I saw the newly revealed Bonaparte: A Mechanized Revolution in action during Gamescom 2024 and was a bit overwhelmed with how deep this game goes. It’s a game for the history buffs and strategy lovers alike but there’s a lot to unpack here. Time for a quick first look!
Bonaparte: A Mechanized Revolution is not just another historical accurate strategy game, it’s a reimagining of one of the most turbulent times in French history. Set at the start of the French Revolution, the game lets you step into the boots of Céline or César Bonaparte, a fictional take on the famous general. But here’s the twist: instead of merely reenacting historical events, you’re given the power to reshape them, deciding the fate of the revolution through your actions both on and off the battlefield.
Tactics and politics
The game merges two distinct gameplay elements. The first is the turn-based tactical combat, similar to games like Fire Emblem. Each battle demands careful planning, strategic use of units, and smart positioning. However, victory on the battlefield isn’t just about brute force, it’s about outsmarting your enemies with well-thought-out tactics often revolving around your giant mech. There’s that layer of fantasy for you.
But Bonaparte doesn’t stop at combat. The second core gameplay element is its deep political simulation. Here, you’ll be forging alliances, crafting policies, and navigating the treacherous waters of revolutionary France. The choices you make in the political arena have real-time consequences, affecting everything from your military strength to the public’s support. It’s this dual focus on tactical warfare and political maneuvering that promises to set Bonaparte apart from other strategy games but also makes it a lot harder to grasp during a 30-minute presentation. There’s so much to unpack and I think the best way to do so is by taking your time with the game and really learning to understand all those layers.
Visually, Bonaparte offers a fun mix of historical characters and fantasy elements. The game blends the classic aesthetics of 18th-century France with steampunk elements. The Colossi, massive steam-powered mechs, are not just powerful units on the battlefield; they’re a symbol of the game’s unique fusion of history and fantasy.
Early conclusion:
With its release in early 2025, Bonaparte: A Mechanized Revolution is destined to deliver something new for strategy players. It’s a game that gives you an opportunity to rewrite some of France’s most crucial history with a flair of fantasy. Impresses by this first look but also curious to see how it develops.
