Battle Cry (1999) – Board Game Guys

Battle-Cry (Milton Bradley game)

Battle-Cry is a board game set in the American Civil War that was published by the Milton Bradley Company in 1961 as part of their popular American Heritage series. It was produced as a cooperative effort between Milton Bradley and American Heritage to mark the 100th anniversary of the American Civil War. Battle Cry is a two-player board game between units representing the Union and Confederate armies, with special rules for a 4-player game.

Why is Battle-Cry (Milton Bradley game) Popular?

Battle Cry is significant because it is a historical board game that allows players to experience the American Civil War in a fun and engaging way. It has been praised for its simplicity and fast-paced gameplay, which makes it accessible to both casual and experienced gamers. The game has won several awards, including the 2001 International Gamers Award for General Strategy, 2-Player category.

Game Components of Battle Cry

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

Units: Infantry, cavalry, and artillery figures, along with General figures.

Command Cards: 60 cards that dictate unit actions.

Battle Dice: 8 dice labeled with unit symbols and other outcomes.

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

Game Board: Modular hex grid map.

Rule Book: Includes historical background and scenario setups.

How To Setup Battle Cry

To set up the game, players create the battlefield using the modular terrain tiles, each representing different terrains like forests, hills, and open fields. The specific scenario being played determines the layout of the tiles and the initial placement of units. Each scenario has a detailed setup described in the rule book, complete with historical background and starting configurations.

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 Activation: Order cards allow unit activation, while Special Order cards provide unique manipulations of game mechanics.

Combat Resolution: Attacks are resolved by rolling battle dice, with symbols matching the target unit type resulting in the removal of enemy figures.

Generals: Provide benefits like ignoring retreats and advancing after combat.

Victory Conditions: The player who achieves the required number of victory points by eliminating enemy units wins the game.

Player Experience

**Battle Cry** offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, blending strategy 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, making it suitable for both casual gamers and those new to historical wargaming. Despite its simplicity, it captures the essence of Civil War strategies and dynamics.

Pros

Accessible Rules: Easy to learn and understand, suitable for all skill levels.

Historical Scenarios: Includes 30 scenarios from key battles of the American Civil War.

Modular Terrain: Allows for varied and dynamic battlefield setups.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines strategy, tactics, and historical flavor.

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

Cons

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

Limited Depth: Historical strategies that worked in real life may not be possible in the game.

Personal Thoughts on Battle Cry

**Battle Cry** is an excellent introduction to historical wargaming, particularly for those interested in the American Civil War. It’s a great game for families and casual gamers who want to dip into the world of strategy and tactics without being overwhelmed by complex rules. While it may not satisfy hardcore wargamers, its simplicity and accessibility make it a fun and educational experience for a wide range of players. If you’re looking for a game that balances historical flavor with fast-paced action, **Battle Cry** is an excellent choice.

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