Blenheim 1704

The 7hex system reflects the very real tactical systems used for the time period. There is a real possibility that nothing will go according to plan.

The Seven Hex provides an effective abstraction of time and space considerations on the battlefield. The limitations it sets on the player make for an effective simulation of the cumbersome tactical maneuver of the field armies in the era. Combat is a bit convoluted but not excessively so, once a few turns are completed..The overall result is a very good game of planning and execution. The physical quality is excellent, with the map a nice blend of aesthetics and practicality.

My review for the game has now been published on The Wargamer, at https://www.wargamer.com/reviews/battle-of-blenheim-1704-review/ . Questions and comments can be sent to my Email at hmgs1@hotmail.com.

Game Title: BLENHEIM Designer: STEVE POLE Publisher: LEGION WARGAMES I am writing this review after only receiving the game in the post a day ago; I am currently in the middle of my first game, but have already familiarised myself with the mechanics via the Vassal module. I have been so enthralled by the game, I decided not to wait for the dust to settle, but share my impressions at once. There are so many things to like about this game which introduces innovative mechanics, yet remains faithful to recreating a realistic and entertaining simulation of an historical battle. Having played many ‘hex-battle’ games over the years, I was definitely intrigued by the designer’s SHS system. At first I thought it would introduce undue complexity but after only a few turns, I found the procedure not only simple to operate, but accurately creating the sense of the conflict at battalion and squadron level. Where other games pile information counters on to a single hex to record unit status and formation, Steve Pole’s SHS allows each brigade to occupy its own large space, where the position of those units within the seven hexes will determine its fighting formation together with offensive and defensive capabilities. It is not my purpose here to discuss the mechanics, merely to remark that they allow great flexibility in the way brigades are deployed on the battlefield. If you go for the offensive option, you maximise your attack factors, but leave yourself vulnerable if attacked. If you are defensive-minded, you can optimise your formations to receive an assault, but will not be able to switch easily to the offensive. For me, this is the crux: Units cannot simply move-fight-move; there are no lightning changes of pace; no ‘Blitzkrieg’ tactics. Battalions and squadrons must reform, recover and, if necessary, be withdrawn to be rallied. All of which means careful preparation and planning. Progress is slow, sometimes frustratingly so, particularly if your order modifiers keep coming up negative. But this is part of the nail-biting fun. You may plan three or four attacks, all of which are crucial, but may only succeed in executing two or, if using the mandatory first order success option, one! The Order Modifier track is particularly effective in limiting the number of orders which can actually be carried out. The player never knows when he/she has given the last order for the turn. Command units are also well designed. Their command radius determines which units can make strategic moves and which can rally. Commanders are forever sweeping across the battlefield to crucial areas to rally disrupted troops (which, incidentally, do not rally by themselves as in other games), provide moral encouragement to turn the tide in a specific encounter, or move troops swiftly from one part of the field to another. This is one of the most relevant and realistic concepts in the game: Both Marlborough’s victories at Blenheim and Ramillies were effected by outmanoeuvring his opponents. It is also one of the things that make BLENHEIM such a competitive game. The ‘apparent’ motive of a move by your commander can throw your opponent off-balance, distracting him/her from you real intentions elsewhere. Add to the above, a beautiful map and charts; a classy-looking rulebook with clear instructions and excellent historical information; pleasing counter art; some variable playing options; and victory conditions which will have you on the edge of your seat up to the final die roll; and you have a wonderfully rendered simulation with excellent replay value. One final note. As a predominantly solitaire wargamer, I consider BLENHEIM to be excellent for solo play. If the Franco-Bavarian ‘non-player’ adopts a fairly static defence, the player can experiment with various allied strategies to achieve victory. The pace of the game also suits solitaire play; it is considered and methodical. I have already adopted the optional variants which alternate each phase rather than the entire turn; and I tend to allow my commanders the flexibility to influence combat as well as rally and move. These are just two of the variants which you can use according to taste. Those of my thoughts. I hope they may encourage others to try out this new system and I for one can’t wait for the next game in the series.

I am still in the process of working out movement and conflict resolution. The 7 hex system appears to be overly complicated compared to older AH and SPI movement systems. After a few games I may have a different opinion but it appears now that normal hex movement would be better. You would know what terrain could be crossed and what blocked movement. The command rules that recreate the fog of war and uncertainty about orders being followed correctly are good. This feature could be added to a traditional hex movement and it would be fine. I am disappointed since I have always been interested in Marlborough’s campaigns and have been waiting for a good Blenheim game. Since the map and artwork of the pieces are so good, I will try to see if I can overcome any of the initial problems and give a better review.