The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Issues reviewed: 38 and 39

First Empire is "The International Magazine for the Napolenic Enthusiast, Historian and Gamer". What they pack into the pages is an interesting mixture of history, opinion, battle report and napoleonic miscellany. In short, if you are in any way interested in the Napolenic era, either as a history buff, or a gamer, you will find a lot of interest in First Empire.

Let's take a look at the content of the issues reviewed.

#38 - Includes: "Betrayal or Patriotism?" an article on whether Marmont was guilty of treason, or whether he was acting in the best interests of France; an interesting and in-depth look at life for the everyman up to the middle-classes during the French Revolution and Napoleon's Reign; an article on Quentin Crauford; a report on a Napoleonic reenactment at Fort Amhurst; a wargame re-fight of the Battle of Maida; information on the Battle of Gohrde; a scenario for Fire and Steel called "It was Christmas Eve" involving Spanish, French and British troops; some details on the British infantry uniform during the Napoleonic wars; and details on Nicolas Charles Oudinot, duc de Reggio. Also included in the magazine are a great letters column, and an informative newsdesk.

#39 - Begins with a through look at Herman Willem Daendels, Marshal of Holland (1762-1818). The detail covered is intense: more than you could find in weeks of research. Next, an article on skirmishing with the third rank, a discussion of skirmish tactics on the Napoleanic battlefield. An impressive article on the Battle of Vitoria follows, complete with maps and modern-day photographs showing the area. Then, a descriptive account of Uvarov's attack at the Battle of Borodino. Finally, a look at Marshal Lefebre, Duc de Danzig. Again, interspersed with these features articles are the letters column, a newsdesk and wargaming column.

Although I would love to say something about each and every article, I would run out of good adjectives. Suffice it to say this: if you like history, you will be thrilled. If you like this era, you will feast your eyes. And if you will are a historical gamer in this period, you will have a lot more to play with.

Throughout the magazine are a number of ads, but these are actually of interest to people interested in the period. It is a rare day when I look on ads as "interesting", but I actually found myself scanning them for interesting items. Prints of paintings, books, games, and miniatures - sure beats the ads you get in Rolling Stone.

Overall, this is an interesting magazine. While I can't admit that all of the content interested me, it was informative and certainly succeeded in getting me interested in some napoleonic gaming. The articles are pretty much unlike what you will find anywhere else, so, if you are interested in things Napoleanic, get it!

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

First Empire
Author: Editor: David Watkins Category: supplement Company/Publisher: First Empire Ltd. Cost: #2.75 Page count: 35 Capsule Review by Robert E. Allen III on 03/29/98. Genre tags: none	Issues reviewed: 38 and 39 First Empire is "The International Magazine for the Napolenic Enthusiast, Historian and Gamer". What they pack into the pages is an interesting mixture of history, opinion, battle report and napoleonic miscellany. In short, if you are in any way interested in the Napolenic era, either as a history buff, or a gamer, you will find a lot of interest in First Empire. Let's take a look at the content of the issues reviewed. #38 - Includes: "Betrayal or Patriotism?" an article on whether Marmont was guilty of treason, or whether he was acting in the best interests of France; an interesting and in-depth look at life for the everyman up to the middle-classes during the French Revolution and Napoleon's Reign; an article on Quentin Crauford; a report on a Napoleonic reenactment at Fort Amhurst; a wargame re-fight of the Battle of Maida; information on the Battle of Gohrde; a scenario for Fire and Steel called "It was Christmas Eve" involving Spanish, French and British troops; some details on the British infantry uniform during the Napoleonic wars; and details on Nicolas Charles Oudinot, duc de Reggio. Also included in the magazine are a great letters column, and an informative newsdesk. #39 - Begins with a through look at Herman Willem Daendels, Marshal of Holland (1762-1818). The detail covered is intense: more than you could find in weeks of research. Next, an article on skirmishing with the third rank, a discussion of skirmish tactics on the Napoleanic battlefield. An impressive article on the Battle of Vitoria follows, complete with maps and modern-day photographs showing the area. Then, a descriptive account of Uvarov's attack at the Battle of Borodino. Finally, a look at Marshal Lefebre, Duc de Danzig. Again, interspersed with these features articles are the letters column, a newsdesk and wargaming column. Although I would love to say something about each and every article, I would run out of good adjectives. Suffice it to say this: if you like history, you will be thrilled. If you like this era, you will feast your eyes. And if you will are a historical gamer in this period, you will have a lot more to play with. Throughout the magazine are a number of ads, but these are actually of interest to people interested in the period. It is a rare day when I look on ads as "interesting", but I actually found myself scanning them for interesting items. Prints of paintings, books, games, and miniatures - sure beats the ads you get in Rolling Stone. Overall, this is an interesting magazine. While I can't admit that all of the content interested me, it was informative and certainly succeeded in getting me interested in some napoleonic gaming. The articles are pretty much unlike what you will find anywhere else, so, if you are interested in things Napoleanic, get it! Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 4 (Meaty)