When it comes to gaming each of us has their own favourite period which they return to over and over again. Being somewhat fond of the American Civil War period myself when this latest offering from TalonSoft arrived I instantly volunteered myself for the task of reviewer, just for a change. I didn't actually manage to review Gettysburg or Shiloh since other members volunteered for the task. Each addition to the series seems to contain improvements over its predecessor which not only provides even better entertainment but actually leads on to pondering whatever can they do next to make it even better. I have actually managed to play all the ACW games and with no review to consider have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

This is the fifth game in the Battleground series which looks and sounds every bit as good as its predecessors, in fact I personally think the maps are better. This game has background music, which is especially pleasing for me, as it contains tunes by Bobby Horton who plays, where possible, on the period instruments. This really added to the atmosphere giving me a feeling of really being there.

A number of his recordings were used in the excellent TV series Civil War which was on a while ago. This, I believe is a shining example of one group of talented people seeking out another talented and dedicated person to provide that extra something which really enhances the product. The Battleview ™ map system provides the player with what I consider to be the best isometric rendition I have yet seen in a PC game. The actual artwork of the maps shows yet again that the TalonSoft team are a group of dedicated professionals whose dedication and attention to detail are making the improvements in each successive game.

For those of you who have never played a Battleground game, or have only played either Ardennes or Gettysburg, I would recommend that you review the user guide thoroughly and then play one of the smaller scenarios to get the feel of the game. An especially nice feature is the recording of battles and replaying of same which, of course, enables you to review your greatest triumphs (or tragic disasters), very handy.

The installation is, as expected, trouble free and the facilities for PBEM (Play by Email), head to head, null modem and solo are all present. I found that doing a compact install caused some time lags on the map loading, with the full battles especially, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you have severe space constraints. The typical install (85 megabytes) is far superior for the full battles. Obviously if you cut out optional sound and video clips this will ease matters especially with regard to slower CD-ROM drives. The minimum configuration is 20386/DX33 chip, Windows 3.1or 95, double speed CD-ROM, SVGA, sound and 8MB of RAM.

The game covers the set-piece battle between General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and George B. McClellan's Federal Army of the Potomac near Sharpsburg Maryland on 17th September 1862, which is titled as Antietam (Union name) or Sharpsburg (Rebel name) dependant upon your personal preference. As an added bonus the designers have included the prior battle of Stone Mountain, which took place on 14th September 1862 and formed part of the same campaign. In all you have two full battles, 14 historical scenarios and 7 "what if" scenarios which is plenty to keep you enthralled for many hours. [Days, Graham, Days!]

What really impressed me this time was the way the games engine simulated both the particular battles and the commanders. When compared with eye witness accounts and available historical evidence and analyses the game simulation demonstrates an eerily and uncanny accuracy, someone sure did some serious research.

As an example let me take a look at the melee rules. These take full account of the strengths and weaknesses of the weapons types in use and add the deadly nature of an ACW melee at this period of the war. It did not actually consist of hand to hand combat but of volley fire between opposing lines, often at less than 25 yards, with the side who broke off first becoming the loser even if lack of ammunition was the reason. It is worth remembering that the victor in these encounters quite often suffered higher casualties than the loser.

Regular players of the series will be pleased to know that the basic system remains intact so those of you familiar with previous games will have no trouble getting straight into playing this one. The AI is still capable of the odd erratic manoeuvre, a human trait {OOPS - I forgot we don't make mistakes}.. At least it offers a random spanner in the works rather like our solo mechanisms do just to keep you from getting too self-assured.

Whether you are an ACW stalwart or just a gamer looking for a really good game this has got to be in the category 'very highly recommended'. Someone once said 'when you are onto a good thing stick with it' well here is an example of a very good thing and I for one hope that TalonSoft will do just that. There are lots more ACW battles, and Napoleon fought a few aside from Waterloo, might even manage the War of 1812, if we ask nicely. Well done TalonSoft keep them coming. [Having read Graham's review and took on board his advice, I had a go and can also recommend this game bearing in mind ACW is not my period. I also loved the music and noticed that certain Irish folk songs were given an American slant during the conflict. Excellent value for your hard earned hobby money! Well, I reckon TalonSoft have now got it just about right to start on a SAMURAI game. Subtle hint to Alison and Ben, as per usual. Does anyone do a Samurai computer game? Please let me know. Kenn]

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