This is the the wargame that got me hooked. I never played Axis and Allies or Risk when I was younger - just this. I read the excellent history booklet that came with the game and never failed to get an A on any test on the Civil War.

Components: The pieces are plastic, blue for the North and grey for the South (uh, I guess that was obvious). There are three unit types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. There is no difference in strength of units from the North or South, a cannon is worth the same for both armies, etc. The board is sturdy, with easily understood graphics - the map isn't a great work of art. It seems to be designed for each of reading, which was succesful. There are some small pictures around the map which add a good "feel" to the board.

Gameplay: The gameplay isn't a simulation of actual Civil War combat, but is challenging and requires careful planning. Combat takes place between groups of pieces in long, single file lines facing each other. (Columns, not rows) The combat strength of each line is added up, the higher number wins - taking the last piece in line and "jumping" over the opposing line and removing the losing units from the board. (except for the cannon, it doesn't jump) Movement is by dice, but can be accelerated by using railroad connections. Poor rolling is much more damaging than an opponent who rolls well.

The game starts with fixed starting positions for all the units. This requires players to work to concentrate their forces. While this game is not a simulation of Civil War tactics or strategy, the effort to form the combat formations required by the game's mechanic does give a nice feel for the coordination required for combat between large armies. So the combat system does makes sense, kind of.....

Overall: This is a light wargame. With all the good and bad things that go along with that. No replacement/reinforcements mean that the game can be quick. This is especially important if you can't roll very well for movement. While I love this game and think that the mechanics do provide a fun challenge, most wargamers will be frustrated by the odd system. Dice haters will hate the dice-based movement since it does greatly effect the gameplay - mostly if you roll poorly.