We've been working our way through the scenarios since it arrived in the mailbox. It's my first ACW game, and I have to say I'm hooked. What a beautiful, great game.
Hello Michael. You sure started your interest in ACW games with a great one. You might also look into the “Stonewall’s Sword” system over at Revolution Games. Regimental level, and is it’s best with the smaller battles. Also designed by Herman Luttmann. - Paul
Your enthousiasm about this game, made me buy it! Living in Europe, it’s my first ACW game. I like to learn about the ACW history first. Where to start? Any recommendation on books, movies, etc. I
Hello Jon…, You could spend more money on far less good games. Both the map and the game are amazing, and especially appreciated if you have ever played a Gettysburg regimental game with 1/2 inch counters!! - Paul
Thanks very much for the review. Excellent info as always. Could you recommend a book or two on the battle, please, that would help put the game into perspective. Thanks !
Hello Tim! Sure. My favorite book is “Gettysburg” by Stephen Sears. He strikes a great balance between a book written for the general public (vs one written for academics) and yet, is very substantial. This is my personal “go to” book on the battle. Lighter, but still with substance, and filled with maps, photos, and other visual aids, is “Our Fathers at Gettysburg” by Jack Kunkel. I also like his companion book “Our Fathers at Shiloh” and hope he expands on the series. Thanks for watching and your kind comments!! - Paul
Hello Mr Drizzle! That’s a puzzler! Maybe one of the larger resellers like Noble Knights; you may have to sign up on their waiting list for a second hand copy to get in stock, but it might work. Or a local hobby shop that Carries war games? - Paul
Didn't Longstreet argue for a defensive fight - wanted the Union to be on the attack, before Lee even decided to attempt an attack on the Union's left flank? Which by the way, if Longstreet had promptly complied with Lee's order, would probably have seen him take both Round Top hills, and very likely flanked the out-of-position Sickles (who had not followed the orders of Meade to remain on Cemetery Ridge.) Note when Longstreet arrived - near the Peach Orchard - both McLaws and Hood wanted to adjust the attack given the incorrect scouting intel (i.e. Sickles was not where he was suppose to be). But Longstreet, peeved with Lee - insisted they attack up Emmitsburg Rd (as Lee had ordered but based on faulty intel) - which Hood promptly ignored Longstreet anyway and attacked further South. But the attack still ended up being disorganized - and slow - enough for Meade to correct the potential decisive blunder by Sickles (who admitted it himself once Hood and McLaws began their attacks.) One wonders if those crucial few hours might have made the difference at Gettysburg - since the Union's Left flank was indeed very exposed and both Round Tops were not originally defended at all.
Hi Dante. Oh boy…, there’s over of century of controversy in your note! I think that Longstreet’s desire to fight on the tactical defensive is a subject for a different game, possibly one designed at the campaign level such a Roads to Gettysburg 2. But within the scope of the battle we have, an earlier attack might have helped, but without Laws and without even a weakened Pickett, even then there might not have been enough force. If the three brigades Pickett brought with him were present, it might have been enough to push through, but without them, and maybe without Laws, I don’t know. If we are going to the hypothetical, then you can imagine Sickles NOT advancing to the Peach Orchard as well. What I do fault Longstreet for is doing the countermarch instead of simply turning everyone around in place during his move to Warfield Ridge. That does not make any sense to to. A century of controversy and counting…., - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 Hmmm - well this game is perfect to test out hypotheticals! heh. Say - what if the Feds had gotten to Little Round Top first?? Thanks for your reply!
A beautiful game. I never got into Civil wargames much because of the disparity of military power between North and South. The Souths only advantage was better troops and excellent generals. Now I'm learning that the South could have prolonged the war by sending two divisions that were available to relieve the Seige of Vicksburg. Tell me this is wrong please Paul!!
I think we watched the same video on Little Wars TV. That could very well have made a difference in the short run. Recall that the CS government did in fact send 2 divisions (I think) plus Longstreet himself to stave off Rosecrans’ move south from Chattanooga. The result was the last big CS victory of the war. As far as the war goes, I think a lot of the attraction is that it was ‘our’ war and not some European thing. That and the valor displayed by both sides makes it a compelling study. Take care…. - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 Thats True! I did watch Little Wars. Thats where I first heard of the two divisions. But my friend Harry who is a Civil War expert says it wouln't have made a difference. The South would have lost anyway.
On a grand strategic scale, yeah, the Confederacy was fighting a desperate uphill battle from the start. I'm a Western Theater buff, so it's arguably even worse; the Western Theater was pretty much a straight Union push from start to finish, with only Chickamauga briefly interrupting. But that doesn't bother me at all; strategically and tactically, battles and campaigns were still up in the air, even if the overall war wasn't. I don't live in the States, but I just find ACW stuff hits a sweet spot for me. The cast of characters, the sheer chaos of ACW battles, the drama brought on by relative inexperience compared to European armies of the same period, it just falls into place. It also helps that the level of obsessive detail you can find for Civil War stuff is incredible, and I'm extremely nerdy like that. (Also, if you follow Western Theater like me, the idea that the South had more capable generals is nonsense. They had more or less the same capability spread, they just concentrated their better generals in Virginia and left the West to whoever was left. The level of infighting within Army of Tennessee leadership could put the Army of the Potomac to shame.)
Hello AJ. No such luck. I actually went with an upgrade kit plus a full 2nd edition Copy. I’m selling my unopened 1st edition to Noble Knights, so if you want one touched by the hand of the oaken knight…. - Paul
Hello Mr History! You may be right on this one; I have read it both ways. I’ve always wondered why Pickett said he had no division after his charge as in aggregate, after the wounded returned to action he had a substantial part of his division left. Anyway…, thanks for commenting!! - Paul
We've been working our way through the scenarios since it arrived in the mailbox. It's my first ACW game, and I have to say I'm hooked. What a beautiful, great game.
Hello Michael. You sure started your interest in ACW games with a great one. You might also look into the “Stonewall’s Sword” system over at Revolution Games. Regimental level, and is it’s best with the smaller battles. Also designed by Herman Luttmann. - Paul
Your enthousiasm about this game, made me buy it! Living in Europe, it’s my first ACW game. I like to learn about the ACW history first. Where to start? Any recommendation on books, movies, etc. I
Thanks for the review of the 2nd edition, I'm very tempted to pick this up
Hello Jon…, You could spend more money on far less good games. Both the map and the game are amazing, and especially appreciated if you have ever played a Gettysburg regimental game with 1/2 inch counters!! - Paul
Will you be playing Rock of Chickamauga when it releases?
Very useful. Thanks very much. Glad my edition 1 isn’t obsolete
Great to hear!
Thanks very much for the review. Excellent info as always. Could you recommend a book or two on the battle, please, that would help put the game into perspective. Thanks !
Hello Tim! Sure. My favorite book is “Gettysburg” by Stephen Sears. He strikes a great balance between a book written for the general public (vs one written for academics) and yet, is very substantial. This is my personal “go to” book on the battle. Lighter, but still with substance, and filled with maps, photos, and other visual aids, is “Our Fathers at Gettysburg” by Jack Kunkel. I also like his companion book “Our Fathers at Shiloh” and hope he expands on the series. Thanks for watching and your kind comments!! - Paul
Thanks for the book recommendations. I really appreciate your passion for history, board games, and sharing with the public. Cheers !
Some version of Marching to the Sounds of the gun is needed for the three day battle. Great game.
Flying pig games don't export. Where can I get a copy of this game? It looks great. (I'm in England).
Hello Mr Drizzle! That’s a puzzler! Maybe one of the larger resellers like Noble Knights; you may have to sign up on their waiting list for a second hand copy to get in stock, but it might work. Or a local hobby shop that Carries war games? - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 Thanks. I'll check Noble Knights out....
Didn't Longstreet argue for a defensive fight - wanted the Union to be on the attack, before Lee even decided to attempt an attack on the Union's left flank? Which by the way, if Longstreet had promptly complied with Lee's order, would probably have seen him take both Round Top hills, and very likely flanked the out-of-position Sickles (who had not followed the orders of Meade to remain on Cemetery Ridge.) Note when Longstreet arrived - near the Peach Orchard - both McLaws and Hood wanted to adjust the attack given the incorrect scouting intel (i.e. Sickles was not where he was suppose to be). But Longstreet, peeved with Lee - insisted they attack up Emmitsburg Rd (as Lee had ordered but based on faulty intel) - which Hood promptly ignored Longstreet anyway and attacked further South. But the attack still ended up being disorganized - and slow - enough for Meade to correct the potential decisive blunder by Sickles (who admitted it himself once Hood and McLaws began their attacks.)
One wonders if those crucial few hours might have made the difference at Gettysburg - since the Union's Left flank was indeed very exposed and both Round Tops were not originally defended at all.
Hi Dante. Oh boy…, there’s over of century of controversy in your note! I think that Longstreet’s desire to fight on the tactical defensive is a subject for a different game, possibly one designed at the campaign level such a Roads to Gettysburg 2. But within the scope of the battle we have, an earlier attack might have helped, but without Laws and without even a weakened Pickett, even then there might not have been enough force. If the three brigades Pickett brought with him were present, it might have been enough to push through, but without them, and maybe without Laws, I don’t know. If we are going to the hypothetical, then you can imagine Sickles NOT advancing to the Peach Orchard as well. What I do fault Longstreet for is doing the countermarch instead of simply turning everyone around in place during his move to Warfield Ridge. That does not make any sense to to. A century of controversy and counting…., - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 Hmmm - well this game is perfect to test out hypotheticals! heh. Say - what if the Feds had gotten to Little Round Top first??
Thanks for your reply!
A beautiful game. I never got into Civil wargames much because of the disparity of military power between North and South. The Souths only advantage was better troops and excellent generals. Now I'm learning that the South could have prolonged the war by sending two divisions that were available to relieve the Seige of Vicksburg. Tell me this is wrong please Paul!!
I think we watched the same video on Little Wars TV. That could very well have made a difference in the short run. Recall that the CS government did in fact send 2 divisions (I think) plus Longstreet himself to stave off Rosecrans’ move south from Chattanooga. The result was the last big CS victory of the war.
As far as the war goes, I think a lot of the attraction is that it was ‘our’ war and not some European thing. That and the valor displayed by both sides makes it a compelling study. Take care…. - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 Thats True! I did watch Little Wars. Thats where I first heard of the two divisions. But my friend Harry who is a Civil War expert says it wouln't have made a difference. The South would have lost anyway.
On a grand strategic scale, yeah, the Confederacy was fighting a desperate uphill battle from the start. I'm a Western Theater buff, so it's arguably even worse; the Western Theater was pretty much a straight Union push from start to finish, with only Chickamauga briefly interrupting. But that doesn't bother me at all; strategically and tactically, battles and campaigns were still up in the air, even if the overall war wasn't.
I don't live in the States, but I just find ACW stuff hits a sweet spot for me. The cast of characters, the sheer chaos of ACW battles, the drama brought on by relative inexperience compared to European armies of the same period, it just falls into place. It also helps that the level of obsessive detail you can find for Civil War stuff is incredible, and I'm extremely nerdy like that.
(Also, if you follow Western Theater like me, the idea that the South had more capable generals is nonsense. They had more or less the same capability spread, they just concentrated their better generals in Virginia and left the West to whoever was left. The level of infighting within Army of Tennessee leadership could put the Army of the Potomac to shame.)
tell me you got the 2d edition for free - since you already had the first edition.
Hello AJ. No such luck. I actually went with an upgrade kit plus a full 2nd edition Copy. I’m selling my unopened 1st edition to Noble Knights, so if you want one touched by the hand of the oaken knight…. - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 so you had an extra 1st edition?
I thought Pickett lost two of his brigades to the defence of Richmond when the Army of Northern Virginia invaded
Hello Mr History! You may be right on this one; I have read it both ways. I’ve always wondered why Pickett said he had no division after his charge as in aggregate, after the wounded returned to action he had a substantial part of his division left. Anyway…, thanks for commenting!! - Paul
The history expert is correct.
thank you
Welcome!
👍👍👍
Thanks