1812! War on the Great Lakes Frontier is a card-driven strategic wargame that simulates the naval and land actions fought on and around the Great Lakes of North America during the War of 1812. This is a two-player game with either player commanding the naval and land forces of the United States of America or the British Empire. Players will alternate playing Strategy cards, spending Operation Points and causing historical events to occur. Operation Points are the currency used to move and fight battles with military units. The scale of fighting units is regimental and single ship.

Each leader, regiment and naval vessel has been researched to determine its relative strength and weaknesses based on battle performance, unit size, and type. With armies rarely exceeding a few thousand men, the forces are manageable and the clashes are more like skirmishes in comparison to the battles fought in Europe.

-Grant