Military Model Scene

Title: Wars of the Republic
Author: Eric Farrington
Publisher: Osprey Games
ISBN: 978-1-4728-4491-0

A recent addition to the series of wargame rules from Osprey Games, this one covering Ancient Roman Wargaming, in the period of 343-50 BC. A 64-page soft-cover book designed to enable you to recreate the battles/conflicts of the times of the Roman Republic and their varied opponents.
The introduction leads nicely into the book, explaining a number of features. The rules are designed to provide a basis for wargaming the period from the founding of Rome, the conquest of Italy and wars across the Eastern Mediterranean to the eventual fall of the Republic. A period in which their fighting styles changed, and these are reflected in the rules. At first glance there is a lot to these rules, but as the author explains at the outset, you can just use the basic rules to begin with, to try a few games to get used to them, and then move on to add the more advanced options which are provided for. It describes the basics you need to play, and it does include the choice of playing it using miniatures or simple templates to represent the units. As well as the detailed rules of the game it gives details of the armies you can us, and their assorted units, so infantry, cavalry, even elephants are all included. As well as basic formations and tactics, even the different terrains, there are ideas for battles, campaigns and even specific historical scenarios. To close the book, the author/designer provides some more of his own notes on his objectives in creating this new set of gaming rules, notes that I think add to the understanding of the game.
I felt it provides a good all round feel for basing some games around them and learn some historical detail of the times as well. Illustrations throughout the book include some of the well known Osprey artwork, along with photos of some finely presented wargame figures and scenery. I like this, and as someone with some of the lovely Victrix 28mm figures for the period, I am feeling very tempted to have a go.
Thanks to Osprey games for our review copy.

Robin