The Series

The Battles of the American Revolution is a board game series designed by Mark Miklos and published by GMT Games, focusing on specific battles of the American Revolutionary War. Each volume features tactical, hex-and-counter wargames with regimental-level units, emphasizing historical accuracy and strategic depth. The series includes titles like Saratoga, Brandywine, and the Battle of White Plains, with gameplay lasting 2-6 hours depending on the scenario. Notable for its high-quality components, including mounted maps and thick counters, the series offers replayability through varied scenarios and event cards.

The Game

Volume 9 in the Battles of the American Revolution Series contains two separate games; the Battle of Rhode Island and the Battle of Newport.

The Battle of Rhode Island took place on August 29, 1778. Continental Army and militia forces under the command of Major-general John Sullivan had been besieging British forces in Newport, Rhode Island on Aquidneck Island, but they had finally abandoned their siege and were withdrawing to the northern part of the island. The British then sortied, supported by recently arrived Royal Navy ships, and they attacked the retreating Americans. The battle ended inconclusively, but the Continental forces withdrew to the mainland and left Aquidneck Island in British hands.

The battle was the first attempt at cooperation between French and American forces following France’s entry into the war as an American ally. Operations against Newport were planned in conjunction with a French fleet and troops, but they were frustrated in part by difficult relations between the commanders, as well as by a storm that damaged both the French and British fleets shortly before joint operations were to begin.

Battle of Newport is a hypothetical scenario that presupposes the French land forces participated with the Americans in the planned assault on Newport. Historically Comte d’Estaing reembarked his troops prior to his sortie against Admiral Howe’s fleet. The so-called “Great Storm” then wrecked both fleets and d’Estaing decided to forego the Newport expedition in favor of sailing to Boston to refit prior to going to the Caribbean to protect French interests there.

Let us then look at those beautiful games and their components:

Enjoy!