Battle Cry (1999) – Board Game Guys

Battle Cry

Battle Cry is a board wargame based on the American Civil War, designed by Richard Borg and published by Avalon Hill in 2000. The game is not a historical simulation, but rather a fast battle game with a historical flavor. The game has won the 2001 International Gamers Award for General Strategy, 2-Player category.

Why is Battle Cry Popular?

Battle Cry is popular among board gamers due to its fast-paced gameplay and historical theme. The game is easy to learn and play, making it accessible to both casual and experienced gamers. The game’s historical flavor also appeals to those interested in the American Civil War.

Game Components of Battle Cry

Terrain Tiles: 46 double-sided tiles to create various battlefield terrains.

Units: Plastic figures representing infantry, cavalry, artillery, and leaders.

Command Cards: 60 cards for ordering units and special actions.

Battle Dice: 8 dice for resolving combat.

Tokens: Double-sided entrenchment/fieldwork tokens, flag tokens, and general flags.

Game Board: Modular hex grid map.

Rule Book: Includes historical background and setup for each scenario.

How To Setup Battle Cry

The game is set up using modular hex terrain tiles to recreate historical battlefields. Each scenario has a specific setup detailed in the rule book, including the starting layout of the board and the deployment of units. The terrain tiles are arranged according to the scenario instructions to mimic the actual battlefields of the American Civil War.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Command and Colors System: Players use command cards to activate units in different sections of the battlefield (left flank, center, right flank).

Unit Actions: Units can move, attack, or perform special actions based on the cards played.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved by rolling battle dice, with each die symbol corresponding to a specific unit type or action (infantry, cavalry, artillery, retreat).

Generals: General figures can provide bonuses such as ignoring the first retreat flag and allowing an advance after combat.

Victory Points: Players earn victory points by eliminating opponent units; the player who achieves the required number of victory points wins the scenario.

Player Experience

**Battle Cry** offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, blending strategy and historical flavor. Players command armies of the Union or Confederate forces, navigating the challenges of different terrains and unit types. The game is designed to be accessible, making it a great introduction to historical wargaming for new players while still providing depth for more experienced gamers.

Pros

Accessible Rules: Simplified rules make the game easy to learn and understand.

Historical Scenarios: Includes 30 historical scenarios from the American Civil War, providing a rich historical context.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the use of command cards ensure high replayability.

Awards: Won the 2001 International Gamers Award for General Strategy: 2-Player category.

Cons

Simplicity: May not satisfy experienced wargamers looking for detailed historical simulations.

Personal Thoughts on Battle Cry

**Battle Cry** is ideal for those interested in historical wargaming but looking for a more streamlined experience. It’s perfect for casual gamers and families who want to delve into the American Civil War without getting bogged down in complex rules. The game’s ease of learning and historical flavor make it a great introduction to the genre, while its strategic depth keeps it engaging for more seasoned players. If you’re a fan of strategy and history, **Battle Cry** is definitely worth a look.

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.