La Bataille d’Auerstædt (1977) Board Game

La Bataille d’Auerstædt is a historical wargame set during the Napoleonic era, specifically focusing on the Battle of Auerstädt that took place in in 1977. The game was first released in 1977 and designed by Monte Mattson, Dennis A. Spors, and Ed Wimble, with artwork by Rick Barber. Published by AGEMA, this game offers players the chance to experience a key battle from the Napoleonic Wars in a strategic and immersive way.

Game Components of La Bataille d’Auerstædt

Map: A large 34×22″ period map.

Counters: Over 400 multi-colored playing pieces, with unit names and movement factors on the front, and combat-related information on the back.

Rules: Almost twenty pages of rules, which were initially criticized for being poorly written and difficult to understand.

How To Setup La Bataille d’Auerstædt

Setting up the game involves placing the large map on a flat surface and distributing the counters according to the initial deployment rules. Each player must carefully position their forces to reflect the historical setup of the Battle of Auerstadt. The French player starts as the phasing player, with the Prussian player responding accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Alternating Turns: An “I Go, You Go” system with opportunities for the non-phasing player to act during the phasing player’s turn.

Fog of War: Combat-related information on the back of the counters adds an element of uncertainty until units engage in battle.

Phasing Player Actions: Charge, Movement, Offensive fire, Melee, and Morale checks.

Non-phasing Player Actions: Defensive fire during the phasing player’s turn.

Game Objective

French Player: Capture the King or Queen of Prussia, eliminate two-thirds of the Prussian army, or attain certain geographical objectives.

Prussian Player: Prevent the French player from achieving any of these objectives.

Player Experience

La Bataille d’Auerstædt offers a complex and immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the Napoleonic Wars. The game’s mechanics and component quality, however, have been a subject of mixed reviews. Despite its historical accuracy and engaging gameplay, the poorly written rules and amateurish production values have detracted from the overall experience.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game captures the essence of the Battle of Auerstadt and the Napoleonic era.

Complex Gameplay: Engaging and challenging for experienced wargamers.

Fog of War Mechanic: Adds realism and strategic depth to the game.

Cons

Poorly Written Rules: Criticized for being difficult to understand and parse.

Amateurish Production: Maps and counters have been described as somewhat amateurish.

Component Quality: Counters are colorful but difficult to read.

Personal Thoughts on La Bataille d’Auerstædt

La Bataille d’Auerstædt is best suited for dedicated wargamers who are willing to navigate complex rules and appreciate the historical detail of the Napoleonic Wars. Despite its flaws, the game offers a unique and challenging experience that can be rewarding for those who invest the time to understand its mechanics. However, it may not be the best choice for new players due to its complexity and production issues.

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