ConsimWorld.COM - Obbedisco (10/27/01)

From the Editor: This is an exclusive ConsimWorld sneak-peek game review presented in an abbreviated review format as provided by the reviewer. More details about this title will become available when the game is officially released.

	OBBEDISCO
	Publisher	Roberto Chiavini
	Designer	Roberto Chiavini
	Price	price and availability to be announced
	Components • Four 8.5" x 11" Maps • 235 Counters (peel-and-stick cardstock) • 8 page Rulebook • plastic slipcover package

by Paul Rohrbaugh • Critique this Game Review

Introduction
Obbedisco (I Obey!): The Campaign for Bezzecca, 1866 is the first release by game designer, Roberto Chiavini. This game has an anticipated release date of November 2001 and will be announced on ConsimWorld when available, along with complete ordering information.

Background
The 1866 campaign in northern Italy was the scene of that nation’s only military success in the war with Austria. Many gamers will be more familiar with the losses suffered by Italy at Custozza on land, and Lissa at sea. Mr. Chiavini’s game addresses this little-known but important mountain campaign fought by Guiseppe Garibaldi and his red-shirted soldiers.

About the Game
Bezzecca 1866 Obbedisco is a high quality Desktop-Published effort. The game is composed of an eight page rule book, four 8.5" by 11" map sections, and one sheet of counters. Attractive front and back cover sheets are also enclosed in the game’s thick-mil plastic slip-cover. Graphics for the game are outstanding. The rules, that include designer’s notes and a bibliography, feature multi-color illustrations of the appropriate markers and units mentioned in the rule’s sub-sections. The game’s single-sided 235 counters are laser printed with a glossy finish, and the artwork is photo-quality. The counter sheet is done on peel-and-stick cardstock and thicker cardstock, with one side glossy finish, is provided upon which to mount the game pieces. The easy-to-read map is printed on cardstock as well, and is also laser printed with photo-quality graphics. All of the game’s charts and tables are printed in the map’s southeast corner. Nice touches include a graphic that depicts each map’s orientation, and a turn record “track” that resembles a compass rose and timepiece. Very clever and attractive.

The game mechanics are simple, based upon a chit pull system that determines a turn’s sequence of play. The number of chits that are placed into the cup/opaque container is determined by the number of leaders in the game. Each leader is rated for initiative (# of chits/times he can potentially activate) and command (used for combat and recovery). Random Event and End Turn chits can also be drawn that enliven play. Units can move and/or fight as often as their leader activates, but each time they do so their fatigue level increases. Marching through difficult terrain, and there is a lot of this in northern Italy, also elevates one’s fatigue levels quickly. Combat is relatively simple, both players roll a die that is modified for command, terrain, odds, and fatigue to determine the result. This is done only, however, if attacking and defending leaders pass a command test (Leadership maxim #1: always make sure someone is following when leading). Maneuver before battle is important, as not every commander will activate, or even close with the enemy to do battle. Given the rough terrain and restricted avenues of approach to some of the objectives, such maneuver can oftentimes be difficult and risky.

The burden of attack is squarely upon the shoulders of Garibaldi and his men. Although the Italian player outnumbers his Austrian opponent, the objectives of the campaign are far-flung and separated by formidable terrain. Dug-in Austrian troops, often-times well-led and falling back on decreasing lines of communication make this anything but a walk-over for the forces of the Risorgimento. The Italian player is forced from the very beginning to confront a dilemma of command. Do you split your small but more numerous at-start forces to put pressure all along the Austrian’s lines, or concentrate for a “big push” at the very start? Problematic reinforcement arrival, and early turn endings/bad weather can make this a hard-to-live-with decision in the face of a tenacious and skillful Austrian opponent. A reckless and aggressive Italian offensive may cover and take a lot of ground, only to see his fatigued and bedraggled men thrown back by cornered Austrian troops in a well-timed counter-attack. Most games I played were decided in the last turn or two, and by just a few victory points.

Historically, the Italians fell short of victory by a narrow margin. Obbedisco offers gamers a fun and attractive game by which they can attempt to do better, or at least as good as, Italy’s most famous General. The official game release announcement and purchasing information will be published ConsimWorld.COM shortly, so keep an eye out for this fabulous title.

Components	Rules Completeness	Game System	Enjoyment	Solitaire Playability