Using only 40 counters, a small sized map and a number of cards it doesn't take up much space to play. The rules are easy to figure out and seem to be complete to this point (ie, I've had no questions that the rules don't answer), which is a lot rarer than one might think!
It's turning out to be a fine little game, even when played solo, which is especially good for me. There are some lovely little touches such as legions being able to increase in experience over time and the cards add in some nice twists and a bit of historical flavour, usually manifested in the ability to recruit extra forces, fill up the coffers, or up performance in a battle.
One credibility strain is that leaders (aside from the big two themselves) arrive throughout the game by card draw, so Cato can end up fighting for Caesar or Antony throwing in his lot with Pompey. To balance this quibble, the victory conditions are quite clever and add an extra level of decision making to the whole.
I do wish that the counters had been die-cut more evenly and the map image was higher resolution, but as VPG is a small operation such things are easily forgivable, especially when they don't detract from play.
I'm only one play in but indications are it will be a keeper. You never know, on candlelit occasions with the kids in bed I may even be able to convince my wife to give it a go!
Interesting. Is there enough meat and historicity in this compact little game to use as a basis for a miniatures wargame campaign?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Jonathan. There will always be the problem of mismatched forces, but for more evenly-contested battles you could fairly easily come up with a formula for conversion to the tabletop. There's not a lot of detail though - leaders, legions (regular or veteran) and allies (regular or veteran) are the only forces on table - so you'd need to devise your own lists for exotic troops.
DeleteIn short, doable, but for real mismatches you might prefer just to roll the dice and continue on until you find a battle that's a bit closer or more interesting.
Cheers, Aaron
Looks like an interesting game Aaron. How does it compare to the C&C Ancients Civil War set?
ReplyDeleteHi Cyrus, this one's a strategic level game, so we're looking at moving armies (legions, allied legions, leaders) around and when opposing armies meet taking them off board and rolling dice to find the winner of the tactical battle. C&C:A's module is a collection of tactical battles, so it doesn't have the strategic view. If you wanted to, you could probably combine the two games into a campaign!
DeleteCheers,
Aaron
Like Jonathan, It's one I've thought about buying and using as campaign background. Sounds like it might not be quite detailed enough, though.
ReplyDeleteHi Simon, it depends how much detail you want, I suppose! It's a lot more detailed than, say, Phil Sabin's Empire, but much less detailed than Hannibal: Rome vs Carthage or Successors. I think the complexity level might still suit a campaign because the game develops reasonably quickly and the cards do bring in more details which you could factor into the tactical battles. I might give it a go once I get my Caesarians finished... (sigh!)
DeleteCheers,
Aaron
Something along the lines of Successors is more what I'm after, that is just about perfect!
ReplyDeleteIs an army ever finished? :-) I just bought some more Caesarians; I feel another legion coming on...
I continue to enjoy your site, so I nominated you for a Liebster
ReplyDeletehttp://dartfrog06mm.blogspot.com/2014/05/thanks.html
Late to the party Aaron, have you only played this one solo so far. Interested in hearing how it plays against an opponent. I have a few VPG games (Nappy 20, Last King of Scotland, etc.) which have proven to be somewhat balanced and quick, but fun games before my FtF and I head off to the pub.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Kevin
Wish I could tell you, Kevin! There's certainly room for different strategies. Had one win for Caesar and one for Pompey so far, but that's only in solo play. Am keen to try some more VPG games now too...
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