Sean Chick
United States
Hammond
Louisiana
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Battle Pack 1 is the first expansion for Napoleon's War: The 100 Days. This review will deviate from my usual style because the game discussed here does not drastically change the dynamics of Napoleon's War: The 100 Days in the way that Hold the Line: French and Indian War Expansion Set changed Hold the Line. Instead I'll discuss the individual scenarios and what I think of them.
Alexandria (22/25): This battle was fought in Egypt in 1801. It domed the already tenuous French governance over the area and was one of the first major British land victories of the era. The scenario itself is a bashing fest in which a large French army must overcome a British army in a prepared position. Normally these scenarios do little for me, but this one is asymmetrical. The Brits are out-numbered and must rely upon gunboats for fire support. The French have more artillery. All in all this is the second best scenario in the lot.
Jena (18/25): Napoleon’s great victory at Jena featured his army smashing the Prussian rearguard. As with the real battle, things generally favor the French, who have a central position and a better army. Worst of all the Prussian infantry have only two figures each. This makes little sense to me. The Prussians took a lot of punishment at Jena. Where they failed was in their leadership. For this reason Jena is not the greatest scenario. But one could do worse as you will soon see.
The Battle Lines at Jena
Auerstadt (15/25): While Napoleon was winning at Jena, Davout was out doing him at Auerstadt, winning one of the most impressive victories in all of history. Unfortunately the battle does not translate too well. The Prussians must attack with inferior infantry and some heavy command penalties. You’ll have to “fix” this one to make it fun or at least competitive.
The Battle Lines at Auerstadt
Bussaco (25/25): This was among Wellington’s most lop sided victories, although the results were not strategically decisive. This one is fun in part because it features the Portuguese, but also it tests the French ability to maintain the attack against a strong although not invulnerable position. Most of all, the forces are evenly matched and balanced in terms of composition and quality. It is my favorite of the bunch. Originally this was supposed to be The Battle of La Rothiere, and I hope that does get featured down the road.
Overall (80/100): Battle Pack 1 is a must for fans of the system. I would say only Auerstadt fails to live up to the rest, but in that sense it is no different than Wavre in Napoleon's War: The 100 Days.
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Posted Mon Nov 21, 2011 5:20 am