This game is an excellent portrayal of the war that tore this great nation apart in the mid 19th century. It uses complex gameplay for the expert, but is also easily learned by the beginner.
Its graphics are quite basic, lending itself more to a person who is interested in the strategy involved in a War game, rather than having a pleasing viewing experience. This game does not involve the tactics used by individual battalions or anything as small scale as that, but is rather the large scale operations of navies and armies that the player is interested in.
The game can be difficult to win. There are various difficult settings you can choose, and thus it suits the expert as well as the beginner. Its joy ability is clearly enhanced with the use of random events, which are based on real historical facts. These things can have no significance on the outcome of the game, such as President Abraham Lincoln announcing the Emancipation Proclamation. Which has no significance on the outcome of the war, but are just interesting historical events. Other things such as the donation of a navy to the Southern Confederate forces can be the turning point in the war.
The game incorporates both naval and ground battles. The actual battles are very simplistic, based on leadership, army size, fortifications, supplies,
and a bit of probability. If you can afford it, you can fortify your cities against attack. This also brings to mind the economical side of the war. Your income each turn is based on how many cities you control. If you have a large income, you can buy ships, recruit men into your army, or buy supplies.
The interface is very simplistic. The music is reasonable, it livens up the game somewhat.
Therefore, Civil War is a strategy game built for those who have strategy in mind, not those who are looking for an action packed game.
With one or two player options, this game can keep you occupied for hours with a friend, or by yourself. It is quite pleasing for those who are interested in the historical side of the war. Not just the action.
It can be quite difficult to win, and thus is a rather challenging game.
I’d give this game about 8/10... loosing a few points just because it lacks action.
