As a distraction from the joys of Minecraft, I challenged the smallest boy to a couple of games of Battle Cry. At first he was reluctant, wanting to play some "proper" soldiers involving Orcs, Goblins, Ogres and Chaos. However I held firm - like a Stonewall - and eventually he agreed to indulge his aged father.
And we had a couple of great games. He chose Gettysburg as I've told him the story of
Pickett's Charge and shown him the
"BAYONETS!" footage from Little Round Top in the film. We had time to play both the Gettysburg scenarios from the (old) rulebook and he insisted on being the "good guys - that's blue, right dad?"
The first scenario, Devils Den, was a triumph for Tom's Toy Soldiers Minor and he celebrated in calm and restrained fashion the crushing of his father's dreams.
The rebels are overwhelmed
The crucial left flank
However Pickett's Charge saw fortunes (and history) reversed as the grey managed to overcome the blue. (I think he felt sorry for me and decided to go easy).
Pickett prepares for his moment of glory
Battle Cry (and Memoir '44, which I don't own but have played) are great little games and it was nice to spend quality time with the smallest boy.