Paris vaut bien une Messe! Les Guerres de Religion 1562-1598 (2003)

About this game

Paris vaut bien une messe ! (Paris is worth a mass) covers two battles of the French Religion Wars, Dreux (1562) and Ivry (1590). The game uses a slightly streamlined version of the rules used in Ben Hull's other game, This Accursed Civil War (which covered the English Civil War). These battles are somewhat smaller than in the GMT game, as befitting the smaller format offered by Vae Victis. Armies are divided into 3-5 "wings," each of which is given orders every turn (either "Charge," "March," or "Rally") and it is the giving and carrying-out of orders which drives the game. Wings are activated one at a time, alternating between players.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.8/5 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.