"Opinions on Ancient & Medieval Wargaming by Neil Thomas" Topic

Looking for opinions on AMW. Specifically, how does it handle the following:

1. Phalanx vs Maniple
2. Warbands charging against legions
3. Light cav skirmishing
4. Knights vs bow and Knights vs other infantry

From what I've read the rules seem simple and fun, something I value. Just wondering if those specific interactions feel historical. Any other opinions you have on the rules are also welcome.

Romans come out out of it quite well generally, and heavy infantry are tough.

I find light cavalry skirmishing can be quite useful but it takes some knack and you need some heavier types or you will get run down.

We haven't done much of type 4 battle.

AMW can easily be adapted to tune it in as you think appropriate (and we generally do this).

We tend to use the rules to recreate historical battles or explore the possibilities they suggest (so I have little experience of just playing it as a pick up game, as it were) …

'Much liked' in my circle of wargamers. Hope that helps.

Phil
Ancients on the Move

Great little game. I think it handles most aspects of ancient warfare pretty well. My only real gripe is that Pike Phalanx fight with exactly the same rules as Hoplites. To me that just seems wrong.

The game forces you to be decisive. If you hang back and wait to see what develops, the enemy missile troops will wear you down.

I can only comment on the version in "Wargaming: An Intoduction". As mentioned these rules are very adaptable. To replicate Maniples v.s. Pike Phalanx first I expanded infantry units from four stands to six stands in a three wide two deep formation. Then I split the Hastati and Principes into separate units with the ability to pass through each other without penalty. Next I allow pike units the option to form in a two wide three deep formation being able to count the third rank during hand to hand combat. It doesn't take long for Roman players to see the opportunity for an easier flank attack on deeper formations. I also give phalanxes, including hoplites a slightly slower movement than heavy infantry. The slower movement makes skirmish units even more effective against them.

My only thoughts on warbands v.s. legions is that is that it takes a patient and skillful player to have any success. You must somehow lure then on to unfavorable ground, gain a flank or wear them down with skirmishing before the inevitable mad rush.

Hope this helps what should turn out to be an interesting thread.

Thanks for the comments guys. I managed to find a copy of the Classical rules (totally not sure which version) on the Yahoo Group and have gone about modifying them to add C&C, a few more modifiers and a touch more historical detail.

Let us know how it goes.

Have only played a couple of games so far, both Roman on Roman. Used the Classical set and the Dark Age set, both turned out to be slogging matches. As one might expect perhaps? Anyway I am suitably impressed and have got my "retirement project" Romans out and started, something Hail Caesar or even Impetus(did one base)didn't get me to do fully. Nothing in the rules for generals to do so we will add something in for our next outing.