TravelBattle (2017) Board Game

TravelBattle is a portable miniatures wargame designed by Perry Miniatures and released in in 2017. It is set during the Napoleonic era and is designed for 2 players. The game is compact and easy to transport, making it perfect for gaming on the go. Players take on the roles of generals commanding their armies in battle, using dice rolling and grid movement to outmaneuver their opponents.

Game Components of TravelBattle

Two 3D green terrain boards: Marked with a 1-inch squared grid, these boards can be combined in 16 different configurations.

Miniatures: 160 infantry, 24 cavalry, 4 guns with 12 crew, and 6 brigadiers, all in 8mm scale.

Terrain: Separate woods, grey buildings, and other terrain features.

Rules and Painting Guide: Included for easy setup and customization.

Dice: 4 dice for resolving combat and other game mechanics.

How To Setup TravelBattle

To set up TravelBattle, players start by randomly determining the orientation of the two terrain boards using dice rolls. This ensures a varied battlefield for each game. Players then deploy their armies, with each side having three brigades, each commanded by a brigadier. Deployment is done alternately, one brigade at a time, with units maintained in continuous contact (orthogonal or diagonal) with their brigadier.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Board Configuration: Terrain boards can be joined in 16 different ways, providing varied battlefields.

Unit Deployment: Alternate deployment of brigades, with units in continuous contact with their brigadier.

Combat Resolution: Simple opposed rolls with rerolls and bonus dice reflecting advantages. The margin of difference dictates the severity of the result.

Artillery: Can target units up to 6 squares away, with the distance determining the required roll (e.g., roll a 6 to hit at maximum distance).

Game Objective: The objective is to eliminate the opponent’s brigades or force them to retreat. A brigade must be completely ‘taken out’ to score a point.

Player Experience

TravelBattle offers a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience. The game is designed to be quick, lasting about an hour, and is praised for its simplicity and elegance. The rules, although sometimes poorly worded, provide a good compromise between abstraction and simulation of Napoleonic warfare. The game is sophisticated enough for wargamers but accessible to non-wargamers as well.

Pros

Portability: Designed for travel, making it perfect for playing on the go.

Simplicity and Elegance: Easy to learn and play, with intuitive mechanics.

Replayability: 16 different board configurations offer high replay value.

Balanced Armies: Generic Napoleonic forces of equal size and composition ensure fair play.

Cons

Rule Clarity: Some rules are poorly worded, requiring careful reading or house rules.

Limited Expansion: The game is self-contained and not designed for extensive additions or new rules.

Personal Thoughts on TravelBattle

TravelBattle is ideal for gamers looking for a quick, portable, and fun wargaming experience. It suits both seasoned wargamers and those new to the genre. The game’s design makes it perfect for travel or for those with limited space, offering a satisfying and balanced game without the need for extensive setup or complex rules.

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