I could be into 19th Century wargaming more. But I'm not. I've only war-gamed ACW & Napoleonic (both land & naval) and dipped (reading wise) into the Franco-German and Crimean Wars. I'm not into 19th Century Colonial wargaming. I don't know why. Is it that I don't fancy the blades vs. bullets 'imbalance' in many of the campaigns? I do like the genre on film, however; Zulu, Khartoum, North West Frontier, The Four Feathers (OK, into the 20th Century here) and the The Man Who Would Be King. Which brings me onto the new Osprey colonial skirmish rules, The Men Who Would Be Kings. Have had a look at the Wargames Illustrated video and I'm thinking this might be the thing for me. It doesn't appear that you need to make a big investment in figures plus Pendraken already have a Colonial range. From the little I can see, rule mechanisms don't appear to be too complicated either (e.g., 2 only types of rifle? - modern & obsolete). Granted they have only recently been released. However, has anyone tried these rules and, if so, what did you think?

For those who are not subscribers to WI, here is a link to the flip through video

http://wargamesillustrated.net/the-men-who-would-be-kings/

plus another 'taster' from YT

I like them, but then I like the rulesets that Dan Mersey has produced, so maybe I'm biased. Nice easy games with a strong narrative element should you so wish.

There are quite a few posts over on LAF about these rules. Genral reception is positive.

It seems they would easily work with element basing with 10mm figures.

Albie Bach and I tried the rules out for the first time and were suitably impressed. As soon as the photos are sorted out I'll be posting a Batrep and thoughts.

I'm with Westmarcher on colonial. If only the stupid buggers had kept up they wouldn't have been so easily overrun. Now all they want is revenge for being so behind in the first place.

Not a big colonial fan. I looked at the Belgian and Dutch experience, but it all seemed so icky. I also pondered some early "colonial" stuff of the musket era, but tbh, I can't get the juices flowing.


And welcome back Westie! Where have you been? On your travels? 

Might be an excuse to dig out the old Maximillian Adventure stuff!

I'm also going to be trying TMWWBK out for my Balkans Wars armies at some point, I think they will work a treat.

Have now read your Batreps, Sunjester (see Sunjester's separate topic). Thanks for your initial review. Early days, mind you, but at least your comments appear positive overall. And so few figures - which means more quickly do-able! Cheers!



@fsn: back from my travels ages ago, Nobby.