Overview

Join the Boshin War as Imperialists or Shogunate loyalists in the second expansion to The Armchair Historian's Fire & Maneuver. Take charge during the turbulent end of Japan's samurai era, or ignite East vs. West clashes with inventive scenarios! The Boshin Civil War expansion for F&M introduces new unique factions, battle maps, scenarios, music, and campaigns of Japan's war of modernization.

Factions

Take command of two new factions: Imperial Court or the Tokugawa Shogunate. Levy 38 unique units including the famous Imperial Jinshotai or Shogun Shinsengumi. The two Japanese nations can equip melee polearms during the Age of Glory (1853-1866), providing varied gameplay across both game periods.

Imperial Court
Imperial Court unites European tactics and samurai spirit in a captivating blend. With versatile Line Infantry and Satsuma marksmen, this faction excels in offensive maneuvers. But beware their troops' vulnerability in prolonged combat, demanding swift, decisive victories.

Tokugawa Shogunate
Master the art of melee with the Tokugawa Shogunate, whose infantry, cavalry, and even artillery display fearsome hand-to-hand combat prowess. Rely on precision and timing to unleash their full potential in battle. But beware their lack of conventional equipment, making well-timed charges crucial for success.

Battles

Take part in several historical battles from Toba Fushimi to Hakodate, and several dynamic ahistorical maps. Boshin War maps include:

- Honshu Fortress (2v2)
- Arupusu (1v1)
- Toba Fushimi (2v2)
- Ueno (1v1)
- Aizu (2v2)
- Hakodate (1v1)
- Tokaido Road (1v1)
- Tosa Dockyard (1v1)
- The Ridgeline Pass (1v1)
- The Monastery (1v1)
- Takeda Streams (1v1)
- The Rice Paddies (1v1)
- Sakura Grove (2v2)
- Domain Fort (1v1)

Special scenario battles can be fought on Toba Fushimi, Ueno, Aizu, and Hakodate.

Campaigns

This expansion includes two campaigns, voiced by the educational YouTubers "Alternate History Hub" and "The Shogunate."

The Boshin War: Dive into the heart of the Boshin War in campaign mode, taking command as Saigo Takamori for the Imperialists or Matsudaira Katamori for the Shogunate loyalists. Engage in this historic power struggle, shaping the future of a nation at the dawn of the Meiji Restoration.

The Escalation of Shimonoseki: Delve into the alternate history of the Escalation of Shimonoseki, where Mori Takachika leads a Japanese coalition against the European combined expedition spearheaded by Sir Augustus Kuper. Assume the role of either commander in this high-stakes conflict, with the fate of Japan hanging in the balance.

Music

Traditional Japanese music is included in this expansion with 10 new tracks (16 minutes of music).

Imperial Tracks:
- Miya-san Miya-san
- Boshin March
- Satsuma March
- Battotai (victory theme)
- Lullaby of Itsuki (defeat theme)

Shogunate Tracks:
- Edo Lullaby
- Sado Okesa
- Sangai-Bushi
- Rythym of the Peasants (victory theme)
- Sakura, Sakura (defeat theme)