Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes (2015) Board Game

Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes is a board game that focuses on the historical Battle of Waterloo, which took place on June 18,

The game allows players to take on the roles of either Napoleon Bonaparte or the Duke of Wellington as they strategize and battle it out on the battlefield. With a focus on historical accuracy and strategic gameplay, Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes aims to provide players with an immersive experience of this pivotal moment in history.

Game Components of Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes

Game Board: 2 panels, 518×694 mm

Rules: 20-page full-color booklet

Punched Boards: 3 cardboard boards, 266.5x362mm, single die-cut

Dice: 6 standard d6 in wood, in 3 colors

Cubes: 153 wooden cubes, 5 mm, in 6 colors

Cylinder Marker: 1 marker

Other: Various army units and formations represented by blocks and markers.

How To Setup Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes

Setting up the game involves placing the game board, which represents the battlefield, and arranging the various army units and formations according to the initial deployment rules. Players must ensure that each army’s units are correctly positioned, reflecting the historical starting positions of the British, French, and Prussian forces. The game includes detailed instructions in the rulebook, though the translation and clarity of these instructions have been noted as challenging.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Auction/Bidding, Dice Rolling

Objective: Players take the roles of commanders (Duke of Wellington, Napoleon Bonaparte, and optionally Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher) and aim to win the Battle of Waterloo. The game involves strategic movement, formation management, and combat resolution, with an emphasis on historical accuracy and tactical decision-making.

Key Features:
– Movement regulated entirely by ruler measurements
– Formation grouping and unit arrangement akin to miniatures gaming
– Combat resolution involving dice rolls and support modifiers
– Line of sight rules, though criticized for simplicity and ambiguity.

Player Experience

Playing **Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes** can be a complex and challenging experience. The game’s rules, while comprehensive, are often criticized for their poor translation and complexity, making it difficult for new players to grasp the mechanics quickly. The game rewards strategic thinking and historical knowledge, but the learning curve is steep. Players need to manage formations, execute orders, and navigate the nuances of combat and line of sight rules, which can be both engaging and frustrating.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously designed to reflect the historical context and strategies of the Battle of Waterloo.

Strategic Depth: It offers a rich and complex gameplay experience, appealing to fans of wargames and historical battles.

Multiplayer Option: Supports 2-3 players, allowing for dynamic interactions and different strategic approaches.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rulebook is often confusing due to poor translation and lengthy, convoluted explanations.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find it difficult to understand and implement the game’s mechanics.

Line of Sight Issues: The simplicity and ambiguity of the line of sight rules can lead to frustration and house rules adjustments.

Personal Thoughts on Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes

**Waterloo: Enemy Mistakes** is ideal for enthusiasts of historical wargames and those who appreciate complex strategic gameplay. Despite its challenges, the game offers a unique and immersive experience for players who are willing to invest time in understanding its intricate mechanics. It is not a game for casual players or those looking for a quick, straightforward experience. Instead, it caters to a niche audience of gamers who value historical accuracy and deep strategic engagement.

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