Waterloo: Napoleon’s Last Battle recreates the decisive clash of June 18, 1815, when Napoleon once again faced Allied forces commanded by the Duke of Wellington and supported by the Prussians. Developed by BreakAway Games and published in 2001 by Strategy First, this historical wargame for Windows invites players to take command of either the French or the Allies and attempt to alter the campaign's outcome.
The action unfolds in real time, though certain combat aspects feature the pacing and resolution style of turn-based strategy. From a scrollable battlefield view, players select units and order them to march to specific positions; orders can also be relayed to brigades via their generals. Simply designating a destination isn't enough—players must choose the right formation and account for terrain, exposure to enemy fire, and enemy reactions. A poorly deployed unit might be forced to halt and defend itself before ever reaching its objective.
Napoleoni...
Waterloo: Napoleon’s Last Battle recreates the decisive clash of June 18, 1815, when Napoleon once again faced Allied forces commanded by the Duke of Wellington and supported by the Prussians. Developed by BreakAway Games and published in 2001 by Strategy First, this historical wargame for Windows invites players to take command of either the French or the Allies and attempt to alter the campaign's outcome.
The action unfolds in real time, though certain combat aspects feature the pacing and resolution style of turn-based strategy. From a scrollable battlefield view, players select units and order them to march to specific positions; orders can also be relayed to brigades via their generals. Simply designating a destination isn't enough—players must choose the right formation and account for terrain, exposure to enemy fire, and enemy reactions. A poorly deployed unit might be forced to halt and defend itself before ever reaching its objective.
Napoleonic tactics lie at the heart of the experience. Infantry can form squares to withstand cavalry charges, deploy in lines of varying depth, or advance in attack columns. Cavalry plays a particularly prominent role and can shatter a poorly protected line. Certain structures can be garrisoned; historic sites like the La Haye Sainte farmhouse become strategic points that players must either defend or capture.
To offer a mix of quick matches and large-scale engagements, the game includes over thirty historical and hypothetical scenarios, ranging from limited skirmishes to the full Battle of Waterloo. It also allows players to generate random battles of various sizes and design their own scenarios by selecting objectives, troops, and marching orders. This variety encourages players to try out different strategies and see how the possibilities shift depending on which side they command. Built on the *Sid Meier’s Gettysburg!* engine, the game emphasizes commanding large formations and making tactical decisions rather than focusing on individual action. Its units represent various types of Napoleonic troops and feature a wide array of uniforms, while figures such as Napoleon and Wellington are instantly recognizable on the battlefield. Thus, Waterloo: Napoleon’s Last Battle offers a detailed, challenging simulation for fans of historical military strategy, providing a wealth of scenarios and tools to recreate—or alter—one of Europe’s most famous battles.
