Armchairgeneral Magazine - 4/5
"Campaigns
on the Danube is a well-aimed volley of solid wargaming for any
grognard-level player and below, and most especially for those who love
the Napoleonic era. The campaigns are well-suited for an afternoon of
singleplayer combat, or a few days against your favorite live wargaming
nemesis."
"There
are certain things in war of which the commander alone comprehends
the importance. Nothing but his superior firmness and ability can
subdue and surmount all difficulties." - Napoleon
Bonaparte
In April of 1809, Austria took advantage of French
preoccupation with Portugal by attacking Napoleon's German ally,
Bavaria. New reforms in the Austrian army, including reorganization,
as well as Napoleonˇ¦s interest in fighting the British
on the Iberian Peninsula fueled Austria's desire
for revenge for having suffered numerous sharp defeats at French
hands.
The Austrians quickly pushed aside French resistance
in the region, until Napoleon himself arrived on the field. Taking
immediate action, he threw his troops across the Danube and struck
at a surprised Austrian foe, cutting it in two. Marching into Vienna,
Napoleon sought a decisive battle with Charles's army. Poor
weather combined with a torrential river caused a large portion
of France's army to be caught on the wrong side of
the river as revitalized Austrian troops hit them hard. Eventually
Napoleon managed to extract his men from the danger, but not after
having suffered nearly 21,000 casualties to the Austrian's
23,000.
While the myth of French invincibility had been credibly destroyed,
not two days later Napoleon crushed the Austrians at Wagram, inflicting
40,000 casualties and forcing Austria to sue for peace and join
his vaunted Continental System.
With this new offering from Matrix Games and Adanac, players may
command these historic, powerful armies as they face off against
each other in a clash that would be destined to defeat Austria
but prove for a brief time that Napoleon could indeed be stopped.
Players will be able to take command of the French forces under
Napoleon or Austrians under Charles and strike at each other over
a large hex-based map. Cavalry, infantry, artillery, engineers,
leaders, supply wagons, depots, and other counters may be maneuvered
for maximum military effect, while the flexible combat system may
be used either through the game system itself or through miniatures
play.
This battle was by no means a foregone conclusion;
the French could have easily handled the Austrians had the fateful
river crossing not conspired against them, and the Austrians could
just as well have held against The Little Corporal and dealt the
French a stunning defeat. Now, with " The Campaigns of the Danube
1805 & 1809™ ", players may indulge in one of seven scenarios
that focus on the region's
conflicts, including battles fought there in 1805.
One of the features of this game system involves the playerˇ¦s
role; as overall commander of a side, the player issues orders
to their corps commanders, who in turn issue orders to the maneuver
elements. All of this takes time, and sometimes (due to enemy action,
accident, or getting lost), these orders never arrive! Long-range
planning and strategic thinking are required to keep a large army
on the move, well-supplied, and eager for victory.
For any connoisseur of Napoleonic gaming, " The
Campaigns of the Danube 1805 & 1809™ " is a fascinating
and fast-paced game that is bound to provide countless hours of
surprises and conquest.
Features include:
Map covers central Europe from Ulm in the west to Olmutz
in the northeast
Maneuver elements consist of divisions and brigades
AI can play either side (French or Austrians)
PBEM capability
Ability to fight battles using miniatures
Bridge demolition and construction
