Matrix Games

The birth of Prussia and the legend of Frederick the Great!

The Seven Years’ War was fought across the globe and called by some the first “World War” as virtually every major power participated.  In the center of events was Prussia, almost constantly at war and lead by the now legendary Frederick the Great. 

Relive the exciting and trying days of Frederick the Great in Horse and Musket: Volume I, the improved and expanded combination of the previous Prussian War Machine and Prussia’s Glory titles. Horse and Musket: Volume I is a reboot of the successful Horse and Musket series, including not only two solid historical titles in one package, but also many new game features, a powerful new editor, and a complete graphics overhaul to an already acclaimed gaming system.

Through the classic turn-based hex system, gamers take command of a wide variety of historical units and leaders as they try to follow in Frederick’s footsteps across 10 of his famous battles, making for a whopping 40 scenarios in total. Maneuver your infantry battalions, cavalry squadrons, and artillery batteries to break the enemy lines and claim your own title as a great captain of history!

Perhaps the most important feature to celebrate with Horse and Musket: Volume I is the revival of this innovative gaming system!  With many new features and improvements, this latest release still has the same engaging game mechanics that bring to life the battlefields and tactics of the 18^th Century!

The cornerstone of the Horse and Musket game system is a command and control system that models the disruption and chaos of battle in this period. More than a classic turn-based IGOUGO design, during each turn every leader makes an activation check. Those leaders who succeed in their check take their turn while those that fail wait for another opportunity to check. A variety of historical factors are involved in activation and as a result each turn can have its surprises. The order of leaders may change and players must learn to adapt their plans once battle begins.

The most senior commanders on each side play an important role in the Horse and Musket system.  History tells us that great battlefield commanders could choose the right moment to swing a battle from defeat to victory. In Horse and Musket: Volume I, commanders can improve their subordinates at certain points in the scenario.  Choosing when to lend them your support is critical, for the timely use of your command points can alter the course of the battle and this combined with the activation system means that bold moves can unhinge your enemy’s line or your own, depending on how well you handle your forces.

Each turn represents fifteen minutes of real time, each hex is 150 yards across. Infantry units are battalions, cavalry are two to three squadrons per unit, and artillery batteries are four or more guns a unit. Leaders are represented individually and with units and leaders assigned to a historical hierarchy and order of battle for each side.