Volley & Bayonet (1994) Board Game

Volley & Bayonet is a historical wargame that was first released in in 1994. Designed by Bradley McDevitt and Greg Novak, this game allows players to simulate battles from various periods in history, including the Age of Reason, American Civil War, American Indian Wars, and American Revolutionary War. It is a miniatures game that focuses on strategy and tactics, making it a popular choice for wargaming enthusiasts.

Game Components of Volley & Bayonet

Rules Book: The core component, which includes period-specific rules and historical scenarios.

Miniature Figures: Players use stands of miniatures, typically 40x20mm stands for 6mm figures or larger scales.

Terrain and Maps: Essential for setting up battles, with maps and terrain pieces enhancing the historical accuracy.

Dice: The game uses six-sided dice for resolving morale and combat.

Scenario Books: Additional publications providing detailed scenarios for various historical battles and campaigns.

How To Setup Volley & Bayonet

Setting up Volley & Bayonet involves preparing the battlefield with terrain and maps, deploying stands of miniatures according to the chosen scenario, and assigning morale values to each stand. Players define their army or corps-level commands, as the game is designed for high-level strategic decision-making rather than detailed brigade or regimental management. The setup includes determining the initial positions and formations of the stands, which can be in “Field formation” or “March column”.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Alternate player turns with multiple phases, each phase involving movement, combat, and morale checks.

Movement: Stands move individually, modified by terrain, angles of movement, command limitations, and facing changes.

Combat Resolution: Uses six-sided dice rolls, with outcomes affecting morale and the status of stands (e.g., disordered or routed).

Morale System: Stands have morale values adjusted by tactical factors, with die rolls determining disorder or rout.

Objective: The primary goal is to refight historical battles or scenarios, with victory conditions often based on capturing key positions or achieving specific strategic objectives.

Player Experience

Volley & Bayonet is designed for players who enjoy large-scale historical battles and strategic decision-making. It offers a unique blend of simplicity and realism, allowing players to manage large bodies of troops efficiently. The game encourages a focus on corps or army-level command, making it ideal for those interested in the broader strategic aspects of warfare during the Black Powder era.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Allows for the refighting of major historical battles with period-specific rules.

Scalability: Suitable for both large and small games, accommodating multiple corps or smaller forces.

Simplicity: Easy to learn, with a focus on key game mechanics rather than intricate details.

Flexibility: Can be used with armies based for other rule sets by using sabot bases.

Engaging Scenarios: Includes several published scenario books covering a wide range of historical battles and campaigns.

Cons

Limited Detail: Does not include detailed brigade or regimental formations, which may disappoint some players.

Command Rules: Some players find the command and control rules to be rudimentary, particularly for smaller games.

Not for Competition: Not designed for competitive play, which may limit its appeal for some gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Volley & Bayonet

Volley & Bayonet is perfect for wargamers who enjoy the grand scale of historical battles and are more interested in strategic command than in the minutiae of battlefield tactics. It is an excellent choice for those looking to recreate famous battles like Gettysburg, Waterloo, or Austerlitz in a historically accurate and engaging manner. While it may not appeal to competitive gamers, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who value historical realism and strategic depth.

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