Gettysburg: The First Day (Boxed Edition)

Designer	Steve Carey
Publisher	Revolution Games (II)
Players	1-2
Playtime	60-360 mins
Suggested Age	11 and up
Additional Info	439426/gettysburg-the-first-day http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/439426/gettysburg-the-first-day/forums/63

Volume 12 in the Revolution Games American Civil War Series. Simulates the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Gettysburg: The First Day is an historical portrayal of one of the most monumental engagements of the entire American Civil War. It was a pivotal battle where leaders on both sides had to constantly grapple with a plethora of command and control challenges. Revolution Games’ highly-popular “Blind Swords” system is perfectly suited to depict the extreme chaos of that fateful day.

This is a two player game where one side plays the Union and the other the Confederate. Using the 'Blind Swords' chit pull mechanic to activate brigades randomly. The game also handles very well for players who play both sides as solitaire.

Gettysburg: The First Day adds to the 'Blind Swords' system by adding situational innovations such as; Artillery Barrages, Union temporary CIC's, Rebel Sharpshooters, Buford's dismounted cavalry, and Union breech-loading rifles.

Also included is an optional variant for a variable march of two powerful formations, Confederate R.H. Anderson's Division and Union Slocum's 12th Corps.

This is not a so-called "monster" game; instead, Gettysburg: The First Day was designed to be readily accessible for all players whether they are familiar with the game series or not. Tense and comparatively quick-playing, varied strategy options offer excellent opportunities for replayability.