Rules for the Crusades

[JohnDSD2]

Collective mind,

I'm looking for some decent rules for the Crusades and thought I'd tap into the vast resource that is LAF.

So I've tried Saga and its too much of a 'game' not particularly evocative of the period.

I've tried Deus Vult and although I quite like it, it seems a bit 'fiddly' with actions, reactions and the skills and traits to remember, plus the group I'm with don't seem keen.

I've tried Lion Rampant and they are ok but a bit too quick play.

I also, have the Faith and Blood Osprey rules, which I haven't tried but they look like they are too small scale.

So what do I want? So
Something that is mid-sized (10 or 12 units per side)
Works in 28mm
Gives some flavour
Isn't too detailed.

Thanks.

[Dr. Zombie]

Have you tried To the strongest?

It might not be for everyone as the movement is in grids. But I find the game really rather good. Especially after a few games where you start to pick up on the tactical nuances of different units.

[monkeylite]

I have tried all the games you have tried, and I kinda agree with your brief comments on those games.

I have also played Soldiers of God and Sword and Spear and have vague reviews/playthroughs of those two games on my blog. They were first tries so contain a few errors, but probably give a decent rough view of each game.

https://tewblogger.blogspot.com/search/label/SoG

https://tewblogger.blogspot.com/2016/12/sword-and-spear-test.html

S&S is also 'gamey' and generic, but I really enjoy it, and is probably my favorite big battle game. It's abstract in a way that some wargamers really don't like.

SoG is dedicated to the crusades and very evocative of the period. I had a bit of a problem with a couple of the cards, after a few plays, the remove all casualties cards I felt were a bit unbalanced, and so started to ignore that effect.

[Antonio J Carrasco]

You can try Ironbow, by The Perfect Captain. It is free, but has good production values. Also, it is specific for the Crusades. If memory doesn't fail me it uses DBM basing standard.

Link:
http://perfectcaptain.50megs.com/ironbow.html

[Antonio J Carrasco]

By the way, they have a supplement for gaming later feudal period in Europe:

http://perfectcaptain.50megs.com/strongbow.html

[SteveBurt]

"Shattered Lances" by Brendan Moyle is another big battle set specific to the Crusades. Don't know if it is still available, but I've heard nmothing but good things about it.

We find 'To the Strongest' excellent for large games both ancient and medieval