Game: Four Lost Battles

Thread: Re: Where's Grossbeeren?

Aldaron — 2008-09-11T18:04:20+00:00

A satellite view of the same area:

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And the modern road network:

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Aldaron — 2008-09-11T17:59:39+00:00

The modern road network in the area covered by the Grossbeeren game map

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Aldaron — 2008-09-11T17:59:00+00:00

A satellite image of the area covered by the Grossbeeren game map

Thread: Where's Grossbeeren?

Aldaron — 2008-09-11T17:57:34+00:00

In case you were wondering:

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Quite close to Berlin:

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Aldaron — 2008-09-11T17:44:15+00:00

The location of the area covered by the game map, showing Berlin nearby

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Aldaron — 2008-09-11T17:42:54+00:00

The area covered by the game map

Thread: Re: differences Four lost Battles with Habit of Victory

Jason Roach — 2008-01-24T15:58:39+00:00

Jose,

They are rather different. Habit of Victory is based on the Campaigns of Napoleon Series. Four Lost Battles is based on the Napoleon’s Last Battles series (NLB series); different scales, different combat, etc… In general, the Campaigns series is more complicated; however the cards are geared to make it more approachable, especially when it comes to attrition, something that is not in the NLB series.

It may help if I explain a bit about Four Lost Battles. Four Lost battles (4LB) was designed to be played without the cards. The main intent of including cards was to add variability to the reinforcements which played a huge part in those engagements. In addition, it was an attempt to add some player interaction within the reinforcement phase. For example, there are cards that can actually cancel one scheduled reinforcement, or others that delay a scheduled reinforcement. At the same time, players can play cards that bring on Alternative reinforcements. So, if you look at what most of the cards actually represent in 4LB, they are in game terms “Arrival Cards” (reinforcement related.)

Now, as to movement, there is a movement factor printed on all of the cards; however this was more for player reference and ease because OSG included events that may restrict movement below the number printed on the counters. Basically, OSG was allowing players experience some variability in unit movement. That variability was meant to represent conditions other than weather that could limit movement, without complicating the game; events such as rumors swirling about the countryside during the battle, which may lead to more caution while marching, or improper care of the horses etc… So, these “restricted movement conditions” are not as common as “normal” movement. Basically, anytime you see a 4/6 on a card that stands for “Normal movement” (what is on the counters.) and players are to refer to what is actually printed directly on the counters. The “4/6”, was just a reminder of normal movement. In hindsight, being so common, the “4/6” probably should have been replaced with a symbol that indicated normal movement. Why would you want to play a card that restricts movement? Victory points, (VPs). The harder you push the army, the more VPs it cost and there are times when you may want to move less and at the same time, save your resources (VPs.).

I have not played Habit of Victory, so it is hard for me to go into any more detail as to the differences, but I can guarantee you that they are significant. Mark Herman, (of We the People fame and many others.) was a co-designer of HoV, but he is a very big fan of the CoN series. It should be very interesting. One thing to keep in mind about cards and OSG games is that they are NOT card driven. The term they use is “card enhanced.” If you want to learn more about Habit of Victory, I would suggest that you check out the topic on Consim. There are some very good AARs being posted (pictures and all.).

I hope this helps.

-Jason

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Antonello — 2008-01-20T16:55:15+00:00

Grossbeeren map (four lost battles)

Thread: differences Four lost Battles with Habit of Victory

jarinu — 2007-12-16T10:06:20+00:00

I am interested in getting one of this games of OSG with new features like using of cards. I am doubting which one to chose as there are no reviews of them. Are they somebody who have played both of them and can advice the positives and negatives of each to help to choose?
Thanks.

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Pete Atack — 2006-09-23T02:56:15+00:00

Allied counterscan (back)

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Pete Atack — 2006-09-23T02:32:36+00:00

Allied counterscan (front)

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Pete Atack — 2006-09-23T02:32:26+00:00

French counterscan (back)

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Pete Atack — 2006-09-23T02:27:15+00:00

French counterscan (front)

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Antonello — 2006-02-08T10:57:19+00:00

Battle of Dennewitz

Thread: Wargame Design Coverage

Aldaron — 2006-01-20T20:07:55+00:00

The current (Winter 2006) issue of Wargame Design has some excellent articles covering 4LB, along with the latest (Rev.8) CRTs and full color orders of battle.