Basic Impetus (2006) Board Game

Basic Impetus is a wargame that was released in 2006 by designer Lorenzo Sartori. It falls under the categories of Ancient, Book, Medieval, Miniatures, Renaissance, and Wargame. The game is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of approximately 60 minutes.

Game Components of Basic Impetus

Miniatures: Various scales (25/28mm, 20mm, 15mm, 10mm, 6mm)

Dice: 6-sided dice (d6)

Ruler: Centimeter-ruler for measurements

Battlefield: A playing surface with terrain features like hills, rivers, woods, and villages

Markers: For indicating disorder and losses

Army Lists: Available for different historical periods

Commanders and Units: Bases include commanders and their staff

How To Setup Basic Impetus

To set up **Basic Impetus**, you need to prepare the battlefield with various terrain features. The size of the battlefield varies based on the scale of the miniatures; for example, a 180x120cm table is recommended for 28mm figures, while a 120x60cm table is advised for 6mm, 10mm, and 15mm figures. Units are based on rectangular bases, with each unit representing hundreds of men (e.g., heavy infantry units consist of 600-1200 troops).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Initiative System: Players roll 2d6 and add leadership bonuses to determine which command acts first

Command Activation: Commands activate one unit at a time, performing actions like moving, firing, melee, or rallying

Movement and Discipline: Restricted movement adds strategic depth; units must adhere to specific movement rules and discipline tests

Combat: Units engage in melee or ranged combat, with outcomes determined by dice rolls and unit values

Opportunity: Units can be placed on opportunity to react to enemy actions

Game Objective

The objective is to defeat the opposing army by reducing their units’ effectiveness and morale, ultimately leading to their retreat or rout.

Player Experience

**Basic Impetus** offers a streamlined yet engaging experience, allowing players to dive into the world of wargaming with a minimal number of miniatures. The game is designed to be fast-paced and flexible, making it an excellent introduction to the more complex **Impetus** rules. Players appreciate the strategic depth and the realistic feel of the game, particularly in the movement and command mechanics.

Pros

Easy to Learn: A simplified version of the full **Impetus** rules, making it accessible for new players

Flexible: Compatible with various miniature scales and adaptable to different historical periods

Strategic Depth: Adds realism with restrictive movement and command structures

Fast-Paced: Quick battles with a focus on key decisions

Cons

Complexity for Newbies: Some players find the army lists and troop types confusing, especially for those new to wargaming

Limited Clarity: Some aspects, like troop types and factors, can be baffling without additional resources

Dependence on Full Rules: For a deeper understanding, players may need to refer to the full **Impetus** rules

Personal Thoughts on Basic Impetus

**Basic Impetus** is ideal for those interested in historical miniature wargaming but are either new to the hobby or looking for a more streamlined experience. It serves as a perfect gateway to the fuller, more complex **Impetus** rules, offering a balance between simplicity and strategic depth. While it may not be as detailed as other rule sets, it provides a solid foundation for scenario gaming and competitive play. However, it is advisable to have some background knowledge or additional resources to fully appreciate the nuances of the game.

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