Wanted: War Plan-like American Civil War game
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2026 9:20 pm
1. Strategic Command American Civil War is an interesting and fun game. Unfortunately, it doesn't capture the fluid nature of the battlefield then. It devolves to a WW 1 linear front.
2. War Plan and War Plan Pacific are the best Operational Level games I've ever played. I'm an old guy who grew up on Avalon Hill games when they were new, worked with models and simulations in the Army and as a Defense Contractor, and played many commercial tactical to strategic computer games since the early 90s. The War Plan model for dealing with economics, key drivers - oil, transportation infrastructure, and technology is excellent. it is perfect for the ACW.
3. The game would have to capture the concentration of forces in relatively small battlespaces and their ability to move close to one another without contact. The Gettysburg Campaign is a good example of what is needed. For example, the CSA Corps, division, and brigade-size elements would be dispersed across what is about 14 hexes in SC ACW and be able to concentrate into a single hex. 7 US Corps would have to be able to concentrate into the same hex. Then resolve the battle with algorithms that give substantial weight to Commanders. Perhaps give the players the option to choose defense or offense or a small menu of defensive and offensive options.
It would be an awesome game.
2. War Plan and War Plan Pacific are the best Operational Level games I've ever played. I'm an old guy who grew up on Avalon Hill games when they were new, worked with models and simulations in the Army and as a Defense Contractor, and played many commercial tactical to strategic computer games since the early 90s. The War Plan model for dealing with economics, key drivers - oil, transportation infrastructure, and technology is excellent. it is perfect for the ACW.
3. The game would have to capture the concentration of forces in relatively small battlespaces and their ability to move close to one another without contact. The Gettysburg Campaign is a good example of what is needed. For example, the CSA Corps, division, and brigade-size elements would be dispersed across what is about 14 hexes in SC ACW and be able to concentrate into a single hex. 7 US Corps would have to be able to concentrate into the same hex. Then resolve the battle with algorithms that give substantial weight to Commanders. Perhaps give the players the option to choose defense or offense or a small menu of defensive and offensive options.
It would be an awesome game.