Mr. Madison's War: The Incredible War of 1812

GMT Games · Board game · 2012
2 · best 2 150–240 min Weight 2.7/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 31.45
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy historical wargames and the Napoleonic Era, Mr. Madison's War is a definite hit! It offers deep immersion into the War of 1812 with solid mechanics.

Highlights
  • Detailed historical simulation
  • Engaging card system
  • Rich thematic components
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Long playtime
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive one of American history's most peculiar conflicts in "Mr. Madison's War: The Incredible War of 1812"! This strategy game puts you in the shoes of American generals attempting to conquer Canada between 1812 and 1814, all while defending your own territory. The map covers the Great Lakes region and the northern US and Canada, where the action truly unfolded.

Featuring over 200 counters representing regiments, militias, and even indigenous units, plus warships like schooners and frigates for naval battles on the lakes, the game brings an impressive historical flavor. Leaders of the era, such as Isaac Brock and Hull, also make an appearance to add strategic depth.

The core mechanic is card-driven, where each card can be used to perform actions on the board or trigger historical events, packed with information and trivia about the time. There are 110 cards in total, ensuring each game is a surprise. Combat is resolved using dice rolls and result tables, adding an element of chance to the strategy.

The objective is straightforward: accumulate victory points by invading enemy territory without letting your own be conquered. With a complexity rated as average, "Mr. Madison's War" is a treat for those who enjoy the Napoleonic Era and want to dive deep into the War of 1812, offering a detailed and comprehensive treatment of this historical period. Prepare for an intense campaign filled with tactical decisions!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Canada Country: USA History: War of 1812 Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Region: Great Lakes
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Dave Stiffler, Gilbert Collins
Artist Charles Kibler, Knut Grünitz, Peter Rindlisbacher, Rodger B. MacGowan

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate?
This is strictly a two-player game.
How long does a game take?
Games can vary significantly, but expect something between 150 to 240 minutes, meaning a substantial time commitment.
What is the game's complexity?
The complexity is considered medium. It's not a super simple game, but it's also not excessively complicated, especially for those with some wargaming experience.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency. It's highly recommended to have a good command of English or use translated cards and rules.
What does the game simulate?
It simulates the American campaigns in the War of 1812, focusing on invasion attempts of Canada and naval battles on the Great Lakes.
Is it a campaign game?
Yes, it uses a campaign/card-driven mechanic where actions and events unfold over a series of plays, simulating the progression of the war.

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