Post by bruce on Jul 6, 2018 16:57:28 GMT
So.... I am going to test drive both Volley and Bayonet and Age of Eagles this summer. I ordered AoE first and got very prompt service from retired Colonel Wilbur Gray, known apparently to all as Colonel Bill. I also joined the Yahoo group, which has over 3000 members, despite the hideous clunky nature of Yahoo's group interface, in which following a thread is like being in the Bermuda Triangle. I am not quite ready to review these rules yet, will fight my first test battle over the weekend and report back.
That said, I can make a couple of points. This is a very established and well supported set of rules, designed for 15mm but adaptable to 6mm without much trouble. It is a big battle game and does require a lot of relatively small bases. Since all my figs can be based in any configuration as they and my bases are magnetic, this is not a problem for me, and the number of figs per base is not critical. Actually I think it will look good in 6mm with our advantage of great looking masses. As many as 6-12 stands (bases) make up a brigade, which is the primary unit.
Frontage seem to average about 20-25mm square, but I see no reason why this cannot be adjusted. I have a ton of this size from Litko that have been waiting for a mission. While the game mechanics, which are looking like a lot of fun, are set up for this frontage, some tuning is viable.
Beware some of you who are not so inclined, there is base removal as might be expected for such a large number of small units. Command involves attachment and staying close to the troops - it is critical to maintain unit cohesion using your various officers, a concept that can make a crucial difference to the outcome of a fight. BUT, you do not have total control of things - rolls and modifiers mean that not everything goes as expected. Just like in real life - sometimes you just can't control everything you'd like to and this may make for an interesting solo experience with these rules.
More to come. Bruce
That said, I can make a couple of points. This is a very established and well supported set of rules, designed for 15mm but adaptable to 6mm without much trouble. It is a big battle game and does require a lot of relatively small bases. Since all my figs can be based in any configuration as they and my bases are magnetic, this is not a problem for me, and the number of figs per base is not critical. Actually I think it will look good in 6mm with our advantage of great looking masses. As many as 6-12 stands (bases) make up a brigade, which is the primary unit.
Frontage seem to average about 20-25mm square, but I see no reason why this cannot be adjusted. I have a ton of this size from Litko that have been waiting for a mission. While the game mechanics, which are looking like a lot of fun, are set up for this frontage, some tuning is viable.
Beware some of you who are not so inclined, there is base removal as might be expected for such a large number of small units. Command involves attachment and staying close to the troops - it is critical to maintain unit cohesion using your various officers, a concept that can make a crucial difference to the outcome of a fight. BUT, you do not have total control of things - rolls and modifiers mean that not everything goes as expected. Just like in real life - sometimes you just can't control everything you'd like to and this may make for an interesting solo experience with these rules.
More to come. Bruce