After a few years of not using my 28mm Napoleonics they are finally getting some table time again with LaSalle2. We've been having an absolute blast with these rules ever since we started using them. They are well written, the battles are dynamic, packed with tough decisions and surprising moments.
The scenario we played was the first one from the book, Les Avant-Gardes. Two villages lay opposite of each other across a stream. Both the villages and the stream crossing are scenario objectives. The game can also be won by reducing the enemy by 1/3 of his strength. For this game we doubled the recommended table size, which gives a bit more room for outflanking manoeuvres.
The Russians enter the battlefield with two infantry brigades, one of which are elite grenadiers. The French start with an infantry brigade and a light cavalry brigade. both armies move up and clash over the stream. The French light cavalry starts to move around the flank of the Russian grenadiers. Tremendously effective fire from the Russian artillery batteries takes out both of their French counterparts in turn one. Given this initial success the Russians press the right flank but are rebuked and eventually repelled by the French heavy cavalry. At this point casualties are starting to mount on both sides and the French light cavalry is posing a serious threat to the Russian rear. Trying to turn the tide of battle, the Russians launch one of their grenadier battalions across the stream against two French battalions. To everyone's surprise both French battalions break under the Russian onslaught and the French army is defeated by a sudden death victory for the Russians.
Once again a very fun game and a strong motivator to get those last few Russian units painted.
