EYLAU Game Rating Commentary

"Reviewed the game for Fire & Movement (F&M writer). The game has interesting new design features, such as large divisional counters, area movement/combat, differentiated arms capability (e.g., artillery bombardment). Some of these new concepts suffer from implementation problems, such as area shapes and spatial disposition. Errata must be secured from Web Grognard to make sense of some of the rules and command hierarchy problems encountered with the game as shipped. Once problems are surmounted, game pays fast and furious. Not for the faint of heart as attack and counterattack are the order of the day. Don't care much for Victory COnditions but house rules can fix that. They are difficult to attain and force players to constantly evaluate where they are going with their strategy. Tough game to master, especially for novices."

"The map and components are great -- especially the the counters, which are both beautiful and very functional. In general I like the new rules, which channel you into the battle doctrine of the day without overburdening you with complex rules and charts. Very eloquent. The one caveat is the command system, which takes some getting used to. However, once you get comfortable with it, it becomes second nature and the great game that Eylau emerges. I'd recommend it!"

"Eylau, and the Eagles of the Empire system, fills a interesting niche in the Napoleonic games field. It is handsomely presented with excellent graphics, has short and tidy rules (though not without a touch of errata,) a great game system (a la Great war at Sea, or the old block games, Quebec 1759, 1812,) and simulates full battles at a level between grand tactical and operational (it has a feel for both.) Most importantly, my playing have been under 3 hours and have been real nail-biters. LOTS OF FUN!"

"Despite some awkward rule prose, the game plays cleanly. The system is simple but does convey a lot of choices for the players. A BIG improvement over the NAW NLB style games."

"Good area system game. Just the right size rule booklet. Great counter graphics! I like the way they blended area game system with grand tactical scale. Fast play and highly replayable."

"A fast-playing Napoleonic system that allows me to play a battle the size of Eylau in an evening without losing too much of the history. Excellent effort."

"Maximum history, minimum pain. Do use the "square" errata though, or you'll have hoof-prints all over your back."

"Excellent system: period flavor, easy to understand and play, finish a game in one evening."

"My husband made me play. Actually, I enjoyed it, but I can think of better things to do alone with him than play a game!"

"Simple but not simplistic, colourful without forgetting the gore of war, this is an excellent distillation of the Napoleonic Art. Do use Markus Stumptner's Charge House rule."

"Basically, the game sucks. It was the most boring, non-intuitive piece of crap I've played in a long time. I actually thought after about 2 turns that I haven't had less fun gaming since (and I couldn't remember). I imagine if you know the Naploeonic period better you might get something out of it. If you're trying to learn, this game will do nothing but confuse and bore you."

Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com

Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com

Copyright © 1999, 2000 ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com