I picked this little jewel up from Steam because it was on sale at a pretty good price. It was serendipity because I was looking for something, but I didn't know what, as I wanted to create some of the less-well-known Napoleonic battles. It's kind like going to the fridge and you have a taste for something, but you don't what that is. I saw "The Operational Art of War" and it was at a very good price and so I bought the game. (It's still on sale on Steam at 50% off of $39.99, which means it's $19.99. Sale is good until January 4, 2024).
It had me reminiscing of the time I met Norm Koger at Historican 1999. He was in the Talonsoft booth (He was ringed by tables) pushing a couple of games, one being his, The Operational Art of War. I went up to hear what he was talking about, as there were a few other gamers there, I let them ask their questions and BS, while I listened. Eventually they left without buying a single thing. Norm must have been feeling dejected by then, as I was the only one at the table, looking over some other Talon Soft games, Norm began his spiel in earnest, trying to sell me a copy of his game. After some back and forth for about an hour or so, I ended up buying a couple of Battleground games, West Front and TOAOW. Norm wasn't the best salesman, but he was persistent.
Anyway, I've played TOAOW IV a few times now, finding a built-in scenario for the Battle of Leipzig 1813. The first two times I played that battle the computer smeared me all over. After I got the hang of the game controls it became more balanced. No, I haven't lost (yet) as the game is still on going.
I'd say give it a try but I'm not as familiar with the game as I'd like to be, but for $20 what's to lose?