Good review. At about 6 minutes in, you mention that the Terrain Effects Chart has no listing for swamp, but I noticed that it had a listing for marsh. Maybe that is the terrain that was to be used on the chart.
I agree with Custer61 - I would expect marsh (more of a British term??) to be the same as swamp. Given the state of the weather in the game it might have been largely frozen anyway so might have been easier going than anticipated eg. like frozen lake, though I expect quick movement or combat would have been very difficult...
Yes Swamp = Marsh. They did forget to illustrate the Marsh hex in the terrain effects chart (it's just shown as a blank hex), but they didn't forget about marsh/swamp altogether. "Swamp" definitely sounds like the American preferred term, used especially in the American South (Louisiana, Florida, and southeast coast up as far north as Washington DC ("Drain the Swamp!" being a dual meaning term now). There was also American Revolution military leader Francis Marion of South Carolina, known as "The Swamp Fox". GDW was formed by people from Northern Illinois (former Illinois State University students), and "marsh" is probably the most commonly used term there (also "wetlands", "swamp"). I'm not sure what terms the Brits use, probably "marsh" as well as "bog" and "quagmire".
Anybody out there still on this game? I went back to Memory Lane and ordered this game off E-bay. I had a couple of questions if anyone is interested in fielding them! Thx.
This really is a fine game. Its not flashy at all, but it sums things up nicely in few rules and is fun. Look for my post from way back over on BGG of the counters where I also put my custom made leaders (using the Clash of Arms style graphics) to give a bit more colorful fun.
Many thanks for the video. It does look quite and interesting game, albeit from 1980. Nothing wrong with that; some of the games from yesteryear could hold their own in our 21st century. Perhaps you might consider a return visit to Eylau GDW after playing through a game with an opponent. I can understand wanting to play winter-type games, given the snow outside. Over here in England, with all the rain we have had, and having, I have a feeling for naval games...
I've just discovered your channel, really enjoy the videos, I'm making my way through all of them! I think you may have the "swamp" on the TEC for GDW's Eylau. It's listed there as "marsh" with a blank hex next to it (unless there is also a separate marsh hex)
I've now watched all of them to date and have made some purchases based on your insights (and without regret!!). I really like your approach especially with older, less "flashy" titles. I started gaming when I was 11 (1974) so I grew up on some of these old classic SPI titles. I'm trying to expand my collection in terms of both period and overall mechanic (but still can't get into area movement games...) and your videos really help. As you say: "a good game is a good game".
Do you have any experience with "Last Chance for Victory"? I just got it and like it, wondered what your opinion is (would be). One other comment: would LOVE to see an update of the video "Games I'm not playing". I found it very entertaining! I actually had 2 on your list for the same reasons!!
I have "Last Chance for Victory" and think it is truly a work of art. But these 'monsters' I hardly regard them as 'games'. They are more studies and I have yet to speak with a single person who has played out these things from the very beginning to the very end. "Terrible Swift Sword" is in this category also. I remember back in the 70's we played for the entire Labour Day Weekend at Carleton University. By the the third day we were all burnt out. In game terms, we were at the afternoon of July 2nd. When the real battle takes less time than the playing of it, to me, it ceases to be a game. I only keep it for the information and the chance that someday I MAY play a scenario.
I agree, but I'm one of these guys that likes "detail" (as long as it makes sense) and am willing to sacrifice some playability for "realism/historicity" (which means something different to everyone). But I still see the beauty in simplicity and abstracted rules to achieve modeling a battle or campaign. I've actually played a number of monster games to their completion (including the campaign game of Last Chance) but it took weeks in every case. It's too easy to get burned out and lose the fun in long marathon play sessions. In the end, the games act like teachers (and perhaps babysitters...!). Thanks again for the effort you put into your vids, really great!
Good review. At about 6 minutes in, you mention that the Terrain Effects Chart has no listing for swamp, but I noticed that it had a listing for marsh. Maybe that is the terrain that was to be used on the chart.
I agree with Custer61 - I would expect marsh (more of a British term??) to be the same as swamp. Given the state of the weather in the game it might have been largely frozen anyway so might have been easier going than anticipated eg. like frozen lake, though I expect quick movement or combat would have been very difficult...
Yes Swamp = Marsh. They did forget to illustrate the Marsh hex in the terrain effects chart (it's just shown as a blank hex), but they didn't forget about marsh/swamp altogether. "Swamp" definitely sounds like the American preferred term, used especially in the American South (Louisiana, Florida, and southeast coast up as far north as Washington DC ("Drain the Swamp!" being a dual meaning term now). There was also American Revolution military leader Francis Marion of South Carolina, known as "The Swamp Fox".
GDW was formed by people from Northern Illinois (former Illinois State University students), and "marsh" is probably the most commonly used term there (also "wetlands", "swamp"). I'm not sure what terms the Brits use, probably "marsh" as well as "bog" and "quagmire".
Anybody out there still on this game? I went back to Memory Lane and ordered this game off E-bay. I had a couple of questions if anyone is interested in fielding them! Thx.
This really is a fine game. Its not flashy at all, but it sums things up nicely in few rules and is fun. Look for my post from way back over on BGG of the counters where I also put my custom made leaders (using the Clash of Arms style graphics) to give a bit more colorful fun.
great job Gilbert
Many thanks for the video. It does look quite and interesting game, albeit from 1980. Nothing wrong with that; some of the games from yesteryear could hold their own in our 21st century. Perhaps you might consider a return visit to Eylau GDW after playing through a game with an opponent. I can understand wanting to play winter-type games, given the snow outside. Over here in England, with all the rain we have had, and having, I have a feeling for naval games...
I've just discovered your channel, really enjoy the videos, I'm making my way through all of them! I think you may have the "swamp" on the TEC for GDW's Eylau. It's listed there as "marsh" with a blank hex next to it (unless there is also a separate marsh hex)
Yes, I think I noticed that later. Glad you are enjoying the videos.
I've now watched all of them to date and have made some purchases based on your insights (and without regret!!). I really like your approach especially with older, less "flashy" titles. I started gaming when I was 11 (1974) so I grew up on some of these old classic SPI titles. I'm trying to expand my collection in terms of both period and overall mechanic (but still can't get into area movement games...) and your videos really help. As you say: "a good game is a good game".
Do you have any experience with "Last Chance for Victory"? I just got it and like it, wondered what your opinion is (would be). One other comment: would LOVE to see an update of the video "Games I'm not playing". I found it very entertaining! I actually had 2 on your list for the same reasons!!
I have "Last Chance for Victory" and think it is truly a work of art. But these 'monsters' I hardly regard them as 'games'. They are more studies and I have yet to speak with a single person who has played out these things from the very beginning to the very end. "Terrible Swift Sword" is in this category also. I remember back in the 70's we played for the entire Labour Day Weekend at Carleton University. By the the third day we were all burnt out. In game terms, we were at the afternoon of July 2nd. When the real battle takes less time than the playing of it, to me, it ceases to be a game. I only keep it for the information and the chance that someday I MAY play a scenario.
I agree, but I'm one of these guys that likes "detail" (as long as it makes sense) and am willing to sacrifice some playability for "realism/historicity" (which means something different to everyone). But I still see the beauty in simplicity and abstracted rules to achieve modeling a battle or campaign. I've actually played a number of monster games to their completion (including the campaign game of Last Chance) but it took weeks in every case. It's too easy to get burned out and lose the fun in long marathon play sessions. In the end, the games act like teachers (and perhaps babysitters...!). Thanks again for the effort you put into your vids, really great!
Time to play Winter War!