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Waterloo (1962) Board Game

ByMichail

Waterloo is a historical wargame that was first released in 1962 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It simulates the famous Battle of Waterloo, which took place in 1815 and marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. The game allows players to take on the roles of either the French or Allied forces, each with their own unique strategies and objectives.

Game Components of Waterloo

  • Map Board:** A 22″ x 28″ full-color mapboard representing the battle area.
  • Units:** Over 160 die-cut counters for the French, Prussian, and Dutch Anglo-Allied armies.
  • Corps Cards:** Cards describing the abilities of French and Allied corps.
  • Terrain Chits:** For tactical battles, including rivers, forests, and hilltops.
  • HQ Counters:** Included for multi-player games, though they have no game effect.
  • Dice:** Used for resolving combat.

    How To Setup Waterloo

    To set up the game, the French player places their units on the board first, followed by the P-A-A (Prussian Anglo-Allied) player, who places units according to the Situation Card. Each side receives a set of corps cards and sets up the map board with the respective units and terrain chits.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Unit Movement:** Units move along roads and terrain, with limitations on the number of units that can move along a particular road.
  • Combat Resolution:** Combat is resolved on a four-sectioned battle mat, with units divided into left, right, center, and reserves. Only artillery can attack without engaging the enemy.
  • Combat Values:** Units are rated for combat value, determining the number of dice rolled to hit. Hits are scored based on die rolls meeting or exceeding the unit’s firepower.
  • Attrition Rule:** The French player can remove double the value of Allied units for every strength point of French units exited from the board on the road to Brussels.
  • Game Objective:** The French must destroy the entire Allied army or prevent the Allies from joining forces before the French units can be defeated.

    Player Experience

    Playing Waterloo is a strategic and somewhat abstract experience. The game feels like a chess match, with players needing to guess where the opponent’s best troops are hidden, as units are placed on the board with their values hidden from the opponent. The game requires careful planning and timing, especially in choosing the right corps to activate at the right moment and managing reserves effectively.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Despite its simplicity, the game offers strategic depth in unit placement and timing of attacks.
  • Multi-Player Capability:** It plays well with two or three players, adding a layer of complexity and interaction.
  • Historical Significance:** It simulates one of the most famous battles in history, even though it has historical inaccuracies.

    Cons

  • Historical Inaccuracies:** The map omits significant historical features, and units are highly abstracted and undifferentiated.
  • No Fog of War or C2:** There is no fog of war or command and control mechanics, making the game less complex than modern wargames.
  • Attrition Rule:** The attrition rule can make the game less historically accurate and favors the French player excessively.

    Personal Thoughts on Waterloo

    Waterloo is a game for those who appreciate simple yet strategic gameplay and are interested in historical battles. It is particularly enjoyable for fans of chess-like strategies and those who can overlook historical inaccuracies for the sake of a engaging game. While it may not satisfy players looking for detailed historical simulations or complex wargame mechanics, it remains a classic and balanced game that has stood the test of time.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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