From: Simon Jackson Subject: Re: REBELS AND REDCOATS I&II I bought these two games during my trip to America last month. At first glance they looked ok. I tried playing the "Bunker hill" scenario solitaire but didn't manage to finish it (despite the short length - my fault, not the game's). There are some rather odd rules forcing a historical outcome: the British MUST make an attack with only the Light and/or Grenadier Co.s during the first two turns. These get mauled! Then the Americans run out of ammo on the last turn, which MIGHT ensure a British victory! The other scenarios look similarly "balanced" with odd rules. I guess this makes a good simulation, but what about playability/re-playability? Mind you, having bought them, I'd be willing to play the British if any of you rebelious colonials feel like taking me on.......! The game system is a simple move, fight, move, fight one with a couple of extra phases for moral checking. Moral features strongly, with victory being determined (in the larger scenarios) by lowering the enemy Moral to breaking point. This seems quite realistic to me. Dragoons (the only Cavalry present), and Light Infantry have special characteristics, but are few and far between, as is Artillery. Not having studied this war at all, I don't know how that measures against reallity. The counters are attractive but (colour confused players beware) all have the same colour back ground, and the icons (little men, horses & cannon) are all different colours. The British tend to be red and the Americans Blue, but that doesn't always work. The side a counter is on can be told by the numbers on them which are always red and blue respectively. The maps are OK (IMO). The rules could have done with being better laid out. The Historical notes with each scenario are VERY one-sided, but the game was designed by an American (and I suppose you did win the war - not that that counts for much) :-) Anyway, that's my first ever game review. A bit sketchy, I admit. If anyone else wants to have a go, be my guest. :-) Simon