30YW Playtest

I've just completed a 30YW game using an Imperialist v Sweden setup and the Pike
and Shot Rules in Introduction (aligned to the latest A&M Rules in A&M
Wargaming).

The Imperialist force looked impressive with two massive mixed units occupying a
dense block in the centre and flanked by rather menacing looking cuirassier
units. It was, however, the potential lurking in the Swedish deployment which
determined the shape and end result of the battle to follow. Elite units,
battalion guns, chevaliers - these were all distinctive factors which gave their
more maneouverable army the vital edge.

The Imperialists started boldly with a quick flank cavalry charge from mounted
arquebusiers and reiters. Meanwhile the infantry pounded forward in a menacing
mass. The cavalry exchange bogged down a bit and our budding Gustavus started to
regain the initiative by deploying his reserve over to his weakened flank and
launching a chevalier charge on the Imperialists uncommitted flank. The battle
started to wax towards the Swedes where their superior fire drill and a few high
artillery hit rolls were putting significant pressure on the Imperialist
infantry. That being said these big units can take a lot of punishment and for
close combat still retained a good compliment of pikes to engage the Swedish
battle line.

Unfortunately for our Wallenstein, he didn't have quite enough combat power left
and the Swedes, victorious on the wings with their cavalry, commenced an
encirclement on the remaining Imperialist units in the centre, after which the
result was academic.

Observations from this game. My first late Renaissance jaunt and it felt much as
I thought it would. The Imperialists were a plodding aggressive mass with
limitations on tactical flexibility. The Swedes in contrast had flexible, fast
and highly effective units at their disposal.

If the Imperialists can get to grips quicker and /or use their massed musketry
more effectively their big unit composition gives them a great deal of endurance
and decisive combat power. This scenario just didn't bring out these particular
features but did allow the Swedes to shine.

My next foray will be into the Late Medieval Period to try out the Medieval
Rules again with a War of the Roses game.