Campaigns of 1777 (2019) Board Game

Campaigns of 1777 is a historical wargame that focuses on the American Revolutionary War. Designed by Harold Buchanan and published by Decision Games in 2019, the game allows players to recreate the pivotal campaigns of 1777, a crucial year in the war for American independence. With a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and strategic decision-making, Campaigns of 1777 offers players a deep and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Campaigns of 1777

Game board covering Middle and New England Colonies, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and parts of lower Canada in Quebec.

Point-to-point movement system with wavy lines mimicking colonial road systems.

Department boxes for Middle, Highlands, Eastern, and Northern Departments.

Unit counters for Patriot Militia, British Tories, and British Indians.

Mounted map board in the Deluxe Edition.

How To Setup Campaigns of 1777

To set up the game, players need to separate the units and place them on their respective starting locations on the board. The board is divided into different departments, each with its own rally numbers and limitations on unit placement. Players must ensure that the units are placed according to the department rules and the historical context of the campaign.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Point-to-Point Movement: Players move units along wavy lines representing colonial roads.

Department Rally System: Unit limits are based on population density and loyalty of the area.

Sea Movement: British can use sea movement to quickly marshal forces.

Siege Mechanics: Patriots can defend key forts to delay British advances.

Objective: The Patriots aim to slow the British advance and secure key victories, while the British seek to overwhelm the Patriots and capture strategic locations.

Player Experience

Playing **Campaigns of 1777** is a strategic and thematic experience. Players must carefully plan their moves, considering the terrain and the limited resources available. The game feels like a cat-and-mouse scenario, where the Patriots must pick their battles wisely to slow the British advance. The beautiful and detailed board, illustrated by Terry Leeds, enhances the gameplay by providing a realistic representation of the colonial landscape.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately depicts the battles and sieges of 1777, including Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne’s army.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Thematic Experience: The board and mechanics create a immersive historical setting.

Beautiful Artwork: Terry Leeds’ illustrations are highly praised for their detail and realism.

Cons

Complexity: While the game is generally considered low to medium complexity, it may still be daunting for new wargamers.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 players only.

Availability: The original magazine edition is sold out, with only the Deluxe Edition available for pre-order.

Personal Thoughts on Campaigns of 1777

**Campaigns of 1777** is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in the American War for Independence. It offers a unique blend of strategic gameplay and historical accuracy, making it a great choice for wargamers looking for a challenging yet thematic experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those new to wargames due to its specific mechanics and historical context.

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