"Columbia Games: Quebec vs Liberty vs 1812" Topic

Hi. Having had my first exposure to Columbia block games (Napoleon: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815) feel inspired to look at other historical block games. Have been looking at:

a) Quebec 1759
b) Liberty: American Revolution
c) War of 1812

Out of just these three (i.e. not interested in ACW or any other of their periods), which would you recommend AND WHY for the following two alternatives:

1) As a standalone boardgame?
2) As an engine for campaign for mini game (probably Muskets and Tomahawks)?

For example, Quebec 1759 looks a bit limited as a pure boardgame due to less replay value than say Napoleon 1815.

Thanks

James

I used to play Columbia Games with one of the designers many years ago. Quebec is a good game with different choices for both sides. Not as many as Napoleon: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815.

I never played the other two so cannot comment. But I would guess that they are similar to Napoleon: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815 with more possibilities for movement.

I've played 1812 several times and I would answer your question with – both. It's a well balanced stand alone, and makes a good campaign game.

1812 is the winner and can be both. Still maybe the best 1812 game going.

Liberty (same copy) appears at our club auction almost every year which tells you something about its replay ability.

Quebec is interesting but not enough option to warrant extensive replay.

A third vote for 1812. On the surface it might look like you don't have much in the way of decision-making based on the map, but don't let that deceive you. There is plenty for you to do and either side can win.
Also, as Dan055 said, works well as a campaign game for miniatures.

Enjoy 1812 as a board game – though I would give a slight edge to Liberty if you are going to use as a campaign game

Dont think you would go wrong with either one of them

Thanks for the feedback. Definitely looks like 1812 is the clear favourite between the three.

I think one of the guys at board games club has a copy of 1812, so will try to persude him to bring it down sometime to give it a try.

For Muskets and Tomahawks a couple of guys at the other local wargames club are doing French Indian War. So maybe the Liberty map might be closer to the areas that likely to focus on.

Cheers

James

I played 1812 both ways. It is a quite good boardgame.

I played it too as a playtester for an outcoming miniatures game. We played all years (1812 to 1814) and I think with more then 20 battles. Each block was one regiment or battery. We need not to change much of the rules to use it, even using the attrition rules for militia leaving the USA.

A very useable boardgame for a Campaign.

In our club we used Quebec 1759 many years for a smaller Campaign. This is working as a Campaign System well too.

I have played Quebec hundreds of times. The Corlears Hook Fencibles call it the game of games. My first edition is so battered I may have to make a new board. We did use it for a campaign but we just like it. Once you get it down a game takes maybe an hour, sometimes faster when one side really goofs.

I think it's a much better game than 1812. I have not played Liberty.

@ vtsaogames – Why is Quebec a better game than 1812?

Just trying to understand WHY people prefer the different games as that may affect which games I decide to go for.

Thanks very much

James

Napoleon was just redone in a deluxe edition that is just beautiful. I played it three weeks ago and found the game, with some new rule developments, really enjoyable. It's now along with Quebec and 1812, a game I intend to play again and again. These Columbis block games are among the best on the market.