Gettysburg, by XTR, and Gettysburg, by XTR; An Important Retraction; and a Lengthy Aside

In the past three columns, we've laid out a series of standards as the basis for the criticism in this and future articles. We've tried to separate those things that might be susceptible to an expression of opinion and codify them in such a way that, although you as a reader may not always agree with the critic, you'll at least always know what the criticism comes from. (And, of course, if you should agree with an expressed opinion, mere coincidence is at work.)

This month our first real review takes a look at two games: the same battle (Gettysburg) by the same designer (Chris Perello) by the same publishing company (XTR). The first game, Gettysburg. Lee's Greatest Gamble [Gamble], appeared in the July/August 1992 issue of Command magazine.

The second game, Fateful Lightning.- The Battle of Gettysburg [Lightning], came out in a zip-lock bag during the summer of 1994. Gamble presents the battle at brigade level, with 352-yard hexes, on a 22" by 34" map; Lightning works at regimental level, with 200-yard hexes, on two 22" by 34" maps. The similarities and differences in approach to the two games make for an interesting analysis that will reward any Civil War buff s investment.

The Armchair Gamer Gettysburg, by XTR, and Gettysburg, by XTR; An Important Retraction; and a Lengthy Aside

Introduction
Gamble and the Standards
Lightning and the Standards
How They Play