Developed by Boku Strategy Games (Horse and Musket, Combat Command 2, The War Engine) and published by independent powerhouse Shrapnel Games, Dragoon: The Prussian War Machine is the first game in a planned series concentrating on the battlefields of the pre-modern era, from musket and pike up to the great battles of the 19th century. Focusing on the battles of Frederick the Great of Prussia, the game features over twenty scenarios highlighting his military genius. Additionally, scenario packs will give the gamer even more value, with the first two packs expected to release shortly after Dragoon: The Prussian War Machine.
On Dragoon: The Prussian War Machine master designer and creator of the Horse and Musket series, Dave Erickson, had this to say in the April Frag! newsletter: "This is truly a labor of love, and will be the culmination of the game I had first envisioned back in 1994."
For anyone who has played the demo for Dragoon: The Prussian War Machine (available for download at http://www.shrapnelgames.com/boku/Dragoon/6.htm) Dave's love for his design is quite obvious. At the heart of the game is a system that emphasizes command, control, and unit cohesion. Leaders must pass muster to activate their command, making each turn a nail biting affair as the most carefully planned action can disintegrate before your very eyes when a leader fails to activate. Of course the flip side is that a battle can quickly turn in your favor if you exploit a surprise enemy failure.
With gorgeous graphics rich in color and animation, and the impressive sounds of battle that will have your walls shaking (not to mention the amazing score performed by the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra), computer wargamers will enjoy the spectacle on their monitors immensely. Long time gamers, whose roots date back to beer soaked cardboard maps and buckets of dice, shouldn't fear that they've been forgotten. With its hex based maps and turn based gameplay, Dragoon: The Prussian War Machine is computer wargaming at its finest. No mouse clicking, no resource management, no frying your videocard…just good ol' fashioned virtual warfare.
Dragoon: The Prussian War Machine is priced at $44.95, and available for preordering through Shrapnel Games' own online store, the Gamers Front (www.GamersFront.com).