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Historical Scenario Reviews

Playability Rating

9 / 10

COMMENTS: The overall compactness of this scenario, coupled with not having to worry about techs, made it easy to play. Turns were short and crisp. Play is smooth as both the Métis and the Indians, although short-lived in the latter case. As the Métis Rebels, I enjoyed building productive new cities in the Northwoods.

The Backwoodsmen are too powerful; either their shields threshold should be increased a bit or their stats decreased. Also, the movement rate for canoes should not increase if the human player acquires "Power of Steam."

Level of General Care

6 / 10

COMMENTS: What I particularly liked about this scenario, to quote many job applications, was its "attention to detail." Mr. Figueiredo has done a fine job in recapturing the Northwest Rebellion and conveying the character of the era. This thoroughness also comes through in the events file. Some of the events text made me laugh out loud. To his credit, in addition to the usual bundle of scenario files, the author includes both a historical time line of the actual events and a photo gallery of the primary figures in the conflict. This amount of historical documentation is what really puts this scenario "over the top" when compared to many others. However, because the author has clearly demonstrated his acumen at scenario design, two matters related to general care could make this scenario that much better in future versions. Mr. Figueiredo, in his zeal to present life in backwoods Canada, seems to have overlooked Mother Nature in the game calendar. Movement and attack rates, as well as the character of terrain, are the same in June as they are in January.

As the innovation in "Red Front" demonstrates, it is possible to install a batch program that would install changed winter terrain and unit values. For example, frozen rivers could be treated as land squares, and unit defensive values could increase. Perhaps the Backwoodsmen could be on snowshoes from November to April. Events advising us of something like "With the first snowfall, the Canadian army retreat to their bunkers for the winter" could preface such changes.

My second point isn't a really a criticism, in as much as it is a constructive suggestion. Instead of having "gold" for the monetary unit, it would be more realistic to have British Pounds, or whatever the Canadian monetary unit was at that time.

Another minute point: The movement rate for artillery in the Civopedia is incorrect.

Art and Originality

9 / 10

COMMENTS: Although many of the units were copied, as the author admits, from other scenarios, they were just fine for purposes of this one (I fancied the backwoodsmen especially). The people in the cities looked good, too. The Canadian flag frames were a nice touch, as was the Old West self-playing piano music. Who knew of the Great Northwest Rebellion prior to the promulgation of this scenario on the Internet? Few of us south of the border, I suspect. High marks in this
regard.

For the smaller Métis and Canadian settlements, the Swiss Chalet style medieval town architecture just didn't seem to work. I suggest something a little more "woodsy," such as a collection of log cabins or something. The sounds of the Indian archer should sound more realistic - there are many files out there from various other scenarios (Light Cavalry in "Ancient Empires" or Archers from "Spartacus" for example) that can accommodate this.

CONCLUDING REMARKS: With a bit more tweaking, this scenario can really shine. I look forward to seeing more of Mr. Figueiredo's work in the future.

If you seek an entertaining, informative, yet succinct scenario, then this one is for you. Give it a whirl and discover it on your own, but don't forget your bug spray!