Nothing Gained But Glory (2010) Board Game

Nothing Gained But Glory is a two-player board game released in 2010, designed by Knut Grünitz and Rodger B. MacGowan. It falls under the category of Pike and Shot wargames, focusing on historical battles and military tactics from the early modern period. The game is published by GMT Games, known for their high-quality strategy games.

Game Components of Nothing Gained But Glory

1 series rulebook

1 playbook

3 countersheets

2 2.5 map sheets, 2 of which are backprinted

1 10-sided die

3 Player Aid Cards.

How To Setup Nothing Gained But Glory

Setting up the game involves organizing the various components, including the map sheets, counters, and player aid cards. Each unit and commander has specific counters with details such as strength, morale, and movement allowances. The game requires careful placement of units on the map, ensuring that each unit is correctly aligned with its corresponding battle scenario. The rulebook and playbook provide detailed instructions for setup, while the player aid cards help in quick reference during gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Simulation.

Game Objective: Players aim to recreate historical battles from the late 17th century, particularly focusing on the Baltic region. The objective is to outmaneuver and defeat the opposing forces, utilizing the strengths and weaknesses of different unit types such as heavy infantry, light infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Unit Factors: Each unit has strength and morale factors, with cavalry and infantry having additional considerations such as pistol usage and artillery having limited movement unless limbered.

Player Experience

**Nothing Gained But Glory** is designed for 2 players and typically takes around 300 minutes to play. The game is part of the Musket & Pike Battles Series, known for its historical accuracy and complex gameplay. Players must manage their units carefully, considering morale, strength, and movement allowances to achieve victory. The game is highly detailed, with numerous rules and tables to refer to, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for wargame enthusiasts.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game delves deeply into historical battles, offering a rich and accurate representation of the late 17th century conflicts.

Complex Gameplay: Appeals to players who enjoy strategic depth and detailed mechanics.

Introductory Value: Despite its complexity, it serves as a great introductory game to the Musket & Pike series due to its smaller scenario sizes.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to the numerous rules and tables.

Component Issues: Some players have criticized the new edition’s counter design, finding them less player-friendly compared to the traditional icons in earlier editions.

Time Commitment: Requires a significant amount of time to play, which can be deterrent for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Nothing Gained But Glory

**Nothing Gained But Glory** is tailored for avid wargamers and history buffs who appreciate the intricacies of pike and shot era warfare. The game’s detailed mechanics and historical scenarios make it an excellent choice for those willing to invest time and effort into mastering the game. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay.

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