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Battle Cry (1999) Board Game

ByMichail

Battle Cry is a board game set during the American Civil War, designed by Richard Borg and Scott Hill. It was first released in 1999 and is published by Avalon Hill and Wizards of the Coast. The game is known for its historical accuracy and strategic gameplay, allowing players to simulate battles from one of the most significant conflicts in American history.

Game Components of Battle Cry

  • 8 Battle Dice**
  • 9 Double-sided Entrenchment/Fieldwork Tokens**
  • 46 Double-sided Terrain Tiles**
  • 14 Double-sided Flag Tokens**
  • 60 Command Cards**
  • 3 Artillery with Flags and 6 Artillery Crewmembers**
  • 3 Generals with Flags, 3 Cavalry with Flags and 6 Cavalry**
  • 10 Infantry with Flags and 30 Infantry**
  • Game Board, Terrain Reference Sheet, and Game Rule Book**

    How To Setup Battle Cry

    Setting up Battle Cry involves creating a modular hex grid map using Terrain Tiles to represent various battlefield terrains such as forests, hills, and open fields. Each scenario, of which there are 30, has a specific setup described in the Rule Book, including historical background and a pictorial representation of the starting layout. Players arrange their units according to the scenario instructions, which include the placement of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and generals.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Command and Colors System: Uses Command Cards to dictate actions.
  • Scenario-Based Gameplay: Includes 30 historical scenarios with unique victory conditions.
  • Simplified Rules: Easy to learn and understand.
  • Objective: Capture a given number of your opponent’s flags before they capture yours.
  • Turn Structure: Consists of playing a Command Card, giving orders, moving, battling, and drawing a new card.
  • Combat Mechanics: Attacks involve rolling Battle Dice, with each symbol on the dice corresponding to a specific unit type or action (e.g., infantry, cavalry, artillery, or retreat).

    Player Experience

    Battle Cry offers a fast-paced and engaging experience with a blend of strategy, tactics, and historical flavor. Players command armies composed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, navigating the challenges of different terrains and historical scenarios. The game is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels, making it suitable for casual gamers and families.

    Pros

  • Accessible Rules: Simple and easy to understand.
  • Historical Flavor: Captures the essence of the American Civil War without overwhelming complexity.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the Command and Colors system ensure varied gameplay.
  • Award-Winning: Won the 2001 International Gamers Award for General Strategy, 2-Player category.

    Cons

  • Simplicity for Grognards: May be too simple for experienced wargamers who prefer detailed historical simulations.
  • Setup Time: Some scenarios can be time-consuming to set up.

    Personal Thoughts on Battle Cry

    Battle Cry is ideal for those who want to dip into historical wargaming without being overwhelmed by complex rules. It’s a great introduction for new players and offers a fun, strategic experience for those interested in the American Civil War. While it may not satisfy the cravings of hardcore wargamers, it provides an enjoyable and educational experience for a wide range of players.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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