Item: Peninsular War Battles
Rating: 84
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

84/100

Peninsular War Battles is a rigorous and deeply satisfying hex-based wargame that successfully captures the tactical nuances of the Napoleonic era. Unlike many mobile strategy titles that oversimplify combat into basic rock-paper-scissors mechanics, this game demands a genuine understanding of historical doctrine. You have to carefully manage infantry formations, switching between Line for fire superiority and Column for shock attacks, while ensuring your Flankers aren't exposed to sudden cavalry charges. The sense of scale in the 40+ missions is impressive, covering everything from the early French incursions to the pivotal British interventions under Wellington.

The visual presentation is functional and clean, prioritizing tactical clarity over flashy effects, which is exactly what a serious wargamer needs. The 'Flank and Rear' attack bonuses are significant, turning every match into a complex spatial puzzle where positioning is just as vital as raw numbers. While the learning curve is admittedly steep for those unfamiliar with the Hunted Cow series, the tutorial campaign does a commendable job of teaching the basics of morale and terrain modifiers. It’s a thoughtful, methodical experience that rewards patience and historically-grounded planning, making it a standout title for strategy enthusiasts who want a 'proper' wargame on their tablet or phone.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

Dinsun Review

Now this is more like it. It’s dry, it’s hex-based, and it requires you to actually know how a cavalry charge works against a square formation. Hunted Cow produces these niche strategy games, and while they aren't visually stunning, they respect the player's intelligence.

The interface is a bit clunky on a small screen—play it on an iPad if you can. It’s not 'exciting' in the modern sense, but it’s satisfying to see a well-executed pincer movement. It’s a bit repetitive after several scenarios, but for a history buff like me, it’s a solid way to spend a flight.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Historical accuracy
Solid strategy mechanics
Good scenario variety

Steep learning curve
Dated visuals
Clunky UI

Technical Report

Performance: Stable. UI is better suited for tablets.

Accessibility:

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy traditional board wargames and Napoleonic history.

Skip if: You want fast-paced action or high-end graphics.

Similar Games:

Civil War Battles
Hold the Line

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPad Pro
Playtime: 15 hours
Status: Completed British campaign

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad

997026804

$2.99 13+★3.7 16 reviews

Author : Hunted Cow Studios Ltd.

Pubish Date : Sat Jul 11 2015

Last Update Date : Mon Nov 25 2024

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 5.3.0Mon Nov 25 2024

Various bug fixes
Peninsular War Battles places you at the forefront of Napoleon's campaign to conquer Portugal and Spain.
The missions represent well researched representation of the major battles of the period with a full range of tactical options available to all the commanders. Each different combat unit is accurately depicted with the uniforms, colours and flags of the period.
The in-depth game systems allows infantry units to form line, column or square while light infantry units may skirmish in open order. Victory in most battles will go to the commander most able to utilize the combined arms benefits of infantry, cavalry and artillery to the best effect.
Key Game Features

● 5 Mission 'Tutorial' Campaign
● 3 Mission 'Invasion' Campaign
● 8 Mission 'Assault' Campaign
● All missions, apart from the tutorial, can be played as both sides
● 53 different historical models representing 66 different unit types.
● Four classes of infantry – Raw, Average, Veteran and Elite
● 12 different troop classes with infantry, light infantry, riflemen, light cavalry (light dragoons and hussars), lancers, dragoons, cuirassiers, 4pdr, 6pdr, 8pdr, 9pdr and 12pdr artillery and horse artillery.
● Detailed Combat Analysis
● Map zoom
● Flank Attacks
● Strategic Movement
Purchasable Campaigns
● 8 Mission 'Conquest' Campaign
● 8 Mission 'Engagement' Campaign
● 8 Mission 'Hammer' Campaign
Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/HexWar
Follow us on Twitter - @HexWarGames
Thank you for supporting our games!
© 2015 HexWar Games Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.
Please note the iPad version of this game requires iPad 2 or higher.
Requires iOS 16.6 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Peninsular War Battles places you at the forefront of Napoleon's campaign to conquer Portugal and Spain.
The missions represent well researched representation of the major battles of the period with a full range of tactical options available to all the commanders. Each different combat unit is accurately depicted with the uniforms, colours and flags of the period.
The in-depth game systems allows infantry units to form line, column or square while light infantry units may skirmish in open order. Victory in most battles will go to the commander most able to utilize the combined arms benefits of infantry, cavalry and artillery to the best effect.
Key Game Features

● 5 Mission 'Tutorial' Campaign
● 3 Mission 'Invasion' Campaign
● 8 Mission 'Assault' Campaign
● All missions, apart from the tutorial, can be played as both sides
● 53 different historical models representing 66 different unit types.
● Four classes of infantry – Raw, Average, Veteran and Elite
● 12 different troop classes with infantry, light infantry, riflemen, light cavalry (light dragoons and hussars), lancers, dragoons, cuirassiers, 4pdr, 6pdr, 8pdr, 9pdr and 12pdr artillery and horse artillery.
● Detailed Combat Analysis
● Map zoom
● Flank Attacks
● Strategic Movement
Purchasable Campaigns
● 8 Mission 'Conquest' Campaign
● 8 Mission 'Engagement' Campaign
● 8 Mission 'Hammer' Campaign
Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/HexWar
Follow us on Twitter - @HexWarGames
Thank you for supporting our games!
© 2015 HexWar Games Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.
Please note the iPad version of this game requires iPad 2 or higher.

Ratings & Reviews

3.7 out of 5 with 16 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

Peninsular War Battles puts you at the forefront of Napoleon’s campaign to conquer the Iberian Peninsula. This hex-based strategy game features a sophisticated combat system where unit formation, terrain, and morale determine the victor. Command infantry, cavalry, and artillery across 40 increasingly difficult missions, including the 5-mission 'Tutorial' and the expansive 'Peninsula' campaigns. Utilize historical tactics such as Line, Column, and Square formations to outmaneuver the enemy and secure the glory of the empire.

Features

40+ Tactical missions across multiple campaigns

Realistic Napoleonic formations: Line, Column, and Square

Detailed combat modifiers for terrain, morale, and flank attacks

High-definition historical unit sprites

Tips

Formation Mastery

Always switch your infantry to 'Square' formation if enemy cavalry is within two hexes. While Square formation reduces your movement and ranged damage, it prevents the devastating 'Charge' bonus from wiping out your troops.

Promotion Videos

Peninsular War Battles - Official Trailer - YouTube

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Gameplays

Campaign Mode

Battle through historically accurate scenarios including the British intervention in Portugal and the Spanish guerrilla resistance. Each mission tracks your performance, rewarding gold medals for efficient victories.

Q&A

Artillery is most effective when placed on high ground (hills). This extends their line of sight and prevents enemy infantry from 'screening' your targets.