Gameplay is not like the standard black powder-battle with two sides trading volleys in a long line. Instead, the battle is broken up by numerous forests and gentle slopes. Combat occurs in a series of smaller mini-fights, with a handful of regiments on each side. The battle is also very fluid. The day starts with the American attack, but unless the Americans win quickly, the main British column turns and counterattacks. At this point, the British have a real opportunity to smash Washington’s Army and avenge Saratoga. This back-and-forth combat is just the sort of exciting gameplay that great wargames always deliver.

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Monmouth comes with four scenarios. The first two depict the two halves of the historic battle, while the third presents the full day of combat. The last scenario is a what-if that has Clinton pressing his counterattack into the second day.

For those who live in a wargame-opponent wasteland, Monmouth is very playable in solitaire mode. Just as important, Monmouth can be played via PBEM. Clash of Arms publishes a free Monmouth module for HPS’ Aide de Camp 2, a boardgame playing aid with a broad following. With ADC, the player plots his moves on a faithfully rendered computer screen version of the game map and then trades turns with his opponent via email. The ADC electronic game board is also great for solo players. After all, not many of us who have wives who understand why generals Washington and Clinton have to take over the dining room table for a month.

The physical version of Monmouth sports gorgeous, high-quality components. The board itself is a work of art, almost suitable for framing. Unit counters are very attractive, and each regiment has a color scheme reflective of its uniforms and facings. The two rulebooks have almost 60 packed pages between them. Also, in the grand tradition of historical games, there are 12 pages of background on the battle and design notes; there are even present day photos of the battlefield.

The biggest strengths of the game are also the source of its main problems. At almost 40 pages between two books, the rules are in-depth and organized but don’t hold the reader’s hand at all. Black-powder novices will find the learning curve to be very difficult. Also, because the game tracks so much detail, counter management is almost a game unto itself. Game set-up can easily take an hour and playing a full game can burn up a day. Precise counter placement is also critical. Players with small, furry animals or opponents who just can’t keep their die rolls off of the board are in for some frustration.

There should be no doubt that Monmouth is an advanced-level boardgame. Players who would rather learn and play a game in a few hours will want to look elsewhere for their Revolutionary War fix.

In the final evaluation, Monmouth is easy to recommend to veteran gamers. The game’s depiction of tactical combat in the Age of Reason is superb. Players who love depth and historical accuracy won’t find a better offering in a market usually concerned with fast play and gentle learning curves. So stand your ground, present arms, and wait till you see the whites of Santa’s eyes …

Image Gallery

ACG Intel

The Battle of Monmouth game

Clash of Arms Games

Larry Levandowski has been a wargamer for more than 30 years, and started computer gaming back in the days of the C-64. Until he recently discovered the virtues of DOS box, much of his computer game collection was unplayable. A former US Army officer, Larry has done his share of sitting in foxholes. Since leaving the Army, he has worked in the Information Technology field as a programmer, project manager and lead bottle washer. He now spends his spare time playing boardgames, Napoleonic and WWII miniatures, as well as any PC game he can get his hands on.

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Tags: American Revolution, boardgame, review, wargame