Principles of War: Renaissance – Wars Between 1490 and 1660

About this board game

Principles of War: Renaissance – Wars Between 1490 and 1660 is a two-player historical wargame covering warfare from 1496, beginning with the French invasion of Italy, through 1660, before the wars of Louis XIV.

The period traces a major transformation in battlefield weapons and tactics. The pike enabled foot soldiers to stand against mounted opponents, while increasing numbers of shot troops supported or were supported by pike formations. Over time, the development of the bayonet combined infantry firepower and shock capability in a single weapon.

Gunpowder weapons also evolved dramatically during these years, progressing from the simple handguns and bombards of the Middle Ages to the mobile cannon and muskets that dominated battlefields until the 19th century.

As with all Principles of War rules, the game uses a simple mechanism with emphasis on leaders’ command and control. Rather than focusing on the number of casualties each unit takes at every stage, the rules represent the challenges faced by kings, princes, and mercenary leaders when directing troops in battle.

• Two-player battles set between 1490 and 1660
• 64 army lists covering major European conflicts
• Includes the English Civil War and Thirty Years’ War
• Additional armies from Asia, including Japan and Korea

Released in 2000, Principles of War: Renaissance places the changing character of early modern warfare at the center of play, from pike formations and shot troops to increasingly powerful gunpowder weapons and the decisions of battlefield commanders.