Battles of the American Revolution Tri-pack: Guilford, Saratoga, Brandywine (2017) Board Game

The Battles of the American Revolution Tri-pack: Guilford, Saratoga, Brandywine is a board game that focuses on three key battles of the American Revolutionary War. These battles were crucial moments in the war for American independence, with each one shaping the outcome of the conflict.

Game Components of Battles of the American Revolution Tri-pack: Guilford, Saratoga, Brandywine

Maps: Two 22″x34″ double-sided mounted mapboards for the four battlefields.

Counters: Each battle gets one counter sheet, with a total of 176 chits.

Rulebooks: A TriPack Series rulebook and exclusive rulebooks for each battle.

Player Aid Cards: Each battle includes a player aid card, along with series-generic rules noted in the main rulebook.

Battlecards: Add tactical flavor and are layered into the game without significant rules overhead.

How To Setup Battles of the American Revolution Tri-pack: Guilford, Saratoga, Brandywine

Setting up the game involves selecting the specific battle you wish to play, laying out the corresponding mapboard, and distributing the counters according to the setup instructions provided in the exclusive rulebook for each battle. Each counter sheet is split between the two sides, with about half of the counters being actual combatants. The setup process is relatively straightforward, with handy player aid cards to guide you through the initial deployment and rules specific to each battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Hex-and-counter wargame.

Mechanics: Initiative, morale, movement, and fire combat.

Objective: The objective varies by battle but generally involves achieving historical victory conditions such as controlling key terrain or inflicting significant casualties on the opposing force.

Complexity: Rated as “Medium” by GMT Games, though the mechanics are described as logical and straightforward with the complexity mainly coming from various die roll modifiers.

Player Experience

The game offers a classic wargaming experience with simple and fast-playing mechanics. The high quality of the components and the inclusion of historical notes make the game engaging and educational. The smaller counter density ensures that games are quick to set up and play, typically lasting under 2.5 hours. The game is suitable for both solo play and multi-player scenarios, making it versatile for different gaming preferences.

Pros

High Quality Components: The game includes high-quality maps, counters, and rulebooks.

Historical Accuracy: Each battle includes detailed historical notes and specific rules that capture the unique character of each engagement.

Fast-Playing: Smaller counter density and straightforward rules make the game quick to set up and play.

Versatile: Suitable for both solo and multi-player games.

Cons

Limited Table Space: The large mapboards may be challenging for players with limited table space.

Series-Generic Rules: Some rules are only found in the main rulebook, which can be inconvenient during gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Battles of the American Revolution Tri-pack: Guilford, Saratoga, Brandywine

This game is ideal for fans of conventional hex-and-counter wargames, particularly those with an interest in the American Revolution. It is suitable for both veteran wargamers and newcomers to the genre, thanks to its logical and straightforward mechanics. The inclusion of historical notes and battle-specific rules adds a rich layer of depth and authenticity, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and historical context.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.