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Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Norm on 01 June 2021, 08:21:24 PM

Title: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Norm on 01 June 2021, 08:21:24 PM

I have just bought the newly released Absolute Emperor by Boyd Bruce and published under the Osprey Blue Rules series.

I have not played any of the mechanics, but have done a bit of a blog write-up on first impressions, should that interest anyone.

The game has a unit representing a division and so it is all about army and Corps commanders, having said that, it does appear to drop to a lower tactical scale rather easily. Blog LINK.

http://battlefieldswarriors.blogspot.com/2021/06/new-napoleonic-rules-absolute-emperor.html

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Keef on 01 June 2021, 09:10:17 PM

Once again we are indebted to you for an initial look. I'm surprised not to have seen more about these rules, as Ospreys usually get good exposure. But I guess it's still early days.

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Andrew_McGuire on 01 June 2021, 09:24:59 PM

I was also very curious about these rules wondering whether they really added anything new to warrant consideration from those of us who own multiple sets of rules for the period. It looks as though they may well do, but I’m going to wait for some detailed reflections of what they’re like in play.

There is in fact such an AAR on YouTube already, making use of a table top simulator (i.e. Table Top Simulator) but it’s long and I’ve not had an opportunity to watch more than a few minutes of it as yet.

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Harry Faversham on 01 June 2021, 10:54:14 PM

Quote from: Keef on 01 June 2021, 09:10:17 PM

I'm surprised not to have seen more about these rules, as Ospreys usually get good exposure. But I guess it's still early days.

There's a feature on these rules in this month's Wargames Illustrated Magazine.

 :)

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: CapnJim on 02 June 2021, 12:00:30 AM

Thanks for that preliminary review, Norm.  It looks like I may have to get a copy...

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Cat on 02 June 2021, 02:28:50 AM

There's a Facebook group where the author has been providing info and fielding questions:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/591104261666749

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Norm on 02 June 2021, 05:13:25 AM

Thanks all.
I note you need to be a FB user to view the group. I'm not, so that is me out - my loss perhaps. Would it be possible for the author to open the group to a 'read only' status for those in my position?

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Norm on 02 June 2021, 06:23:18 AM

I have just found a YouTube replay which has the author present and advising. LINK

https://youtu.be/56P5lhGlZZs

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: vtsaogames on 02 June 2021, 09:44:13 PM

Got more than halfway through the video. What appeared to be a seasoned infantry unit was charged by conscript light cavalry. They didn't form sqaure and were eradicated. It didn't seem to be unusual.

Then I was summoned for tasks around the house, and dinner out beckons in a while. But that seemed a bit drastic. I liked what I saw before that.

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: carlos marighela on 02 June 2021, 10:19:39 PM

Destined to become a drinking game.... Absolut Emperor.  ;)

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Matty on 03 June 2021, 10:14:03 AM

Quote from: vtsaogames on 02 June 2021, 09:44:13 PM

Got more than halfway through the video. What appeared to be a seasoned infantry unit was charged by conscript light cavalry. They didn't form sqaure and were eradicated. It didn't seem to be unusual.

The infantry division attempting to flank the attackers of Bumsville?  They basically emerged from the trees in close proximity of the cavalry, pressed an attack into some infantry and the cavalry charged in while they were in the middle of their attack.  I think them being broken/removed from the battle seems like a plausible outcome.

About a cavalry interaction later in the video-- edit:  Is their a spoiler function on this forum?  I don't want to ruin things, but either way:

Overall the results seem plausible I think.

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Cat on 03 June 2021, 03:34:22 PM

Quote from: carlos marighela on 02 June 2021, 10:19:39 PM

Destined to become a drinking game.... Absolut Emperor.  ;)

Them's fighting words — mixing Absolut with a Napoleon VSOP would be alcohol abuse!
: 3

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: carlos marighela on 03 June 2021, 07:30:14 PM

Well it would at least be a fight to the Finnish. :D

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Easy E on 04 June 2021, 07:07:59 PM

I just ordered these so will have a review.... eventually.  I will admit I am a bit behind in my Osprey reviews. 

I still have Gamma Wolves and A Billion Suns in the hopper too!

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Easy E on 15 June 2021, 10:14:17 PM

I got them, I read them and the review is pending on the blog.....

BUT as a newbie to Nappies these felt very accessible and usable.  I felt like I actually had what I needed to make a couple armies and play a game.  I have not always felt that way with other games. 

There is a good deal of abstraction and I like the concept of "Big Battles with Small Armies". 

More experience Nappie players will probably have very different feelings. 

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Battle Brush Sigur on 07 July 2021, 11:46:33 AM

Thanks for the quick summary! I'll probably skip them, because I already got several Napoleonics rules I don't ruse already. :D But maybe for the future....

Title: Re: Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules
Post by: Cat on 07 July 2021, 04:34:32 PM

Quote from: Easy E on 15 June 2021, 10:14:17 PM

BUT as a newbie to Nappies these felt very accessible and usable.  I felt like I actually had what I needed to make a couple armies and play a game.  I have not always felt that way with other games. 

There is a good deal of abstraction and I like the concept of "Big Battles with Small Armies". 

More experience Nappie players will probably have very different feelings.

Mileage varies greatly amongst the grognards.  I managed to survive starting in Napoleonics with Empire III and later the somewhat more manageable Napoleon's Battles.  But it's really big battles with small armies and abstract mechanics that get the game played in a reasonable amount of time that I greatly prefer. 
 
DBN is my staple game (and no plans to switch horses now).  I won't turn down a chance to play Snappy Nappy.  Looking forward to having a chance to try out Absolute Emperor at a con sometime.