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❤ Overview

The game features a massive 66,000 hex map covering all of North America, making it the largest hex-based map ever offered in the Strategic Command series. Players can take control of either the Union or Confederate forces, managing their armies, research, production, and diplomatic policies to determine the fate of the United States.

❤ Commanding Armies

At the start of the war, players have a limited pool of professional soldiers. They must recruit and train volunteer brigades, divisions, and corps, while researching improvements to their soldiers' weaponry and combat abilities. Appointing skilled generals, such as Lee, Grant, and Sherman, can be crucial in determining the outcome of major battles.

❤ River Warfare

The game introduces navigable rivers, including the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland. Inland ports allow for rapid troop movement along the waterways, while also presenting the threat of amphibious attacks. Players must contend with river warships and the strategic importance of controlling these vital transportation routes.

❤ The Age of the Ironclad

Naval warfare has been expanded, with ships divided into rivercraft, coastal, and seagoing vessels, as well as wooden and ironclad construction. This diverse roster of warships provides players with more opportunities to achieve victory at sea, including the possibility of breaking blockades and supporting amphibious operations.

❤ Reconnaissance and Fog of War

The lack of reliable communication during the Civil War era means that cavalry, infantry scouts, partisan rangers, and even armored trains become essential for gathering intelligence and avoiding ambushes. Players must carefully manage their reconnaissance efforts to overcome the fog of war and gain a tactical advantage.

❤ European Intervention

Diplomatic actions, battlefield successes, and decision events can influence whether the European Great Powers, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, choose to intervene in the Civil War. The entry of these foreign powers can significantly alter the course of the conflict, presenting players with new strategic challenges and opportunities.

❤ Player Feedback

Players have praised the game's adherence to the historical context of the American Civil War, despite some limitations in accurately portraying the maneuver-based nature of the conflict. Reviewers highlight the game's depth, complexity, and replayability, with some citing it as one of the best entries in the Strategic Command series. Players also appreciate the game's ability to facilitate alternative historical scenarios, allowing for a wide range of gameplay experiences.