The good folks at GMT ask Richard to write a few lines to summarize the changes from Battle Cry that you will find in GMT’s Commands & Colors: American Civil War.
Let me first say there are a few changes, but the number of game enhancements intended to give players a new experience are many.
- The first thing that players will notice right out of the box is that there are 100 scenarios in GMT’s Commands & Colors: American Civil War. That is correct: 100 core-size 9x13 hex battlefield scenarios.
- There is a brand new deck of ACW Combat cards that both armies will use. Combat cards are not a new concept by any means and players that own other Commands & Colors games that feature Combat cards (Tactician cards) are well aware on how these cards will add an element of suspense and will challenge players to coordinate their use in a timely manner. In terms of game play, Combat cards represent leader actions, Civil War battle happenings, or unit abilities. These cards may hinder the opposing army, enhance a player’s units, or may even instantly change the course of a battle.
- There are more Union and Confederate Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery units, and leaders in the game box.
- And did I mention that there are 100 scenarios in Commands & Colors American Civil War? :-)
Rule wise...
Even with all this, GMT’s Commands & Colors: American Civil War at its heart is still not overly complex. Rather, we’ve done our best to selectively and elegantly add gameplay rules and features that enhance the game’s historical feel. The goal was and is to immerse players even more deeply in the battlefield experiences of American Civil War commanders.
Thanks and Enjoy! - Richard Borg (designer)
- An important update to battling is that sabers, when rolled in ranged combat, do not score hits.
- Leaders take on a bigger, more important role during a battle.
- There are cool rules for stragglers and skedaddle.
- Defending units in melee can battle back.
- Cavalry units have the ability to conduct ranged combat.
Even with all this, GMT’s Commands & Colors: American Civil War at its heart is still not overly complex. Rather, we’ve done our best to selectively and elegantly add gameplay rules and features that enhance the game’s historical feel. The goal was and is to immerse players even more deeply in the battlefield experiences of American Civil War commanders.
Thanks and Enjoy! - Richard Borg (designer)
Components:
- Mounted Game Board
- Rule Book
- Scenario Book
- 2 Sticker Sheets
- 4 Punchboards
- 3 Player Aid Cards
- 110 Cards (60 Command Cards, 50 Combat Cards)
- 160 Wooden Blocks
- 6 Plastic Card Holders
- 12 Custom Dice
- 3" Box
Game has made the cut as of 24 October 2026. Hope to see the new version in 2027!