The History Channels Civil War: The Battle Of Bull Run

What would happen if a group of hardcore fans, as opposed to professional game designers churning out the next money maker, got together and tried to deliver something from the heart?

What if someone created something based solely on fact/realism and avoided certain exploited liberties (ex: unlimited ammo supplies) that most developers succumb to, in an effort to make the game more fun instead of accurate?

What you get is a labor of love, and something steeped in historical correctness. What you get is Civil War Bull Run Take Command 1861.

Ive played several battle sims over the years. Some have been (attempted) historical re enacted games, while some have been fiction meant more for fun and something different (ex: Starcraft). While I respect the freshness of the latter, I opt for the realism factor when given the choice. The problem, usually, is non enthusiast developers create games based on books and notes, and inevitably leave out subtle nuances or downright distort fact. This game, however, was created by genuine fans and scholars and it shows. That, from a hyper technical perspective, is the only major flaw to this simulation (see the graphics review). Otherwise, it is a war gaming fans dream come true. While there are subtle audio and visual glitches, the game is otherwise a moving snapshot of a major historical event in this countrys foundation.

The Battle(s) of Bull Run took place in Manassas, VA., which is a town I pass everyday on my commute to work. Thanks to this game, it all looks different to me now. Where there is now Starbucks and strip malls was once trails and obscure passages to enter the battlefields from the Civil War. One of the things that sets this game apart is the ability to play it from various perspectives. Also, the creators have left it open for fellow enthusiasts to add to the game as they wish. That, alone, makes the game infinitely deep and the replay value is limitless. You can mod the sounds, terrain and every subtle thing you can imagine. They clearly made this for Civil War buffs who will want to expand this to fit their knowledge of the battle and the Civil War, in general. Though its been a long time since I have played it, I do not recall such depth from the previous legendary CW game Sid Meiers Gettysburg. That game, although very well received by most players, is nothing compared to Bull Run. This is not a clicker game in which you just click your way to victory. This game moves and shifts on you, which keeps you on your toes.