Tuesday, May 21, 2013

First Post & Thoughts on Black Powder

This is SOUND OFFICERS CALL's first broadcast from the underground bunker in Horsham!  (PA not UK).  Our internet is lightning fast now that we're out of the apartment and I will most certainly now be more productive on the blogging front since the moving is practically over.  So good news there.

Secondly, Black Powder.  As I've said before, very similar concepts to the popular Warmaster style of game rules, but the concepts are where the similarities end.  Warmaster is one of the most influential game rules ever published and honed a sophisticated methodology for the fog of war.  The system was successfully adapted to many game rules since and where it has, the rules have been quite popular and successful (read as enjoyable).

To be honest, I very much enjoyed Warmaster Ancients, Blitzkrieg and Cold-War Commanders.  I have yet to play Future War Commander but it's coming.

Black Powder takes the warmaster concept, simplifies some details of movement, shooting, and close combat, and leaves you with a sense that wargames rules have "come full circle" since the old days.  3 shooting dice for standard units is a great way to keep the mess down.  Disorder is NOT a function of casualties, although it could be in the right circumstances.  Movement is simple and straightforward.  There are no ridiculous movements allowed when in the face of the enemy, and hand to hand combat is equally simple.  Thing fire and fury only simpler!

So far I've only played one very small game, and read the rules twice over.  I'm impressed with the quality of the rules and as I've read many others comment, am happy to have the book on my shelf if for the simple fact that it is has alot of eye candy and the humor in the book is second to none for a horse and musket wargame rules set.

Volley & Bayonet to me has always been an industry standard.  If you wanted to have fun, you played something else.  If you wanted to simulate what a general has to decide on during a real battle, you played Volley and Bayonet.  Black Powder may be "the next big thing" here at Sound Officers Call.  Huzzah!

Look for a Black Powder AWI game coming up something next week.

This weekend, the staff here at this blog will be taking our yearly vacation.  Last year we visited Lake George, Forts William Henry and Ticonderoga, and other battle sites from the French & Indian War.  This year, we are making a "pilgrimage" to Gettysburg!  I can hardly wait.  Many pictures to follow.  I hope everyone has a great week.


4 comments:

  1. Sounds like the move was a good one Steven!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a good move, Paul. Out of the apartment and into our house. My troops are happy because they have a permanent place to hang their lead, pewter, and plastic hats.

      Delete
  2. I'm going on vacation next week as well. Have fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent! We usually go away over Memorial Day Weekend.

      Delete