Like most Napoleonic gamers I always keep my eyes open for scenarios to use with my current favourite rules set. I recently learned that Michael Hopper had published 2 scenario books for the 1809 campaign against the Austrians; one selecting battles fought in the main theatre and a second which covers events in Italy.
I contacted Michael by email and he very promptly responded to my inquiry and advised me of the total cost for both books with postage from Winnipeg to Edmonton. Equally promptly I sent him the funds via Paypal and impatiently waited for delivery. Throughout the process Michael kept me fully informed and both books arrived within a couple of days (a novel experience for most Canadian gamers I suspect as most hobby related items come from afar.)
Both books are nicely produced with full coloured covers and good quality paper and graphics for the important material. Both books contain 18 scenarios, some of which I was familiar with and some which were new to me. Nicely detailed maps are provided for each battle together with a full order of battle for all sides involved. As far as I can tell Michael has avoided condensing units a la General De Brigade and has stuck to historical OOBs. I haven't had the books long enough to go through each scenario and compare the OOBs to the source material I have but so far so good.
I'm not going to list or go through the scenarios offered in detail but I will note that there is lots of variety to keep us busy.
The scenarios are designed with 25/28s in mind. Each map square equals 18" and Michael indicates the maps are scaled to a battalion with a 4-6" frontage when deployed in line. For 15mm, my scale, Michael suggests each map square represent 12" on the tabletop, which would suggest unit frontages of approximately 2.5-4". My "standard" infantry battalion consists of 6 stands with a total frontage of 4.5 inches. Larger units, like the Austrians, have 8 stands with a frontage of 6". So, I will likely have to use the 25/28mm ground scale. As a result, table size may be an issue in both scales if your collection is based at 1:20 or 1:33. Adjustments to unit size can of course be made. Another thing to note is that some of the scenarios make extensive, and I do mean extensive, use of built up areas and even city walls which may challenge even a large collection.
Both books also contain a section on rules running some 6-8 pages. I don't really see the point in including these as they are not a complete set and most of the rules recommendations are likely covered by most any set of Napoleonic rules.
Anyway, notwithstanding some of my comments, I think both volumes are well worth the price, $40.00 USD Cdn., and make a welcome addition to any collection of scenarios. Michael advises that he will be producing further books in the near future. He can be contacted at log1cal.mh@gmail.com I am eagerly looking forward to future releases.
paints a Napoleonic caricature.
