Another Tower Defence game I own on the STEAM system, 1812 : NAPOLEONIC WARS is one of my favourites at the moment. As the title suggests, the game concerns Napoleon's invasion of Russia - but from the viewpoint of the defending Russian forces, whom we play.
The game features over 100 levels and each is scored by up to 3 medals depending on how well we do, although they can be repeated for a better score if necessary.
There is a maximum of 6 allied units including both Infantry and Artillery of various types, but strangely - considering the fame of the Russian Cossacks who played a pivotal role during the campaign - no Cavalry is present! Units begin quite weak but as the levels increase they can be built up to become formidable fighting formations thanks to 5 upgrades, which can be increased to a maximum of level 10,. Upgrades are purchased via the gems which are won during the game. Gems can also be used to buy 3 weapon types, including rockets, which are used during missions to weaken enemy units as they advance across the landscape.
All the usual Tower Defence rules apply so any fans of the genre will instantly feel at home once the game begins. Placing units is limited to certain locations on each map but we have the ability to upgrade them (up to 4 levels) and sell unwanted units at a later date. The battle continues until either all the French attack waves have been defeated or a set number of enemies exit the edge of the map, spelling instant defeat. Sometimes trees can be felled for extra resources while often locations can be unlocked if we have available resources at hand. One nice touch is that during certain missions allied units - controlled by the AI - will lend a hand in helping turn the tide of battle, while others (such as baggage convoys) must be protected at all costs.
Graphically the game is fine with various levels of zoom. Sound is restricted to the like of cannon fire and musketry, explosions and the sound of marching boots. A daily log-in reward is helpful, at least initially, yet soon becomes mute when all our units are at maximum strength. Then these rewards are best sold for gems, which soon no longer become needed either, except to purchase yet more of the 3 weapon types mentioned above. Bombarding enemies with an abundance of these weapons makes the game incredibly easy though!
Enemy French units include marching Infantry columns, Cavalry, Artillery and Air Balloons. This is the only flying unit. Infantrymen die and Balloons crash when their health is depleted, although Cavalry and Artillery are slightly harder to destroy as the troops tend to dismount once their horses and guns are destroyed and continue the advance on foot. Eagle (flag) bearer troops give bonuses to nearby units although sadly there are no Napoleon or Marshal units to add historical appeal!
Settings include music and sound controls, a full screen option, reset progress (essentially beginning the game once again) and a choice of 6 languages. Incidentally the game was last updated in late 2020 with the inclusion of the Korean language, and FIRST GAMES INTERACTIVE has now moved onto other things so future updates look improbable. Indeed, their catalogue includes several Tower Defence games set in Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt and the Wild West, although since the only flying units are always Air Balloons they do look somewhat odd and out of place in those set in the Ancient world!
Still, 1812 : NAPOLEONIC WARS is a fine game and is sure to cater for Tower Defence enthusiasts and those (like me) with a keen interest in this historical period. However, there are many things I would like to see included to improve the experience. Including allied Cavalry units could make enemy Infantry form square, thereby temporarily slowing their advance as they pass by. How about giving enemy units the ability to attack our own as they approach, ensuring we need to maintain our troops with resources to ensure they are not destroyed during the level? This would nicely add to the strategic element of the game. A skirmish mode would be nice, too, featuring random maps to increase re-playability value.
The game comes with NO Achievements or Trading Cards so currently the only incentive to keep playing is to ultimately complete the game.
All in all, and despite the odd unwanted Americanism creeping in (the term "Ranger" was NOT adopted for Skirmishers by ANY of the European Napoleonic armies - think Riflemen, Jaegers and Voltiguers instead!), the game is enjoyable to play with various level designs (including winter and night missions) and is therefore highly recommended!
