Players 2, 3 or 4
Type Strategic
Map 30 Km (19 miles) per hex; all of England & Scotland, and part of Ireland
Turn Quarterly
Units 500 to 1000 men

Components

1 black plastic tray with clear plastic lid
1 three-color unmounted map
1 eight-page rules folder
200 double-sided die-cut ½" counters

Counter Manifest

Royalist (black on blue)
29 strength point markers
9 Concession markers
1 Naval Squadron
3 Supply Markers
8 Leaders

Parliamentarian (black on brown)

25 strength point markers
4 Concession markers
6 Naval Squadrons
3 Supply Markers
8 Leaders

SimCan says:

“[A] medium complexity board game of the upheaval that shook the British Isles, brought down the Monarchy and saw the King of England and Scotland executed.”

The Reviewer says:

“P&W’s [sic] political rules are quite good, with the beginnings of a nice idea in the concession counters. Any hope of success in this area, however, is dealt a blow by the lack of historicity around movement and combat.” --Charles Vasey in S&T 102.

Comments:

The English Civil War was of enormous historical significance. The issues over which the war was fought, such as political representation versus divine right kingship later made their appearance during the American Revolution, which helped to inspire the French to throw off their monarchy. It’s got plenty of colour, with dashing Cavaliers and stern Roundheads, the personalities of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell and Prince Rupert. Sadly though, it’s just not been the most popular of periods. Games on individual battles you can find, though these are not plentiful. But if you want to game the conflict at the strategic level, the game is SimCan’s Power and Resolution.

The negotiations segment is a good attempt to capture the political flavour of the campaign, and recognises that military operations were often driven by political needs. However, while it doesn’t have the free wheeling politicking and backstabbing a la Diplomacy, it doesn’t really indicate why Scotland tended to support Parliament, and Ireland tended to remain in the Royalist camp. Both certainly followed their own interests, but neither would have swapped freely from one side to another and back again as they can certainly choose to do.

Power and Resolution is a playable and interesting working of the topic that can generally be played in a single sitting. If you’re interested in the topic this is certainly worth getting. Happily, SimCan games don’t go for the sometimes ridiculous prices you can pay for an old SPI title. If this topic is not your cup of tea, it’s still worthwhile having a look at. Though it’s got its share of glitches, it will prove to be entertaining.

Collectors Notes

Boone lists low, high and average prices of 4/8/6.33 at auction and 11/20/ 15.33 for sale.

Errata

None in the SimCan Newsletter.

Steve Newberg says:

Ever see the film biography of Oliver Cromwell featuring Richard Harris? It has a great scene where he dissolves Parliament, stands alone in the Commons, and says: “I will see this country properly ruled ... if I have to do it myself.” That was what originally interested me in the English Civil War. A remarkable period in the history of England, Scotland and Ireland. If you can find them, C.V. Wedgewood’s trilogy (The King’s Peace; the King’s War; the Trial of Charles I) are well worth your time. Though Power and Resolution works well as a military representation of the war, I do not feel it captured the color and sense of moment of the events. It is reasonable historically, and works well, but it is not Wedgewood. Or Harris.

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