Quick Rules Review "At The Height Of Battle"

Just a quick review of the "At The Height Of Battle" rules by David Manley I recently received. This is my first time with the author's rules, but he's put out a lot of naval rules so the review may or may not sound familiar with those who've used his rules before. I was told of these rules a few months before they were released by a gaming buddy of mine (who's played a lot of Manley's rules before). As I've had a keen interest in the Imjin War, I went ahead and placed my name on the pre-order list. Matt at MT Miniatures (who retails the rules) was very good to keep me (and others on the list) updated with the release dates, etc. I got my set within a couple of weeks once it was released. The rule book, ships and gaming aids were all nicely packaged in a cardboard box (pictured below on the left - with nice cover art).

I did a cursory read of the rules, and most of the basic rules are contained within the first 15 or so pages. All of it written in simple and easy to understand language - with nice illustrations here and there. The remaining pages include, which I believe, are optional/advanced rules such as coastal fortifications and troops on shore. These additions should greatly enhance a game once I get familiar with the basic rules. Finally, there are some sections on historical information on the Imjin War and description of ships used during the period. Table of contents below.

From the quick read I've done so far, the rules seem very straightforward and easy to follow. The sequence of play is via Turns consisting of 6 Action Phases (3 per side). The Phases are controlled by a deck of 6 cards (3 per side). Each Phase has two parts: a Command Phase which takes care of incidental stuff like removing damage markers and morale from earlier phases; and an Action Phase which is the usual move, shoot and combat (boarding actions) phases of many other game systems. The completion of the 6 Phases by both sides ends the Turn. The fleets sizes are recommended to be divided into squadrons of up to 10 vessels each. The vessels within each squadron are subject to the usual distance modifiers for command, etc. There are rules for wind and current that affect movement, as well as those for shallows and beaching. Movement itself is in inches for the 1/1200th scale ships included in the starter set. However, the author understands different scales could be used - and distances can be modified accordingly.

Above are sample pages which show the nice full-color artwork.

The Quick Play Sheet and gaming aids come fully laminated - you just have to cut them apart (carefully so as not to separate the lamination - as cautioned).

The basic set of ships relating to the Imjin War that come with the starter set: 1 each Geobukseon "Turtle Ship" and Oataka Bune - these would be the command ships for either side; 6 Panoksoen (Korean "ships of the line"); and 3 each Ataka Bune and Seki Bune for the Japanese . MT Miniatures sells the separate packs of additional ships - and intends to offer Chinese vessels in the future as well. The ships are all nicely detailed and cleanly cast.

Anyway, just wanted to give a quick review of the rules and you can find more information on the MT Miniatures site. Thanks for dropping by and wishing you all the best!