We have 2 Brandywine games. A Kriegsspiel version and a Pub Battles version. Which one is better? How do they compare? This post was prompted by a great question:
I have been looking at your Brandywine games in detail: The Kriegsspiel and Pub Battles version. Both games look fantastic. Pub Battles seems a bit pricey.
What would you recommend between these two?
Manuel
Great question. It depends what you are looking for. I’ll try to summarize the advantages here:
- Fast Play time. You can setup and knock out a game in less than 1 hour.
- Small Map size. Easily fits on a small table. Easy to transport and play at a bar, park or restaurant.
- Because the map is smaller scale, the area to the Colonial left is expanded. This game allows the British the option to flank from either side. In this way, I think it allows for a truer command feel by the Colonials. They have no idea where the British will attack from. A true sense of surprise.
- Canvas Map option. The ‘pricey’ version comes with the canvas maps. That’s what real maps from the period were made from. They are amazing quality, durable and water resistant. -Great for spilling drinks. Note that this is an option. You can get the regular paper map for only $62.66 right now. The Kriegsspiel sets all come with paper maps.
- Standard 2 player format. No Umpires needed. You can play with up to 6 players.
- This is the better option if you are new to the hobby or looking for a game to teach new recruits.
- True Kriegsspiel Rules. Fully compatible with the original Reisswitz, Prussian Kriegsspiel. You can play this with multiplayer teams and umpires etc.
- Pub Battles Rules option. We ship this with Pub Battles rules. Alternatively, this converts the game into a full blown, detailed, traditional, 2 player wargame. Check out the Review tab here for a player report on how this works.
- Smaller scale. This matches true Kriegsspiel scale but the map it huge! It does give you more detail and finer control as far as being able to form your lines along tree lines and slopes. Also more detail in actual contact and types of combat.
- This is the better option if you have time, space and are looking for a more detailed, standard type wargame.