Myself and John played the game the other day, I found out I lacked a lot of the "bits".( especially if your opponent doesn't have these things too) So we rearranged the game, with 2 new Islands made, 2 sets of Order cards made and laminated; ship cards printed and laminated for my fleet and other sheets Laminated for use in the game. Of course the ships and a Fort.
Unfortunately John couldn't make it but Matt was coming over anyway so we had a game with his assorted fleet.
So the Conferderates won the right to battle down my river ? So I had to go into defence. Must admit managed to get the fort in the right place, and even my own Shore battery was placed quite well for those little sniping shots. Martin is right though it is difficult to bring on your reinforcement ships.
I was lucky I mange's to bring on USS Ozark as the "Sacrificial Lamb" with the Medium Fort in Range.
I engaged CSS Nashville and had a lucky set of shots and sent him through a "Critical" that done his Engine in, so limiting this ships presence up river. USS Manitou arrived and made her presence made, and Rammed two ships. USS Lexington also came on and made a good account of her self before slipping into the water. My other 2 ships couldn't make it against the tide ? I sunk 2 of Matt's ships and grounded a 3rd, and all of his damaged his others.
Panic worked very well. Fires caused by Criticals played a big part in the game too.
I lost my Depot and Transport ships, my fort took a good beating too.
Managed to cover a lot of the rules in the game, also learned how hard it can be to advance the battle clock, "how many 2's did I roll ?"
I not sure if Matt took any pictures, my head was in the rule book a lot ! Seemingly?enjoyable game all the same.
Miles