Pub Battles Brandywine Review

[@gull2112]

I enjoy your videos and am thrilled that you have reviewed my favorite game system, Pub Battles! I would mention that I have never had an issue with the maps because my opponents and I are very clear about whether on not we intend to occupy a terrain type, i.e. "This block is occupying the woods." Most of the time it is obvious, but if it is ever in question, we just make sure we're clear. You address this when you mention it around 19:15, I just wanted to underline it, as folks could get really turned off by it and miss a great gaming experience. It is usually experienced wargamers that have the steepest learning curve because they need to unlearn so many other systems, they assume too much. One example is the fact that previously contacted units can just move away (simulating simultaneous movement). If you want to decide where and when the attack is going to happen, you need to be sure to move last. On the other hand, if you think the enemy is not going to fight for the position, you can move first and hope he backs off, ceding it to you with no risk. You are spot on at 21:55 when you say it is "fresh and different!" In your analysis at 21:40 you capture the essence of why I find this game so fun, the rules focus on command decisions and don't pull you out of the narrative to check the rules, or play in a gamey way, as opposed to doing what your historical counterpart would do, naturally. I would not play this game in a pub with the paper map. The paper map is a way to put the game in a price point reachable by everyone. If you can find the extra lucre, the canvass map is amazing, You can spill beer and tapas all over it and wipe it clean. Finally, though I am not affiliated with Command Post Games in any way, other than as a playtester, I do have a blog and will answer any questions about the rules in particular or the game in general. pubbattleshomebrew.blog/ I generally will reply almost immediately, so that can be an edge, if folks are in the middle of a game. I live in Minnesota in the USA, so I'm on CST. Again, Marco, you have done another amazing review. I like your deep insight into games. I often find myself wondering "What would Marco say about this game or that?"

[@star_wars_gamer]

I love all of the Pub Battles games. Definitely a game Historic Wargamers should consider. Expensive with the “collectible quality” canvas maps but reasonable options are available. Great support from the designer and the rules are “living,” being play-tested continually. I understand there are more Battles in the works. I have all of the ACW and AWI battles and a friend has all of the Napoleonic Battles available.

[@vincentstella5131]

Marco, great video and a nice perspective on playing the game solo. I have backed the Pub Battles series of games from the very beginning so I obviously love them. I highly recommend you look at reviewing a couple of the other games in the series, maybe one of the ACW games and one of the Napoleonic games. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the game. One important side note: the game was originally designed and marketed with only a canvas game map so that it was resistant to spilling a beer on it. In addition, the size of the game map was kept on the smaller side so that it would fit on a small pub/bar table, hence a "Pub Battle" game. Later, CMG began offering a paper map variant to lower the cost for customers who couldn't afford the more expensive canvas maps.

[@willcorlett7630]

Thank you Marco, another great review of one of the series of very underrated games. I bit the bullet last year and forked out for the deluxe version of Antietam which comes with a stunning canvas map which I have put into a frame - its that good - and bring it down off the wall to play. It costs a lot more though, but still represents good valueas I did some research on fabric printing and you are not being gouged. Another thing you are missing are the measuring chains rather than the fixed rulers, these are really useful especially working out road moves. The system is maybe a little too abstract for hard core gamers, but surprisingly the results of games tend to feel historical and more often than not are very close. Funny but moving blocks on the sepia maps is somehow very atmospheric. If I had a wish it would be that the publishers considered PnP DIY as a viable way to get your hands on the games, supplying the necessary files to enable this - there is a wonderful video of someone who has used the system to create his own PB version of Wagram, so it can be done.

[@mattheweckel2057]

FTR if you get the nice laminated canvas map (bit more expensive but *really* worth it) you could very much take to a pub.

[@captainnolan5062]

You should try playing with the fog of war, and switching sides of the table as you move for each side.

[@captainnolan5062]

The commander's ratings are used when they attempt to interrupt and take the initiative.

[@lbwstrategygaming]

Very interested in these but seem a little high priced for what you get. Thoughts?

[@captainnolan5062]

There is a Pub Battles Rules 3.0 version out now.

[@smat2899]

Awesome game ; very nice review; Thank you.

[@kascally]

Could they not laminate the map? That would solve the beer spill issue.

[@n815e]

The original maps were all canvas. They started offering paper as an alternative to reduce the price.

[@AlexBlues]

Wow! From Brazil! 8)

[@MC-ip8gb]

Nice