Hold the Line: The American Revolution (2016) Board Game

Hold the Line: The American Revolution is a wargame that allows players to experience the battles of the American Revolutionary War. Designed by Sean Cooke and published in 2016, this game gives players the chance to recreate historical conflicts in a strategic and engaging way.

Game Components of Hold the Line: The American Revolution

Miniatures: 200 custom plastic figures, including infantry, militia, flag bearers, artillery, dragoons, and leaders, all in 20mm (1/72nd scale).

Game Board: A new hard-mounted game board, larger to accommodate the larger plastic pieces, along with two full sheets of updated terrain tiles.

Terrain Tiles: Eleven types of terrain, such as swamps, waterways, forests, towns, and fences, which affect combat, movement, line of sight, or morale.

Scenarios: Over 30 scenarios, including new and revised ones from the original *Hold the Line* and *Clash for a Continent*.

Game Pieces: Colorful flags for game units, scenario book, rule book, and dice.

How To Setup Hold the Line: The American Revolution

To set up the game, players start by selecting a scenario, which determines the specific terrain tiles and game pieces to be used. Each scenario outlines the initial placement of units, command points, and the objective. The modular board is built using the terrain tiles, and units are placed according to the scenario instructions. The game includes detailed setup instructions in the rule book to guide players through this process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Players use action points to move, attack, or perform other actions.

Hexagon Grid: The game is played on a hexagon grid board with modular terrain tiles.

Modular Board: The board is built using terrain tiles specific to each scenario.

Objective: The objective is to gain victory points by eliminating enemy units or capturing VP counters within a fixed number of turns. Each scenario has unique victory conditions and command points for each side.

Player Experience

**Hold the Line: The American Revolution** offers a engaging and visually pleasing experience, especially for fans of the American Revolution. The game is designed to be easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a solid introduction to wargaming. Players must strategically position their units and use terrain to their advantage, as the game emphasizes linear combat and the importance of holding defensive lines. The inclusion of detailed plastic miniatures and colorful flags enhances the overall experience, making the battles come to life.

Pros

Engaging Scenarios: Over 30 scenarios to play, including new and revised ones, providing a high replay value.

Detailed Miniatures: High-quality, 20mm plastic figures that are ready to play out of the box.

Modular Board: Allows for diverse battlefield setups and customization.

Easy to Learn: A simple yet not simplistic wargame abstraction, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolls play a significant role in determining the outcome, which may frustrate some players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 1 to 2 players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Hold the Line: The American Revolution

**Hold the Line: The American Revolution** is ideal for history buffs and wargaming enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the American Revolutionary War. It serves as a great introduction to the wargaming genre due to its straightforward mechanics and engaging gameplay. For fans of tactical battles and strategic planning, this game offers a rewarding experience with its detailed miniatures and varied scenarios. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with a higher player count or less reliance on luck.

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