Tony Jimenez - 01:29pm Aug 14, 1997 PST (#27 of 38)

Breakout Normandy 

The basic game of Breakout Normandy covers the first week of the Normandy
campaign. There is also the option for an extended game that goes an addtional
two weeks. 

The very pleasing map covers the area from the landing beaches to past St. Lo.
The game uses area movement rather than hexes. Each area has a number ranging
from zero to four that is added to a defenders strength. Units generally consist
of regiments along with units representing supporting artillery. Units of both
sides can co-exist in the same area.

The game uses daily turns that are broken down into a variable number of impulses
where the German and Allied player alternate in moving units, with the German
player going first. In each impulse the player can move and or fight with the
units in one area. Each turn the American player rolls to see if the day ends. If
the roll of two dice is less than the number on the impulse track the day ends.
Usually the marker begins each day on the, I'm working from memory here, "-3"
spot on the impulse track. The marker advances one spot after each pair of
impulses. 

In combat each side designates a lead unit and adds that unit's strength to the
roll of two dice. The attacker adds one for each additional attacking unit and
for each supporting artillery unit. The defender adds one for each additional
fresh defending unit and also adds the terrain value of the area being attacked.
The high roller wins, with ties going to the defender. A losing defender absorbs
as many hits equal to the difference between the two die rolls. A losing attacker
suffers a disrupt one to each of his attacking units. In a tie only the lead
attacker is disrupted. Each hit degrades a unit one level. A unit can suffer
multiple hits in one battle. A defending unit can also absorb a hit by retreating.
Instead of attacking, artillery units can bombard. This can be done without risk
to the attacker. The attacker and defender each roll two dice but the defender
only adds the terain modifier to his die roll. The attacker adds the attack
strength of his lead artillery unit plus one for each supporting unit. A
bombardment offers no risk to the attacker, but each defending unit absorbs a
maximum of one hit. Bombardments are a good way to soften up an area prior to
attacking it. The Allies are blessed with many powerful artillery units. 

Units exist in one of four states, fresh, spent, disrupt one, disrupt two. A
disrupt two unit that takes an addtional hit is eliminated. Only fresh units can
move and initiate combat. Units that move or attack are automatically spent at
the end of their impulse. 

Between each day is a night interphase where each player gets supplies. Supplies
are used to remove hits from units. A unit can only have one hit removed per
interphase. The German player tends not to have enough supply to go around.
Players can spend any saved supply to lengthen of shorten the next day by moving
the starting location of the impulse marker. 

Additional rules cover weather and bridges. These rules have a large effect on the
play of the game. In bad weather the German gets more supplies, can move further
and can move safely. Capturing and destroying bridges form a significant part of
the game. 

I'll second Ray's recommendation. This is a great game. This is the fourth AH
impulse game and the rules, as opposed to the rules booklet, are very polished.
The system simulates both lightening breakthroughs and grinding slugfests. The
allied player gets to do most of the attacking, but has quite a bit to do to win.
The German player has some powerful formations with which to launch possible
counterattacks. Victory is based on the number of victory points amassed
by the Allies. The victory points are mostly based on controlling geographic
objectives. 

Tony 

Ray Freeman - 10:55pm Aug 15, 1997 PST (#31 of 38)
           Berkeley, CA

Elias: If you decide you like SOA, (and I think you will because IMO it is one of
the top 5-10 games of all time) go find yourself a used copy of the bookcase
version. It is vastly more pleasureable to play with than the folio. The counters
are 3/4 inch square and the map is mounted. 

I've a few things to add to Tony's post on BKN. There is a very chess like quality
to this particular game, both because of the system, but also the situations
which can occur at various locations on the map. This creates tremendous tension
and player interaction. I'm in a game right now where I felt very very good at
the end of June 6 as the Germans. However, my opponent found 3 nice impulses and
had some decent luck and I found myself sweating a breakthrough, first in the US
sector at Foret de Cerisy, then in the Britsh sector at Caen. I just had 2/3 of
the 12SS panzer division shattered by Typhoons trying to reinforce the city.
Amazing what those 3 impulses did to my perspective! Right now, I'm dancing to my
opponents tune. 

The other really significant aspect is that the system is very much driven by
supply considerations, as those units that move or engage in combat have to be
given supply each night in order to "recover", and they can't go up more than a
step a day. The Allies have significant supply advantages, but there are problem
areas for the Allies as well, notably Utah Beach. My real point is that it seems
there is never enough to go around, especially for the Germans, so the players
have to decide who gets supplies (and by inference, replacements) and who has to
wait. Adding to the complications is the ability to BUY extra impulses with
supply (10 points worth) in order to shorten or lengthen the day. The supply game
is very interesting because everything a player can do in BKN has a price. The
mechanics of play interact with each other beautifully. This game is way cool.