From: "R. Koester" Subject: Re: Holy Roman Empire (3W) and Top 10 Alan Poulter asked for impressions of Holy Roman Empire (3W + S&T). I think it's a great, very playable game, although one in need of some rules clarifications (and who isn't?). The economic system, with it's high maintenance regardless of unit quality, really brings across one of the basic reasons the war lasted so long: anyone can raise a sizeable low quality army but it is very had to maintain one, and so the high quality armies (French knights; Swedish, Spanish, Swiss or Dutch Infantry) take on an importance out of all relation to their size. Further, the combat is VERY simple if you do not use the tactical module (I never have), with just enough chrome (cavalry and artillery special effects in siege, elite unit cohesion, light cavalry persuit) to keep it from becoming Riskian. Basically on a level with Successors. The diplomatic game, which is largely a series of auctions for the different principalities of the Empire and for the mercenary leaders and armies, is close to being the heart of the game, and it works nicely, giving advantages for dynastic and religious links. It really gives the feeling of a free-for- all civil war with foreign intervention, as well as for pre-modern (i.e. pre-French Revolution) strategy, with the non-national and mercenary armies being a threat as much as an asset (other players can bid them away from you while they're still on your teritory). The game also has a Pax Britanica like three step control process, starting with mere conquest (ends as soon as you pull your army out), influence, and control of territories. This makes it possible to expand your territory and economy without such ahistorical happenings as the Bohemians turning from rebels to loyal imperials overnight. The sacking rule helps to accomplish the same thing. Further, the card game aspect (a different card for each province/principality) and the Imperial rules (elections and diets) allows a lot of special rules that come up in different parts of the game. For instance, certain territories have special powers indicated on their cards (Holland raises and supports its own army, but makes you keep it near Holland; Transylvania produces free light cavalry; Saxony and Brandenburg have national armies, but they are prone to flee when under foreign control), and some rules change depending on statutes passed by the imperial diet. Best of all, Holy Roman Empire has GREAT GREAT GREAT victory conditions, with radically different conditions for each of the six possible players, and yet with more than one way for each player to win. The best I've seen in this area since Illuminati. This is perhaps my most played strategic game. I'd say its only rival for a playable game that actually makes you feel like a national leader of the time is Empires of the Middle Ages, and EotMA always seemed too abstract for my liking (not that this has stopped me from playing the various computer versions hundreds of times). Someone PLEASE buy the rights to it, clean it up, and re-release it. It might even lend itself to computer play. ------------ Bob Koester