What's the theme?
American Civil War, specifically, Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. An unplanned encounter battle, for two days General Lee's Confederacy had been hounding General Meade's Union army, seeking that all important flank or breakthrough despite both armies arriving piecemeal. Whenever success was achieved, Union withdrawal and delaying tactics with wise use of interior lines and reserves limited Confederate gains. Lee's theory was that he was so close to enveloping the Union right, and left, that the centre must be weak. Despite protests from his 'Old War Horse' Longstreet, an advance on the centre was conducted. In Magnificent Style focuses only on this advance.
Can you play as both sides?
No, you play as the Confederacy, but limited actions for the Union to take, hence it being a predominantly solitaire tactical wargame. A 2nd player could play as the Union but they won't have as much to do and I can't say it'd be all that exciting.
How does the game work?
It's a 'push you luck' game. You decide how fast troops march per game turn, however the further you march, the greater the danger. But you can't just sit back though, as your objective would never be achieved. Dice rolls guide the game and ultimately dictate how well your advance goes.
What is the objective?
Achieve a score range for the outcome, with points achieved mainly for occupying Union defensive positions. Get as higher score as you can. Decision-making is key.
How long does an average game last?
30mins, 5 turns.
Game or Sim?
Game, but with some lovely historically accurate features, including terrain, generals and rules.
What're the components like?
Superb. Really high quality. The artwork's great and the chits perfect. The game board is mounted and it just shouts out quality and durability.
How easy is it to win?
I tend to win 1/3 games. Victory comes in different forms i.e. marginal or major etc, so there's often something to work towards, enhancing replay ability.
Are the rules easy to learn?
Yes. The rulebook is superbly set out, with bitesize chunks of rules, well-formatted and easy to read. The rules are detailed enough to get a historical and tactical feel but not too complicated that you just don't know what you're doing and end up checking the rules every 5 minutes. Once you get the gist of the game, it's so quick to play and you can process the rules in your head rather than referring to specific clauses and wondering if you're playing it correctly.
What was the historical outcome?
General Lee misjudged Union strength and several brigades were sent forward to the slaughter, initially 'In Magnificent Style', but ending in total disarray and near-annihilation. About 2000 rebels were killed, and 5000 wounded, missing, or captured. Union defenders suffered only around 1500 casualties, likely only a few hundred killed and the rest wounded. Confederate artillery support failed in 'breaking up' Union defences, including artillery of their own, used with devastating effect at long, medium and then close range. Confederates advanced into a hail of bullets, solid shot, canister fire and shrapnel, until the firepower was too much and casualties intolerable. It was a gamble that did not pay off for the Confederacy. It was a major Union victory that marked the 'beginning of the end'. Although Lee's army was still in tact, and a relatively orderly withdrawal made (for which Meade received much criticism), they never again achieved the momentum and threat to Washington. Whilst the war dragged on for another 2 years, the Confederacy never recovered from this crucial stage of the battle of Gettysburg.
Are you chained to repeat history?
No. Whilst there's a lot of historical flavour and realism, it's ultimately a game and there are things you can do differently, and luck that can be achieved with every game. What I really like about this game is how quickly your fortunes can change, for better or for worse. You may think you're down and out, but a sudden spell of luck or a successful decision puts you right back in there. Equally though, getting complacent and rash can easily backfire. This I find to be a truly exciting aspect of the game. Many a time, whether I've just won or lost, I just want to play another. It is really is fun.
Is it part of a series?
I'm unaware of it being a series, but if there is a similar title, please reach out and tell me as I will through money at it! With it being a Victory Point Games release I can see similarities to 'State of Siege' (see my Ottoman Sunset and Hapsburg Eclipse reviews) games and also to the Napoleonic 20 series, particularly around how the rules are formatted. But as for the rules, I wouldn't say they're particularly comparable to any other games. Please note, initially 'In Magnificent Style' was a folio and then board game, and this edition reviewed is a Deluxe Edition hence why the components are such good quality. The earlier editions have the charm and feel but this Deluxe edition pushes the boat out with a really well-manufactured game. I have a folio edition but still got this deluxe edition and have no regrets. It really is a wonderful game to play and appreciate.
