5 Games Set During The American Civil War

Despite some of gaming’s greatest titles revolving around historical wars, the American Civil War has always been skipped over, oftentimes missing the correct elements to boast a gripping experience. Regardless of the conflict lasting a mere four years, the affair was that of a gruesomely tragic one, and if depicted with authenticity, video game developers could harness this battle in order to create an immersive insight into the horrors that occurred.

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Boasting a vast array of game types nowadays, the American Civil War has been utilized by a stretched variety. Whether a grand strategy single-player title or an FPS (first-person shooter), this consequential event has cemented itself within modern gaming, posing as a definitive basis for these highly acclaimed titles.

5

The History Channel Civil War: A Nation Divided

Widely renowned for their in-depth inspection of the past, A&E Network’s History Channel has granted countless individuals with knowledge they previously hadn’t known, consequently resulting in the American Civil War masterpiece that is Civil War: A Nation Divided. Unleashed in 2006, under the supervision of the eminent Activision developers, Civil War: A Nation Divided brandished a familiar game-style at the time, being that of first-person shooters.

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Allowing the player to choose their faction within the cold-blooded war, Activision did what they do best by launching their fans within a mesmerizing setting, poised to battling their way to freedom. Despite mixed reviews from critics, this title has gained a deserving amount of esteem, notably due to the fresh gameplay, accurate representation of firearms and historic battles, and even the chaotic noises and sounds one might have heard upon the battlegrounds, certifying this title’s position as iconic to American Civil Wargames.

4

Ultimate General: Civil War

Continuing the legacy of American Civil War settings is Game-Labs’ Ultimate General: Civil War, an exceedingly intuitive grand strategy title. With its initial release in 2017, Ultimate General: Civil War boasted a prosperous turnout, appealing to a wide range of gamers looking to enthrall themselves within this grisly battle. Employing their extended knowledge on the four-year affair, Game-Labs was able to accommodate to devotees of the genre, revolving their embellished title around tactical, real-time decision-making as a means of achieving victory.

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Delegating troops and armored equipment is only one of the meticulous tasks fans must undertake within this decorated title, as factors such as positioning, counter-attacks, and the selection of specific firearms is also critical to the player’s triumph. In terms of accuracy, Ultimate General: Civil War hits the nail on its head, as the amount of infantry granted within each battle is the exact number that headed into the cataclysmic American Civil War in real life, ultimately posing for a factual gameplay experience. This title certainly doesn’t fall short of the mark, cementing itself as an icon among strategy-based war games.

3

Battle Cry Of Freedom

With nearly a decade in development, Battle Cry Of Freedom took the American Civil War scene by storm, grippingly immersing their players on the battlefield in 2022. Despite their lengthy production cycle, Flying Squirrel Entertainment went far and beyond with this multiplayer combat title, placing their fans directly in the heart and soul of the gruesome affair, poised to mercilessly attack their enemies.

Adhering to the exact weaponry, attire, and strategies used during the war, Battle Cry Of Freedom accurately depicts the callous carnage caused by both the Confederates and the Union. However, choosing a side within this beloved game is an opportunity granted to the player, allowing them to decide who they wish to carry out their ruthless, coordinated, and strategic incursions on the opposing party. Heavily reliant on communication and strongly advised to partake in role-playing scenarios, Battle Cry Of Freedom relishes in its dedicated fan base, strengthening the American Civil War genre’s name.

2

Sid Meier’s Gettysburg!

Dominantly rooted within the strategy name, and highly acclaimed across a vast array of titles, is Sid Meier’s development studio, Firaxis Games. Donning a decorated set of franchises, Sid Meier’s Gettysburg! was an evident attempt at simultaneously ruling the American Civil War and strategy genre at once, debuting to devoted fans in 1997. Despite notably being one of the earliest video game adaptations of the American Civil War, Sid Meier’s Gettysburg! did not stray away from creating an immensely tactical warfare experience, offering real-time decision-making and accurate portrayals of the heinous Gettysburg battle.

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Recounting the day-to-day accounts of the grisly affair, Sid Meier’s Gettysburg! was renowned for its online capability, grouping players into the North or South sides in order to work together for the ultimate triumph over one another. Whether fans stick to the assigned string of scenarios or the totally random ones, Firaxis Games’ innovative breath of fresh air to the genre struck commercial success and domination over the market, posing for one of the most cherished American Civil War strategy games the beloved genre has witnessed.

1

Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865)

Maintaining the theme of real-time strategy titles is Oliver Keppelmüller’s Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865), released to the public in 2020. Those who have dutifully followed and engrossed themselves within strategy-based games are able to relish in this title’s authenticity, realism, and downright playability, as its tactical nature steps into a new realm of army, weaponry, and overall nation management. Brandishing an exceedingly unique overseeing dashboard within the game, fans are able to enthrall themselves with this highly accurate campaigned title.

Seen as a threat to all other American Civil War games, Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865) thrusts its players into the middle of the battleground, entrusted to lead their military into a victorious feat. Allowing their fans to recruit and organize their armies is only one of the numerous available permissions granted in Oliver Keppelmüller’s exclusive title, as real commanding figureheads during the American Civil War can be utilized in battle, ordering strategically epic attacks to be carried out. Harnessing the power of entire battalions and gradually conquering more and more land has allured countless players to this title’s reign.

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