Blood on the Blade review

[Bayushiseni]

Introduction

Recently I bought a digital copy of Blood on the Blade by Gottardo Zancani.
I was drawn by his solo rules and I wanted to know more. He kindly replied to my email with a playing example and I felt confident to buy his rules set.
I read them carefully and I played a solo game. The experience was really good and the rules are well crafted and quick. The feeling it gave me was one similar to the best combats of Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition when I was 16 years old. The good thing now is that I did it without a Game Master.


The game System

The game engine is beautiful in its simplicity and open aspect. It is quick but allows growth. New units and special rules can be added without destroying it. For me that is a great plus.

Characters and enemies have hit points with three thresholds. As they get hit they get weaker. Simple and realistic.
You can move twice or move and attack (or take another specific action).
The attack is based on the figure's weapon type and abilities. You roll a number of D6īs and you must reach the TN of the adversaries defense. If you do it you can then check the type of damage of the figure's weapon. It can be the lowest or highest die or a combination of it.
Truly balanced and fast.

The player decides what to do with his characters and a set of very smart tables decide what the enemy does. In my first game, the tables worked very well, giving me a feeling of playing against a intelligent opponent. Those who know me know how I love solo games and having one that works well is always a pleasure for me.


The Campaign System

I didn't have a chance to use the campaign system, but I carefully read the rules and once again the system looks easy and robust at the same time. Only further expansions will confirm this.
I particularly enjoyed the circular system that allows a player to play several times the same scenario (in slightly different ways). I have a feeling that it will create a different scenario every time.
I will play a campaign shortly as I already started to furiously paint the minis I will need for it.


Final thoughts

This is a good, fast game, very easy to learn and to play with enough dept and plasticity to allow growth and tweaks from players.
The dice roll system reminds me very much of the old and proved Silent Death and that's a good thing.
My only remark is that the game needs more weapons and enemies. That said I also think that a creative player can easily add them to his games.
Thumbs up!

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/237498/blood-blade

http://zak965.it/studium/

[Dentatus]

Nice overview. Thanks.

[Bayushiseni]

Nice overview. Thanks.

You're most welcome.

[Gabbi]

Got it a week or so ago. Printed and read it once, but didn't had the chance to try a game yet.

[Parkaboy]

It's a well done game.

[Bloggard]

picked those up - thanks for the review.