From the first clash at Manassas to the epic confrontation between Lee and Grant, the Brother Against Brother series will bring new levels of historical detail and realism to the battles of the Civil War. This regimental-level game, created by the developers of the award-winning Forge of Freedom, builds on that game’s acclaimed tactical engine, adding scrupulously researched orders of battle, high-quality map graphics, command and control rules reflecting the numerous challenges faced by army commanders, and plenty other features. Beginning with The Drawing of The Sword – which recreates the pivotal opening battles at Manassas , Wilson ’s Creek, Mill Springs and Williamsburg – Brother Against Brother lets you refight the Civil War from start to finish.
The Union stranglehold on the Confederate position west of Wilson's Creek is tightening. Union morale is lowering all along the front, with rising casualties, but all units are still able to fight.
The Conf artillery unit at the center of the fight has been cut off from support.
It will be interesting to play from the Confederate side and have to deal with poorer equipment and lower morale. And to see what difference a higher difficulty rating would have on the Rebel AI. AND to not dither around with Blair's brigade like I did.
At First Lieutenant level, I felt the Rebel AI was good defensively but not aggressive enough offensively. While it did attempt a couterattack, it had supporting units on the east side of Wilson's Creek that were not really needed for defense of that position, and could have been brought over for the fight west of the creek. It could also have been more aggressive against Sigel's Brigade instead of going into a defensive mode and ceding the ground south of the main fight.
This game is absolute fun to play, and offers so many layers of features and detail - but at the same time ease of play - that it will be a long-term source of entertainment and delving into battle history for me.
Thanks for this great AAR. I'm not surprised its fun to play, FOF tactical battle were always that and this, as anticipated, looks an impressively enhanced version with superb maps, tailored battles and that all important command system. Counting down the days to its release.
