So how do you play this here game?

[GraniteStater]

Some may know me from the CW2 forum. I know a bit about the Napoleonic era and bought this game.

I've viewed the tutorials. Mechanics are AGEOD mechanics. Very good.

Loaded the Jan 1805 start as the French, natch.

Uh...what do I do?

I saw a reference to building lots & lots of Replacements, they won't be fleshed out until June, quite possibly.

Do I want to build 'Industry'? Build Replacements? Horses are a crunch, from what I read.

Don't start any wars until mid-summer? Butter up people with Diplomacy?

How about a transatlantic shuffle, like in history, to deceive the RN and get all the fleets in Boulogne? Can I control the Spanish navy? Can I pull off an anti-Trafalgar and invade Britain (someone said the January start was the only GC wherein it was possible)? How about an Ulm? Can I maneuver the Austrians into a hopeless position?

Any help here, coach? Never seen this lefty before.

[vicberg]

Yes build replacements. There's no industry to build. Start wars in good weather as historical attrition and movement in bad weather is brutal.

"How about a transatlantic shuffle, like in history, to deceive the RN and get all the fleets in Boulogne? Can I control the Spanish navy? Can I pull off an anti-Trafalgar and invade Britain (someone said the January start was the only GC wherein it was possible)? How about an Ulm? Can I maneuver the Austrians into a hopeless position?"

Yes to all

[GraniteStater]

Thank you, sir. Can I get past Nelson at all? Anybody get Viileneuve out of Toulon and into the open ocean without getting shot up too badly?

[vicberg]

In passive mode, yes, but Nelson is a beast. As long as he is blockading you, best to eat Filet Mignon in port.

[Ace]

Welcome Granitestater, nice to see a familar face.
I wouldn't try anything naval as the French. British are true beasts on the sea. As on land, you can dominate preety much any nation on the continent. Rule of tumb, fight up to 3 major nation at the same time, and you'll win every time. Don't fight them all at the same time. Watch the winter weather, it kills more men than gunfire...