Basic Impetvs 2.0 - What's New?

As reported in an earlier post, Basic Impetvs 2.0 (BI 2.0) was scheduled for delivery in time for Christmas.  Dadi & Piombo made good on that commitment.  My print copy arrived in the USA the week before Christmas.  Even though I ordered the PDF version from Wargame Vault when the release was announced two weeks prior, it was good to get the physical rules in hand.  The booklet is laid out in full color with many photos of figures interspersed throughout.  With a spiral binding, it will easily lay flat on the gaming table for reference.  The bulk of the booklet is comprised of Army Lists.  Total count of Army Lists is 340.  Yes, three-hundred forty!  After many years of having Army Lists scattered in several places, it is a relief to have them all in one, convenient location.  Oh, and there are so many armies I have never considered.  

What is different in BI 2.0 vs. BI 1.0 (or BI 1.5)?  Are these differences significant?  To help answer these questions, let's compare the mechanisms between the two (or three) BI versions.

• BASING: Suggested basing requirements remain the same as in BI 1.0.
• MEASUREMENT: BI 2.0 changes measurements from using a 'U'=2cm to 'H'=6cm = Half Base Width for 25mm figures.  
• ARMY BUILDING: Recommended Army Size has been increased from 7-10 units to 8-14 units under BI 2.0.  Armies generally will be larger under BI 2.0.
• TROOP CLASSIFICATIONS: BI 2.0 bifurcates Heavy Cavalry (CP) into two classifications of Heavy Armored (CP1) and Heavy Unarmored (CP2).  CP1 moves at a slower rate than CP2.
• FRESH vs WORN STATUS: As in BI 1.0, BI 2.0 maintains FRESH Status only for units that have taken no damage to VBU.  Baroque had a unit maintaining FRESH Status until the unit had lost half of its VBU.
• PREPARING THE TERRAIN:  BI 2.0 adds a section on terrain placement and troop deployments.
• INITIATIVE ROLL: BI 2.0 adds a re-roll option for an Army that loses an Initiative Roll.  Winner of Initiative can now allow the opponent to activate first.
• MOVEMENT: Skirmishers and Light Infantry not in Disorder may make a second move with some restrictions.  Movement rates have been consolidated into three rates: 2H, 3H, and 4H.
• CHARGE: In BI 2.0 some units now have a Charge Speed in addition to a Charge Bonus.  Charge Bonuses are now variable.
• INTERPENETRATION: A few subtle changes are in place under BI 2.0.
• EVASION:  BI 2.0 adds Evasion.
• FIRE: Modifiers to the numbers of dice thrown see some changes.
• COHESION TEST for FIRE: Heavy Cavalry and Heavy Infantry are less likely to fail Cohesion Tests as are units taking hits from small arms.
• PILUM and POINT BLANK WEAPON FIRE (PBW): Pila are upgraded in first round of melee from 1D6/3D6 to 2D6/4D6 if Charging/Charged.
• DEFENSIVE FIRE: BI 2.0 adds a Defensive Fire opportunity for 'T' missile troops when being charged. 
• MELEE - OTHER TACTICAL MODIFIERS: BI 2.0 adds +2D6 for contacting an enemy on flank or rear.
• PURSUIT: Retreat and Pursuit distances are now variable as in Baroque.

Comparing the lists of one of my favorite Punic Wars' armies shows not a great deal of change although Carthage loses one Numidian horse and gains two foot skirmishers in the version change.

BI 1.0 - LATER CARTHAGINIANS (VDT=18/9 if without options)

 Nr Type   M   VBU  I  VD Notes

 1xCM(*)  10     5    1   3 

 2xCL       12     3   1   2 Numidians or Spanish - javelin

 2xFP        5     5    1   3 Punic and Lybian infantry - long spear

 2xFL        8     4    4   1 Gauls - impetuous

 1xFL        8     4    1   1 Spanish - javelin

 2xS          8     2    0   1 Numidians or Spanish - javelin

Option 1. Change Spanish FL into Gauls or one or two Units of Gallic FL into Spanish FL. 
Option 2. Change 2 FP Units into:

 Nr Type   M  VBU  I VD Notes

 1xFP       5     6    1 3 Hannibal veterans - long spear

 1xFP       5     4    1 1 Italians 

Option 3.Change one Unit of FP or FL into:

 Nr Type  M   VBU  I VD Notes

 1xEL       8     4     4 1 

Option 4. Remove 1 S Unit and upgrade both Numidian CL Units to VBU=4

BI 2.0 - 5.2 2nd Punic War Carthaginians 221-202 BC 
 Carthaginian veteran cav.       1xCM* VBU=6, I=2, VD=3
 Numidian cavalry                     1xCL* VBU=4, I=1, VD=2, Javelin
 Lybian veterans                        1xFP* VBU=6, I=2, VD=3, Pilum
 Lybian spearmen                      1xFP* VBU=5, I=2, VD=3, Long spear
 Spanish Scutarii                        1xFL VBU=5, I=1, VD=3, PBW
 Celtiberians or veteran Gauls  1xFL VBU=5, I=4, VD=3, Impetuous
 Celetiberians or Gallic warriors 1xFL VBU=4, I=4, VD=2, Impetuous
 Libians or Numidians                3xS VBU=2, I=0, VD=1, Javelin
 Balearic slingers                       1xS VBU=3, I=0, VD=1, Sling

1st option: change 1 veteran CM,  1 veteran FP and 1 S with
 Carthaginian veteran cav.       1xCM* VBU=5, I=2, VD=2
 Elephants                                 1xEL VBU=5, I=3, VD=2
 Lybian spearmen                      1xFP* VBU=5, I=2, VD=3, Long spear
2nd option: change 2 S with 
 Punic Citizens                          1xFP VBU=4, I=2, VD=1
3rd option: change 1 S for 2 initiative rerolls
Libyan Spearmen, Celtiberians or Gauls FP/FL can form L. U. with same type 

With these changes, light cavalry and skirmishers will become much more mobile with the addition of Evasion and multiple moves.  I imagine a much greater harassing role for these light troops having the ability to delay, strike, and retreat.  While all troop types will be less likely to fail Cohesion Tests against small arms fire, heavy cavalry and heavy infantry will be especially stolid.  Attacking missile troops frontally will be much more dangerous and maneuvering for a flank/rear attack will be much more beneficial.  I look forward to giving the new version a try on the gaming table.  Which armies will see BI 2.0 service first?