"Took the plunge, ordered R&E" Topic

So, coming from a background of World War 2 gaming via Advanced Squad Leader and some miniatures, I decided to jump into napoleonics. I ordered a couple of books on napoleonic tactics and warfare, and the Revolution and Empire rules. With this bundle I hope to gain some understanding of warfare in this age, and get to try my hand at winning some napoleonic battles myself.

I will probably game smaller engagements as soon as I find battles that interest me (probably by reading David Chandlers book). What are some things I should pay mind to with this set of rules? Any other good books to consider? What about scale of minis (I'm looking into 15 & 25mm at the moment)?

My current table is 6 x 8,5 feet, but buying some extension wood I can probably extend it to 6 x 12 feet. I'm fairly confident this space will work with 15mm miniatures well enough to play any battle I could muster up.

I will play solo to learn the game, so any tips for that will be appreciated as well.

That's a hell of a plunge – R&E probably being the most complex and detailed rule set available!

With that size table I would go with 15mm to maximize the size of battles you can play.

About to start the plunge myself, already having bought a few bit and pieces, most of which came in a 28 Kg parcel from Front Rank (to tie myself in), I have to agree with Extra Crispy. Why on earth did you go for R&E? I'm planning on quite simple games first, probably using Piquet, Black Powder or Lasalle because I know, even having read a bit, I'm a novice and these games are aimed at me.

My table is 15 x 6 and I'm planning on battles with a maximum of 30 or so units a side, in 28mm. (Units, usually, infantry 24 figs cavalry 12).

Good luck with your project, I admire your ambition.

Not knowing anything of R&E rules – are they really that complex when compared to ASL?

I chose this probably because I associate complexity and detail with immersion. I find immersive games to be of greatest value of enjoyment, which is why I fell for ASL from the first demonstration video I watched. Immersion is serious play, the best kind of play.

Ooooohhh…more complex than CdeB? Sweet!

With a table 6 x 12 feet, you might consider tackling this project in 54mm.

Quite a few manufacturers produce 54mm Napoleonics in plastic.

G'Day Gents,

I have my own set of rules…yet when I want to introduce someone to Napoleonic gaming…I use Empire II…

Empire II for someone new is just as good as any game design out there today. Then once they are ready I start teaching them Remembrance to Glory which is a VLB system…

I grew up playing Empire I, II, and later V…

Best Regards
Art

I second that of Art.
Looking to try again some empire II.
I do not have a group to play the R&E yet which takes a crawl, walk then run approach because of it immensity!
Good luck

MG

It surprises me that on an Empire board people are so awed by Revolution and Empire. It is a mashup of Legacy of Glory and Empire really. It has more pages than some rule sets but the ideas it puts forth are not that complex.

What is complex is the Amount of time it takes to finish a turn. Like both Legacy of Glory and Empire V a turn with a large number of units can take what seems to be an eternity because of the focus on Battalion sized units as the maneuver unit. Playing with a corps sized force this is going to take forever.

Stick with a couple of brigades or a Division and the game will run fast and fun. I am a huge Legacy of Glory fan but NOT for HUGE battles. Maybe a corps but with each player commanding a division. Same with Revolution Empire. Otherwise you get bogged down.

It's like playing War in The Pacific Solo.

The largest board you can get with 15mm's is the best, room to maneuver.

We play Empire V every week in our group and I play it solo as well and we've simply added a couple of good things from R+E rather than replace it altogether. We all did find it a little too expanded for what we already felt was a great napoleonic experience using Empire V. We also added a couple of house rules as well.

And no it doesnt take long to play. We play multiple corps battles in a few 2hr evenings.

Must say I'm a bit with Art on this – have looked off and on over the recent years for a copy of Empire II. If I recall correctly back in the early 80's it was the first set I ever observed being played and got me hooked on Napoleonics. Cant recall why I never bought a copy. I have Empire III, IV, V and R&E but II was the simplest of them all.

Anyone know how to get hold of a copy?