Waterloo Solitaire (2021) Board Game

Waterloo Solitaire is a single-player board game that simulates the historic Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, between the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte and the Allied forces commanded by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. The game aims to recreate the strategic decisions and tactical maneuvers that shaped the outcome of this pivotal battle in European history.

Game Components of Waterloo Solitaire

60-page book containing rules, a detailed example of play, and 24 scenarios (12 French, 12 Allied).

Each scenario includes two facing pages, with additional pages for Designer Notes and a scoresheet.

A single six-sided die (d6) for resolving combat and BOT actions.

How To Setup Waterloo Solitaire

Setting up **Waterloo Solitaire** is straightforward. Players start by choosing a scenario, either playing as the French or the Allied forces. Each scenario has its own setup instructions, but generally, players will need to place their units on the battlefield according to the scenario’s specifications. The player will also need to photocopy the map-side of the scenario to avoid marking up the book, as the game involves noting unit activations and damage.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Turn Structure: Each turn consists of five steps: Choose Player Action, Roll for Opponent (BOT) Action, Resolve BOT Action, Resolve Player Action, and Mark Turn.

Unit Activations: Formations have limited activations, with players noting the turn of activation.

Combined Actions: Players can use combined actions to activate multiple formations with a helpful die modifier.

Combat Resolution: Combat uses a single d6 and a straightforward table, with hits marked off unit boxes.

BOT Actions: The BOT action involves rolling a d6 to determine one of five attack choices or a special event.

Game Objective

French Victory: The French win if they destroy any two Allied formations (Allied Left or Right Wings or Reserve).

Allied Victory: The Allies win if any units from the Allied Right and Left Wings remain at the end of Turn 18, or if the French I and II Corps are destroyed.

Player Experience

Playing **Waterloo Solitaire** is a engaging and strategic experience. Despite the simple game mechanics, players must carefully manage their units and reserves, especially when playing as the French, who must attack while awaiting the arrival of the Prussians. For the Allied player, the goal is to stall and await the Prussian reinforcements. The game requires finesse and strategic thinking, making each playthrough unique due to the randomness of the BOT actions.

Pros

Quick Playtime: Games can be completed in about 20 minutes, making it a great lunchtime pastime.

Replayability: With 24 scenarios and varying BOT challenges, the game offers high replayability.

Strategic Depth: Despite simple mechanics, the game demands thoughtful strategy and decision-making.

Cons

Scenario Repetition: Scenarios are grouped into sets with different BOT challenges, which might feel repetitive as players play each scenario multiple times.

Personal Thoughts on Waterloo Solitaire

**Waterloo Solitaire** is ideal for fans of historical wargames and solitaire gaming. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic games that can be played quickly and offer a high level of replayability. The game’s simplicity paired with its demand for strategic thinking makes it a great addition to any wargamer’s collection, especially for those looking for a challenging yet quick game to fit into a busy schedule.

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