Absolute Emperor - new napoleonic rules

[Norm]

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

[Keef]

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.

[Andrew_McGuire]

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.

[Harry Faversham]

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.

 

[CapnJim]

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

[Cat]

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

[Norm]

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?

[Norm]

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

[vtsaogames]

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.

[carlos marighela]

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

[Matty]

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.

[Cat]

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

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

[carlos marighela]

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

[Easy E]

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!

[Easy E]

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.