Games
Posted by Captain Everett on May 21, 1998 at 08:31:34:
In response to Quatre Bras, written by Ken on May 21, 1998 at 07:44:54
] ] I saw in the computer store two Napoleonic War Strategy Games, one Waterloo, and the other two more....
]
] QB was the battle before Waterloo. Ney commanded the attack, and was uncharacteristically sluggish, so it was a victory, but not overwhelmingly so, for the French. (Now, if Davout had been there, instead of keeping Paris loyal. . . .) The 3 days of Waterloo lends itself to several different games...(although the winter/spring 1814 campaign is infinitely more interesting)....{snip}
] YHOS,
] Snarkhunter
Ligny was the other battle, fought on the same day as Quatre Bras. There Napoleon defeated the Prussians under Field Marshal Blucher. However, Blucher was able to keep his promise to Wellington and join him on the field at Waterloo (largely due to the lackadaisical pursuit of Grouchy who was supposed to prevent such an occurance). That day was also marked by the wasted effort of d'Erlon's Corps, who marched towards one battle, and then the other, depending upon their latest orders from the respective commanders. While the French might call Quatre Bras a victory, the British also gained some of their objectives in just checking the French advance, even if only for a day. It gave Wellington time to organize his forces to meet the threat from that direction.
I agree with Ken, the outcome of the campaign might have been different if Davout had been present. I often wondered if Napoleon didn't feel Davout was just a little too good, and took some of the glory away from himself, and therefore didn't employ him as often as he might have. The 1814 campaigns are also some of the most interesting in Napoleon's career. (Unfortunately, it seems hard to find good, yet affordable, books on it.)
I haven't had an opportunity to play any of those computer games. I could ask around about them, but most of them seem to be regarded well. However, I have found that re-enacting has changed my view of board and minature gaming. I realize that the logic behind it is that one "turn" is supposed to represent say 15 minutes, or half-an-hour, etc., and it does take time to enter/record your orders. But I think they miss the need to make ery quick decisions (and reap the consequences) as real commanders would have to do. It's sort of like playing chess with a timer, as opposed to having as much time as you want to choose your move (even though I've never played that way).
I remain, etc.
Jason E.
- Davout Ken 13:24:58 5/21/98
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