Waterloo 1815: Fallen Eagles II is a board game that focuses on the famous battle of Waterloo, which took place on June 18,
This battle marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and his French army by the coalition forces led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. The game seeks to recreate the tension and strategic decisions made by both commanders during this crucial historical event.Game Components of Waterloo 1815: Fallen Eagles II
Maps: Two revised maps (760x550mm each) with improved topographic accuracy.Counters: Four counter sheets, with elite units split into two counters for increased resilience and low-quality units grouped together.Rules: One system rules book “Eagles of France” (v2.3 updated on October 2022).Playbook: Includes scenario setups and campaign information.Scenario Maps: Folded A3 sheets for scenarios like Hougoumont, d’Erlon attack, and Plancenoit.Player Aids: Nine aids, including terrain effects charts, Fire/Melee tables, orders charts, and a game turn track.Cards: 12 tactical and 6 variant cards.Dice: Two dice for resolving conflicts.
How To Setup Waterloo 1815: Fallen Eagles II
Setting up the game involves placing the maps, which are scenario-specific to improve playability. Each scenario has its own map, eliminating the need to delimit the game area on the large map. The counters are placed according to the scenario setup, and players must refer to the playbook for detailed instructions on campaign and scenario setups.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Focus on Morale and Attrition: The game emphasizes morale, attrition, and the timely commitment of formations (division & corps).Tactical Simplicity: The game avoids tactical chrome, focusing on strategic decisions rather than intricate tactical maneuvers.Scenario-Based: The game includes multiple scenarios such as Hougoumont, d’Erlon attack, and Plancenoit, each with its own map.Formation Management: Players manage divisions and corps, making decisions on when to commit these formations to maximize impact.
Player Experience
**Waterloo 1815: Fallen Eagles II** offers a deep and immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts. The revised rules and accurate topography make the game more realistic and engaging. Players need to balance morale, attrition, and the timing of their formation commitments, which adds a layer of strategy and complexity to the gameplay.
Pros
Revised and Accurate Maps: Improved topographic accuracy enhances the game’s realism.Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: Incorporates the latest version of the rules from the French Eagles series.Detailed Scenarios: Multiple scenarios with specific maps improve playability.Realistic Unit Representation: Elite units are more resilient, and low-quality units are grouped to reflect their poorer performance.
Cons
Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the detailed scenario setups.Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics, especially the morale and attrition system, may be challenging for new players to grasp.Limited Appeal: The game is highly specialized and may not appeal to casual board game players.
Personal Thoughts on Waterloo 1815: Fallen Eagles II
**Waterloo 1815: Fallen Eagles II** is ideal for avid wargamers and history enthusiasts who are looking for a detailed and realistic simulation of the Battle of Waterloo. The game’s focus on morale, attrition, and strategic formation management makes it a compelling choice for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for new players or those seeking a more casual board game experience.
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.
