To the Sound of the Guns
A new game has surfaced: "TO THE SOUND OF THE GUNS" ' -' Richard Butler. I should know better by now, I guess, and no'. that have anything to say against Mr. Butler, but I thought we were In the fine tuning stage of the long sought for universal Napoleonic rules. Ha, remember how everyone once thought that CLS was the final statement.
All rule systems have some merit and some approaches that. are worthwhile, and that is true here as well. Mr. Butler included a letter outlining his game which actually points where we digress. So here goes, in Mr.Butler's words '...i had never given much thought to any philosophy behind the rules, Then while giving it some thought I felt it could be summed up in one sentence arid that is, 'They were written as a game since after a11 by it's very name this is what wargaming is, as opposed to realistic rules to refight Napoleonic Wargames.
And that's it exactly. What you have here is a state of the art version of the old "CHARGE" rules. Basically these rules are fun and quick with enough of a nod to realism to satisfy the beginning gamer.
Some may even find them too complex in various ways, but they are certainly worth a look.
- Price: unavailable
Write: Richard Butler 156 Huthwaite Rd. Sutton-in--Ashfield Notta, NG17 2GX, England Published by Tabletop Games, 1982.
ADDITION TO WARGAME REVIEWS
Senior Editor, Tom DeVoe makes these comments: "It would appear that very little attempt has been made to create a historically accurate Saxon army. Rather a playable Saxon army has been the goal. The Saxons are rated the same for the entire 17-96-1815 period, which does not reflect their true historical image...
Tom goes on to state many instances in which these rules deviate from historical. truth. This seems to be one of the main failings of rule. that rely on a "point" system. Lt is also the one trap that many rule makcrs fala into -- the evaluation of armies by the use of the terrible Point value system instead of throuqh actual formations. Well, do da do da. Maybe evaluation should be left to the experts, or Jean -- I'm going to bed.
NOTE FROM MANAGING EDITOR: I certainly don't volunteer for that one. As a matter of fact the problem is not limited to the Saxons. The basic problem is the trend to GENERALIZATION. Most rule makers don't take in consideration the period to evaluate the value of a given soldier. There is quite a bit of difference between a French soldier of 1805 and the ones of the Campaiqns of 1813 and 1814.... Yet, very few rules make a difference. "hat's the whole problem.
COMPUTER GAMES
Being a science fiction buff, I really enjoyed "SKYFOX", and anyone who loves strategy will surely agree with me. Although not as much fun as slaughtering the disgusting Austrian Hordes, "SKYFOX" is an upto-date wargame. You are the pilot of the last remaining fighter. To quote: "A machine you've got to fly to believe. Incredible speed and responsiveness. Powerful deadly weapons. State-of-the-Art radar warning and guidance systems. 15 Scenarios from Training Mission to Massive Invasion. 5 Skill levels from Cadet to Ace of the Base.
Now, that's the basics. Hay Tobey's Electronic Arts has presented us with a game that has strategy, beautiful graphics, the full feeling of flight and all kinds of great stuff. Combat is done via screens and cockpit view, are variable, and you have optional auto pilot. Your arma-ment consists of laser cannons, 2atseeking and guided missiles- and you'll need everything.
As a reviewer; I wish I could show you an exsmple of "SKY FOX" but let me just say that if you want a fast game that will make you think, "SKYFOX" cannot be beat. Available at your local computer store and priced--as usual; so, the kids don't eat for a few days, this game is worth it!
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