It was re-released recently, but it originally came out in 1982 (I will fix the entry). And it was always a block game.

Its a killer game. If you are fence about getting it, I would definitely recommend it. 1812 came out in the early 70's, yet it is a very fun light block game.

It's a little prettier now,

but still the same game from everything I've seen.

A superb game in any case. To me it does not feel aged at all.

Beauty must truely be in the eye of the beholder, I'm not much of a fan of the current illustration.

The box art of the current version is too nakedly bold for me. I prefer the abstract symbology in either the first or second edition. The game has indeed aged well. The judo metaphor comes to mind again. You can win by points or by a decisive maneuver ("ippon"). A mighty enemy can be defeated by catching him off balance and crushing him under his own weight. A headlong dash is only successful if it hits your center of gravity. Deny your enemy that leisure.

I picked this up at GenCon this year as it was suggested as a better step between Hammer of the Scots and our disastrous attempt at Asia Engulfed.

I didnt realize it was such an "old" game. I thought the "Block system" was a new concept for wargames. (Im a wargame noob...the blocks get my interest unlike the chits so far)

The original Gamma 2 edition of Quebec 1759 is from the seventies.