Coversheet from ziploc edition |
The Manassas is a regimental game recreating the First Battle of Bull Run containing 320 large, 5/8" x 3/4" counters and two wonderful, period-flavored maps making a 36" x 48" five-color playing area. Rulebook, charts, and tables round out the components.
Rulebook, charts, and tables |
Game Counters |
Map section |
Evidently, Manassas was once sold at the Visitor's Center at the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Research suggests that a reduced game map is available for a sale in the bookshop. Next trip to D.C., I will need to confirm such for myself.
Finding an unpunched copy of this rare game produces a conundrum for me. The difficult decision is whether or not to punch the game. In my younger days, I would immediately open a game and set about punching and clipping the counters. Today, I hold off until I am certain the game will see action on the table. Well, that does not always hold true! I often tear into a new game with great gusto with hopes of getting it onto the gaming table. With a rare item such as this, perhaps a more deliberate approach is needed.
Punch or not; that is the question.
Hi Jonathan - that is a very fine capture - very nice indeed.
ReplyDeleteI am very familiar with this to-punch-or-not-to-punch teaser. I've been through this a few times - sometimes (and I realise this doesn't help!) I decide that I bought the thing to play it, grit my teeth, set the game up and then find I don't want to play it again. Mind you, there are many of life's experiences which are like that - deciding to open a bottle of 1965 Armagnac is a bit like that. On balance, my philosophy is that these things are meant to be enjoyed - we might choose to store away our precious game/bottle and then get hit by a bus tomorrow. My inheritors might drink my booze, but they would just throw my games in the bin...
Quite right, Tony! These games are meant to be enjoyed. Enjoyment can take other forms in addition to playing. Having it on the shelf in pristine condition provides some enjoyment. If you read Scott's comment below, you will see that the temptation to leave it unpunched and unplayed may not last long!
DeleteCongratulations on the find Jonathan and good luck on deciding if you will punch the counters or not.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Scott is making the decision not much of a decision, really.
DeleteGreat find, Jon! Where did this turn up?
ReplyDeleteOh, and I am firmly on the "punch it and play it" side. If you bought it as an investment, then stash it away somewhere. But this is too intriguing a game to just leave on the shelf! If you can copy the rules and send them my way, I volunteer to help you break the game in.
Scott, the game appears on eBay semi-regular but often at high prices. I found this copy at what I considered a bargain. I did not think my bid would hold the winning bid but it did.
DeleteYou make a very tempting offer! It would be fun to give it a try, wouldn't it? We still need to get Guns of Gettysburg on the gaming table.
Really nice find! I hope it turns out to be a fun game.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too...
DeleteInteresting stuff. I am off to DC at the end of the month, perhaps I will have a chance to look in the shop myself!
ReplyDeleteDo check out the bookshop at Manassas. If you see the map, grab one for me too!
DeleteBad news, there was no map, or even games, in the shop. They had several osprey's in their library, but otherwise standard National Parks tourist kitsch. The maps I wanted were also sold out. (It was a map of the battlefield for both battles with acetate overlays showing the progress of the battle)
DeleteToo bad. On a positive note, I have the battle maps with acetate overlays you are welcome to study.
DeleteAlways nice to add some thing long looked for to the collection.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteNot much of a (wargame) board game player. Most of the ones I have were purchased with the idea to tie them into a miniatures campaign or similar... which seldom actually happens!This is a very tactical one, though!
ReplyDeleteWargame collecting of the hex and counter type predated my wargaming collecting of the lead type by a few years. Many, many more wargames have been played via the boardgame avenue than miniatures by a long shot. Still enjoy pulling out a boardgame when time permits.
DeleteAs you mention, operational boardgames offer great historical background for translating a campaign to the miniatures game. Like you, I seldom get that accomplished but I have great plans! Perhaps in retirement?