From the team that brought you The Armchair Historian comes a new strategy game set in the Victorian Era. As muskets become rifles and infantry are replaced by Gatling guns, you must adapt to a rapidly changing battlefield. This is a new age, not of courage and chivalry, but of Blood and Iron.
## About This Game
## Overview
From The Armchair History team comes Fire & Maneuver, a unique strategy game
made by history buffs for history buffs, wargame enthusiasts, and casual
players alike. Striking the perfect balance between history and playability,
F&M combines true-to-life units created through extensive historical research
with clever but engaging mechanics developed by a passionate team to create a
strategy title that has a little something for everyone.
Find yourself plunged into Victorian warfare, where every moment seems to
bring some new tactical or technological innovation. Forget about such matters
as politics and economic affairs, as your sole purpose in F&M is military
victory. Fight against your friends in recreations of historical battles, or
else forge a new path for Europe as you veer off the tracks of history.
Carefully consider whether to push your campaign offensively or cede the
initiative to your opponent, as constant offense will drain your precious
resources. And with new countries and units always in development, discover
new ways to write your name on the pages of history.
## Turn-Based Combat with a Twist
No plan survives first contact with the enemy, and F&M places you in the same
position as historical generals: anticipating your opponent’s movement.
The game’s innovative “simultaneous turn system” requires careful
consideration of your opponent’s previous actions. Instead of passively
waiting to react to a move already made, you must actively consider all
possibilities, deciding which tactical choice your opponent is most likely to
make… and which you can accept not responding to. Withdraw to better ground,
vigorously attack, or simply dig in and see what your opponent does – the
choice is yours, and your orders are final.
## Factions 1853-1871
Take command of the greatest armies of Europe and beyond, and marvel as your
troops develop through the Early and Late Periods of gameplay.
Second French Empire
A well-balanced and versatile force with a bevy of units to choose from,
including the highly durable Foreign Legion… but beware your foes’ superior
numbers and quality of artillery.
North German Confederation
Formerly the Kingdom of Prussia, this new nation boasts strong commanders who
lead a patchwork of well-armed units from across the German States, from
Bavarian and Wurttemberger infantry to the dreaded Krupp artillery… but beware
the short range of your fast-firing rifles and the danger this poses to your
men.
British Empire
Rigorously drilled infantry lay down punishing volleys, and the famed
Highlander infantry from Scotland can repel any foolish enough to charge their
lines… but beware the cost of your units, the highest in the game.
Russian Empire
Draw upon weight of numbers and the zeal of your soldiers to sweep the enemy
from the field, with aggressive columns of infantry while the feared Cossack
Cavalry flank behind enemy lines… but beware losing control of your men in the
heat of battle.
Ottoman Empire
Fill the battlefield with your forces comprising a seemingly endless tide of
militiamen, including the bizarre “Bashi Bazouks”, known in the West as “The
Crazy Heads”… but beware the lack of discipline endemic to Ottoman armies.
Austrian Empire [POST-LAUNCH]
Find the balance between two forces in one army, including expert skirmishers
to engage your opponent at long range… but beware this sole advantage becoming
a liability as the fight draws closer and closer.
Unannounced #2 [POST-LAUNCH]
Nationalism allows you to draw on expert mountain troops and political
paramilitaries both… but beware your specialized troops’ lack of
professionalism.
## Multiplayer
Fight your friends or match wits against other armchair generals as you engage
in everything from preset historical scenarios, stepping into the shoes of
Moltke or Bazaine, to utter historical fantasy, pitting British redcoats
against German Krupp guns on the Steppes of Russia.
Leaderboards and rankings will reflect your martial skill only, as F&M is
designed to reward good generalship over random luck. Wear your laurels
proudly as you defeat other players, confident that you truly earned each
victory.
## Customization
As you win battles and earn renown, you will unlock the ability to create your
own regiments to bring onto the battlefield. Design your own unique style of
uniform down to the buttons, allowing you to field a signature force that will
let your opponents know who they’ve trifled with.
Optional in-game purchases will allow for greater cosmetic customization, but
there will be NO paying-to-win or wagering on loot boxes . War is enough of a
gamble already.
Fire & Maneuver