Subject: Fw: HOME BEFORE THE LEAVES FALL Schiller wrote in message <8im9cj$ioh$1@SonOfMaze.dpo.uab.edu>... I have a copy of HBtLF, and I have to say that it is one of the most impressive games I have ever run across. Aside from production quality, which is (with certain notable exceptions) excellent, IMHO this game represents the best operational study of WWI in the West in the opening months one can find, hands down. It is not for the faint of heart: the complexity of the system and the very l o n g playing times make it one of two things: a thing you show off to your friends, but never actually play (like a vintage car), or a thing of obsession and passion. If you ever read Tuchman's Guns of August and wanted to _play_ what she wrote, this is the game to do it. Is it any good? Well, if you can get through the rules, then, yes, it is excellent. Think of it at AHs old 1914 completely updated. Ever wonder why in those other games the German units so much better than the French? Here you can see: French Élan is there, and can have an impact, but not against German 105s and 150s! The heavy emphasis on barrage and morale make combat much more colorful than "D-Elim" of "Exchange". Here units engage in ebb and flow combat situations, where attackers can try to overwhelm defenders, but if inadequately supported by artillery or machine guns, can be stopped cold. The emphasis in combat is on getting the sequence right: rushing an entrenched defender without first making an effective bombardment will result in heavy casualties, lost terrain, or both. Other bits 'o chrome are command and control, which plays a major role in the game, as does fog of war (can you say 'inverted counters?'), fortresses (this time, they can shoot back!), unit flanks, cavalry, individual leaders, aerial reconnaissance, barrage balloons, the French taxis, politics, the "Plans", armored cars, the British Channel Squadron, and so on. Should one buy it? If you are a student of WWI history, this is a must-have. I cannot think of ANY game which comes close. Drawbacks? Other than complexity and the sheer tediousness of setting up the larger scenarios, about all I can gripe about is that, compared to GR/Ds The Great War series, it's pretty stand-alone. In fact, I would rate TGW as more of a game, and HBtLF as more of a study. Since it's for sale so cheap, I would get it, and spend the next 2 years just reading the rules. 'Nuff said. Schiller "roger whelan" Hello! > > I saw a copy of Home Before the Leaves Fall in a store for $60, which is > quite the discount from the list price. > > Is this game any good? I have not played The Cossacks are Coming, which > game system HBLF uses.... > > Thanks! > > Roger > -- > "Some come to laugh their past away > some come to make it just one more day > whichever way your pleasure tends > may the four winds blow you home again" > J.Garcia/R.Hunter "Franklins Tower"