Campaign Overland is, in my opinion, a very confusing title overall. The game includes some fun scenarios and some very nice maps, but also some very disappointing setups and others with glaring errors. I have heard different theories as to "what went wrong" with this release. But the end result is a title that feels disjointed. It's a shame. Just trying to find balanced and fun scenarios to recommend for this title can be difficult. I think I am harder on this title than any other. I admit it. I had high hopes for Overland and my expectations were not fully met. The one undeniable bright side to Overland is the custom scenarios which are often made by utilizing the maps in this game. It is worth purchasing for that reason alone.

One trait that many people have is to open a title, find the map with the most men on it, and start to play. Because, I guess, more men equals more fun. If that is what you are looking for, you will love this title. It has some of the largest battles in the entire WDS Civil War series on it in terms of manpower involved. But those scenarios, like many others in Overland, require critical examination beforehand to determine whether you wish to invest your personal time into fighting them out. Some scenarios, which look good when you first open them, soon begin to crumble apart with closer scrutiny.

If a scenario is not listed here it is not because I didn't look at it. I view them all and try to envision how they will progress. I am not always right and there might be some good scenarios on the title not listed here. But I highly encourage you to fully examine any scenario on this game before playing it. Check the numbers, positioning, the releases, reinforcements, and victory conditions. You will be glad you took the time to do this as it might save you from accepting a battle in a scenario you have no chance of winning in. As an example of what I mean, check out scenario 202-640508. This scenario looks very fun and interesting when you first open it up. But once you begin to check all the variables you will notice large flaws. One Rebel corps is fixed in place on day one while the rest of the army is forced to abandon them to guard other objectives far away. Then, once released, the Rebel corps has 10,000 enemy troops arrive in their rear and in a position to do great damage to them. So be wary of all Overland scenarios not listed here and give them a good examination.

CONTENT

27 Total Scenarios Recommended

10 Rated "Excellent"

NOTE: ALL NUMBERS HERE REFLECT THE ACTIVE STRENGTHS OF THE ARMIES. THESE NUMBERS DO NOT INCLUDE PERMANENTLY FIXED UNITS.

174 Turns

001-631127 - (H) Mine Run Campaign_11

My Rating: Okay

93,248

72,574

15,434

5,240

262

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

50,102

38,508

7,534

4,060

203

Description - Late November 1863 found the Army of the Potomac, under General George Meade, concentrated near Culpeper, Va. Opposing them, in defensive positions along the southern banks of the Rapidan River, was General Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Ruling out a frontal assault against the Rapidan line, Meade decided to cross the Rapidan at the lower fords, and by prompt movement, turn the Confederate right flank and compel them to give battle on ground not previously selected or prepared. Success of this movement would allow the Union army to fall on Lee's army before it could concentrate and thus so cripple it as to render more certain the success of the final struggle. Mine Run 1 pdt [20 min Turns]

Analysis - This battle is a real grinder. With four long days to fight, this one seems to go on for at least one day too long. A harder battle for the Confederates to win because of its length.

36 Turns

003-631130 - (H) Mine Run _11

My Rating: Okay

80,817

71,874

3,043

5,900

295

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

50,102

38,508

7,534

4,060

203

Description - After two days of maneuvering and sporadic fighting, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia had withdrawn behind to the heights west of Mine Run and began to fortify its position. Approaching this position on the evening of Nov. 29th, General Meade determined to launch attacks on both flanks early the next morning. At earliest dawn, General Warren, who was to lead the attack on the Rebel right flank, determined that the Confederates had so strengthened their defenses overnight as to make them unassailable. Warren called off his attack and Meade reluctantly agreed to cancel the day's planned assaults. The situation was a stalemate and the Union army returned to its starting positions north of the Rapidan River. So ended the Mine Run Campaign. But what if Warren had attacked as planned on the morning of the 30th? Would the attack have resulted in the slaughter that Warren feared? Or would the Army of the Potomac have successfully assailed the Confederate position and destroyed the Army of Northern Virginia?

Analysis - This is an interesting setup and I include it here simply as a courtesy for those who really want to test their skills. Both sides are set up with nearly all of their men on the front lines at the start making this a very "set-piece" battle.

24 Turns

004-631130 - (H) Mine Run _11

My Rating: Good

80,817

71,874

3,043

5,900

295

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

50,102

38,508

7,534

4,060

203

Description - After two days of maneuvering and sporadic fighting, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia had withdrawn behind to the heights west of Mine Run and began to fortify its position. Approaching this position on the evening of Nov. 29th, General Meade determined to launch attacks on both flanks early the next morning. At earliest dawn, General Warren, who was to lead the attack on the Rebel right flank, determined that the Confederates had so strengthened their defenses overnight as to make them unassailable. Warren called off his attack and Meade reluctantly agreed to cancel the day's planned assaults. The situation was a stalemate and the Union army returned to its starting positions north of the Rapidan River. So ended the Mine Run Campaign. But what if Warren had attacked as planned on the morning of the 30th? Would the attack have resulted in the slaughter that Warren feared? Or would the Army of the Potomac have successfully assailed the Confederate position and destroyed the Army of Northern Virginia?

Analysis - This is the same setup as 003 except that the turns are reduced to 24.

12 Turns

102-640505 - (H) Brock Intersection_A2

My Rating: Good

14,346

13,676

430

240

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

8,819

8,579

240

Description - Lee pushed his army into the Wilderness to disrupt the Union Army's scheme of maneuver, and he succeeded. Rushing east on the Plank Road, A P Hill's Third Corps fought a running battle with the 5th New York Cavalry, and as the scenario opens is about to capture the Brock Road Intersection, which would have split the Union Army, with Hancock's Second (US) Corps isolated to the south. Realizing the emergency, Meade sent three brigades of General George Getty's Division of the Sixth Corps to secure this vital objective. Getty must hold on until Hancock, recalled from his projected sweep around the Confederate south flank, can come to the rescue. (Overland 2 pdt 20min/800men/half firepower) 12 Turns "Enhanced" AI

Analysis - This is the second of the Brock Intersection options. There is just enough time for the players to fight, mix it up, and make a quick strategic move or two before time expires. If you are looking for a bloody, fast, and fun game... here you go.

15 Turns

103-640505 - (H) Brock Intersection_A3

My Rating: Good

14,346

13,676

430

240

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

8,819

8,579

240

Description - (Extended from 12 to 15 turns) Lee pushed his army into the Wilderness to disrupt the Union Army's scheme of maneuver, and he succeeded. Rushing east on the Plank Road, A P Hill's Third Corps fought a running battle with the 5th New York Cavalry, and as the scenario opens is about to capture the Brock Road Intersection, which would have split the Union Army, with Hancock's Second (US) Corps isolated to the south. Realizing the emergency, Meade sent three brigades of General George Getty's Division of the Sixth Corps to secure this vital objective. Getty must hold on until Hancock, recalled from his projected sweep around the Confederate south flank, can come to the rescue. (Overland 2 pdt 20min/800men/full firepower) 15 Turns "Enhanced" AI.

Analysis - This third option for the Brock Intersection battle is the best of the three I argue. Here we have the same exact setup as in the scenario above except that the battle lasts three turns longer. This extra hour of play time allows for a little more maneuvering and battle. This setup practically guarantees a bloody battle where both sides are challenged and have to make wise choices. A fun setup and worth playing.

67 Turns

109-640505 - Wilderness1_05

My Rating: Good

100,629

95,181

3,208

2,240

112

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

51,952

47,262

350

4,340

217

Description - The intent of this scenario is to reduce the Wilderness to the basics. There is little option for either player but to drive straight on, a classic bare-knuckle showdown. The "casualty budget" which is derived from the historic outcome, is 18,000 for the Union and 10,000 for the Confederates. An option is for players to end the battle and determine a winner when one side or the other reaches their budget figure. The pdt is configured for 30 minute turns and with a reduced weapons effectiveness and range.

Analysis - There are plenty of options if you want to refight the Battle of the Wilderness. All of the options though have flaws and reasons to not play them. That includes this one. But this option limits the action and eliminates a lot of the extra space and sideshows that the others include. It eliminates the Federal cavalry and artillery reserve (neither of which saw action in the battle) and this creates a more violent and brutal infantryman's fight. Will the Federals miss their artillery advantage? Maybe. But on a map as wooded as this I don't think artillery will matter all that much.

Wilderness Options

12 Turns

112-640505 - Warren's Attack_A1

My Rating: Excellent

16,770

16,650

120

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

11,593

11,513

Description - 640505_Warren's Attack_Lee pushes Ewell into the Wilderness to disrupt Grant's push for the open terrain to the southeast. Ewell digs in across the turnpike, and Warren's Fifth Corps is ordered to attack, in the first major action of the Battle of the Wilderness and the Overland Campaign. Overland. Warren attacks alone. Overland1 PDT 20min/1000 men

Analysis - A really nice setup here! This short action-packed scenario is sure to please those who want to jump right into a heated battle. Neither side has much artillery here so this will be an infantry fight.

12 Turns

115-640505 - Warren's Attack_A4

My Rating: Good

16,770

16,650

120

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

11,593

11,513

Description - 640505_Warren's Attack(alt)_Lee pushes Ewell into the Wilderness to disrupt Grant's push for the open country to the southeast. Ewell digs in across the turnpike, and Warren's Fifth Corps is ordered to attack, in the first major action of the Battle of the Wilderness and the Overland Campaign. Overland2 PDT 20min/800men/reduced firepower Best played as Union against Confederate AI.

Analysis - In this alternate scenario to Warren's Attack the Confederate brigade of Gordon's arrives a little earlier and the stacking limit of hexes is reduced to 800. If you prefer these alterations to scenario 112-640505 then give it a shot. It has the same setup as the other.

12 Turns

123-640506 - Gordon's Attack_A1

My Rating: Good

28,867

27,067

1,800

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

16,238

15,018

1,220

Description - The right flank of the Union Army in the Wilderness was "in the air" which meant that it was not supported by reserves or anchored on any natural obstacle. A year earlier that very same situation was exploited to the utmost by Stonewall Jackson. Now his corps had the same opportunity, but its commander was long gone, replaced by LtGen Richard Ewell. Brigadier John B Gordon detected the vulnerability, but his superior, MajGen Jubal Early demurred in attacking, and Ewell deferred to Early. The story goes that Lee, upon hearing of the opportunity, ordered that an attack be made. Whether or not the story is true, the slashing surprise attack earned Gordon a promotion and Lee went to great lengths to wangle a division for him. On the Union side, three brigades of untried infantry, one under the command of the loser of the Battle of Olustee, Florida, Truman Seymour, lounge in their trenches, far away from the epic battle on the plank road, waiting for the North to win so they can get "On to Richmond." Some will get there sooner than they expect--as prisoners of war. Revised. This scenario includes Marshall's Bde, 9th Corps, which according to J M Priest was present on the north flank. NPS maps show the bde south of Orange Pike. Overland1 PDT Full firepower and range.

Analysis - This is a setup and a battle which is pretty interesting. It lasts only 12 turns but they are an interesting 12 turns. The Federals have far more men on the battlefield for sure. But they are very poorly rated. Luckily, for them, they are on the defensive here.

9 Turns

127-640506 - Burnside's Assault

My Rating: Good

9,734

9,334

400

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

6,134

Description - Ambrose, ordered to be up by daybreak, finally prepares his assault on Lee's center, which was vulnerable at daybreak, but is considerably less so no... [Yes, that is the entire description.]

Analysis - Another short and sweet little scenario. Probably a bit too tough for the Federals though.

24 Turns

128-640506 - Hancock's Dawn Attack_A1

My Rating: Excellent

53,159

52,079

1,080

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

32,507

30,287

2,020

101

Description - 640506_Hancock's Dawn Attack(alt)_General Hancock's Union Second Corps attacked the weary Confederates of A.P Hill's Third Corps at dawn on May 6th. Hancock's troops overwhelmed the Rebels and drove them back to the Widow Tapp's Farm. Only the timely arrival of General Longstreet's 1st Corps prevented a total rout of the Confederate right wing.

Analysis - A very intriguing battle! In this matchup you have two forces smashing into one another along a narrow road with little room to maneuver. The Confederate gain considerable strength at the start and defend large objective hexes with clear fields of fire. The Federals have more men and enough turns to utilize the thick woods to attempt a turning movement or two. If you are looking for a bloody mid-sized scenario then this one is for you!

8 Turns

204-640508 - Laurel Hill_11

My Rating: Good

10,950

10,470

480

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

3,938

2,740

478

720

Description - The first action of the Battle of Spotsylvania was a meeting engagement between Warren's Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac and Anderson's First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. Following the Battle of the Wilderness, Meade sought to maneuver around Lee's right flank, and his objective was Spotsylvania Courthouse. Anderson's Corps was pulled out of the Wilderness and had the same objective. Unknown to the two sides at the time, it was a race to see who could get there first, with blue and gray running to occupy the flimsy breastworks (brushpiles) thrown up by JEB Stuart's jaded cavalry. Anderson won the race, but it was a near-run thing. Scripted--best played as CSA vs Union AI.

Analysis - This short action is surprisingly a fun one. No time to think grand thoughts… just to fight. NOTE: The Federals can reach the Rebel artillery on turn one if they march in column up the road. A House Rule with no melee in column is advisable here to prevent that.

75 Turns

221-640512 - Spots_A3

My Rating: Good

90,833

84,674

1,719

4,440

222

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

44,402

37,622

3,660

3,120

156

Description - May 12 1864 may have been the darkest day for the Army of Northern Virginia between Bull Run and Appomattox. After fighting Grant and Meade to a stand-off in the Wilderness, Lee blocked their next move here at Spotsylvania. Bouyed by Emory Upton's successful breach of Lee's lines, Grant said, "A brigade today--we'll try a corps tomorrow. On the dark foggy morning of May 12 Hancock's Second Corps rolled forward like a steamroller and smashed through the mule-shoe salient, capturing two generals, twelve guns and five thousand prisoners. The famous Stonewall Brigade was wrecked. Only hard fighting by Lee's reserves, led by General John B Gordon, staved off total defeat. The armies fought all day in the mud and the rain as the Confederates strove to construct a new defensive line across the base of the salient. The armies are poised. You are in command. Can you emulate the South's valiant efforts, or as the Union can you destroy the remainder of the Army of Northern Virginia. Spotsylvania with Campaign Spotsylvania OOB and maximum defensive configuration. Confederate units were unprepared to meet this assault, with faulty security and dampened charges in their muskets. This is simulated with the disordered and out of ammo status of most units.

Analysis - Are you looking for a bloodbath from turn one? If you are… here you go!

51 Turns

222-640512 - Spots_A4

My Rating: Good

90,833

84,674

1,719

4,440

222

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

44,402

37,622

3,660

3,120

156

Description - May 12 1864 may have been the darkest day for the Army of Northern Virginia between Bull Run and Appomattox. After fighting Grant and Meade to a stand-off in the Wilderness, Lee blocked their next move here at Spotsylvania. Bouyed by Emory Upton's successful breach of Lee's lines, Grant said, "A brigade today--we'll try a corps tomorrow. On the dark foggy morning of May 12 Hancock's Second Corps rolled forward like a steamroller and smashed through the mule-shoe salient, capturing two generals, twelve guns and five thousand prisoners. The famous Stonewall Brigade was wrecked. Only hard fighting by Lee's reserves, led by General John B Gordon, staved off total defeat. The armies fought all day in the mud and the rain as the Confederates strove to construct a new defensive line across the base of the salient. The armies are poised. You are in command. Can you emulate the South's valiant efforts, or as the Union can you destroy the remainder of the Army of Northern Virginia. Spotsylvania with Campaign Spotsylvania OOB and maximum defensive configuration. Confederates surmised an attack was coming and were ready and waiting.

Analysis - This is probably as good of a set up as you will find at Spotsylvania. But that's not saying much. This is going to be an absolute massacre within 3 turns for both players. Luckily the scenario is only 51 turns.

33 Turns

225-640514 - Myers Hill_A1

My Rating: Good

83,757

78,763

1,194

3,800

190

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

41,380

37,480

980

2,920

146

Description - The armies fought to a bloody stalemate on May 12 1864. A massive assault, spearheaded by Hancock's Second Corps and ultimately reinforced by units from every corps in the Union Army, was stopped only by the superhuman efforts of Ramseur, Gordon and Lee. Again Lee's men stop him from personally leading an assault. God knows they cannot spare him. Finally, quivering in the mud and gore after over twelve hours of non-stop fighting, they do stop. It is a time of decision for U S Grant. "Fight it out on this line if it takes all summer," he had said. After a day of rest on May 13, Grant begins a maneuver that will be repeated many times. His rightmost corps, the Fifth and Sixth, are pulled from the line and sent on a night march behind the rest of the army to come up against Lee's south flank, with orders to attack at first light, May 14. It cannot be done on schedule. The mud is too thick, the men too tired. Lee for his part can only watch, and be ready to react to his adversary's move. For once the Lee intuition fails him, almost with disastrous results. Smaller map than Myers Hill A9.

Analysis - A smaller Spotsylvania map and one with just 33 turns. There is not a lot of room to maneuver here but the Federals have more than twice as many men to attempt to break Lee's lines.

34 Turns

229-640516 - DB_A!

My Rating: Good

25,668

22,998

1,100

1,560

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

19,879

18,039

1,100

740

Description - After ineffectual maneeuvering and skirmishing for almost two weeks, Ben Butler finally pushed his army north toward Drewry's Bluff, the Confederate bastion guarding Richmond from the south. From 11-14 May, the Federal army crowded in, and finally turned the Confederate right flank of the outer line. The commanders in blue were reluctant, to say the least, to assault the formidable lines in their front. On the other hand, the Confederates had spent the time they were generously given to gather forces from the eastern seaboard, from Charleston and even beyond, and they went from being hopelessly outnumbered on May 5th, to near parity by the middle of the month. Unlike their adversaries, the Confederate commanders are eager to attack. On May 16th, with the dawn's early mist rolling up from the James River, they advanced, and the battle was on! Scripted

Analysis - This medium-sized battle is actually pretty good. The Confederates are outnumbered and outgunned but the Federals are of dismal quality. Can the Confederates attack and rout the very poor Federal troops and gain a victory? Or will the Yanks be able to fall back on their guns and hold off the attacks? Not the most interesting scenario but it is worth a look.

28 Turns

231-640519 - Harris Farm_A1

My Rating: Good

30,574

29,361

573

640

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

26,542

24,303

779

1,460

Description - May 19th, 1864. At dawn, the Confederates realized that the Union forces had disappeared from the area north of the Mule Shoe. Where had they gone? In the afternoon, Lee ordered Ewell to advance his corps from the base of the Mule Shoe salient and find the Union right flank. Not finding any Yankees in his immediate front, Ewell obtained permission to proceed northeast to discover the Union position. Late in the afternoon, Ewell eventually found the Union right around the Harris Farm and a sharp engagement ensued. Grant rushed reinforcements to the area and Ewell eventually found himself outmatched and a long way from support. Darkness eventually halted the contest before the Union forces could take advantage of the isolated Confederate Corps.

Analysis - The Confederates finally have a legit opportunity to attack in this scenario with an expectation of success. Can the Federals hold on and turn the tables on them?

63 Turns

301-640521 - MudTav_A1

My Rating: Excellent

57,720

53,789

1,331

2,600

130

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

21,364

18,318

826

2,220

111

Description - This scenario can be played out historically--and if so there will be practically no fighting. If opponents choose to fight, they will experience a most unpredictable scenario: .If Grant had gone with his original plan for an advance down Telegraph Road to Mud Tavern. Hancock's Corps had pulled out on the night of 20-21 May, headed for Bowling Green. (His route shows as a series of minor objectives headed southeast through Guinea Station.) Once in Bowling Green, Hancock is closer to Richmond than Lee, but he is alone, 20 miles from reinforcements. Grant must decide whether to attack south along Telegraph Road (his original intention) or follow Hancock on the road to Richmond. Depending on his interpretation of Grant's intent, Lee must either hold on around Stanard's Mill, depending upon reinforcements (Pickett's Division) to check Hancock, or he must evacuate the Spotsylvania area and swing his whole army south to meet Grant.

Analysis - Check this out if you are looking for a very challenging chessboard of a matchup. With an extra division it would be a lot more fair for the Rebels though. Still, it is an amusing battle.

70 Turns

303-640523 - N.Anna_A1

My Rating: Excellent

87,581

81,519

2,422

3,640

182

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

43,636

39,866

450

3,320

166

Description - After the grueling battles at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, Grant finally cut loose from the mud and blood to flank Lee's Army out of its trenches. On the evening of May 20, Hancock's 2nd Corps led off, headed roundabout for the North Anna River. Despite a good head start, the federals found themselves losers in the race. On May 22, as they probed toward the river they encountered Confederate outguards shadowing their movements, When they finally crossed the river, they encountered defenses as formidable as anything at Spotsylvania. They had run up against the classic defensive position on the North Anna, so strong and confounding that US Grant declined to fight here. What will YOU do, general???

Analysis - This setup isn't particularly inspiring but it is interesting and should play out nicely. Every decision the commanders make here will be critical to whether they are successful or not.

22 Turns

306-640524 - Strike Them a Blow_A1

My Rating: Good

82,559

76,218

2,621

3,720

186

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

43,296

39,816

520

2,960

148

Description - Mid-afternoon, North Anna, May 24, 1864. Lee's plan to split the Union army had worked. The wedge created by Lee's infamous "inverted V" position had tricked Grant into crossing the North Anna River on either side of the Confederate position. Wright's V Corps and Warren's VI Corps had crossed the North Anna to the west of the entrenched Confederates, while Hancock's II Corps had crossed the river to the east. The Army of Northern Virginia and two river crossings separated between Grant's two wings. Hancock's Corps was in a particularly vulnerable position. But alas, the opportunity to strike a devastating blow at Hancock drifted away into history when Lee became incapacitated by dysentery. But "what if" Lee's health had not kept him from his duties? Lee had nearly 30,000 troops with which he could "strike them a blow". Could he have trapped and destroyed Grant's best Corps at the North Anna River? As an aide to Grant put it, "Lee now had one of those opportunities that occur but rarely in war, but which, in the grasp of a master, make or mar the fortunes of armies and decide the results of campaigns."

Analysis - The Confederates are attacking here. Okay. On paper it looks like a wonderful opportunity to catch Grant unprepared. But in a video game - they know what's coming. A decisive victory here seems unlikely for the Rebels. But the scenario does look like fun and with just 22 turns is worth a play.

70 Turns

307-640523 - N.Anna_A3

My Rating: Excellent

87,581

81,519

2,422

3,640

182

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

43,636

39,866

450

3,320

166

Description - After the grueling battles at the Rapidan and Gordonsville, Grant finally cut loose from the mud and blood to flank Lee's Army out of its trenches at Louisa Courthouse. On the evening of May 20, Hancock's 2nd Corps led off, headed roundabout for the North Anna River. Despite a good head start, the federals found themselves losers in the race. On May 22, as they probed toward Hanover Junction they encountered Confederate outguards shadowing their movements, As they neared the Junction they encountered defenses as formidable as anything on the Rapidan. They had run up against the classic defensive position on the North Anna, so strong and confounding that US Grant declined to fight here. What will YOU do, general???

Analysis - This twist on the North Anna River has the large majority of Federal forces arriving from the west. Can the Rebels hold?

100 Turns

402-640528 - To Cold Harbor_A1

My Rating: Excellent

101,117

81,590

15,207

4,320

216

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

56,064

43,109

7,635

5,320

266

Description - Can you take Richmond? As the legendary Lee, can you hold Richmond against an adversary who has been given a second chance? There is a void in the history of the Overland Campaign. Somehow the armies left the stalemate in the Spotsylvania trenches and showed up two weeks later glaring at each other across fields of blood at Cold Harbor. There is some mention made--occasionally--of an interlude on the North Anna, but by and large little has been written about the maneuvers and skirmishes, the marches and sharp little firefights that punctuated the last two weeks of May, 1864. For the Army of Northern Virginia, these were its last full scale maneuvers until Appomattox, ten months later. For the Army of the Potomac, it was two weeks of missed opportunities. This was its last chance to defeat Lee's army in the open field and avoid the prospect of months of grinding siege warfare. This scenario features a large map, covering terrain far to the east of Cold Harbor.

Analysis - This battle and setup are very open to any strategy the commanders wish to pursue. As a result, it is totally unpredictable.

100 Turns

403-640528 - To Cold Harbor_A2

My Rating: Excellent

101,117

81,590

15,207

4,320

216

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

56,064

43,109

7,635

5,320

266

Description - Can you take Richmond? As the legendary Lee, can you hold Richmond against an adversary who has been given a second chance? There is a void in the history of the Overland Campaign. Somehow the armies left the stalemate in the Spotsylvania trenches and showed up two weeks later glaring at each other across fields of blood at Cold Harbor. There is some mention made--occasionally--of an interlude on the North Anna, but by and large little has been written about the maneuvers and skirmishes, the marches and sharp little firefights that punctuated the last two weeks of May, 1864. For the Army of Northern Virginia, these were its last full scale maneuvers until Appomattox, ten months later. For the Army of the Potomac, it was two weeks of missed opportunities. This was its last chance to defeat Lee's army in the open field and avoid the prospect of months of grinding siege warfare. This scenario features a large map, covering terrain far to the east of Cold Harbor.

Analysis - Everything here is the same as scenario 402. The only difference is the map is a bit smaller. It doesn't effect much but does limit the space for the two armies and makes battle more likely.

16 Turns

409-640601 - Cav_ Cold Harbor_A1

My Rating: Good

13,876

5,406

8,230

240

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

10,499

10,019

480

Description - The fighting of the previous day had drawn the attention of both Grant and Lee. Suddenly the little crossroads of Cold Harbor became very important to both armies. Lee needed to hold it to secure his right flank, while Grant identified it as the best place to link up with reinforcements from the Army of the James.

Analysis - An interesting medium-sized shorter scenario pitting a strong Confederate infantry force against mostly just the Union's Cavalry Corps.

42 Turns

410-640601 - CH1Jun_A1

My Rating: Good

109,296

96,331

8,805

4,160

208

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

55,060

48,752

2,408

3,900

195

Description - The fighting of the previous day had drawn the attention of both Grant and Lee. Suddenly the little crossroads of Cold Harbor became very important to both armies. Lee needed to hold it to secure his right flank, while Grant identified it as the best place to link up with reinforcements from the army of the James. This scenario depicts the historical situation on June 1st, 1864. Sheridan has seized the vital crossroads and, with little more than a division, is tasked to hold the town until infantry arrives. Marching hard to drive out the Yankee horsemen are the First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia reinforced by Hoke's Division, released from Beauregard's army after the Army of the James was bottled up at Bermuda Hundred. Wright's Sixth Corps and Smith's Eighteenth Corps (fresh from Butler's debacle on the James River) are to join Sheridan, but Wright gets a late start and Smith is ordered to New Castle Ferry by mistake. Smith is stuck there until he gets correct instructions. After days of rain, the sun is shining and the roads have dried out, suffocating Wright's column in choking dust. Lee hopes that RH Anderson, with Hoke and the First Corps, at full strength with Pickett's return, can defeat Phil Sheridan's band of cavalry.

Analysis - Thank goodness it only has 42 turns! Worth playing if you don't mind starting with all the cards already dealt and taking over just before the shooting starts.

42 Turns

411-640601 - CH1Jun_A2

My Rating: Excellent

94,907

82,302

8,805

3,800

190

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

55,060

48,752

2,408

3,900

195

Description - This scenario depicts the historical situation on June 1st, 1864. On this day the little hamlet of Cold Harbor became a focalpoint of the campaign. Sheridan has seized the vital crossroadsand, with little more than a division, is tasked to hold thetown until.infantry arrives. Marching hard to drive out theYankee horsemen are the First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginiaand Hoke's Division, released from Beauregard's army after theArmy of the James was bottled up at Bermuda Hundred. Wright'sSixth Corps is to join Sheridan, but Wright gets a late start. After days of rain, the sun is shining and the roads have driedout, soffocating Wright's column in choking dust. Thanks to an overwhelming Confederate victory at Drewry's Bluff, No reinforcements are available from Butler's army of the James. Lee hopes that RH Anderson, with Hoke and the First Corps, at full strength with Pickett's return, can defeat Phil Sheridan's band of cavalry.

Analysis - Wonderful! This setup is the same as scenario 410 except that the Federals are missing the 15,000 reinforcements from the Army of the James. This changes everything and makes it a much fairer contest.

280 Turns

417-640528 - Fourth Epoch

My Rating: Excellent

124,878

104,494

15,544

4,840

242

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

65,062

51,218

8,424

5,420

271

Description - The end of the Overland Campaign. The scenario begins with a very fluid situation that could have turned out very differently. There is a void in the history of the Overland Campaign. Somehow the armies left the stalemate in the Spotsylvania trenches and showed up two weeks later glaring at each other across fields of blood at Cold Harbor. There is some mention made--occasionally--of an interlude on the North Anna, but by and large little has been written about the maneuvers and skirmishes, the marches and sharp little firefights that punctuated the last two weeks of May, 1864. For the Army of Northern Virginia, these were its last full scale maneuvers until Appomattox, ten months later. For the Army of the Potomac, it was two weeks of missed opportunities. This was the last chance for either army to defeat the other in the open field and avoid the prospect of months of grinding siege warfare. 30 minute turns, and large map with more maneuver are to the east. An optional provision is that the enlistments of the Pennsylvania Reserves terminated on May 31. To be accurate, Hartshorne's Veteran Reserve should replace the PA Reserves, which should exit the map to the north or east.

Analysis - This massive battle is actually pretty interesting. With 280 turns 30-minute turns, it is a bit different than the usual scenario. Is it better or worse? That's for you to decide. At 280 turns it is unpredictable and may either be a bloody contest or one spent mostly maneuvering with little real action. You never know.

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