RBM Studio's Waterloo

RBM Studio's Waterloo is a historical wargame about the Battle of Waterloo. You command either Napoleon's army or the Allied armies of Wellington and Blucher, trying to achieve your side's objectives while managing losses. Each side has a historically accurate order of battle that specifies when and where reinforcements arrive.

The battle

As Napoleon, you advance and try to clear a path to Waterloo. As the Allied Coalition commander, you try to stop him from opening a route while limiting your own losses. A route to Waterloo gives Napoleon 5 VP, and you must make sure your opponent's losses outweigh yours. You maneuver to pin opposing forces while keeping your own units free to act, and choose fights carefully: attacking a well-defended hex without adequate preparation can cost you units and lead to defeat.

Terrain and the mix of forces affect the fighting. Heavy rain can slow Napoleon's advance or delay troops arriving to support Wellington. Combining cavalry and infantry gives an advantage in attacks. Napoleon can also place the Grand Battery to strengthen an attack, and his forces include an Old Guard infantry unit.

Turn-based combat

Gameplay draws on historical wargaming boardgames from the 1970s and 1980s. You move markers representing units across a hexagonal map modeled on a traditional boardgame, with cardboard counters. Players alternate turns in an “I go, you go” format until one passes; the opponent then receives a random number of unopposed actions. Passing too early can give them an opportunity to maneuver around your forces. Combat is resolved with die rolls modified by terrain, supporting units and, for Napoleon, the Grand Battery.

Game modes

You can play solo as either side to learn the rules and explore strategies, or play solo against an AI designed to challenge players of any skill level. Online multiplayer lets you face a human opponent.