Brother against Brother is a board game released in 1997 by Stratagem Publications LTD. It is a two-player game set during the American Civil War, focusing on tactical combat and strategic decision-making. The game has a runtime of 180 minutes and is recommended for players aged 14 and up.
Game Components of Brother against Brother
Rulebook: A 48-page paperback booklet containing the main rules, a variant for the French & Indian War, a starter scenario, and optional rules.Laminated Cards: Two sheets of cards that need to be cut apart, used for morale checks and game mechanics.Figures: Players need to provide their own miniature figures, with each squad consisting of 10 figures.Dice: D10 dice are used for various game mechanics such as melee resolution and morale checks.
How To Setup Brother against Brother
To set up the game, players organize their figures into squads and companies. Each squad must be within 6 inches of its squad leader, and the squad leader must be within 6 inches of the company commander. Basing is for utility and aesthetics only, with no strict basing rules. Players need to identify squad leaders to prevent units from getting intermingled.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Turn Sequence: Action is determined by drawing playing cards, with each squad assigned a corresponding card. When a squad’s card is drawn, each figure can perform one action (move, load, shoot, or charge).Command Rules: Squads must stay within command radius of their leaders and company commanders; out-of-command figures have limited actions and suffer penalties.Melee: Resulting from charges, melee involves figure-by-figure resolution with D10 rolls and modifiers for terrain and other factors.Morale: Custom morale cards are used for morale checks; failing a check results in figures being removed from the table.Game Objective: The objective is to defeat the enemy by reducing their forces through combat and morale checks.
Player Experience
Playing **Brother Against Brother** offers a tactical and immersive experience, especially for those interested in the American Civil War and miniature wargaming. The card-based turn sequence adds a layer of unpredictability, while the command and morale rules simulate the complexities of battlefield leadership.
Pros
Historical Accuracy: The game is deeply rooted in historical context, making it appealing to history buffs.Tactical Depth: The rules provide a good balance of strategy and luck, making each game unique.Flexibility: The game can be played with as few as 20 figures, making it accessible to players with smaller collections.Customization: The inclusion of optional rules and variants allows players to tailor the game to their preferences.
Cons
Complexity: The game mechanics, while detailed, can be overwhelming for new players.Miniature Requirement: Players need to invest in miniature figures, which can be a significant initial cost.Card Management: Managing the morale and action cards can be cumbersome, especially in larger games.
Personal Thoughts on Brother against Brother
**Brother Against Brother** is a great choice for enthusiasts of historical wargaming, particularly those interested in the American Civil War. It is best suited for players who enjoy tactical games with a strong historical context and are willing to invest in the necessary miniatures and time to learn the rules. For those looking for a detailed and engaging wargaming experience, this game is definitely worth considering.
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