Board game cover for "Wilderness: a game of survival" featuring an illustration of a person standing on a cliff looking out over a river winding through a lush, green valley with mountains in the background, under a sunset sky. The cover also displays game details including the creators' names, Thomas & Daniel Fryxelius, game duration of 1 hour, player range of 2-8, and recommended for ages 10 and up. The publisher's logo, FryxGames, is in the bottom left corner.
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The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864 (1972)

Brief History and Background Information of The Wilderness CampaignThe Wilderness Campaign is a board wargame that simulates a series of battles in Virginia during the American Civil War. The game was first published by Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in 1972. The game is a two-player board wargame in which one player acts as Union commander Grant, and the other as Confederate commander Lee. The game has a complex turn sequence, and many factors to consider in terms of land, sea and river combat, rail movement, reconnaissance and leadership.

Why is The Wilderness Campaign Popular?The Wilderness Campaign is not a very popular game, and it has received mixed reviews. In a 1976 poll conducted by SPI to determine the most popular board wargames in North America, The Wilderness Campaign only placed 160th out of 202 games. However, the game has been praised for its historical accuracy and complexity.

Game Components of The Wilderness Campaign1 map1 rulebook1 sheet of counters

Game Setup of The Wilderness CampaignThe game is set up by placing the map on a flat surface and then placing the counters on the map according to the instructions in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics of The Wilderness CampaignThe game has a complex turn sequence, and many factors to consider in terms of land, sea and river combat, rail movement, reconnaissance and leadership. The game uses a “concealed movement” game system, which means that players do not know the exact location of their opponent’s units.

Game Objective of The Wilderness CampaignThe objective of the game is to win battles and gain control of territory.

Player ExperienceThe Wilderness Campaign is a two-player game, and players take turns moving their units and engaging in combat. The game is known for its historical accuracy and complexity, which can make it challenging and rewarding for players who enjoy strategic wargames.

Buy OnlineThe Wilderness Campaign is out of print, but it can be found for sale on various online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon.

ConclusionThe Wilderness Campaign is a board wargame that simulates a series of battles in Virginia during the American Civil War. The game has a complex turn sequence, and many factors to consider in terms of land, sea and river combat, rail movement, reconnaissance and leadership. The game is known for its historical accuracy and complexity, which can make it challenging and rewarding for players who enjoy strategic wargames. The game is out of print, but it can be found for sale on various online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon.

Game Components of The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864

  • **Game board**: Representing the terrain and key locations of the campaign.
  • **Counters**: For the units of both Confederate and Union armies.
  • **Rules booklet**: Detailing the game mechanics and setup.
  • **Scenarios**: Including historical and optional “what if?” scenarios.
  • **Maps**: Historical maps of the battle areas.
  • **Charts and tables**: For resolving combat and other game mechanics.

    How To Setup The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864

    To set up the game, players must first choose a scenario, which determines the starting positions and objectives of the armies. The game board is then laid out, and the counters for each army are placed according to the scenario’s specifications. Players must also familiarize themselves with the rules and any specific conditions or variations for the chosen scenario.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • **Hex-based movement**: Units move and engage in combat on a hexagonal grid.
  • **Turn-based system**: Players take turns making moves and resolving combat.
  • **Combat resolution**: Using charts and tables to determine outcomes.
  • **Resource management**: Managing army strength and morale.
  • **Objective**: The Union objective is to pin down the Confederate Army and advance towards Richmond, while the Confederate objective is to defend and delay the Union advance.

    Player Experience

    Playing The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864 offers a deep and immersive historical gaming experience. Players must strategically manage their armies, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of each unit and the terrain. The game requires a blend of tactical acumen and strategic thinking, making it appealing to wargamers and history enthusiasts.

    Pros

  • **Historical accuracy**: The game is meticulously researched and accurate to the historical events.
  • **Complex gameplay**: Offers a challenging and engaging experience for experienced gamers.
  • **Replayability**: Multiple scenarios and “what if?” options provide high replay value.
  • **Educational**: Players learn about the historical context and strategies of the campaign.

    Cons

  • **Steep learning curve**: The game’s rules and mechanics can be complex and overwhelming for new players.
  • **Time-consuming**: Games can take several hours to complete.
  • **Outdated components**: Some components, such as the maps and counters, may appear dated compared to modern games.

    Personal Thoughts on The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864

    This game is ideal for those with a strong interest in historical wargaming and the American Civil War. It demands a significant investment of time and effort to master, but the reward is a rich and detailed simulation of one of the most pivotal campaigns of the war. For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage board games, it also holds a certain nostalgic and historical value. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers looking for a quick or simple gaming experience.

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