Blood and Iron (1992)

About this game

Game of the Franco-Prussian War of 1869-1871 that resulted in the birth of Germany. Moderate complexity. Very accurate historically. Its actually not a game on the war at all, but a double battle game featuring a frontier battle from early in the war (the Battle of Fröschweiler (or Wörth), August 6, 1870), and a major defeat suffered by Napoleon III later in the conflict (the Battle of Sedan, September 1, 1870)...looks like a quad-style game that never got volume 2 with its other 2 battles. It's a shame that Markham didn't revisit the game for more battles; it could have been so much better with a few more engagements.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.7/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.