Fire & Fury: English Civil War

Fire & Fury: English Civil War is a turn-based tactical wargame set during the 17th-century English Civil War, where players command either Parliamentarian or Royalist forces in historically inspired campaigns. The game features multiple mission campaigns, including a tutorial, 1642 battles, and 1644 scenarios, with over 30 unique units such as cavalry, pikemen, musketeers, and artillery. Players utilize strategic maneuvers like cavalry charges, defensive formations, and ranged attacks to secure victory across a hexagonal grid map.

Fire & Fury: English Civil War: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Fire & Fury: English Civil War (2018) is a turn-based tactical wargame developed by HexWar Games, offering players a deep dive into the military campaigns of the 17th-century English Civil War. At its core, this game is a meticulously crafted historical simulation that challenges players to command forces on both the Parliamentarian and Royalist sides, testing their strategic acumen and tactical prowess. With its hexagonal grid-based combat system, detailed unit mechanics, and historically grounded campaigns, Fire & Fury stands as a niche but compelling entry in the wargaming genre. This review will dissect the game’s development, narrative, gameplay, and legacy to determine its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

HexWar Games, a small independent studio based in the UK, developed Fire & Fury: English Civil War as part of their broader Fire & Fury series, which includes titles like Fire & Fury: The Great War and Fire & Fury: The Korean War. The studio’s focus on historical accuracy and accessible turn-based strategy is evident in their work. The game was released on December 19, 2018, for Windows and macOS, with a modest but dedicated development team of just four individuals handling design, programming, art, and testing.

The game’s release coincided with a resurgence of interest in historical wargames, fueled by titles like Hearts of Iron IV and Civilization VI. However, Fire & Fury distinguishes itself by focusing on granular tactical combat rather than grand strategy. The game’s hexagonal grid system, inspired by classic board wargames, provides a structured yet flexible battlefield where players must manage unit positioning, morale, and supply lines.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Fire & Fury: English Civil War does not feature a traditional narrative with cutscenes or dialogue. Instead, its storytelling is embedded in its historical campaigns, which recreate key battles and phases of the conflict. The game’s missions are structured around pivotal moments in the war, such as the Battle of Edgehill (1642) and the Marston Moor campaign (1644). Players can experience the war from both the Parliamentarian and Royalist perspectives, offering a nuanced exploration of the political and military dynamics of the era.

The game’s thematic depth lies in its portrayal of 17th-century warfare. Units are categorized into cavalry, infantry, and artillery, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses reflective of the period. Cavalry, for example, excels in charges but is vulnerable to disciplined pike formations, while musket-armed infantry must contend with slow reload times and limited accuracy. This attention to historical detail extends to unit morale, which can be influenced by factors like leadership quality and proximity to enemy forces.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

The game’s core loop revolves around turn-based tactical combat on a hexagonal grid. Players issue orders to their units, which then execute them simultaneously, creating a dynamic and often unpredictable battlefield. The game emphasizes flanking maneuvers, terrain advantages, and unit synergy, rewarding players who think several turns ahead.

Combat & Unit Mechanics

Combat resolution is deterministic but influenced by random factors like dice rolls for morale checks. Units have individual hit points and can suffer casualties, with morale playing a crucial role in determining their effectiveness. Artillery, for instance, can soften enemy lines before infantry assaults, while cavalry can exploit gaps in enemy formations.

UI & Accessibility

The user interface is functional but somewhat dated, with a minimalist design that prioritizes clarity over polish. The game includes a tutorial campaign to introduce new players to its mechanics, but the lack of a more robust tutorial or in-game encyclopedia may pose a barrier to entry for beginners.

Innovations & Flaws

One of the game’s standout features is its “Detailed Combat Analysis” mode, which provides a breakdown of each unit’s statistics and combat effectiveness. This transparency is appreciated by hardcore wargamers but may overwhelm casual players. The game also suffers from occasional bugs, such as units becoming stuck or missions ending prematurely, which detracts from the overall experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting & Atmosphere

The game’s setting is meticulously researched, with maps and unit models that evoke the landscapes and military technology of 17th-century England. The hexagonal grid system lends a tactical precision to battles, while the game’s art style is functional rather than visually stunning. The sound design is minimal, with ambient battlefield noises and simple musical cues that enhance immersion without overpowering the gameplay.

Visual Direction

The game’s graphics are serviceable but not groundbreaking. Unit models are detailed enough to distinguish between different types of troops, but the lack of animations or dynamic lighting limits the visual appeal. The map zoom feature helps players navigate larger battlefields, but the overall presentation feels more akin to a board game than a modern video game.

Reception & Legacy

Fire & Fury: English Civil War received a mixed but generally positive reception upon release. Steam user reviews are overwhelmingly favorable, with a player score of 85/100 based on 20 reviews as of October 28, 2025. Critics praised the game’s historical accuracy and tactical depth but noted its lack of polish and accessibility issues.

The game’s legacy is that of a niche title appreciated by wargaming enthusiasts but overlooked by mainstream audiences. Its influence is seen in subsequent HexWar Games titles, which continue to refine the Fire & Fury formula. The game’s focus on turn-based tactics and historical authenticity has also contributed to the broader wargaming community’s appreciation for granular, simulation-heavy experiences.

Conclusion

Fire & Fury: English Civil War is a well-crafted but flawed wargame that offers a deep and historically grounded experience for players interested in 17th-century warfare. Its strengths lie in its tactical depth, unit variety, and attention to historical detail, while its weaknesses include a dated interface and occasional technical issues. While it may not appeal to casual gamers, it stands as a worthy entry in the wargaming genre, deserving of recognition for its ambition and dedication to historical accuracy.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Fire & Fury: English Civil War occupies a modest but respected niche. It is a game for those who appreciate the art of tactical command and the nuances of historical conflict, and it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of turn-based strategy.