as rally from these states. One interesting note, units that rout off the map (not in disorder) may attempt to rally and, if they return to good order, return to the map !

Leaders are represented by individual counters and have effects on combat, morale and adhere to a chain of command.

A flow chart is included in the rules to help manage cavalry charges. This is something Clash of Arms should have done a long time ago.

The second book is 15 pages in length and includes 3 scenarios and special rules. An over view of the battle is very informative and makes for good reading. Both books are filled with examples of play and art.

Combat is a little different. The attack factors are determined by multiplying the maximum number of coys that are allowed to fire from a hex by the multiplier printed on the back of the unit. Then, the fire defence is determined by the type of terrain the defending unit is in.

When the unit fires, you divide it's fire factors by the fire defence of the target. The result is doubled and used as a fire modifier. You then roll one die and add it to the modifier. If the result is I Gor more, one coy is lost from the target hex. Fairly simple.

Simtac is promising two more games using the same system. The first, Los Arapiles, is due out this winter. The second, Vitoria, doesn't have a firm release date yet. I am looking forward to both games and plan to purchase them when available.