Showcasing the global commerce war between Great Britain and the young United States. The goal of the American player is to hunt down British merchant ships while avoiding their warships. The British goal is to seek out the American frigates and merchant ships, while protecting their own. The game includes a hard mounted game board, plastic ships in four colors and cards for ship maneuver that depict the strategic and tactical capabilities of the era.

The Naval War of 1812 is Worthington's second limited edition game and will be be limited to 812 copies of the game.