Classic Napoleonic PC Games

The games listed below may bring back some fond memories to some or open up new gaming experiences to others. Though the graphics may now be dated, the respective game designers were successful in simulating aspects of warfare of the Napoleonic period. The following free downloads were once available at the Home of the Underdogs, but the site has been closed down.

XTC Abandonware offers free downloads of an extensive selection of games from years gone by.

Battles of Napoleon (SSI, 1991)

Battles of Napoleon allows you to simulate virtually any Napoleonic engagement on a tactical level. There are 4 historical scenarios included with the game ( Borodino, Waterloo, Quatre Bras, and Auerstadt) and the construction set allows you to generate random maps and armies which adds an unlimited replay value. The design engine will also allow players to create virtually any historical engagement. Although dated by today's standards, Battles of Napoleon is still a favorite among many of the old guard PC wargamers. During a battle the player will be required to put himself in the position of commanders at several levels on the command chain.

 

 L'Empereur (KOEI, 1989)

L'Empereur is a strategic level wargame covering Napoleon's rise to power in France starting in 1796. Players take control of Napoleon and the forces under his control, and try to expand France's influence in Europe by conquering cities controlled by her enemies. As Napoleon's victories mount he will get promoted and players will gain more and more control of France's armies and territories until he becomes Empereur and the player ends up controlling all of France's military, diplomatic and economic decisions. Battles are fought on tactical maps of the region under attack, with units representing roughly Corps. Although dated by today's standards, this is still a wonderful game to revisit now and again. I own an original copy of the NES release of this game, which plays like the PC version.

 

 Napoleon in Russia: Bordino 1812 (Datasoft, 1988)

Reviewed by Red Sector; "Step back to 1812 and try to penetrate the Russian front. The graphics are reminescent of SSI's Sons of Liberty, but the gameplay is similar to an RTS game, with the exception of a hex system. You can set the timer for actions to take place and they happen automatically (set to 1 second for PURE fun). Keys are kind of funky, but the gameplay is good, especially for Napoleonic era wargame fans."

 

 Waterloo (SSI, 1990)

"SSI's import of the British simulation of the famous battle, as seen from the "commander's eye". Much more of a wargame than the historic staff simulations more commonly produced, it was a fascinating albeit frustrating game. Designer Peter Turcan has also designed Borodino 1812 and Armada." (excerpt from M. Evan Brooks' Homepage). The game is also notable for its innovative use of isometric battlefield perspective, with realistic depth and terrains.

 

Wargame Construction Set 3:
Age of Rifles 1846 - 1905 (SSI, 1996)

Though the game focuses on the period between 1846-1905, it does lend itself well to the Napoleonic Wars. Age of Rifles includes a comprehensive Scenario Editor allowing for the creation of maps, orders of battle (units, commands, and leaders), unit deployment, setting objectives, assigning reinforcements, issuing orders, and finally saving the scenario. As well, these scenarios can be linked together to create linear campaigns.

FAQ pages can still be located at Norm Kroger's old site. In this author's opinion Age of Rifles ranks as one of Norm Kroger's finest offerings. Players will find the gameplay addictive with immense replay value. Highly Recommended !!