The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864 (1972)

Lee vs. Grant: The Wilderness Campaign of 1864

Lee vs. Grant: The Wilderness Campaign of 1864 is a board game that simulates the pivotal 1864 Wilderness Campaign at the divisional level during the American Civil War. It was designed by Joseph Balkoski, with artwork by Rosaria Baldari and Ted Koller, and was published in 1988 by Victory Games, an imprint of Avalon Hill. The game earned two Charles S. Roberts Awards and became the first of a series of games known as the Great Campaigns of the American Civil War.

Why is Lee vs. Grant: The Wilderness Campaign of 1864 Popular?

Lee vs. Grant: The Wilderness Campaign of 1864 is popular among history enthusiasts and wargamers due to its historical accuracy and strategic gameplay. It is considered a classic in the wargaming genre and has won multiple awards.

Game Components of The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864

Game board depicting the Wilderness and surrounding areas

Unit counters for Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and Ulysses S. Grant’s Union Army of the Potomac

Scenario cards for different stages of the campaign

Rulebook

Dice for resolving conflicts

Player aids and charts

How To Setup The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864

Setup involves placing the game board, which is divided into hexagons representing different terrain types. Players then deploy their unit counters according to the scenario being played. The May scenario starts with the Battle at the Wilderness, while the June scenario begins with the situation at Cold Harbor. Players must also familiarize themselves with the rulebook and any specific scenario rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hexagon Grid: The game board is divided into hexagons, each representing a specific area of the battlefield.

Simulation: The game simulates the historical campaign from May 3 through July 1, 1864.

Unit Movement and Combat: Players move and engage units according to specific rules and dice rolls.

Scenarios: Includes historical and optional “what if?” scenarios.

Objective: The Union player aims to advance towards Richmond and Petersburg, while the Confederate player seeks to defend these locations and disrupt Union supply lines.

Player Experience

This game is tailored for history enthusiasts and fans of wargames. It offers a deep and strategic experience, requiring players to understand the historical context and tactical decisions made during the Wilderness Campaign. The game can be quite complex, making it more suitable for experienced players.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously researched and simulates the actual military campaign.

Strategic Depth: Offers complex and challenging gameplay with multiple scenarios.

Educational Value: Players learn about the strategies and outcomes of the Wilderness Campaign.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and optional rules provide high replayability.

Cons

Complexity: The game rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Commitment: Games can be lengthy, often taking around 120 minutes to complete.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on The Wilderness Campaign: Lee vs. Grant, 1864

This game is ideal for those with a strong interest in the American Civil War and wargaming. It provides a detailed and immersive experience, allowing players to explore historical “what if?” scenarios and understand the strategic decisions made during the Wilderness Campaign. However, due to its complexity and time commitment, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames.

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