I would have every version of this game but that pricing is over the top. They would have probably made more money by pricing realistically. Shame, looks like a ton of fun.
I think so too. Price it at $25 and they'd sell a ton of them... they'd get people hooked, and then they'd sell a ton more. While the maps are gorgeous the rest of it is very cheap, so there is no reason for such a high price.
Excellent video guys! Very nice presentation. Is is an expensive game, but I have played mine almost daily since I bought it, so my price per play is WAY LOW! It is very durable. The chit draw mechanic makes every game play different, even if you are using the same basic strategy.
It's not surprising that the price is such an issue. In a FB forum, an advocate for the Pub Battles system was at a loss when I asked about why the price was so high. Given that other small publishers have no problem putting out a game with far more material at half or less of the cost, I see no reason why it has to be so high. Until this issue is resolved or at least adequately explained, such as the blocks being hewed from mighty oaks or the canvas straight from the sails of Ulysses S. Grant's private yacht, then I'm not even going to consider it until the price drops below $50.
Agreed. The rest of the components aren't worth 10 bucks so the price is really out of line. The paper map version already costs way too much and the printing process is the same for both, and canvas doesn't cost that much more than paper, so why the huge jump? Boy... back in the late 70's to early 80's I could go to a local toy store and get Avalon Hill games on the clearance shelf for $5... have times changed.
The price is very high, no argument here. But it would be unfair to compare this to AH or any of the current big publishers. Pub Battles is done by a small company on small print runs (I don't know what it costs them to print a copy, but having some experience in this arena, I'm sure it's not cheap). We do try to make a point here on the channel to cover rules and games from small, independent publishers.
Always liked the look of the Pub Battle games, but cost is simply too much for me. ithink I am right in saying that as well as the gettysburg game you will have to buy the basic rule book separately (unless you own anothe PB game) whihc adds another $25 or so to the cost. My wife would tear me a new one, if I spent just short of $200 on a map, some wooden blocks and two fairly slim books.
I'm late to the conversation, but just for the sake of completeness and accuracy: I recently bought the Gettysburg game and these days, the main rules (version 3.2 as of July 2021) are indeed included in the game at no extra cost.
A great tip for movement (which makes it seem a lot less fiddly) is that you always move 2/3 of a move, unless you are moving through clear terrain for the entire move.
$80 - $150 for the battle and you STILL need to buy the starter kit for $30 - $40. You know how MANY good Gettysburg games I can buy for $110 - $190? Or miniatures? I see nothing that demands this high price?
Hi! I’m Marshall from Command Post Games. Thanks for all your comments, input and interest!! As for price, let’s check comps for wargames on Gettysburg made with wooden blocks. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples here. This isn’t a small paper, magazine game. The Gettysburg game from Columbia is currently $79.99. Simmon’s Guns of Gettysburg is currently $147.78 on Amazon. Our standard game is $83.25. I don’t see a big price difference. We do offer a premium edition that comes with a real canvas map, like the kind actually used in that era, for only $142.92. This is only an option. You don’t have to get the canvas if you just want to play the game. Yes, we do separate out the rules, dice and sticks so that you don’t have to keep buying the same thing over and over again with each battle. You can make your own strings and sticks to measure with. If you send us an email, we can also send you a pdf version of the rule for free. -So the rules kit is optional. Why is Pub Battles worth it? 1. Our games actually get played. We hear over and over from guys in email about how Pub Battles is the game they have played the most over the last year. It is quick, easy to play, easy to remember, fun to play and historically accurate. Not just a game to collect. 2. If you are a collector, our games are a great investment. We hear from players all the time that can’t find our games used. I know, that’s because nobody sells them! They keep them and play them. Tremendous resale value opportunity. 3. Pub Battles has amazing replay value. It includes a large, expanded map area that includes the East Cavalry Field. You are free to explore various flanking strategies that most games do not allow. 4. Our game also includes bonus pieces and scenarios for you to explore historical ‘what-ifs?’ What if Stuart was not delayed and was on the field at the opening of the battle? What if ‘Stonewall’ Jackson had not died and was able to resume command shortly before the battle? Being able to game the possibilities gives you a completely different understanding of the standard battle we grew up with and know so well. It is really amazing to see the different ways this battle could have unfolded. Comparing and contrasting these different variants would make a great video!
@@farpointgamingdirect Absolutely! Our game has about the same number of blocks as the Simmons game, and our blocks are about twice as big! -not that size matters. ;)
You need to make this game easier to get, look at U&P Games out of Finland, they have a similar game called "W1815" you can get it for less than a quarter of the cost of what you are selling this game for. Your price is too high for such low production values. A map and a few wooden blocks for $80.00? No matter the excuses you make for your price point, they ring hollow and are not really reasons, but excuses; I reward reason and punish excuses. My rebuttal to your excuses: 1. So what is your point? People generally buy games to play, you're just fortunate to have written a good set of rules. 2. Oh sure, collectability is the first thing that I certainly think of when purchasing a boardgame, yep that's it, I'm really making an investment for the future... Are you freaking serious?! 3. Still not a reason for your price point, nice feature, but no justification. 4. So you threw a few extra blocks in there, for what an extra ten cents? Also nice thoughts, but still not reasons to justify such a price. Gaming alternate scenarios still doesn't explain the overblown price.
So i want to offer some friends of mine the possibility of playing a wargame. It should kinda look like this one with original Kriegsspiel-like counters and a Map rather than 3d Terrain. There should be 4 to 5 players and an umpire. Also I would like it to be set in the napoleonic era and preferably on division level combat (so around 10k troops on either side). Does anyone know whether there is something out there that fits my needs (or will)? Currently I am designing my own because I have not yet found anything but advice where I could find maps or rules to take inspiration from would also be appreciated.
Ha, I watched, love quick playing beer and pretzel games, looked good, so I went to the website to grab a copy. Saw the insane pricing. Came back to comment and noticed that's what everyone is talking about. Heh. I guess their business model must work for them but when even your paper map version costs over $100 due to having a separate rulebook (and a thin one at that) you're now in extreme boutique gaming.
Hah, there's no getting around the price. It's expensive any way you slice it and that's going to turn off a lot of potential customers. That's one of the reasons we spent a decent amount of time in the video here talking about what you get for the money, the good (the map and the rules) and the bad (the blocks are underwhelming).
@@LittleWarsTV At least they should provide an option for a cheap PDF copy of the core rules, that may make it somewhat more palatable. Anyway, first time watching you guys but it won't be the last. Grog spirit forever!
I love how this looks and think that the rules would be fun from what you guys described, but JESUS! $100+ for some blocks and a lightweight rule set, no matter how pretty the map, is just way too much. I want to also at least see the rules before trying it out, but that alone is $25.
Hard to disagree with you, Scott. The price is salty for ANY game, much less a block-based one. The rules could be called "lightweight," but I mean that in a good way here. They are fast and easy to teach new players, but with just enough tactical nuance to give you something to think about. Ideal for the intended use. But it's the map you're paying for, and Tom probably put it best when he called it "a collector's item" as much as a game. It's quite the sticker shock, though.
@@LittleWarsTV Oh yes, I love the idea of a lightweight war game. I just wish I could read them before having to decide if I'm going to put down 3 digits of cash.
A better option for this style of game, both in concept and cost is U&P Games "W1815" Waterloo game. It literally takes longer to read the rules than to play the game.
Hey Little Wars, love the channel. If you guys plan on continuing the theme of Gettysburg board games, could you please review "Guns of Gettysburg" created by Simmons? It seems to have several unique mechanics/features. All the best.
Thanks for the suggestion! We do have a game in mind as our next one and we're always looking for more! Interesting that a number of commenters have suggested Guns of Gettysburg, which is also a map and wooden block game retailing at $100. And yet most of the comments suggest people aren't willing to pay even half that amount for such a game.
It's a fair enough review but the cons far outweigh the pros when considering this "game system". 1. Outrageous price point for sub-par components. 2. Stickers? C'mon man! 3. Tube container because the map...automatic fail! 4. "Complete" rules needed as well? Have the designers have no clue about the do's and don'ts of modern game design? This might have been acceptable several decades ago but not now. A 24x24 map can easily done with a folding board or jigsaw boards. The stickers alone is shameful and lazy. Any game, that isn't an actual expansion, should have a set of complete rules! Sorry, I will pass on the entire system. There are plenty of great games (that come in boxes) with fantastic components (minis, custom dice, etc) that are far more accessible and easier on the wallet. Rant over!
@@aidanbailey9967 In the review it clearly states that the base rules are not included. Although the map LOOKS great but it's still a roll-up. $100+ for wooden blocks, stickers, and a map that's hard to store on your game case? No. This isn't 1970's wargaming...jeez AH at least had decent components and a proper box to store everything. Game night be great! But that's a hard sell with those easy fix problems.
@@tempestfury8324 They must have updated since this review came out, since it now comes with rules. You could always get a PDF of the rules for free. Additionally, you can buy the paper map and rules for 35 dollars, and use your own mini figures, if that's a concern. As far as the price for the "full" version, I think they are getting too much heat, as it is entirely optional and more of a collectors level.
That's why you need the scotch... to forget how much you just spent. It reminds me of the old WC Fields sketch.... "Say... was I in here yesterday and did I spend $143 on a piece of canvas?" "Yeah, you did." "Oh, what a relief..... I thought I lost it...."
I do. But I choose not to pay my new car above 17000 € : really difficult indeed. The printed canvas only (without other components and conception) is very costly fo that quality. I choose an esthetic game too for the price. Some game got playability but poor esthetic. I enjoy play this game and what a f*** point of view
What a ridiculous price. For that much I'd expect the game to come with blocks with the information printed on them, not some cheap sticker sheet. And even then it would still be overpriced.
I would have every version of this game but that pricing is over the top. They would have probably made more money by pricing realistically. Shame, looks like a ton of fun.
I think so too. Price it at $25 and they'd sell a ton of them... they'd get people hooked, and then they'd sell a ton more. While the maps are gorgeous the rest of it is very cheap, so there is no reason for such a high price.
I agree. If they made the price cheaper, they could sell more games and make more $ than by raising the price.
Especially since they didn't even clarify movement
Excellent video guys! Very nice presentation. Is is an expensive game, but I have played mine almost daily since I bought it, so my price per play is WAY LOW! It is very durable. The chit draw mechanic makes every game play different, even if you are using the same basic strategy.
It's not surprising that the price is such an issue. In a FB forum, an advocate for the Pub Battles system was at a loss when I asked about why the price was so high. Given that other small publishers have no problem putting out a game with far more material at half or less of the cost, I see no reason why it has to be so high.
Until this issue is resolved or at least adequately explained, such as the blocks being hewed from mighty oaks or the canvas straight from the sails of Ulysses S. Grant's private yacht, then I'm not even going to consider it until the price drops below $50.
TOTALLY agreed!
An introductory wargame should have an introductory price....but that darned map IS glorious
Agreed. The rest of the components aren't worth 10 bucks so the price is really out of line. The paper map version already costs way too much and the printing process is the same for both, and canvas doesn't cost that much more than paper, so why the huge jump? Boy... back in the late 70's to early 80's I could go to a local toy store and get Avalon Hill games on the clearance shelf for $5... have times changed.
The price is very high, no argument here. But it would be unfair to compare this to AH or any of the current big publishers. Pub Battles is done by a small company on small print runs (I don't know what it costs them to print a copy, but having some experience in this arena, I'm sure it's not cheap). We do try to make a point here on the channel to cover rules and games from small, independent publishers.
@@LittleWarsTV After 30+ years in the printing industry, the price point for digital printing is WAY DOWN.
Always liked the look of the Pub Battle games, but cost is simply too much for me. ithink I am right in saying that as well as the gettysburg game you will have to buy the basic rule book separately (unless you own anothe PB game) whihc adds another $25 or so to the cost.
My wife would tear me a new one, if I spent just short of $200 on a map, some wooden blocks and two fairly slim books.
I'm late to the conversation, but just for the sake of completeness and accuracy: I recently bought the Gettysburg game and these days, the main rules (version 3.2 as of July 2021) are indeed included in the game at no extra cost.
@@andmol There was a period where you had to buy the rules separately.
Price seems to be prohibitive for a quick game- or a slow game.
A great tip for movement (which makes it seem a lot less fiddly) is that you always move 2/3 of a move, unless you are moving through clear terrain for the entire move.
$80 - $150 for the battle and you STILL need to buy the starter kit for $30 - $40. You know how MANY good Gettysburg games I can buy for $110 - $190? Or miniatures? I see nothing that demands this high price?
As far as i know, everything thing you need is in the tube : rules, books, scenario, map...
Hi! I’m Marshall from Command Post Games. Thanks for all your comments, input and interest!!
As for price, let’s check comps for wargames on Gettysburg made with wooden blocks. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples here. This isn’t a small paper, magazine game. The Gettysburg game from Columbia is currently $79.99. Simmon’s Guns of Gettysburg is currently $147.78 on Amazon.
Our standard game is $83.25. I don’t see a big price difference. We do offer a premium edition that comes with a real canvas map, like the kind actually used in that era, for only $142.92. This is only an option. You don’t have to get the canvas if you just want to play the game.
Yes, we do separate out the rules, dice and sticks so that you don’t have to keep buying the same thing over and over again with each battle. You can make your own strings and sticks to measure with. If you send us an email, we can also send you a pdf version of the rule for free. -So the rules kit is optional.
Why is Pub Battles worth it?
1. Our games actually get played. We hear over and over from guys in email about how Pub Battles is the game they have played the most over the last year. It is quick, easy to play, easy to remember, fun to play and historically accurate. Not just a game to collect.
2. If you are a collector, our games are a great investment. We hear from players all the time that can’t find our games used. I know, that’s because nobody sells them! They keep them and play them. Tremendous resale value opportunity.
3. Pub Battles has amazing replay value. It includes a large, expanded map area that includes the East Cavalry Field. You are free to explore various flanking strategies that most games do not allow.
4. Our game also includes bonus pieces and scenarios for you to explore historical ‘what-ifs?’ What if Stuart was not delayed and was on the field at the opening of the battle? What if ‘Stonewall’ Jackson had not died and was able to resume command shortly before the battle? Being able to game the possibilities gives you a completely different understanding of the standard battle we grew up with and know so well. It is really amazing to see the different ways this battle could have unfolded.
Comparing and contrasting these different variants would make a great video!
And every game you mentioned comes with a TON of wooden blocks and stickers AND (most important) a RULEBOOK.
@@farpointgamingdirect Absolutely! Our game has about the same number of blocks as the Simmons game, and our blocks are about twice as big! -not that size matters. ;)
You need to make this game easier to get, look at U&P Games out of Finland, they have a similar game called "W1815" you can get it for less than a quarter of the cost of what you are selling this game for. Your price is too high for such low production values. A map and a few wooden blocks for $80.00? No matter the excuses you make for your price point, they ring hollow and are not really reasons, but excuses; I reward reason and punish excuses.
My rebuttal to your excuses:
1. So what is your point? People generally buy games to play, you're just fortunate to have written a good set of rules.
2. Oh sure, collectability is the first thing that I certainly think of when purchasing a boardgame, yep that's it, I'm really making an investment for the future... Are you freaking serious?!
3. Still not a reason for your price point, nice feature, but no justification.
4. So you threw a few extra blocks in there, for what an extra ten cents? Also nice thoughts, but still not reasons to justify such a price. Gaming alternate scenarios still doesn't explain the overblown price.
You might be able to switchthe block for some 6mm mini’s?
Have you guys played The Guns of Gettysburg? One of my favorites!
If I may make a suggestion, I would like to see a review of one of the Avalon hill Gettysburg games.
Thanks for another game review...as mentioned...a bit pricey for me...map looks nice...but it has to offer more than a cool map. Thanks again.
So i want to offer some friends of mine the possibility of playing a wargame. It should kinda look like this one with original Kriegsspiel-like counters and a Map rather than 3d Terrain.
There should be 4 to 5 players and an umpire.
Also I would like it to be set in the napoleonic era and preferably on division level combat (so around 10k troops on either side).
Does anyone know whether there is something out there that fits my needs (or will)?
Currently I am designing my own because I have not yet found anything but advice where I could find maps or rules to take inspiration from would also be appreciated.
Ha, I watched, love quick playing beer and pretzel games, looked good, so I went to the website to grab a copy.
Saw the insane pricing. Came back to comment and noticed that's what everyone is talking about. Heh.
I guess their business model must work for them but when even your paper map version costs over $100 due to having a separate rulebook (and a thin one at that) you're now in extreme boutique gaming.
Hah, there's no getting around the price. It's expensive any way you slice it and that's going to turn off a lot of potential customers. That's one of the reasons we spent a decent amount of time in the video here talking about what you get for the money, the good (the map and the rules) and the bad (the blocks are underwhelming).
@@LittleWarsTV At least they should provide an option for a cheap PDF copy of the core rules, that may make it somewhat more palatable.
Anyway, first time watching you guys but it won't be the last. Grog spirit forever!
My buddy bought a copy...now he cant afford beer OR pretzels...
I love how this looks and think that the rules would be fun from what you guys described, but JESUS! $100+ for some blocks and a lightweight rule set, no matter how pretty the map, is just way too much. I want to also at least see the rules before trying it out, but that alone is $25.
Hard to disagree with you, Scott. The price is salty for ANY game, much less a block-based one. The rules could be called "lightweight," but I mean that in a good way here. They are fast and easy to teach new players, but with just enough tactical nuance to give you something to think about. Ideal for the intended use. But it's the map you're paying for, and Tom probably put it best when he called it "a collector's item" as much as a game. It's quite the sticker shock, though.
@@LittleWarsTV Oh yes, I love the idea of a lightweight war game. I just wish I could read them before having to decide if I'm going to put down 3 digits of cash.
@@LittleWarsTV How about they sell an option without the map? I have quite a few Gettysburg maps I have bought that could be used.
thank you guys very much
A better option for this style of game, both in concept and cost is U&P Games "W1815" Waterloo game. It literally takes longer to read the rules than to play the game.
I must admit I only bought this game for the map and what an amazing map it is!
Glorious. Worth hanging on a wall!
hey do a couple of turns from the game have it set up ...it would be cool
Hey Little Wars, love the channel. If you guys plan on continuing the theme of Gettysburg board games, could you please review "Guns of Gettysburg" created by Simmons? It seems to have several unique mechanics/features. All the best.
Thanks for the suggestion! We do have a game in mind as our next one and we're always looking for more! Interesting that a number of commenters have suggested Guns of Gettysburg, which is also a map and wooden block game retailing at $100. And yet most of the comments suggest people aren't willing to pay even half that amount for such a game.
Some awesome knees on display guys !!
Should have been just road and terrain movement to simply it, since movement is generous to begin with
So to clarify you have to buy this game AND basic set of rules and dice sepearatley in order to play?
Ouch to my wallet
It's a fair enough review but the cons far outweigh the pros when considering this "game system".
1. Outrageous price point for sub-par components.
2. Stickers? C'mon man!
3. Tube container because the map...automatic fail!
4. "Complete" rules needed as well?
Have the designers have no clue about the do's and don'ts of modern game design? This might have been acceptable several decades ago but not now. A 24x24 map can easily done with a folding board or jigsaw boards. The stickers alone is shameful and lazy. Any game, that isn't an actual expansion, should have a set of complete rules!
Sorry, I will pass on the entire system. There are plenty of great games (that come in boxes) with fantastic components (minis, custom dice, etc) that are far more accessible and easier on the wallet.
Rant over!
TOTALLY agree
Not to mention the 90-140$ price range
It comes with a complete set of a rules, I dont know why you think it doesnt
@@aidanbailey9967 In the review it clearly states that the base rules are not included. Although the map LOOKS great but it's still a roll-up. $100+ for wooden blocks, stickers, and a map that's hard to store on your game case? No. This isn't 1970's wargaming...jeez AH at least had decent components and a proper box to store everything.
Game night be great! But that's a hard sell with those easy fix problems.
@@tempestfury8324 They must have updated since this review came out, since it now comes with rules. You could always get a PDF of the rules for free. Additionally, you can buy the paper map and rules for 35 dollars, and use your own mini figures, if that's a concern. As far as the price for the "full" version, I think they are getting too much heat, as it is entirely optional and more of a collectors level.
Glue figures on the blocks.. or make a block with figures. :) if blocks are not your thing.
$85-$140 for a Map and some wooden blocks!. Who makes this game...Games Workshop? Thanks for the review (warning) I will pass on this.
That's why you need the scotch... to forget how much you just spent. It reminds me of the old WC Fields sketch....
"Say... was I in here yesterday and did I spend $143 on a piece of canvas?"
"Yeah, you did."
"Oh, what a relief..... I thought I lost it...."
SWEET MAP NOW I WANT ONE....LOL
I know they were saying chits but come on we all were thinking something else
Jesus that is expensive
Could use 2mm figs for a better look. Far too pricey for what it is... Just print your own map.
$85.00 FOR A BOARD GAME??? Who ever bought this game, the makers saw you coming!
I do. But I choose not to pay my new car above 17000 € : really difficult indeed. The printed canvas only (without other components and conception) is very costly fo that quality. I choose an esthetic game too for the price. Some game got playability but poor esthetic. I enjoy play this game and what a f*** point of view
What a ridiculous price. For that much I'd expect the game to come with blocks with the information printed on them, not some cheap sticker sheet. And even then it would still be overpriced.
I so dislike you guys doing reviews, now thats another 100 dollars that I have to explain to the wife. I am blaming you guys !!!!!! :)
Uber expensive...plenty of other choices for that money.
Lol…chit 🤭
You don't get the basic rules? What kind of shit it that?
Yeah, it's a pass for me. The games are incredibly expensive.
Crazy overpriced....
war is not a game