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American Civil War Games

The American Civil War, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, has become a source of inspiration for many game designers. They have tapped into the conflict's epic scale and sense of danger to create a range of computer and other games. In many of these, players take on the role of a soldier or general on either the Union or Confederate side, while other games seek to educate participants about the war.

Trivia Games
- These games test a participant's knowledge of the personalities and events of the American Civil War and are popular with educators. "Professor Noggin's Civil War Trivia Game" consists of 32 durable quiz cards; players are challenged by the questions on each card to recall facts about the conflict and to determine if certain statements are true or false. "American Civil War Trivia" is an online quiz game that offers 10 questions relating to the generals and famous names of the conflict. There's no time limit and the game rewards players with 15 points for each correct answer.
War and Board Games
- These games tend to be involved and complex, and often use plastic or metal miniatures to represent the action. "The American Civil War" is a strategic board game; players control either Union or Confederate forces, and must build and maintain armies before attacking the troops of their opposition. The "Long Road North" is a set of rules for playing American Civil War battle games, using miniatures on a board or table. The rules cover combat and the role of generals, as well as optional guidelines for sieges and ammunition supplies. These rules have been developed from original notes by the British gaming group the North Hull Wargames Club.
PC Games
- These games are available either through purchasing the title in a store or by downloading it online. "Battleground 5: Antietam" is focused on recreating one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict, with players commanding troops throughout a number of different scenarios, from historical re-enactments to what-if scenarios. Multiplayer gaming is also available.
  
  "American Civil War: Gettysburg" is another title built around a particular legendary battle: Gettysburg. A strategy game, players can choose to control either side and seek victory across 16 scenarios. Players must master different types of unit, such as artillery and cavalry, as well as learn how to take advantage of regiment formations and cover on the battlefield.
Console Games
- American Civil War games have also appeared across a number of video gaming consoles. One of the oldest examples is "North &South," a title for the Nintendo Entertainment System. A turn-based strategy game, "North &South" challenges players to tackle enemy forces by targeting supply lines and positions using various troop units, and allows for single or two-person play. "The History Channel -- Civil War: A Nation Divided" is a title for the Xbox 360 system. It takes the form of a first-person shooter, with players controlling a Union or Confederate soldier through 12 missions, each of which recreates part of a noted historic battle.

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