Napoleon and the Archduke Charles: The Battle of Aspern-Essling (1986)

About this game

Part of 3W's 'Bonaparte' Series by Keith Poulter, this game was first published in The Wargamer Magazine (#49). The portrait on the magazine cover is of French Marshal Jean Lannes, who died at Aspern-Essling. The game is a two-player simulation of the Battle of Aspern-Essling, May 21-22, 1809. One player leads Napoleon Bonaparte's Grande Armée d'Allemagne, the other player commands the Austrian Army of Archduke Charles of Austria. Victory Points are awarded each player for the elimination of strength points, elimination of leaders, and control of Aspern and/or Essling. (Exception: The Austrian player wins immediately if Napoleon is a casualty.) The difference in points between the players determines the level of victory. A pyrrhic Austrian victory, Aspern-Essling turned out to be Napoleon's first ever setback in Europe, and the first time the Austrians ever defeated Napoleon in the field of battle.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.3/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.