Based on a series of successful graphic novels, Black Powder Red Earth 28mm is a captivating ultra-modern wargame that truly immerses players in the intensity of close combat scenarios. This dynamic game expertly simulates not just traditional melee combat, but also the high-stakes nature of very close firefights. As players navigate the urban setting, they must strategically navigate plenty of cover, suppressive fire, and high-tech strikes, creating a truly immersive and adrenaline-pumping gaming experience. The comprehensive product line encompasses everything players need to enhance their gaming experience, from the core rules to finely detailed 28mm miniatures, as well as essential accessories like templates, cards, and terrain tiles, ensuring that every aspect of the game is richly detailed and thoroughly engaging.

The structure of the Rulebook for BPRE reflects a comprehensive approach to documenting the game system. With 87 pages in total, the document balances providing detailed rules, scenarios, and units within 34 pages, ensuring that players have access to essential information within a reasonable length. The inclusion of a well-crafted Table of Contents enhances the accessibility of the content, allowing players to navigate through the rulebook with ease. However, the absence of an index, despite the brevity of the rules in comparison to other gaming compendiums, creates an opportunity to further improve the usability of the document. An index would offer a valuable point of reference, enabling players to quickly locate specific topics or rules within the rulebook. Therefore, the addition of an index would complement the existing organization, providing a user-friendly resource for both novice and experienced players of BPRE.

Overall, the organization and design of the content you are provided is truly commendable. Its modern book design and aesthetics showcase the level of expertise possessed by the designers. It’s evident that a great deal of thought and effort has been invested in creating a high-quality rulebook. The value for the price point is certainly impressive, and it’s clear that attention to detail has been a priority throughout the design process. This results in a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations, providing an exceptional experience for the readers.

Players in the game utilize D10s at the core. The utilization of D10s brings an added layer of complexity and variety to the statistics, as opposed to the simpler 2D6. In the case of 2d10, the chance difference between adjacent numbers is always 1.00%, first increasing and then decreasing. This means that you have a greater chance of hitting the middle of the bell curve, or in the case of 2D10 a triangle.

There are a number of things in the rules that I like. To summarize:

• The card based system for unit stats;
• the use of alternate activations;
• the phases of the game are really well defined;
• attacking is very lethal, often resulting in quick games;
• opening doors has a simple rule mechanism – it costs you 3″ of movement;
• the layout and illustrations of the rules is easy to read and very aesthetic;
• the use of “immediate actions to interrupt your opponent;
• the campaigns and scenarios are excellent.

There is very little I don’t like. I have a sneaking suspicion that it may end up like Games Workshop with its endless amounts of Codices that are required. Already there are two additional booklets with additional rules and troop types (pictured above). The rulebooks are well priced and easily available via Amazon – I received mine the next day. On the other hand the starter packs are EXTREMELY expensive.

The only rule quibble I have is the asymmetric LOS rules. Although this may be accurate it adds a complication for which there seems no positive reward. Facing is important, but I prefer the standard 180 degrees.

You might have noticed that I really like these rules and am happy to reccommned them to anyone who likes modern skirmish rules.

★★★★★