Historical wargaming has always been a rewarding hobby, but it is also one that demands a considerable investment of time, money and space. Building opposing armies, painting hundreds of miniatures and collecting terrain can be immensely satisfying, but it can also appear daunting to newcomers. Pocket General approaches that challenge from a different direction. Instead of asking players to assemble large collections before enjoying a battle, it provides complete armies represented by high-quality illustrated cards that are ready to play straight out of the box. The result is a system that can easily travel in a pocket, making it ideal for holidays, weekends away or simply gaming where storage space is limited.
Importantly, Pocket General is not presented as a replacement for traditional miniature wargaming. Rather, it offers another way to enjoy the hobby while lowering the barriers for those taking their first steps into historical gaming. By making classic battles such as Waterloo more accessible, it may encourage newcomers to discover the wider hobby before eventually moving on to painted miniatures and larger collections.
Another aspect that makes the project stand out is its visual presentation. The card artwork captures the energy and movement of Napoleonic battlefields with an expressive style that conveys the smoke, confusion and drama of combat. The creators have also committed to commissioning only original artwork from human artists, with no AI-generated imagery used in the production of the game. The Kickstarter campaign is focused primarily on funding these commissions while ensuring the artists are paid fairly for their work.
The initial release focuses on the Battle of Waterloo, providing French and British forces, with plans to expand into Prussian, Dutch and Hanoverian contingents as additional funding becomes available. Future ambitions also include terrain cards that would allow players to build more detailed battlefields while retaining the system's remarkable portability.
Whether Pocket General becomes a regular feature on gaming tables remains to be seen, but it is certainly an imaginative attempt to make historical wargaming easier to access without sacrificing its historical flavour. Anything that encourages more people to explore our hobby deserves consideration, particularly when it is supported by original artwork and a genuine passion for history.
But I have Blucher and most of the American produced armies, card sets. Plus this is shipping from the UScso costs will be high surely. Simon
ReplyDeleteHow does the game play?
ReplyDeleteIt does not ‘play’, I think you use them with your existing rules?
DeleteHow does it play, Lee? So far, it sounds like Blucher.
DeleteIts a rule agnostic product. the idea is you use the cards with whichever rules you want to play with. I think its a great way to 'test' a set of rules to see if you like them before comitting hundreds of quid on miniatures (assuming you adopt a sensible approach 🤣).
DeleteIn that case you could just make your own with cheap standard playing cards surely? Simon
DeleteOf course you could do that. I've done exactly that myself when testing rules. But I really like the artwork and the concept for where this project may go. As with all products, its a choice.
DeleteThanks for the response, Lee. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSimon has a point. Why not use red and blue blocks? Like the ones you've played with in my SYW games online. The one set of blocks/cards will then do all periods. Though these are more visually attractive. Any idea about eventual retail price?
I agree! Why not simply use blocks or counters? If I was to be tempted by illustrated cards, I would prefer having a top-down, formation view.
DeleteThats another alternative. Although blocks may not fit in a pocket like cards 🤣. For me, it comes down to asthetics. I like the artwork and I found the concept interesting, but I know that that is just my view. As with virtually every gaming product on the market, there are other products or diy solutions that can be used and we are all fee to choose whichever solution fits our needs and our budget.
DeleteThere are lots of paper figures, both front/back views and top-downs for free download on Matt Fritz's Junior General website. For quality artwork, use Peter Dennis's Paperboys. The illustrations on the cards look like small units in a skirmish game, not an army, but that may be the intent.
ReplyDeleteOr, as Richard suggests, use red and blue LEGO blocks, putting a brown or black brick underneath to indicate cavalry and mounted dragoons.
So are you getting a kick back to influence this KS then Lee?
ReplyDeleteYes they are a bit naff really aren’t they? Paul
DeleteTo clarify, the link above is indeed an affiliate link, meaning I would receive a small commission if someone chooses to back the project. However, I committed to reviewing this product well before any affiliate program was even on the table. I chose to share it because I genuinely love the artwork and the concept. This review is my honest opinion, and it certainly wasn't influenced by the prospect of a minuscule commission down the road.
DeleteWhy would you need three units of a Rifles in a twenty three card army with two officers? Simon
ReplyDeleteGot to say these look massively expensive for what they are. Christa Hook is not my favourite military artist either. Basically I do not see the point.
ReplyDeleteFrom the conversation I had with Brandon last week I don't think a final price point has been nailed down yet.
DeleteI can see it would be great if you are travelling and want to game without resorting to carrying armies. Combined with a set of Rules like Dominion of Napoleon Bonaparte (from the Dominion of the Spear series) you could have some great solo games in your hotel room etc.
ReplyDeleteDefinately. I'm going away next weekend for a family wedding, and I'd love to see my wifes face if I pulled out a deck of cards and challenged my son-in-law to a refight of Waterloo over dinner one evening 🤣 In all seriousness though, I've been on plenty of business trips and holidays where a portable army and a chance for a game would have improved some long evenings.
Delete