Seeschlacht / Naval Battles

	Rating	Grade (1-10)
	Graphic Presentation	9
	Rules	7
	Playability	10
	Replay Value	8
	Overall Rating	8,5

PRO	Attractive graphic presentation
CONTRA	Rules don't answer all questions and the wording could be more precise; ahistorical multiplayer variant

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Naval Battles
Review #1
written by: Andreas Ludwig

Graphic Presentation "Naval Battles" is a wargame without map or counters, played only with cards. The 78 ship cards represent single ships of 6 historical nations in World War II. The cards look phantastic and offer a great atmosphere. Each card contains a good amount of information, showing its weapons and which action cards can be used by this ship. The action cards are designed quite dramatically and printed with relevant information. The optical impression is excellent.

Rules The game contains a 15-page, colored rulebook (available in german and english), which explains the sequence of play and the relevant cards. In addition, it contains an extensive example of play of an entire game turn which explains the actions in a 3-player game. Some aspects cannot be found in the rules, so that you should download the designer's FAQ.

Playability Naval Battles is a quick game with fast gameplay and interesting changes provided by the action cards. It can be explained easily, the rules are not overly complex and the game offers - especially with more players - an exciting setting. Despite the fact that this game can be played with up to 6 players, this only works with unhistorical "free for all" scenarios. If you want to stay with the historical alliances, your options are somewhat limited.

Replay Value High, because you can combine your own fleet and because of the random effect provided by the action cards. The action cards determine your options during your turn, so you'll have different possibilities each game.

Creativity Naval Battles doesn't surprise with a very innovate engine, but it's based on a good concept.

Simulation Value Not very easy to determine. The ships have different guns which can be used with fire cards, and the aircraft carriers have inherent fighter capabilities to counter air attacks. Ships can evade attacks or maneuver within the fleets to block attacks with other ships. Submarine torpedo attacks are very dangerous and cannot be stopped, once successfully launched. Besides Attack Sub, I never played another naval wargame so far and I think that the general aspects of naval battles are portraited quite accurately - although some details are missing.

Solitaire Factor I don't think that cardbased wargames should be played solitaire.

Can be compared to Attack Sub, Enemy in Sight (Avalon Hill), Dixie- und Eagle-Series (Columbia Games), Tank Commander (MiH) and NUTS! (AP), as well as the latest Battlecards - the WWII card game, or History of War, and, of course, the classic Up Front. Maybe "Naval Battles" can be compared to Atlantic Storm by Avalon Hill.

Short Review
Naval Battles is a good game because it offers many options and is especially fun with more players. It is well thought-out, has good mechanics and provides a great atmosphere. Especially the cards look great! It is very well suited for tournament play and the perfect game for a wargame-chillout with a cool beer after finishing the more complex consims.

"Sir, the Yamato is approaching!" - "Load the guns and launch the fighters - we will see who wins this race!"

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Naval Battles Review #1	written by: Andreas Ludwig
Graphic Presentation	"Naval Battles" is a wargame without map or counters, played only with cards. The 78 ship cards represent single ships of 6 historical nations in World War II. The cards look phantastic and offer a great atmosphere. Each card contains a good amount of information, showing its weapons and which action cards can be used by this ship. The action cards are designed quite dramatically and printed with relevant information. The optical impression is excellent.
Rules	The game contains a 15-page, colored rulebook (available in german and english), which explains the sequence of play and the relevant cards. In addition, it contains an extensive example of play of an entire game turn which explains the actions in a 3-player game. Some aspects cannot be found in the rules, so that you should download the designer's FAQ.
Playability	Naval Battles is a quick game with fast gameplay and interesting changes provided by the action cards. It can be explained easily, the rules are not overly complex and the game offers - especially with more players - an exciting setting. Despite the fact that this game can be played with up to 6 players, this only works with unhistorical "free for all" scenarios. If you want to stay with the historical alliances, your options are somewhat limited.
Replay Value	High, because you can combine your own fleet and because of the random effect provided by the action cards. The action cards determine your options during your turn, so you'll have different possibilities each game.
Creativity	Naval Battles doesn't surprise with a very innovate engine, but it's based on a good concept.
Simulation Value	Not very easy to determine. The ships have different guns which can be used with fire cards, and the aircraft carriers have inherent fighter capabilities to counter air attacks. Ships can evade attacks or maneuver within the fleets to block attacks with other ships. Submarine torpedo attacks are very dangerous and cannot be stopped, once successfully launched. Besides Attack Sub, I never played another naval wargame so far and I think that the general aspects of naval battles are portraited quite accurately - although some details are missing.
Solitaire Factor	I don't think that cardbased wargames should be played solitaire.
Can be compared to	Attack Sub, Enemy in Sight (Avalon Hill), Dixie- und Eagle-Series (Columbia Games), Tank Commander (MiH) and NUTS! (AP), as well as the latest Battlecards - the WWII card game, or History of War, and, of course, the classic Up Front. Maybe "Naval Battles" can be compared to Atlantic Storm by Avalon Hill.
Short Review	Naval Battles is a good game because it offers many options and is especially fun with more players. It is well thought-out, has good mechanics and provides a great atmosphere. Especially the cards look great! It is very well suited for tournament play and the perfect game for a wargame-chillout with a cool beer after finishing the more complex consims. "Sir, the Yamato is approaching!" - "Load the guns and launch the fighters - we will see who wins this race!"