Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union (2014) Board Game

Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union is a two-player wargame set during the American Civil War. Released in 2014 by Z-Man Games, the game is designed by Paolo Mori and Francesco Sirocchi, with artwork by Chris Quilliams. It is a quick-playing game that simulates the tactical battles between the Confederacy and the Union forces during this pivotal period in American history.

Game Components of Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union

Troop Tiles: Representing troops and units in the army.

Order Tokens: Used to issue orders to units.

Army Columns and Rows: The game board is split into three columns and two rows.

Special Trait Tiles: Some tiles have special traits affecting the unit or army.

How To Setup Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union

To set up the game, players decide on the size of the battle and allocate points to their armies. The armies are arranged in three columns and two rows. Each player creates their army from a pool of existing troops, with the total points determining how many points must be defeated to win.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Movement: Units can move within the columns and rows.

Dice Rolling: Attacks are resolved using dice rolls, with each tile hitting on certain rolls.

Order Tokens: Used to activate units, with increasing costs for repeated activations in the same round.

Redeployment: Units can be redeployed after each battle round without using Order Tokens.

Objective: The game ends when one army eliminates at least half of the points in the opposing army.

Player Experience

**Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union** is designed for two players and typically lasts about 30 minutes. The game is rated for players aged 13 and above. The gameplay is straightforward, yet it requires strategic planning and management of resources, particularly the Order Tokens. The ability to redeploy units adds a layer of complexity and flexibility.

Pros

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but offers depth in strategy.

Quick Playtime: Games are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Portable: The game is compact, making it easy to carry.

Historical Theme: Engaging for those interested in the American Civil War.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only designed for two players.

Token Management: Managing Order Tokens can become complex, especially with repeated activations.

Luck Factor: Dice rolling introduces an element of luck that can affect the outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union

This game is ideal for fans of war games and the American Civil War, particularly those who enjoy strategic, two-player games. It’s a great option for those looking for a game that is easy to learn but still offers a challenge. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with more complexity or a larger player count. Overall, **Pocket Battles: Confederacy vs Union** provides a fun and strategic experience in a compact package.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.