From Valmy to Waterloo


Written by William Keyser and printed by Clash of Arms Games. As imposing as the title is in well supported by the scope of the rules. The rules include a 96-page rule book, four well-designed scenarios, a cheat sheet book, 210 counters to aid in play, 20 unit cards, artillery templates, historical commentary and order generation forms. The rules attempt to recreate on the table top of your choice Napoleonic warfare on the operational level. The basic formation in play is the battalion while the basic command is the division. The figure scale is one to sixty and the turn scale is 15 minutes.

This is a detailed set of rules that attempts to cover all the nuances of the napoleonic battlefield. In a period of time that seems to be moving to simpler mechanics this set of rules is a throw back, a throw back but one I am pleased to see. A great deal of the tactical footwork that makes Napoleonic gaming a joy is back in this set of rules. Although you could fight a big battle with this set its real place is the smaller battle or a portion of a greater battle. Be warned though that this is a set of rules that most gamers will need to partake before the game starts although if one player on each side has read the rules new players can be trained to play quickly.

When I say details are in the rules I mean it, two competing rolls in Napoleon's Battles will be close to forty in Valmy to Waterloo so you can see there is a difference. William Keyser should be congratulated for his hard work on this project because it contributes to the hobby. From Valmy to Waterloo can be purchased from Clash of Arms Games, Byrne Bld. #205 Lincoln and Morgan St.s, Phoenixville, Pa.19460 or your local Hobby retailer for $36.00. -JIM BIRDSEYE

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