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I will start this review with my usual caveat. I really do not know that much about the Napoleonic Wars. I have been interested in them, but have kept my distance. The pageantry, uniforms, combined arms, and of course the big hats have always been of interest but...... the many rulesets, depth of knowledge of the players, and so many models and painting have kept me away.

To date, I have really only played Blucher with any regularity. The joy there being I have been playing it with the cards. I have La Salle, Chosen Men, Black Powder and a few others but have never quite pulled the trigger on Nappies. To be honest, making the large units and all the nomenclature has scared me off for the most part.

It was these factors that made me interested in Absolute Emperor. I read through the introduction and recognized a kindred design spirit. He was advocating for "Big Battles with Small Armies" which is an approach I have found near and dear to my heart. In fact it was one of my main design goals with Men of Bronze, Heirs of Empire and Wars of the Republic. In addition, abstraction and units acting as a foot print for larger elements was another theme that matched my style. Finally, he was a strong advocate for not having to re-base anything! Basing is the bane of wargaming. I felt I had found a kindred design spirit!

This intrigued me enough that I wondered if I had finally found the Napoleonic wargame that would get me to pull the trigger on Nappies and buy some models. With all that pre-amble out of the way. Let's get into Absolute Emperor and see what is under the Shako.....



You can read the full review at the Blood and Spectacles Blog here: https://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2021/08/review-absolute-emperor-osprey-games.html

I started off wargaming playing in the grand manner. What is funny is the change over the last 25 years for me is I just don't like the men to model ratios of 28mm Nappy anymore. Though at smaller scales I remain ok with it. Its a bit irrational...

I recommend checking out 'King of the Battlefield'. We love it. Fantastic recreation of 7YW battles, lots of elements a side, but quick to play. Rewards reserve lines and period tactics. Really my favourite musket ruleset.