[REVIEW] Triomphe à Marengo

Triomphe à Marengo (Triumph at Marengo) – a game designed by Bowen Simmons and published by Histogame – recreates that dramatic battle which took place in June 1800, during Napoleon Italian campaign. It was one of the more decisive Napoleonic victories, although definitely did not looked that way at the onset.

One player takes the role of Bonaparte whose troops are scattered at the beginning, while the other attacks with the Austrians. He has to defeat the French, before they can strike back with their reinforcements. The game is fast playing and definitely departs from almost all wargame conventions – no dice, special battle & morale mechanics as well as hidden information. On top of it, it brings the look of the 19th century linear warfare onto the table.

This new version of classic Bonaparte at Marengo (2003) has the redesigned map which gives you wide open spaces for various maneuvers; the modified combat system is full of drama and hidden information; and the novel locale-based morale system brings additional tactical considerations. Since fights are resolved without dice, luck is very much limited and it is the skills which counts.

So would you stand-up to the task and as Napoleon revert the initial disastrous situation? Or maybe you will achieve the victory as Austria, that historically was so close?

Of course, first and foremost, this is a perfect title for two players. However, to some extent it is possible to play it also solo – this is not a perfect solution as some hidden information is lost – in that case, especially, as to the strengths of the units and their disposition. However, as a learning experience – or to present the titles to others, as I did in my materials – this should still be ok.

I am glad to say this is one of those wargames with a very reasonable time to play. First of all, the set-up will take like 5-10 minutes. Then, the actual session – most probably up to 2 hours – especially after one or two introductory games.

While the game is by no means complex nor difficult, some of the rules are explained in pretty vague terms. Also, you will encounter several exceptions which are important. All in all, I would treat this as medium-complexity wargame.

• The game mechanics – movement, combat, morale, reinforcements – are so different and innovative from what one is used to, that it really makes a huge impression on players and the only thing you can initially say is simply Wow! Of course, you need to wrap your head around all those aspects and master them in order to play efficiently – still, this is investment worth taking in the face of the final result.
• The game is very thematic and feels just right. The map, the pieces, the constrains put on units, even the way rulebook looks like – makes for a perfect setting for (almost) XIX century battle.
• That was quite a surprise for me – how replayable this game is. You would think that with one scenario and relatively fixed initial forces disposition it would start always in the same way. Nope! Initial French set-up is fluid, the exact units both sides will bring to the map too. There are at least two main paths of advance for Austrians. So there is a lot of approaches to test before they start to repeat.  
• What I would like to stress is the graphical & components aspect of the game. The map looks wonderful – a XIX century area depiction put on the board. The small, long, wooden pieces feel just right in hand and makes for a wonderful experience. This is yet one more dimension in which this title is different (in a good sense) from mainstream designs.

• It is pity to say but that very innovative and interesting game, a new edition of the previous title, which on top of that has relatively short set of the rules, suffers from a pretty ambiguous rulebook. It takes some time to digest the game concepts, it takes even more to test and master them on map. The final result is magnificent, the learning process not.

• The movement mechanic – clever in its design and concept – would benefit greatly from additional counters / markers. It is really hard to keep track of who already moved, through which crossing and during which of the phases in the turn.

I believe each person who had at least some exposure to historical, political or war boardgames would both enjoy and grasp that game. However, there is an additional bonus here for all those seeking new and fresh designs – this game, although new edition of 20 year old title, is still very innovative and strays away from set paths in wargaming industry.

• Materials on my blog

• VIDEOS: Unboxing; Rules Explained; Example of Play

• BGG