Wilderness Empires

Summer 1754 - The British have seriously concentrated their forces!

A couple of weeks ago Worthington Publishing ran a warehouse clearance sale, offering Wilderness Empires for $25. I'd looked at this game in the past but always felt it might be too simple to hold my interest. For $25 though, given my interest in the period it seemed worth a shot. It seemed like a nice compromise - a game with enough period focus to interest me, but also simple enough to engage my non-wargamer wife.

Rossbach: The Flank March

The aftermath of the French attack on Schortau

Historically, Rossbach was a Prussian triumph, a battle fought not just against inferior French and Imperial troops, but by Frederick against a pair of French and Imperial generals who probably had no business being on the field.

That may not be the case on my table.

Rossbach: Prelude

Rossbach: Prussian initial approach and retreat. Because Frederick might have been aggressive, but he was no fool.

The battles of Rossbach and Leuthen in 1757, during the Seven Years War, are like something from a movie.

What Do You Mean, I Have An Addiction?

I ordered Leuthen: Frederick's Greatest Victory today from Victory Point Games. Because only have two other versions of the battle (not counting computer games) is not enough. Plus, the limited intel rules looked cool.

Now I want Command Post Games to make a version, too.

On the table: Rossbach

The battle of Rossbach from GMT's Prussia's Glory. Hopefully I'll have sufficient post-work brain power available this week to play before the weekend.

Board Gaming for the rest of 2016

Here's my table set up for the games I'll be playing for the rest of this year.

Battle of Kolin: Prussia's Glory II - 5

Finishing up the game. The Prussian attack fails and the Austrians manage a marginal victory.

Battle of Kolin: Prussia's Glory II - 4

The Prussian attack is finally underway. Cavalry from both sides battle it out on the east side of the map while the Prussian infantry begins its assault.

Battle of Kolin: Prussia's Glory II - Cavalry Fight

At around 2PM, Zeiten's hussars swing into action, striking the right of Nadasdy's hussars northwest of Kutlirz. The charge is successful, eliminating and driving off much of the Austrian light horse. Zieten presses his advantage into a sweeping charge. Meanwhile, the Prussian second line cavalry wing under Krosigk along with a brigade of dragoons from Hulsen's wing smash into the left side of Nadasdy's formation.

Battle of Kolin: Prussia's Glory II - 3

Halfway through the game. Fortunes of War, poor Command Determination rolls, and Croat light infantry have seriously messed with the Prussian's plans. 

Battle of Kolin: Prussia's Glory - Croat Sniping

63 Croats snipe Prussian column causing disorder

The optional rules really make this game system shine.

One of the major differences between the Prussian army and the Austrian army during the Seven Year's War was the Austrian use of light troops. Frederick though that using irregular infantry was dishonorable and cowardly, and refused to employ them. This led to situations during campaigns and battles where his troops were at a disadvantage in terms of reconnaissance and in fighting in constricted terrain.

Battle of Kolin: Prussia's Glory II - 2

Zieten's hussars clear the route of march for the slow moving Prussian infantry.

Battle of Kolin - Prussia's Glory II 1

Trying a video AAR. People seem more interested in watching than reading. Forgive my sloppy video skills; I'm just learning how to do this.

Rise of Prussia

Nobody does operational level campaigning like AGEOD.  I'm feeding my Seven Year's War bug with a Rise of Prussia game right now.  So far, I've forced the Saxons to capitulated and taken Prag prior to the end of 1757, and Frederick's army is wintering in the captured city.  1758, however, promises to be an interesting year for the Prussians...

For some reason, all of my screen caps of this look like crap.  I'll try and get some better ones next time I play.  Fraps apparently doesn't care for this game.