1812: The Invasion of Canada
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.2 / 5
- Year
- 2012
About the game
1812: The Invasion of Canada is a card-driven wargame for 2-5 players simulating the War of 1812, with teams representing British/Canadian/Native forces against the American Regular Army and Militia. Players cooperate within their team to plan campaigns, move armies, and fight for control of Objective Areas across the map. Dice rolling resolves combat while variable player powers give each faction a distinct role. The side controlling the most enemy objective areas at the truce wins.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates 1812's approachable entry into card-driven historical wargaming, especially its team-based structure that encourages cooperative planning between allied factions. It's a lighter, more accessible take on the genre compared to heavier COIN-style games. History fans will enjoy recreating this often-overlooked conflict. A good stepping stone for players moving from euro games into wargames.
What we like
- Team-based play encourages cooperative strategy between allied factions.
- Approachable introduction to card-driven wargaming.
- Covers a lesser-explored historical conflict with good thematic detail.
- Variable player powers differentiate each faction's playstyle.
Keep in mind
- Some downtime while other team members take their turns.
- Wargame theme and dice-based combat may not appeal to all groups.
- Team coordination is required, which can slow decision-making.
Who it's for
Good for history-minded gamers (10+) who enjoy team-based card-driven wargames, in groups of 2-5.
