A Glorious Chance is a solitaire, operational wargame that puts you in command of the U.S. or British naval squadron on Lake Ontario in 1813. You have four months to dominate the lake. But each patrol, each convoy mission, each amphibious landing you make to pursue victory risks full-scale battle with the enemy squadron – a battle that could leave you triumphant or shattered in a matter of hours. A dynamic card-driven AI opponent assigns British missions, refits and launches new ships, and plots raids on your supply routes and coastlines.
Description of the mechanics: A Glorious Chance has eight turns representing the period June-September 1813, and is playable in about four hours. Each turn, the human player assigns friendly ships or stacks to patrol, convoy escort, land-support, or interception missions in any of six lake zones. Card and chit draws determine which enemy ships may deploy to the lake or stay in the shipyard to acquire more potent weaponry. The player draws a row of Target Cards, face-down. Each card back shows a lake zone where the enemy may be active this turn. If a card’s zone matches a zone with a friendly mission, an encounter is possible. An encounter flips that Target Card to reveal the enemy mission type and an effort level, which help determine how many enemy ships appear. Lake combat is resolved on an odds-based table, modified by drawn/selected tactic chits, and can result in victory points for enemy ships destroyed or captured. Ships with a land-support mission increase the chance of their side’s success in a land attack, which also earns victory points. An administrative phase at the end of each turn establishes which side earns VPs for control of lake zones, whether a side’s home port is under blockade, and how arrived, delayed, or captured supply convoys affect the progress of each side’s supply track. A side that reaches certain supply levels can launch certain ships from a shipyard, or have army troops readied to attempt more ambitious land operations. A final victory level is assessed at the end of the eighth turn; depending on the VP level, the game result can be a draw, or either side can win a marginal victory, victory, or decisive victory.
I had a blast playing first the British then the American solo campaigns. The game is very well balanced, with the British having fewer but heavier ships, and the Americans having more ships of lower quality. The randomly drawn target and event cards, as well as the AI mechanics make for an exciting and unexpected play through. I would like to see options for a two player version, and perhaps a sequel to cover events on Lake Erie next!
Have not played as of yet. Components, though, are very well done.
This game is well produced. It was well packed and shipped very quickly. Looks to be a very good solo game about a interesting part of American history.
I haven't had a chance to table this yet (just arrived today); but the production and presentation is beautiful. The care is evident. Can't wait to get to the table w/ this intriguing design! Well done and congrats, Gina & crew!!
