I love your style of review Matt. Always very clear to understand what you're saying, and the camera work is better than most. The counters and maps do look great, although I have a counter clipper so my counters from other games wind up looking better because they don't have any flash in the middle of the sides. Not a killer issue though. On the subject of the game mechanics though, I have several issues that you didn't refer to. Perhaps you can help? 1. Although the infantry units are battalions, some are combined. Why is that? Surely you can stack smaller units based on the stacking rules if you wish, and can use them separately if needed. This is definitely the case for the Dutch-Belgians early on. 2. Why is infantry fire ignored when firing with artillery? When artillery are not firing, the infantry get to fir and can have an effect. If the designer thinks infantry fire was inconsequential, then surely it should be removed from the game altogether? I don't agree with the designer, however. 3. Units that are reduced lose 1 MF. Why is this? Loss of cohesion perhaps? But the consequence of this is that when reduced units rout, they rout at a slower pace than the original unit can march. I've never heard of anything such as that before. I think the rout rules require some modification. 4. The 7th Belgian Line is incorrectly a reinforcement in the historical scenario, and comes down the wrong road. It was present on the battlefield around 2-2.30 pm, having marched from Nivelles. I really wanted to like the game because it looks so good. But I have to take issue with your comment that this is the best game on QB. There are several that are better, and certainly La Bataille de Quatre Bras a tad more detailed and realistic.
Thanks for the kind words Tony. These are all fair and valid questions of the game and the design. I am planning on doing a video review of the La Bataille de Quatre Bras and to see if it can take the Quatre Bras Crown! (Ligny too!)
Thanks for the review Matt, I prefer the "feel" of the Fallen Eagles system compared to Vae Victis one, plus counters look more functional. Will need to give it a try at some point...
Thanks for the very informative review. I bought Ligny in this series and really enjoy it. The lack of useful infantry fire seemed odd at first but assuming melee is also including fire, and the research suggesting just how much fire was needed for a casualty at the time, means it sits better with me now. What I can't work out how to use properly is artillery. In Ligny if the prussians keep it in the town it's pretty useless, but if i put it in a clear hex I need to commit troops to it. Do you have any tips on how best to utilise it within this system?
Great video Matt. I own both QB and Ligny but have not yet got them to the table. A quick question you might know the answer to - can you combine QB, Ligny and Waterloo (to be reprinted this month apparently) into one mega game? Also, I think GMT often stocks Hexasim games, so US buyers might get a copy there.
In some ways its a simpler game, and smoother to play. But Jours, has a massive collection of games in the series. Each has differences but if I had to recommend one, I would recommend this series, just because the components are outstanding.
What's the unit scale for this series, for each of the unit types? The map scale seems to be "grand-tactical". One thing I can't understand is how facing can be an "optional rule" in any line/column-era tactical system. It's just such a critical element of tactics in these eras. But, there seem to be some systems that are "half-a-step up" from regimental, call it "demi-brigade", where formations and facing can be abstracted to the point they are ignored on the map. I'm wondering if Last Eagles is at that demi-brigade level, or perhaps full brigade level.
The cavalry are by regiment. Most of the infantry appear to be by regiment, except for elite units (French Legere and British Guard) which are represented by 2 counters. Great video! 😀👍
![“อ.เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม” มาตามคำเรียกร้อง แหกศาสตร์ฮวงจุ้ย เตือนสติอย่างมงาย | แฉ 7 พ.ย. 67 [1/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5fc4S3xBNfc/mqdefault.jpg)
I love this system too; just the right level of detail for me. Quatre Bras is a very manageable sized endeavor to get started on the system too.
I love your style of review Matt. Always very clear to understand what you're saying, and the camera work is better than most. The counters and maps do look great, although I have a counter clipper so my counters from other games wind up looking better because they don't have any flash in the middle of the sides. Not a killer issue though. On the subject of the game mechanics though, I have several issues that you didn't refer to. Perhaps you can help?
1. Although the infantry units are battalions, some are combined. Why is that? Surely you can stack smaller units based on the stacking rules if you wish, and can use them separately if needed. This is definitely the case for the Dutch-Belgians early on.
2. Why is infantry fire ignored when firing with artillery? When artillery are not firing, the infantry get to fir and can have an effect. If the designer thinks infantry fire was inconsequential, then surely it should be removed from the game altogether? I don't agree with the designer, however.
3. Units that are reduced lose 1 MF. Why is this? Loss of cohesion perhaps? But the consequence of this is that when reduced units rout, they rout at a slower pace than the original unit can march. I've never heard of anything such as that before. I think the rout rules require some modification.
4. The 7th Belgian Line is incorrectly a reinforcement in the historical scenario, and comes down the wrong road. It was present on the battlefield around 2-2.30 pm, having marched from Nivelles.
I really wanted to like the game because it looks so good. But I have to take issue with your comment that this is the best game on QB. There are several that are better, and certainly La Bataille de Quatre Bras a tad more detailed and realistic.
Thanks for the kind words Tony. These are all fair and valid questions of the game and the design. I am planning on doing a video review of the La Bataille de Quatre Bras and to see if it can take the Quatre Bras Crown! (Ligny too!)
Thanks for your review. I own the battle of austerlitz game in this series. You are motivating me to get it to the table
I was going to pick this up based on your recommendation the other day... so thanks for showing this off...
get this and their Ligny game for the combined game. If you can only get one - I would go with Ligny (as it has more scenarios/variety and is epic)
I have the Battle of Austerlitz game in this series. You are motivating me to get it to the table
Thanks for the review Matt, I prefer the "feel" of the Fallen Eagles system compared to Vae Victis one, plus counters look more functional. Will need to give it a try at some point...
Thanks for the very informative review. I bought Ligny in this series and really enjoy it. The lack of useful infantry fire seemed odd at first but assuming melee is also including fire, and the research suggesting just how much fire was needed for a casualty at the time, means it sits better with me now. What I can't work out how to use properly is artillery. In Ligny if the prussians keep it in the town it's pretty useless, but if i put it in a clear hex I need to commit troops to it. Do you have any tips on how best to utilise it within this system?
Nice review. I've been looking for an alternative to La Bataille series for a while, looks like this could fit the bill.
Thanks - I have played the Bataille series and I think this is an excellent alternative
Great video Matt. I own both QB and Ligny but have not yet got them to the table. A quick question you might know the answer to - can you combine QB, Ligny and Waterloo (to be reprinted this month apparently) into one mega game? Also, I think GMT often stocks Hexasim games, so US buyers might get a copy there.
As far as I know you can combine Ligny and QB (but not sure with Waterloo). I really want their Austerlitz game too.
Great review, Matt. How does the series compare to Jours de Gloire, in your opinion?
In some ways its a simpler game, and smoother to play. But Jours, has a massive collection of games in the series. Each has differences but if I had to recommend one, I would recommend this series, just because the components are outstanding.
What's the unit scale for this series, for each of the unit types? The map scale seems to be "grand-tactical". One thing I can't understand is how facing can be an "optional rule" in any line/column-era tactical system. It's just such a critical element of tactics in these eras. But, there seem to be some systems that are "half-a-step up" from regimental, call it "demi-brigade", where formations and facing can be abstracted to the point they are ignored on the map. I'm wondering if Last Eagles is at that demi-brigade level, or perhaps full brigade level.
yes - it is abstracted - there is no player mechanic for column or line for example.
The cavalry are by regiment. Most of the infantry appear to be by regiment, except for elite units (French Legere and British Guard) which are represented by 2 counters. Great video! 😀👍
A paper gaming mat? I guess that won't last very long
30pts to a hex seems a lot to me Matt!