Battle Cry of Freedom (2003)

About this game

A 2-player card game representing the American Civil War in both East and West theaters. Cards represent key generals and events during the period of 1861-1865. Each player plays their own deck of cards with the Union objective of capturing three key victory cities (Richmond, Atlanta, Vicksburg) and the Confederates trying to prevent this. Resource Events, Battle Events, Special Events, and Strategic Movement Events determine the course of the game. Cards have multiple choices on them from which one event type is selected. Sequence of plays allows for movement to a battlefield, turning movements, retreats, and shifting initiatives. This will determine if, or how a battle is fought. There is a stylized sort of tactical flavor for individual battles, while maintaining touch with strategic and political issues of the time. There are 300 cards comprising Union, Confederate, and Battle decks.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.4/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.