Description:
Re-create the tactics of the great Civil War generals at Gettysburg and Shiloh with the Great American Battles Of The Civil War two-disk set from Mindscape. The software loads easily, providing intuitive game controls. Though the manual is a bit skimpy, you'll pick up the rules quickly, finding yourself maneuvering units just like Grant and Lee. The emphasis here is on small-scale tactical combat, so you'll move individual leaders, infantry and cavalry regiments, and artillery batteries on hex maps to re-create particular scenarios from either battle. Play against the computer in one of two modes (all opposing units visible or only in line of sight) or challenge a friend. (Unfortunately, network play isn't an option.) The play is simple and fairly quick, and the graphics and sounds are OK--if comparatively unimpressive. Importantly, the balance between realism and playability is good. Serious war gamers will probably want to go for something more intense, like Sid Meier's Gettysburg. But for a quick, easy-to-learn tactical simulation, Great American Battles of the Civil War will do just fine. --Rob Lightner
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