Uesugi Kenshin | 23 Apr 2010 3:38 a.m. PST |
The "Do all 166 sets of Napoleonic rules suck?" thread got me thinking, there must be some "good" sets out there. I think this poll was done a year or so ago, but you can never have too many Napoleonic polls. That said, regardless of formation size (Corps, Division, skirmish, etc
) and mini size, whats your favorite Nappy rules? (as an aside, keep it civil!) |
bobblanchett | 23 Apr 2010 3:53 a.m. PST |
this topic by definition is a troll ;) especially given it deliberately casts a wide net.. Asking this question on TMP is a bit like "scientific" whaling ;) BILL DELETE THIS NOW, BEFORE its too late! pass the popcorn, make room in the dawghouse, light touchpaper and stand back ;) for mine, I haven't done a lot of Nap gaming.. played some Corps D'armee wihch I liked, I'd be more than willing to give Lasalle/Blucher(when it arrives) a go, given how much I've enjoyed Might and Reason. |
Grizwald | 23 Apr 2010 4:00 a.m. PST |
"whats your favorite Nappy rules?" Aaarrrrgh!!!!! Not diapers again!! "Best Napoleonic rules, any scale. " My own homegrown ones of course! |
Angel Barracks | 23 Apr 2010 4:06 a.m. PST |
actually my home grown are. :) |
Chortle | 23 Apr 2010 4:09 a.m. PST |
I am building up forces for 1/6th scale "In The Grand Manner". I'm not saying that people who game in lesser scales, or with lesser rules, are sissies. I am typing it instead ;-) |
Grizwald | 23 Apr 2010 4:13 a.m. PST |
"I am building up forces for 1/6th scale "In The Grand Manner"." I hope you've got very long arms
|
alien BLOODY HELL surfer | 23 Apr 2010 4:32 a.m. PST |
I like my set from the 70's, where fire and casualties are worked out by cross referencing unit strength against target strength, plus iirc range/cover taken into account. After that, you may have to roll for morale. It's all pretty much about thinking and maneuvering, not dice rolling. Can get a game in with almost the whole collection (1:72nd) on a 6'x4' set up in an evening most of the time. |
A Twiningham | 23 Apr 2010 4:55 a.m. PST |
Since almost no current sets adequately portray the use of bricoles I'd have to answer that the best are my own "Bricoles and Button Counters". |
Fred Cartwright | 23 Apr 2010 5:22 a.m. PST |
the best are my own "Bricoles and Button Counters". Well I'm waiting for "Bricoles and Button Counters II"! |
A Quinn Martin Production | 23 Apr 2010 5:32 a.m. PST |
I think "Bricoles and Button Counters" should be renamed: "Bricoles over the Empire in the Glorious Age of Napoleon" |
Dave Crowell | 23 Apr 2010 5:48 a.m. PST |
Isn't "best Napoleonics Rules" an oxymoron? Actually I'll vote for C&C:Napoloenics, which I might actually play. Although set up the Airfix guys and roll marbles at them came close. |
BrianW | 23 Apr 2010 6:03 a.m. PST |
Although set up the Airfix guys and roll marbles at them came close. Now THAT was a fun set of rules! And, they were equally adaptable to WWII and ACW. Some people might argue that they were a little light on realism, but I thought that the "Lincoln Logs supplement" handled the question of entrenchments really well. BWW |
A Twiningham | 23 Apr 2010 6:14 a.m. PST |
I played those Airfix and marbles rules as a kid. The problem was the codexes kept escalating the army lists and they got insanely out of control. Dirt clod bombardments and air rifle snipers were OK, but as soon as the bottle rocket batteries and firecracker cluster bombs were introduced the whole thing became unplayable. |
Stosstruppen | 23 Apr 2010 6:34 a.m. PST |
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Shedman | 23 Apr 2010 6:40 a.m. PST |
the best are my own "Bricoles and Button Counters". The scale is way too low level for me – I am waiting for "Bricoles and Baton Counters" |
forwardmarchstudios | 23 Apr 2010 6:42 a.m. PST |
A more entertaining question might be which one is the worst
. |
Lord Al | 23 Apr 2010 6:48 a.m. PST |
Little Wars by H.G. Wells
.. |
Chortle | 23 Apr 2010 7:02 a.m. PST |
Napoleon's Bricoles – in 1/6th scale & with long arms |
Keraunos | 23 Apr 2010 7:32 a.m. PST |
oh yes – pop guns and match sticks. Wells for me too. |
D6 Junkie | 23 Apr 2010 7:38 a.m. PST |
Back to the topic, I've enjoyed Volley and Bayonet the most. |
BravoX | 23 Apr 2010 7:49 a.m. PST |
Napoleonic Wargaming by Charles Grant Nuff said, discussion over, close the thread. Absolutely is not and never can be any book filled with porn. |
Dan Cyr | 23 Apr 2010 8:30 a.m. PST |
The best set(s) of rules is going to be the one that is fun, does not lend itself to legal arguing about the rules, can be explained easily to others, gamers and newbies alike, plays in the time space you have (I'd suggest that 4 hours is max for most folks), does not require you to re-base and is complete (you only buy one product to play). Dan |
toofatlardies | 23 Apr 2010 9:17 a.m. PST |
The best wargames rules, of any type and period, are the ones you enjoy. |
(I make fun of others) | 23 Apr 2010 9:39 a.m. PST |
I have a home-brewed set called "Napoleon's Flatulence," in which his level of stomach upset determines his, and thus French, performance. Because I am a Napoleon worshipper, I set it as follows: 1) Napoleon making splendidly: all French units get a +3,000 on their rolls (on one D6) 2) Napoleon a bit manky: all French units get a +3,000 on their rolls only on a roll of 1-3 on a D7, otherwise deploy Prussians led by angry madman on French flank 3) Napoleon like death warmed up: deploy Prussians led by angry madman on French flank, Guard must immediately attack and get their usual +89,000 on their rolls (on one D6) but British get a +90,000, all other French then run away shouting "le Garde's irregular" |
Who asked this joker | 23 Apr 2010 10:10 a.m. PST |
Volley and Bayonet. Napoleon's Battles Ones I'd like to try because they look interesting: Black Powder Rank and File |
Gallowglass | 23 Apr 2010 10:53 a.m. PST |
The best wargames rules, of any type and period, are the ones you enjoy. Amen. |
christot | 23 Apr 2010 12:29 p.m. PST |
To paraphrase Quentin Crisp
"well
.I think they are all rather lovely" |
Martin Rapier | 23 Apr 2010 12:52 p.m. PST |
My favourite Napoleonic Rules? That is actually quite hard to answer. If forced to plump for one, I'd probably go for Shako, if just for the command system an encouragement to adopt historical formations. |
quidveritas | 23 Apr 2010 1:16 p.m. PST |
All time???? Based on years of play and people playing it? Empire II Of course not many play it now -- including me. mjc |
Clay the Elitist | 23 Apr 2010 1:37 p.m. PST |
Mine are best. "Napoleon's Brioche" is a close second. |
Mithmee | 23 Apr 2010 2:39 p.m. PST |
It really does not matter since what ever I am using is going to get changed so that what I want in a Napoleonic Game. I think many others do this very same thing. |
Smokey Roan | 23 Apr 2010 3:32 p.m. PST |
You suck! (wait, have we gotten to that part of the discussion yet?) :) :) :) I'm interested here. Never played a Napoleonic game. I like the period, so I am taking notes.
|
Angel Barracks | 23 Apr 2010 3:35 p.m. PST |
It really does not matter since what ever I am using is going to get changed so that what I want in a Napoleonic Game.I think many others do this very same thing.
sounds fair
|
vtsaogames | 23 Apr 2010 3:45 p.m. PST |
Each side commands a corps, basic units are infantry battalions/cavalry regiments/artillery batteries, my choice is Le Feu Sacre. Each side commands an army, basic units are brigades/artillery battalions, my choice is Volley & Bayonet. Each side commands a company or more, basic units are squads, my choice is Sharp Practice. |
nsolomon99 | 23 Apr 2010 4:17 p.m. PST |
Currently, and for the last few years, it would be Le Feu Sacre. |
Shaman Ashby | 23 Apr 2010 4:21 p.m. PST |
1) The War Event
.for those of you who havent played this delightful game its best described as "contentious". I particularly like the advertising campaign which may also be described as "contentious". So perhaps not the variety the rest of you more gentlemanly types require, but nonetheless entertaining. 2) Homegrown child friendly rules (my boys are 7 and 9) in which Starwars X wing fighters can eliminate whole ranks of figs, esp. if dad is no longer interested in this "form" of make believe. Once a giant teddy bear killed all the cavalry. hmmm tasty! 3) ITGM which may really incorporate all of the above issues after a few too many beers. sniff sniff
.I love you man
.sniff sniff
..its all good |
pavelft | 23 Apr 2010 5:57 p.m. PST |
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Maxshadow | 23 Apr 2010 8:42 p.m. PST |
I can't tell which rules I think are best. But i can rate them by the number of enjoyable games I've played with them. 1.Shako followed by 2.WRG followed by 3.Quarrie followed by 4.Nap Battles followed by 5.Black powder. Napoleons Battles is the only one I'd avoid playing again. That's commercial rules. I wrote my own in the 80's as a sort of beginners set. They would slot in at 1.5 regards Max |
Slappy | 24 Apr 2010 7:51 a.m. PST |
I think I am going to put my hand up for Shako – its nice and simple and well has a good flavour. Not to mention adaptable! |
Mithmee | 24 Apr 2010 9:33 a.m. PST |
All of the rules are adaptable. Rule set has UGO – IGO change it something that is random. It takes nearly two hours to get one turn in get a five minute timer and you will be amaze on just how many turns you can get in those two hours. Rule set has things that you really do not add to the game; simple drop it and continue playing. |
Scorpio | 24 Apr 2010 11:06 a.m. PST |
Actual suggestion: Song of Drums and Shakos Comedy suggestion: Warhammer 40k |
nickinsomerset | 25 Apr 2010 3:04 p.m. PST |
flames of war 1813, Tally Ho! |
tahoff | 20 Nov 2010 8:30 a.m. PST |
Le Feu Sacre. Having said that, our group plays Black Powder. |
freecloud | 20 Nov 2010 10:07 a.m. PST |
I made up a set for my young nephew and I to play with Airfix men in the garden, you could write the rules on a postcard. That he remembers those games 15 years later means they worked well. Coming to think of it, they would probably work OK, except skirmishers should not form square when giant cats loom over them
.. I think I shall call them and "Folly & Beignets" On a more serious note, in playing over (cough cough) years of wargaming, this is the one period where I have *never* found a set of rules I really liked. I was tempted to say its because I have too many fixed preconceptions about this period vs others' views, but thats not it – I have my own strong views about most periods I am interested in, but am happy with quite a few of the rulesets I've used in those periods. I think the main problem with many Napoleonic rulesets is that they are one or more of: - Too complex (typical sign – lots of markers or bits of paper on the table to show unit status), thus slow and you need to take Aspirin before playing - Too detailed, there seems to be an unwillingness to generalise. Typical sign – the way you win is about knowing the rulebook, not the game - Too "spurious country archetype" specific – so you lock in slow Austrians, wonderful French & British etc – ie why would anybody play anything except French or British. - Too many "interesting but odd" mechanisms, which interfere with play or pull it off course. (OK, so my cavalry charging the rear of your 999th foot is cancelled because you have pulled a "giant cat suddenly invades the valley" card. Again!)
and the main probem with my prioblems is that a rulest I like will immediately be hated by those who love teh detail, complexity, national characteristics, giant cat cards etc
. |
rabbit | 21 Nov 2010 4:58 a.m. PST |
Take several thousand chaps, issue most with smooth-bored, unreliable, flintlock muskets, give these musket balls and powder, and a few hours training. Issue these with swords, and bendy bayonets and Kaleidoscopic uniforms. Have some cannon, firing round-shot, and tin cans full of musket balls and a few chaps on horses in equally gaudy clothing, with swords or pointy sticks. Have these chaps commanded by a Genius from Corsica (another topic here I feel), and send them across Europe, in all directions to fight groups of similarly equipped chaps, commanded by Old folk, Incompetents, and a chap with a big nose. Provided you start with one side being full of hope (and revolutionary zeal) and the others living in the past with bags of self-interest and royalist fervour, you should get a good game. Might take a while to play out though and Aspirin might not be enough On the other hand IT IS JUST A GAME, jolly good fun though ENJOY IT! |
arthur1815 | 21 Nov 2010 6:16 a.m. PST |
For a 'realistic' game: the 1824 Prussian Kriegsspiel by von Reisswitz [translated into English by Bill Leeson; now republished by Two Fat Lardies]- the only Napoleonic wargame rules written by an officer who actually served in them. For a 'fun' game: Featherstone, Grant, Thomas et al – whatever you enjoy – or make up your own! |
custosarmorum | 21 Nov 2010 9:03 a.m. PST |
I still have a fondness for "Column, Line, and Square" and for "Fire and Steel." I would love to see the latter released but now for 28mm! |
Ghecko | 21 Nov 2010 1:44 p.m. PST |
I'm with Rabbit – just enjoy the thing
My rules at runtus.org |
viking62 | 22 Jul 2021 7:58 a.m. PST |
I liked "March of Eagles", but I lost my set, and I can't find it now |
pfmodel | 22 Jul 2021 3:19 p.m. PST |
The best rules do depend on what type of game you wish. If you want a small, easy to play, battle of wits between two equal forces, then DBN is a good option. If you want a larger game, then the original WRG Napoleonic's are a good choice. Somewhere in between I suspect lies Absolute emperor and Snappy Nappy. If you want a monster game which will be played out in a several days, then "The age of eagles" is a good option. If you want a historical game then I suspects Bloody Big Napoleonic's Battles may be the best option. If you want a pseudo historical game, which is short and fun, Blucher is a good option. If you want a skirmish game, there are rules for you, as there are if you want hyper detail and battalion unit scale. There are many choices, for myself I would like a simple fun game which allows me to reproduce a historical battle, Blucher and BBNB were probably my "go to" game systems for that, however someone I suggest I convert the old SPI folio games into figure gaming and so far that seems to be working well. But even so, DBN/Absolute Emperor/Snappy Nappy will always be a good choice for a small, simple abstract game and I do want to also try out Age of Empires, I love the scenarios. So many rules, so few years left. |