Introduction
Having played Malta Besieged 1940-1942, I decided to purchase a game from the Victory Point Games, State of Siege series. Zulus on the Ramparts! had been on my wish list for a long time so I opted for that game. At first glance on arrival, I was impressed with the beautiful game components and the rules which are well-written and clearly presented. I watched the movie ZULU (1964) then played a series of eleven games through the months of June and July. Photos are from my last game.
Optional Rules
Over the first few games, I tried various combinations but I found that the most complete game unfolds when using the full deck of fifty cards and all optional rules.
Having played Malta Besieged 1940-1942, I decided to purchase a game from the Victory Point Games, State of Siege series. Zulus on the Ramparts! had been on my wish list for a long time so I opted for that game. At first glance on arrival, I was impressed with the beautiful game components and the rules which are well-written and clearly presented. I watched the movie ZULU (1964) then played a series of eleven games through the months of June and July. Photos are from my last game.
Optional Rules
Over the first few games, I tried various combinations but I found that the most complete game unfolds when using the full deck of fifty cards and all optional rules.
The Critical Point British Sections
I like the volley fire system. The way I figured it out, each six-sided dice roll is the fire from a single British section of ten men. When the player has various volley options available in hand (ranges and number of dice), these options represent how many sections are available to fire at various locations and ranges at that point in time. A section might be just on a single card or be available on more than one meaning it is in a position to lend fire to more than one volley option. A hero’s volley does not represent him blasting away with his revolver but how many sections he can rally around him at that point to give fire. He will lead from the front and be wounded in the process.
I like the volley fire system. The way I figured it out, each six-sided dice roll is the fire from a single British section of ten men. When the player has various volley options available in hand (ranges and number of dice), these options represent how many sections are available to fire at various locations and ranges at that point in time. A section might be just on a single card or be available on more than one meaning it is in a position to lend fire to more than one volley option. A hero’s volley does not represent him blasting away with his revolver but how many sections he can rally around him at that point to give fire. He will lead from the front and be wounded in the process.
The Relief Column Arrives Conclusion
Historical victory levels for my eleven games were:
1 Major Victory (57)
2 Minor Victories (42, 42)
1 Ignoble Defeat (34)
7 Tragic Defeats (-11, -10, -5, 6, 11, 21, 23)
I scored my Major Victory on my last game. Not sure if I just got lucky or got my act together regarding play. Seemed an easy victory. Just failed to eliminate one ibutho (6 points) and had no heroes available or committed at game end but apart from these, there were no more victory points I could have gathered. I’ll definitely play more games in the future and see how it goes as far as re-playability. To increase victory points, I could always tinker with the optional rules and also attempt to have more available or commited heroes at the end of the game.
Zulus on the Ramparts! is available from: victorypointgames.com
Historical victory levels for my eleven games were:
1 Major Victory (57)
2 Minor Victories (42, 42)
1 Ignoble Defeat (34)
7 Tragic Defeats (-11, -10, -5, 6, 11, 21, 23)
I scored my Major Victory on my last game. Not sure if I just got lucky or got my act together regarding play. Seemed an easy victory. Just failed to eliminate one ibutho (6 points) and had no heroes available or committed at game end but apart from these, there were no more victory points I could have gathered. I’ll definitely play more games in the future and see how it goes as far as re-playability. To increase victory points, I could always tinker with the optional rules and also attempt to have more available or commited heroes at the end of the game.
Zulus on the Ramparts! is available from: victorypointgames.com
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