Napoleon
Napoleon
Napoleon is a strategic-level block wargame that simulates the Battle of Waterloo. It was published by Gamma Two Games in 1974 and was the first block wargame, where units are represented by wooden or plastic blocks rather than the more traditional miniature soldiers or die-cut cardboard counters. The game was later re-issued by Gamma Two in the same year with cover art based on the famous painting Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David. The rights to Napoleon were sold to Avalon Hill, which produced a second edition of the game in 1977 using the same cover art.
Why is Napoleon Popular?
Napoleon is significant because it is one of the first block wargames ever created. It is also popular among wargamers because it simulates certain aspects of Napoleonic warfare better than any other game. The game system forces players to think in terms of “space-time,” which means envisioning a series of marches culminating in a battle at a point where the enemy can neither win nor afford to retreat.
Game Components of Napoleon
Game boardWooden or plastic blocks representing unitsDiceRulebook
Game Setup of Napoleon
The game board consists of a map of Revolutionary and Napoleonic Europe. Players set up their armies on the board according to the scenario being played.
Gameplay Mechanics of Napoleon
Napoleon is a strategic-level block wargame that simulates the Battle of Waterloo. The game works at corps level, with the current strength and fatigue levels of individual corps depicted via an assortment of wooden cubes. The game system forces players to think in terms of “space-time,” which means envisioning a series of marches culminating in a battle at a point where the enemy can neither win nor afford to retreat.
Game Objective of Napoleon
The objective of the game is to win the Battle of Waterloo by either defeating the enemy army or holding the strategic position at the end of the game.
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