Miniatures Rules
By
Richard Moore
It
isn't until you start looking that you realise just
how many different sets of rules there are out there
for playing Napoleonic miniature wargames.
For
someone starting out in miniatures it will be confusing
as everybody seems to have a favourite rules system
and none of the others can match it.
Now
here at The Napoleonic Guide we have no favourites
- as yet - as we are only just re-entering the world
of miniatures wargaming. We can say that we are currently
playing General
de Brigade 2nd edition and enjoying them hugely
- a review is coming soon - and check out our look
at Napoleon's Battles: 2nd edition.
Our
background is boardgaming and PC strategic games and
while our miniatures experience is limited - after
playing those others for 20 years we do know what
a good game is.
Rules
set up the style of game you will play and will decide
movement, morale, firepower and casualties. They vary
in complexity and one of the major differences between
miniatures rules systems is accuracy versus gameplay.
Some
devotees adore the complexity of hard-core miniatures
rules, which require lots of time but will deliver
pretty realistic results, whereas other wargamers
prefer faster simpler rules.
The
best idea would be to have a look at chat rooms or
talk to gamers in your area about what they play and
the pros and cons of their rules systems.
Here
are only some of what if out there.
General
de Brigade
These rules are fast becoming our favourite as they
offer a nice balance between ease of play and tactical
decision making. Games are of a good length say three
to six hours. A
review of the second edition rules is here.
Napoleon's
Battles
Grand tactical rules to simulate large-scale battles
fought between 1792-1815. A new edition is out and
this is what you
get. The original rules have been out since 1989
and there is a huge following and support base.
Elan
Deluxe
Well regarded tactical-level Napoleonic wargame rules
designed for 15-25mm miniatures. Created by Australian
Phillip Jones, the Elan Deluxe rules are now available
for free download from Deep
Fried Happy Mice. A web
forum has also been established for the rules.
Shako
Fields of Glory
Regarded as being high quality battalion-level Napoleonic
rules.
Napoleonic
Principles of War
Regimental-level rules for battles between 1792 and
1815, including Egypt, Russia and the European theatre.
Grande
Armee
A grand-tactical Napoleonic wargame that has won praise
for an innovative approach to miniatures battles.
Volley
and Bayonet
Grand tactical rules for wars between 1700 and 1890.
Units are regiments or brigades.
A
Gathering of Eagles
These are large scale strategic gaming rules for 6mm
or 15mm that have won admirers for being very player
friendly.
Old
Trousers
A fast playing set of battalion-level rules. These
rules are free and downloadable from
here.
Republique
The War Times Journal's grand-tactical Napoleonic
wargame. These rules are also free and available from
the WTJ
site.
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