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On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South is a board game set during the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the Union’s attempts to capture Richmond, the Confederate capital. Designed by Nicolás Eskubi and Charles Kibler, this game provides players with a strategic and immersive experience of one of the most important conflicts in American history.

Game Components of On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

  • Hexagon grid game board
  • Unit counters representing Union and Confederate forces
  • Rulebook with detailed instructions
  • Dice for combat resolution
  • Reference charts for easy gameplay

How To Setup On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

  • Place the game board on a flat surface.
  • Sort the unit counters by faction and place them in their designated starting areas.
  • Determine who will play as the Union and who will play as the Confederates.
  • Follow the setup instructions in the rulebook to place initial units and markers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The gameplay of On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South revolves around strategic movement and combat. Players must carefully plan their actions to outmaneuver and defeat their opponent’s forces. The game objective varies depending on the scenario being played, but typically involves capturing key locations or eliminating enemy units.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Engaging historical theme
  • Well-designed components
  • Strategic depth that rewards careful planning
  • Replay value due to variable setup and scenarios

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for new players
  • Lengthy playtime may not be suitable for casual gamers

Personal Thoughts on On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South offers a satisfying blend of historical accuracy and strategic gameplay. The hexagon grid and variable phase order mechanics add depth to the experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the challenges faced by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. While the game may not be suitable for everyone due to its complexity and length, it is a must-have for history buffs and wargame enthusiasts. The build quality is excellent, and the pricing is fair for the value provided. Availability of both new and used copies ensures that players can easily find a copy to enjoy. For those who enjoy historical wargames and are looking for a challenging and immersive experience, On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South is definitely worth your time. However, casual gamers or those seeking a quick gameplay experience may want to consider other options.

Game Components of On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

  • Maps: Four revised maps painted by Charlie Kibler, featuring the latest GCACW terrain types such as hills, swamps, dams, trails, and landings. New map areas cover the western portion of the Petersburg battles.
  • Counters: Redesigned military unit counters by Charlie Kibler, using modern graphical treatment while maintaining the style of the original games in the series.
  • Rule Books: Updated GCACW Standard Basic Game Rules (version 1.5), Advanced Game rules, On to Richmond rule book, Grant Takes Command rule book, and Petersburg Campaign rule book.
  • Scenarios: Twenty-five Basic Game scenarios and seven Advanced Game campaigns, including one new Basic Game scenario and extensively revised Advanced Game campaign scenarios.
  • Dice: Two standard Multi-Man Publishing dice.
  • Player Aid Cards: Six player aid cards and charts and tables on medium-heavy cardstock.
  • Off Map Theater Display: An off-map display showing how the maps lay out.

    How To Setup On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

    Setting up the game involves unpacking the various components, including the maps, counters, rule books, and player aid cards. The game includes three separate campaign books: On to Richmond, Grant Takes Command, and the Petersburg Campaign. Each campaign has its own set of maps and counters, which need to be organized and laid out according to the specific scenario being played. The maps have been reoriented to mesh together better, and the off-map display helps in understanding the overall layout of the campaigns.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Campaign-Based Gameplay: Players engage in historical campaigns of the American Civil War, using a combination of strategy and tactical decisions.
  • Basic and Advanced Game Rules: The game includes both basic and advanced rules, allowing players to choose the level of complexity they prefer.
  • Map Movement and Combat: Players move units on the maps, engage in battles, and manage resources and leaders to achieve victory.
  • Victory Conditions: Each scenario and campaign has specific victory conditions, such as controlling key locations or inflicting casualties on the enemy.

    Player Experience

    **On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South** offers a deep and immersive experience for players interested in the American Civil War. The game is known for its detailed and historically accurate representation of the campaigns, requiring strategic thinking and tactical execution. Players need to manage units, resources, and leaders effectively to achieve their objectives. The game’s complexity and depth make it appealing to experienced wargamers, but the basic rules provide an entry point for new players as well.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: The game is praised for its accurate portrayal of historical campaigns.
  • Depth and Complexity: Offers a rich and challenging experience for wargamers.
  • Revised and Updated Components: Improved maps, counters, and rules enhance gameplay and balance.
  • Multiple Scenarios and Campaigns: Provides a wide range of play options, extending the game’s replay value.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the detailed rules and mechanics.
  • Setup Time: Requires significant time to set up the game, especially for the larger campaigns.
  • Cost: The game is expensive, priced at $220.00.

    Personal Thoughts on On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South

    This game is ideal for experienced wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate the intricacies of the American Civil War. The detailed rules and historical accuracy make it a standout in the GCACW series. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to wargaming due to its complexity and lengthy setup times. For those willing to invest the time and effort, **On to Richmond II: The Union Strikes South** offers a rewarding and engaging experience.

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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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