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
- Beautifully designed map and graphics that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Engaging and fluid gameplay, especially in head-to-head matches, providing a fun tactical experience.
- The randomization of unit movement and combat adds replayability and keeps the game fresh.
- The game is plagued by bugs, including frequent freezes and glitches that disrupt gameplay.
- The AI is often unresponsive and fails to execute effective strategies, making it less challenging.
- The chit draw system can lead to unrealistic movement and combat scenarios, undermining strategic planning.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is best experienced in head-to-head formats, either against another player or through solo simulations, offering a blend of historical strategy and tactical decision-making. While the game features beautiful graphics and a solid adaptation of board game mechanics, players note inconsistencies in combat mechanics and a sometimes frustrating chit draw system that can affect gameplay balance. Overall, despite some mechanical issues, the game remains enjoyable and provides varied experiences with each playthrough.
“I find the game is actually best played head-to-head - either against another human (hotseat), or playing both sides as a historical what-if simulation.”
“I love the concept of this game with the graphics, the maps, and most of the mechanics that allow you to have a great level of play at the command level.”
“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.”
“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; one side can always manage 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.”
- stability7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players report severe issues such as frequent freezes and bugs that hinder gameplay, others have experienced minimal problems and found the game generally playable. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a significant concern for many users, particularly during longer sessions.
“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.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their high quality and effective presentation, particularly in the tactical map and unit configurations, which enhance gameplay without overwhelming the player. However, some users noted minor inconsistencies and annoyances, such as misaligned cannons and lingering bombardment trails, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the graphics are considered solid and contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.
“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.”
“I love the concept of this game with the graphics, the maps, and most of the mechanics that allow you to have a great level of play at the command level.”
“Graphics are only adequate and small annoyances in them (cannons pointing the wrong way or trails for bombardments remaining on map after bombardment is over).”
“I can forgive graphical inconsistency or other minor issues, but things that impede the player's progress through the game are unforgivable.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game highly replayable due to its engaging and easy-to-learn system, enhanced by unique randomization in movement and attack order that 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 leave 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 (I left the music off, obviously).”
“The music in the game is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
“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
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive sound design, particularly the impactful effects of gunfire and the tension created during enemy movements, enhancing the overall experience even without music.
“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.”
