I am really enjoying this game, already, right out of the box. I have bought and played every Ageod game, and every even somewhat historical game about the Napoleonic wars. Without a doubt, this is the best.
The graphics have been updated and improved, to create a very immersive feel for the period. The map is one of the most beautiful ever done, and vast. Even the uniforms and leader portraits look better than ever.
But the real test is the game play, which is outstanding. As you would expect in an Ageod game, you cannot win just by making a monster stack and marching it all over the map. You must take into consideration many of the concerns that a real general of the time would think about, such as logistics, the fatigue of the troops, the terrain, the quality of your troops, the abilities of a particular leader, and many other things, and try to anticipate the moves of a very good AI. In other words, what you would expect from any Ageod wargame, but done extremely well, with some innovative changes that really bring the period to life. It helps that the Ageod system is ideal for this kind of warfare, and I already feel like a general of the period, making decisions that such a general would make, and felling a real hatred of Wellington in the 1815 scenario.
The video tutorials are well done and helpful, and a great way for newbies to get into the game. Even I, who have been playing Ageod games so much since BOA was published, have found them helpful.
I must admit that many times we Ageod faithful tend to concentrate on relatively minor issues, and forget to mention the big picture. I am as guilty of this as anyone. But the big picture of this game is superb.
Pocus is already planning to improve the game even more with a patch. Yet, as it stands, it is the best recreation of Napoleonic warfare I have ever played.
I give this game my highest recommendation.
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