8.0
rating
Ludopedia
7.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy historical immersion and solo games that put you at the center of the action, "I, Napoleon" is for you! Prepare to make decisions that changed the world.
Highlights
- Deep historical immersion
- Engaging solo experience
- Impactful decisions
- Replayable campaign
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Considerable complexity
- Initial learning curve
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Step into the boots of the young Captain Napoleon Bonaparte in 1793, a turbulent period in post-Revolutionary France. In "I, Napoleon," you're not just a player, but the future Emperor himself, experiencing his rise in a solo RPG and card game. With 220 beautifully illustrated cards, divided into decks like Commander, First Consul, and Emperor, you'll navigate politics, military campaigns, and diplomacy, all while managing France's well-being and your own personal life – including family, spouses, and even mistresses and illegitimate children.
The game unfolds over an early 19th-century map of Europe, with card boxes where you play the crucial events of your life and career. Tracks and tables mark the passage of time and events affecting you and the nation. Your choices with the cards you draw are the engine of success or failure. You'll have to deal with internal crises, external threats, conspiracies, and even historical figures like Wellington, Nelson, and Talleyrand. History is yours to shape, with paths that can lead from Corsica to Egypt, Spain to Russia, from exile to a throne. Each playthrough offers a unique narrative, influenced by luck and your decisions, with different starting points and challenges depending on the phase of your career you choose to begin. Prepare for a deep dive into history, where every decision counts and the fate of France and Europe rests in your hands.
The game unfolds over an early 19th-century map of Europe, with card boxes where you play the crucial events of your life and career. Tracks and tables mark the passage of time and events affecting you and the nation. Your choices with the cards you draw are the engine of success or failure. You'll have to deal with internal crises, external threats, conspiracies, and even historical figures like Wellington, Nelson, and Talleyrand. History is yours to shape, with paths that can lead from Corsica to Egypt, Spain to Russia, from exile to a throne. Each playthrough offers a unique narrative, influenced by luck and your decisions, with different starting points and challenges depending on the phase of your career you choose to begin. Prepare for a deep dive into history, where every decision counts and the fate of France and Europe rests in your hands.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games
Designer
Ted Raicer
Artist
Donal Hegarty, Jacques Onfroy de Bréville
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play "I, Napoleon"?
This is strictly a single-player (solo/solitaire) game.
How long does a game session take?
A game session can vary significantly, from 60 to 240 minutes, depending on your pace and the decisions made.
Is the game difficult to learn?
It has a medium weight (2.63/5 on BGG), indicating it requires some dedication to learn the rules, especially as a campaign game with many options.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a very high language dependency, requiring almost a full translation to be playable.
Is it a traditional wargame?
It is a wargame, but with a strong focus on RPG and narrative, using cards to drive the campaign and events, rather than just tactical combat.
Who do you recommend "I, Napoleon" for?
Recommended for those who love solo games, history (especially the Napoleonic era), and enjoy card games with narrative and complex decision-making.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme