Okay, I fully acknowledge I need to rename this series. I’m also sorta sorry–my content lately has revolved heavily around this game because my usual gaming just isn’t happening. Life is busy in a variety of ways, so I’m really only playing games with the kiddo right now and we’re really only playing Sail and Steam Navies.

I have thoughts, though. My opinion of the system evolves with each play. Right now, I’m wondering if ramming isn’t a little too effective.

We had multiple ramming attempts in this game. One flubbed completely. The next hit heavy with damage to both vessels.

The last one? It was stupidly successful, with me rolling so hot I did eight points of damage on a 16 health vessel, destroying all of its lower hull and sinking it.

We called the game here. My son did do a bunch of damage and if he had focused fire I think he would have taken down a vessel. It’s just remarkable to me how much damage a much cheaper (in points) vessel can do by ramming and rolling a little hot. I believe the outcome could be reasonably historic, but man can it feel cheap.

Part of the reason for this is the double movement phase. You move twice before shooting happens again, which means my Confederate vessels often cover 24″ in a turn. To add insult to injury: moving fast actually makes you more agile. You turn based on inches traveled, so moving 12″ on my Confederate ships means they can turn 30 degrees 3-4 times within that movement. Do it twice across 24″ and now you see how I keep ramming my son’s vessels.

I want to try other game modes next, so I’ve printed off some buildings to paint and base. I figure if I’m on a mortar mission to bombard some of the locals it might change my decision calculus a bit and maybe better enable him to get some shots in. I also intend to do a better job teaching him to focus fire to take my ships down–I’m just not convinced it’ll stop me when I can move so darn fast.

The game is fun. He’s still very much enjoying it–I’m just not sure how I feel about it at this point. This is where I start to struggle with the fact that I’m only playing against a 10 year old. Another adult might actually solve the equation here in a manner that proves it’s actually not an issue. Alternatively, they might confirm my fear: I picked two heavily skewed forces with differing tactics and perhaps the system doesn’t handle that very well. Entirely possible.

Ah well… he just asked me to explain tank destroyers, so we may not have much time left in our Civil War escapades. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.