"A review of TRAVEL BATTLE by Perry Miniatures" Topic

I got a copy of TRAVEL BATTLE from Alan and Michael Perry whilst I was at SALUTE2017, and yesterday I managed to spend quite a lot of time looking at the game and its rules.

I have written what I think is a fairly balanced review of TRAVEL BATTLE on my blog here = link

Below is the painted example that was on the Perry Miniatures stand at SALUTE2017.

Below are some photos of the two 10 x 10 terrain boards that come with the game.

A very useful review. Thanks very much.

I too was tempted but the only scenario I could imagine using it would be on holiday with my wife and she draws the line at backgammon. However …….

Excellent review Bob, thank you for posting it. I had one question: did you measure the foot figures? If so, was the 8mm equal to foot to eyes or foot to top of shako?

Thank you for the review!

I would do nearly anything to get my hands on a copy to A) give the rules a look and B) see what I could do, in terms of upgrading, to make it even better:) I just don't know if I can justify the cost, especially since it would be mainly to review, and I might not play it much.

Thanks for the review. I am anxious to get my copy!

Reminds me of all those micro (and meta) games of years gone by.

link

Solid and fair review. I don't disagree with most of it!

I may have missed it but has the review some detail on how it plays? It's difficult to get an idea of the basic game concepts – how a turn works through for example, what decisions you are being asked to make?

Yeah, would love more info on the actual rule set (which, I assume, is super simple.)

Acatcalledelvis and Lord Ashram,

The rules are very simple. The bases are organised into brigades, each of which has a brigadier. Movement is measured in squares, and bases are allowed to move on the diagonal as well as orthogonally. Only artillery fires (and ranges are measured in the same way as movement). Combat between infantry and cavalry takes place when opposing bases are in base-to-base contact. A D6 die is used to resolve combat. The rules allow units to rally, and victory is achieved by one side destroying two of the other side's brigades.

I've tried out the various rules mechanisms but not yet fought a full-scale battle. They seem to work quite well.

I hope that this information is what you wanted.

Thank you for your time to reply

The way you describe it is like chess – I would hope you do post on your play test – it would be interesting to see what decisions/friction the game may throw up

I am sure it was not intended as such… but you can pretty much read all the rules by clicking on the photos in Bob's review.

Thank you. The lack of information about the rules has been disconcerting.

Roving bandit,

That error was corrected as soon as it was pointed out to me.

Even enlarged, the text is now u readable.

The rules are so simple – not necessarily a bad thing, if the game is intended for children or non-wargamers – that one would hardly buy the Travel Battle game simply to obtain them.

Equally playable, and possibly better, rules are available – such as Bob's own Portable Wargame or Neil Thomas's One Hour Wargames – at modest prices, so the value of this game lies primarily in the plastic gameboards, the 8mm figures and the foam-lined box in which to carry them.

Is it available anywhere in the U.S.? Shipping from the UK would put the price completely out of reach for me.

The Warstore is selling them.

I have just started painting my own 2 'Travel Battle' sets, I'm very pleased with the product. The figures paint up quite well.

More on my blog:
link

Thank you both for these extensive reviews and painting reports! I'll probably "bite" sooner or later, however one thing that strikes me is the apparent absence of skirmishers in a Napoleonic game pitched at this level?

Not sure it has any lasting long term value as a game , maybe more of a gimmick.
Is it worth the effort as the base boards are so bland ?
You have done some good work on it .
Also in today's image graphics sensitive blank generation l don't think it has enough going for it to make any impact.

Could anyone point me at a forum or discussion about the rules. I have a couple of questions after reading them and was also wondering if there are any resources online such as a FAQ or QRS.

Simple and quick play rules which may well work quite well but they do have some gaps.

Thanks, gary

Pure chance I looked at this. But I am astonished at the quality of these plastic figures in this small scale. OK, excellent skilled paint job too, but this shows what can be achieved by the manufacturers….without metal!

So can you put two games together and play on a larger board? 20x20 instead of 10x20? Rules allow for that?

I played my copy of the game for the first time this week with my regular opponent Mike of Black Hat Miniatures. We enjoyed the game very much-it certainly didn't feel like Chess…! the rules for infantry squares and the extra punch of heavy cavalry gave it a nice period feel.

I compared the figures that came in the set with my Baccus Napoleonics. Both the Perry 8mm and Baccus 6mm figures are the same height, although the Perry figures are slightly more slender. Perhaps Baccus are heroic 6mm!

Travel Battle fans should check this out: TMP link

Are any scenarios included with the rules? I'd like to know if it's possible to use just the base set and still play out some diversity of battles.

grambo

The link goes to your Blog but I can't find your writings on this game?

@LordAshram: where are you in the world? (Looked on yr profile, but it doesn't say) I was given this set, and have no desire or intention to play it. I'd be happy to let you have it for the cost of shipping. Contact me direct if interested at 'seb at sebpalmer dot com'.

Got a pair from On Military Matters, hope they arrive in time for Christmas :)