1812: The Retreat
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- Designer Jason St.Just
- Publisher (Looking for a publisher)
- Illustration Jason St.Just
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
Players act as captains leading their soldiers out of Russia during Napoleon's disastrous 1812 campaign. The game unfolds in three phases with multiple rounds where you manage troops, face events like cold, snow, or Cossack attacks, and try to keep your soldiers alive. Each soldier has unique abilities, and losses impact your company throughout the retreat. The goal is to reach the border with the most surviving soldiers to score victory points.
Who Is This Game For?
1812: The Retreat is aimed at experienced players who enjoy complex, cooperative wargames with historical themes. With a playtime around 120 minutes, it demands strategic thinking and patience. A solo mode is included, allowing solo play. Prior experience with intricate wargames is beneficial.
How It Works
The game features mechanics such as Action Queue, Area Movement, and Campaign/Battle Card Driven play. Each round, a main event card affects all soldiers on the board, introducing challenges and opportunities. Players move their units across the map, manage resources, and coordinate actions cooperatively to survive the retreat.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jason St.Just, 1812: The Retreat stands out as a cooperative wargame focused on resource management and survival within the Napoleonic Wars. The mix of event cards with area movement delivers dynamic gameplay. It belongs to the family of games with solitaire rules, blending historical accuracy with adventure elements.
Pro
- Cooperative gameplay with strong historical theme
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Dynamic event cards add variety
- Deep resource management and tactical movement
Contra
- Long playtime around 120 minutes
- Complex rules require learning time
- Not suited for casual players
Setting & atmosphere
Set during the French army's retreat from Russia in 1812, the game covers the historical events of the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on the difficult journey from Moscow to the Polish border.
Tips for beginners
Take time to understand the mechanics and events, focusing initially on balanced resource management.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes, 1812: The Retreat includes a solo mode for single-player gameplay.
How long does a game really take?
Gameplay typically lasts about 120 minutes, depending on experience and player count.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players familiar with complex wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its combination of cooperative play, Napoleonic historical elements, and event-driven campaign is unique.
Is this suitable for families?
Not really, due to its complexity and mature theme, it's more suitable for experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Action Queue combined with Campaign/Battle Card Driven mechanics shapes the gameplay.
Fazit
Recommended for players seeking thematic, cooperative wargames with complex mechanics and longer play sessions, who enjoy strategic depth and historical settings.
1812: The Retreat at your next game night?
Add 1812: The Retreat to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add 1812: The Retreat to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
