This page will be used to review rule sets that I have played with the aim of offering one gamer's opinion to others that may be contemplating a purchase. My personal preference for gaming is the skirmish or semi-skirmish genre. I favor rules that are not overly detailed yet offer sound mechanics. I also favor rules that have limited bookkeeping requirements during gameplay.

Note: I have no commercial affiliations with any of the publishers or authors. I do have a healthy respect for these people that labor through the creative process and offer their progeny for our enjoyment.

G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T
Written by Christopher Palmer and Buck Surdu
Published by LMW Works
ISBN 1-8895584-06-1

Gaslight is a set of rules for fighting skirmishes in the Victorian era. It is the set of rules used currently to play games in Zimdar. The definition of "Main" and "Extras" characters give it a Hollywood feel and that adds much to the flavor and personality of the rule set. While targeted at the Victorian era it could successfully be used for games in Darkest Africa to the Old West plus others where the technology was not too modern.

• The mechanics of game play are quick and easy to learn, with some innovative ways on determining hits.
• The included charts for character personalities, vehicles, wild animals, and weapon generation provide a flexible system for creating all types of scenario elements. Also these same charts have added much humor into the gameplay.
• The Vehicle mechanics; Start, Sustain, Spin make it easy to imagine clunky and cantankerous machines lurching around the table, thus adding to the atmosphere.
• While targeted at skirmish, the rule set is adaptable to larger engagements. The first Zimdar battle, had about 100 figures in the action.
• There is a very active Yahoo Group, GASLIGHTrules, where both Chris Palmer and Buck Surdu participate, offering clarification and encouragement.

• There is no table of contents, so be prepared to add index tabs to the various rules you will need in the heat of battle.
• The initial movement rate is too slow for our typical time constraints, we adjusted it with a house rule. (Infantry base move to 8" with 1d8 for charge bonus.)
• The Saving Roll Modifier is confusing when first read, it applies to vehicles, not characters.
• Determining hit results by Less Than the number indicated has caused the most delays in our games as the disappointed player was reminded that hitting the number exactly was a miss. We have also adjusted this with a house rule.

This is a terrific little rule set that has a Hollywood feel. The caveats listed above are quibbles that are easily adjusted. Definitely a keeper and my personal favorite.

The Sword and the Flame 20th Anniversary Edition
Written by Larry V. Brom
Published by And That's The Way It Was...
www.thewayitwas.com

The Sword and The Flame (TSATF) is a set of rules for fighting semi-skirmish to medium size battles. The setting is the British Colonial expansion into Africa, Egypt, India's Northwest Frontier during the mid to late 1800's. This period lasted for over 50 years and featured countless vicious battles against the Zulu, Pathan, Dervish, Egyptian and Boer. This genre has been captured in movies such as Gunga Din, The Four Feathers, Zulu and Zulu Dawn. TSATF is used to fight larger scale battles in Zimdar, it has been in publication for over 20 years and this edition shows that maturity.

• There are two sets of rules supplied in the volume; TSATF and The Sword in Africa. The latter is a small unit African skirmish set of rules.
• TSATF contains painting guides for the opposing forces, plus their historical background and prefered tactics. Also included are practical tips for creating scenery and terrain for the battle table.
• The gameplay mechanics are fairly simple and can easily be learned yet it includes options for hidden movement, cavalry phased movement, pass through fire and other options. The normal game turn is based on four phases; movement, firing, melee and morale, rather than a turn based system.
• The use of a playing card deck to determine initiative and casualties works very well and the operation for both is very fast.
• The organization of the manual is very well done in an outlined format. All the charts for movement, firing, close combat and morale have been compiled onto a separate quick reference sheet. There is also a summary sheet for the basic gameplay rules.
• Another feature is the included Unit Factor Table that is particularly useful for determining a "point-based" battle for pick-up games.
• Finally the included sample game, The Battle of Chamla Valley, decribes a scenario and a turn by turn analysis of how it played out. Very useful for instruction purposes.

• The phased turn system causes some weirdness in initiative. There are many occasions when it is desirable to move last, to step away from a charge for instance. This is a bit artificial.
• The determination of target class can be a point of confusion, shots are applied to an area. The majority target class in that area is used, even if not desired by the shooter. A house rule is generally required to resolve this to everyone's satisfaction.
• The determination of hits and assigning casualties has been the biggest point of contention in all the games I have ever played. The casualties can be applied all over the arc of fire, even though a charging group is directly in the shooter's face. Again a house rule is required here; for my games, casualties will not be allowed to be "soaked off" by an easier class than what was targeted.

This is a strong rule set that plays very well. I have enjoyed countless hours of games with this set. The extra material supplied by Mr. Brom is terrific and would be worth the price if sold separately. This rule set is strongly recommended as an addition to your library. The caveats listed in the "Con" section are real however, and the rule set will allow some "cheesy" play by over-competitive types. As referee, be prepared for rules arguments that will arise in these areas.

Fire and Steel

Brother against Brother

Pig Wars

Desperado

Fire and Fury