English Civil War (1975) Board Game

The English Civil War, also known as the Great Rebellion, was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians (“Roundheads”) and Royalists (“Cavaliers”) in the Kingdom of England during the 17th century. The war ultimately resulted in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

Game Components of English Civil War

Map: 49 cm by 61 cm mounted map

Counters: Thin coverstock counters for military units

Rulebook: 20-page rulebook, with the last two pages used as tactical combat displays

How To Setup English Civil War

The game setup involves allocating troops to the left wing, centre, and right wing. The mounted map and counters are placed according to the specific battle scenario being simulated. Each player must carefully distribute their units to prepare for the combat phases.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unit Allocation: Players allocate troops to different parts of the battlefield.

Combat Resolution: Combat between cavalry units in the wings is resolved first, followed by any remaining cavalry units being sent to the centre.

Dice Usage: The game uses dice rolls, which can introduce a significant element of luck.

Game Objective: The objective is to simulate the English Civil War accurately, with players aiming to achieve historical objectives and outmaneuver their opponents.

Player Experience

The game is noted for its simplicity and innovative mechanics. Reviewer Tim Kask found the game to be “simple, with some interesting innovations, plays well, plays fairly quickly […], and has some interesting objectives and mode of play”.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Praised for its accurate simulation of the English Civil War.

Innovative Mechanics: Unique unit allocation and combat resolution mechanics.

Fast-Paced: Games are generally fast-moving and fun to play.

Recommended for History Buffs: Highly recommended for those interested in the English Civil War period.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolls can lead to a loss of control by players, making luck a significant factor.

Aesthetics: Criticized for poor cover art and subpar counter quality.

Complexity: Not an exciting or easy game for casual players; it can be quite long and complex.

Personal Thoughts on English Civil War

The English Civil War board game is ideal for enthusiasts of historical wargames and those specifically interested in the English Civil War period. While it may not appeal to casual gamers due to its complexity and reliance on luck, it offers a rich and accurate historical simulation that will engage and challenge history buffs and experienced wargamers.

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