Gettysburg: The Tide Turns
- July 14, 2017
- Shenandoah Studio
- 8h median play time
Get on Steam"Gettysburg: The Tide Turns" is a hex-based wargame set in the iconic Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The game features a randomized turn system and tactical gameplay, allowing you to command various period units and plan your engagement. With its detailed map and interface, this game provides an immersive and exciting experience for strategy enthusiasts.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a stunning period map and beautiful unit graphics that enhance the overall experience.
- It offers engaging gameplay, especially in head-to-head modes, making it enjoyable for players who appreciate strategy games.
- The game is easy to learn and provides a quick, fun experience, making it accessible for casual gamers and history enthusiasts alike.
- The game is plagued by numerous bugs, including frequent crashes and freezing issues that hinder gameplay.
- The AI is often unresponsive and lacks strategic depth, making it less challenging and engaging when playing against the computer.
- The random chit draw mechanic can lead to frustrating gameplay, as it disrupts strategic planning and can result in unrealistic movements and combat outcomes.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is best experienced in head-to-head modes, either against another player or through solo historical simulations, with mechanics that closely mirror traditional board games. While the game features beautiful visuals and engaging mechanics, players note inconsistencies in combat and chit draw systems that can lead to frustration. Overall, despite some mechanical issues, the game is considered fun and offers varied experiences with each playthrough.
“I must say that the basic mechanics of the board game are nicely put into pixels: the map is beautiful, the chit system is the same, and the movement and combat systems are very similar.”
“So far, I have played battles from both sides and against the AI and solo, with interesting and different battles every time - this is due to the way divisions (CSA) and corps (USA) can be activated and the clever gameplay mechanics.”
“I'm also captured by the chit draw mechanic, which can really complicate trying to coordinate attacks and movements.”
“To sum it up: if you like random gameplay, and I stress random.”
“Combat mechanics are sometimes strange and inconsistent.”
“The mechanics of the game with chit draw are iffy at best; the Confederacy always manages to get 4 draws in a row during key turns. I like the concept but it should be modified so that one side can only get 2 chit activations in a row.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant issues such as frequent freezes and bugs that hinder gameplay, particularly during the campaign. However, others report only minor glitches, suggesting that stability may vary among users. Overall, the game appears to have notable stability concerns that could impact the experience for many players.
“Unfortunately, it is buggy to the point of being almost unplayable.”
“I've yet to get through the 33-turn campaign because it just freezes.”
“Game-ending freezes.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their high quality and effective simplicity, enhancing the tactical experience without overwhelming the player. However, some users noted minor issues, such as inaccuracies in unit positioning and lingering visual effects, which detract from an otherwise solid presentation.
“The graphics presentation is top notch, with the living formations making a great impression on the vintage map.”
“I love the graphics and simplicity of the tactical map and unit configurations.”
“These do a nice job of informing you as to whether you should advance or retreat without complicating the visuals or taking away from the feel of the game.”
“Graphics are only adequate and there are small annoyances in them, such as cannons pointing the wrong way or trails for bombardments remaining on the map after the bombardment is over.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game highly replayable due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and the unique randomization of movement and attack orders, which keeps each playthrough fresh and exciting.
“The system was one of my favorite ones, easy to play, exciting, and very replayable.”
“The unique randomization of order to move/attack gives the game quite a bit of replayability.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users find the default sound settings unusual, as all sound is initially turned off, but once activated, the sound effects enhance the game's atmosphere significantly. While many prefer to keep the music off, they appreciate the immersive quality of the sound effects, particularly during combat and enemy encounters.
“I turned off the music, but I kept the sound on, and wow—nice touch with the effects of both the guns in battle resolution as well as the tense atmosphere established during enemy movement.”
“Once I switched on the effects, it felt more alive somehow.”
“The default settings have all sound switched off, which is a little odd. However, once I switched on the effects, it felt more alive somehow (but I left the music off, obviously).”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it easy to tune out.”
“I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story has been adequately covered by other reviews and comments from Slitherine, suggesting that it is well-established and understood within the community.
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative arc.”
“Character development is shallow, making it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to engage the player.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's atmosphere as immersive, particularly praising the sound effects that enhance the tension during battles and enemy encounters. The ability to customize audio settings further allows players to tailor their experience, contributing to a more engaging environment.
“I turned off the music, but I kept the sound on, and wow—nice touch with the effects of both the guns in battle resolution as well as the tense atmosphere established during enemy movement.”
