Espana 20 - Volume 2

The Napoleonic 20 Series features games of only modest complexity, each with a focused scope and low unit density (typically fewer than twenty pieces per side). The dramatic, fast-playing turns feature compelling historical narrative told through random event cards and the exciting ebb and flow of military units maneuvering and engaging in battle on the map. Replete with the surges, lulls, and "friction of war" that gives a great feel for the parry-and-thrust of a Napoleonic grade battle as armies close to bayonet-point to see which will break first!

Talavera 20 by Rudi Garcia recreates the major battle which occurred near the city of Talavera de la Reina on 27 to 28 July 1809. One player commands the French army under Napoleon's brother, Joseph, the self-proclaimed King of Spain, and the other commands the combined allied armies of Great Britain (under Sir Arthur Wellesley) and Spain (under Captain-General Gregorio de la Cuesta). After his attempt to liberate Madrid from the French was repulsed, Cuesta's army fell back to Talavera, which was covered by the British. Starting with a daring night attack, Joseph repeatedly attempted to push the allies out of their superb defensive positions, to no avail. As the French, can you find and exploit a weak spot in the allied lines?

As the allies, can you hold your shaky alliance together and fend off the French (all the while keeping a nervous eye out for a second French army that might unexpectedly show up behind your armies)?

Bussaco 20: Second Edition, from designer Lance McMillan, features the battle occurring on 26 September 1810, during the early stages of the French invasion of Portugal. One player commands the French army of Marshal André Masséna, while the other controls Sir Arthur Wellesley, Viscount of Wellington's combined British and reconstituted Portuguese army. Historically, a distracted Masséna launched a series of uncoordinated frontal assaults straight up a steep ridge into the teeth of the British defenses, suffering heavy losses before Wellington elected to disengage and fall back to Lisbon.

Can you as Masséna avoid the same mistakes, or as Wellington can you use your superior position to achieve a decisive victory?

Contents:

2 22" x 17" paper boards

2 game counter sheets*

1 universal marker sheet

1 standard rules book

25 game cards

1 player mat

1 standard die

1 exclusive rules book

*There may be some ash residue or discoloration from the laser cutting process.