At Any Cost: Metz 1870

A brigade-scale wargame that recreates the fighting west of the Metz fortress during mid-August 1870. Players command French and Prussian formations, managing brigades, cavalry and artillery on a 22" x 34" hex map where each hex represents roughly 500 yards and detailed terrain affects movement and combat. Play emphasizes historical contrasts: Prussian initiative, Krupp breech-loading artillery and hidden strategic movement versus French Chassepot rifles, mitrailleuses and variable command responsiveness. Mechanics include a firepower-and-cohesion combat system resolved with two ten-sided dice, an Orders system (Attack, Defend, March, Regroup) for unit activations, and the Blind Swords chit-pull mix of Activation, CIC and Event chits to model fog, friction and fortunes of war. Multiple scenarios and campaign options cover actions from limited encounters to full-day battles and a campaign pursuit.

Players: 1–2 best 2
Playing time: 120–480 min
Age: 14+
Complexity: 3.3 / 5