Longstreet Attacks: The Second Day at Gettysburg (2018) Board Game

Longstreet Attacks: The Second Day at Gettysburg is a historical wargame that simulates the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The game focuses on the actions of Confederate General James Longstreet as he led his troops in a massive assault on the Union forces on the second day of the battle. Players take on the roles of military commanders, making strategic decisions and maneuvering their troops on the battlefield.

Game Components of Longstreet Attacks: The Second Day at Gettysburg

Unit Counters, Markers and Chits: Representing various military units and events.

Hexagon Grid Map: Depicting the battlefield of Gettysburg.

Art and Illustrations: Work by Rick Barber, Charles Kibler, and Mark Mahaffey.

Rule Booklet: Detailed rules and scenarios for the game.

How To Setup Longstreet Attacks: The Second Day at Gettysburg

Setting up the game involves several steps, including the Command Decision Phase where players choose event chits and set up the draw cup. The Artillery Phase follows, where both Union and Confederate artillery units are activated alternately. The game components, such as unit counters and markers, are placed on the hexagon grid map according to the scenario being played. The setup also includes preparing the chit draw cup and setting up brigade activation markers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Chit-Pull System: Players draw chits to determine unit activations.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving combat and other interactions.

Hexagon Grid: The battlefield is divided into hexagonal spaces.

Line of Sight: Determines the visibility and targeting of units.

Movement Points: Regulate the movement of units on the battlefield.

Objective: The Union player aims to defend key positions, while the Confederate player seeks to capture these positions through strategic attacks.

Player Experience

**Longstreet Attacks: The Second Day at Gettysburg** offers a deeply immersive and historically accurate wargaming experience. Players must carefully manage their units, artillery, and resources to achieve their objectives. The game’s complexity and length (90-720 minutes) make it suitable for experienced wargamers who appreciate detailed strategic gameplay.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game meticulously recreates the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Deep Strategy: Multiple layers of strategy involving unit management, artillery, and event chits.

High Replayability: Various scenarios and the chit-pull system ensure each game is unique.

Detailed Components: High-quality artwork and detailed unit counters enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.

Long Playtime: Games can last from 90 minutes to 12 hours, which may deter casual gamers.

Limited Player Count: While it supports 1-4 players, solo and cooperative play may not be as engaging as competitive play.

Personal Thoughts on Longstreet Attacks: The Second Day at Gettysburg

This game is ideal for serious wargamers and history enthusiasts who are interested in the American Civil War. The depth and complexity of the game make it a great fit for those who enjoy strategic planning and execution. However, it may not be the best choice for new wargamers or those looking for a quick, casual gaming experience. The game’s historical fidelity and detailed mechanics ensure that players get a thorough understanding of the tactical and strategic decisions made during the Battle of Gettysburg.

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