Ultimate General: Gettysburg

About

Ultimate General: Gettysburg is a tactical battle simulator set during the American Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg. Control either Union or Confederate forces, using smart AI commanders and innovative control mechanics to achieve victory. Experience realistic morale, strategic freedom, and historically accurate maps in this highly-regarded strategy game, voted Best Strategy Game of 2014 by PCGamesN.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+10

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,089 reviews

gameplay104 positive mentions

stability25 negative mentions

The game offers a unique and engaging experience with a focus on tactical decision-making and historical accuracy.
The AI is challenging and customizable, providing a different experience with each playthrough.
The graphics and sound design create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the gameplay.

The controls can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult to manage units effectively during battles.
The game is limited in scope, focusing solely on the Battle of Gettysburg, which may lead to repetitive gameplay.
Units often behave unpredictably, with morale and condition affecting their performance in frustrating ways.

gameplay
343 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
67%
3%
The gameplay of "Ultimate General: Gettysburg" is characterized by a mix of simple mechanics and strategic depth, making it accessible yet challenging for players. While many praise the intuitive controls and engaging tactical elements, there are significant criticisms regarding broken mechanics, confusing combat logic, and a lack of depth in certain areas. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that can be enjoyable, but it is marred by inconsistencies and a steep learning curve for understanding its mechanics.
- “The control mechanics are a breath of fresh air too, making tactical decisions both fluid and intuitive.”
- “It's not really difficult because of its AI - you can pick an easy/defensive one anyway - but because its mechanics, despite looking very simple at first glance, actually hide a lot of depth to the game.”
- “Ultimate General: Gettysburg offers unique and intelligent gameplay, and presents fresh battle mechanics that are properly executed and rarely seen in the tactical strategy games of today.”
- “The combat logic/mechanic makes no sense to me.”
- “Gameplay is too simplistic.”
- “The gameplay is slow and bland.”
graphics
286 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
3%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the aesthetic appeal and detail of the maps and units, while others criticize them as simplistic or dated compared to modern standards. Many appreciate the unique art style and the functional design that supports gameplay, though some feel that the visuals do not fully convey the action on screen. Overall, while the graphics may not rival those of major titles like Total War, they are generally considered adequate and fitting for the game's strategic focus.
- “The graphics are surprisingly good, and the gameplay is challenging yet fun.”
- “The graphics are top of the line.”
- “The graphics and atmosphere of the game I do like a lot.”
- “The graphics are about 2002 level.”
- “The graphics are cartoonish.”
- “The graphics and sound really aren't much better in this current version!”
replayability
98 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
67%
3%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while it is centered around a single battle, the variety of AI profiles, difficulty settings, and branching outcomes based on player decisions provide significant replay value. Many players appreciate the depth and complexity of the battle mechanics, allowing for different strategies and scenarios, though some feel the overall content is limited. Overall, it offers a satisfying level of replayability for those interested in tactical gameplay and historical what-if scenarios.
- “The AI and post-battle decision-making, based on the outcome of the skirmish/battle the player just fought, gives the game incredible replayability.”
- “This game is incredibly fun and replayable, with the objectives you achieve in one mission changing what your objectives will be in the next.”
- “The battle campaign is quite long, and there is tremendous replay value due to the effects of your battles having permanent effects (controlled terrain, casualties, etc.) carrying over to each mission, making the missions quite ahistorical depending on your accomplishments.”
- “Very entertaining on the first run through, not a lot of replay value.”
- “The replayability is limited due to the fact that this is only the battle of Gettysburg, but it is really well done.”
- “However, the replayability is so limited that I can honestly say I am done with it after 5 hours!”
story
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
88%
6%
The game's story is primarily centered around the American Civil War, specifically the Battle of Gettysburg, with missions representing different days of the battle. While players appreciate the dynamic campaign system that allows for varied outcomes based on their performance, many feel that the narrative lacks depth and cohesion, often resulting in missions that feel disconnected from one another. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop for tactical gameplay rather than a compelling narrative experience.
- “The story follows the American Civil War between the Union and the Confederates.”
- “The battle campaign is quite long, and there is tremendous replay value due to the effects of your battles having permanent effects (controlled terrain, casualties, etc.) carrying over to each mission, and so the missions can become quite ahistorical depending on what you have accomplished.”
- “Very clever 'campaign' system - allowing variable AI and 'storylines' to create many new outcomes to the battle.”
- “The story is just a bunch of linear missions that are vaguely connected.”
- “There is no real story outside of you changing the outcome of the battle with how you play, and the soundtrack is almost nonexistent.”
- “I only wish there was more depth and storyline.”
optimization
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
76%
9%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with players noting smooth performance and minimal bugs, contributing to an engaging tactical experience. However, some users have reported occasional FPS drops and minor issues, particularly in the early access phase, suggesting room for improvement in future updates. The dynamic nature of the gameplay, where performance impacts subsequent battles, is highlighted as a strong point, enhancing replayability and strategic depth.
- “Positioning, flanking, and the high ground all contribute considerably to battle performance.”
- “The best aspect of the campaign is the dynamic nature, where your performance in one battle affects the subsequent engagements.”
- “The game rewards you for a good tactical performance, and the brilliant AI trains you very well in it.”
- “Artillery is very confusing in their performance.”
- “Despite the fact that you've quite obviously tactically dominated the field, the game will rate your performance as a defeat for not holding that specific hill that you've literally confined their entire morale-less army to, as they run around back and forth getting demolished, and oops, the timer ran out, you lose.”
- “Even though it has some optimization problems mainly due to the fact that it is still in the pre-release phase, this game is definitely one of the very best battle simulators I have ever played.”
music
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
72%
9%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of variety and presence during gameplay, particularly during battles. While the main menu theme is appreciated, players express a desire for more atmospheric and period-appropriate music to enhance immersion. Overall, the sound effects are praised for their realism, but the repetitive soundtrack detracts from the overall experience.
- “The music score and the sound effects are also very good!”
- “The opening/title screen theme is nice, and the sound effects in gameplay are realistic.”
- “The music is fitting although sounds of guns and cannons are somewhat lackluster.”
- “There's not much music, but the opening/title screen theme is nice, and the sound effects in gameplay are realistic.”
- “Also, no music during battle, which is most of the game.”
- “The graphics are decent, so is the sound, the music however is on a loop and distracts from the sound of the battle raging on your screen.”
stability
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
86%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting smooth performance and minimal issues, while others experience frequent crashes, bugs, and control problems. Many users note that while the game can be frustratingly buggy at times, ongoing patches seem to be addressing these issues. Overall, it appears that the game is still in need of refinement, particularly for those playing on certain platforms like Mac OS X.
- “The game runs great with no flaws and has good speed.”
- “It runs great on Linux and Steam machines too.”
- “Remember, it's early access; the game is not complete and not bug-free, but it seems it will turn into a fine game when completed.”
- “The game is really buggy, and I had repeated crashes, which is odd for a computer that runs The Witcher 3 at 60fps at 3200x1800.”
- “I want to like this game, but it constantly freezes on macOS.”
- “Othertimes the game just freezes.”
atmosphere
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
18%
27%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, characterized by impressive graphics, engaging sound effects, and a compelling soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers note that the combination of visual and auditory elements creates an immersive environment, contributing to the game's appeal, especially in the context of its strategic gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is consistently highlighted as a standout feature, with many users expressing their enjoyment of its depth and detail.
- “I somehow love the atmosphere and the sound effects.”
- “Fantastic game with clever, non-cheating AI, great atmosphere, and a good challenge for even experienced strategy aficionados.”
- “Very atmospheric; there is a background track of drums and musket fire on top of which are added cannons, muskets, and bugles for fighting units.”
- “Graphics: 5, story: - , controls: 4, gameplay: 5, soundtrack: - , atmosphere: 5”
- “Atmosphere: 80/100”
- “The graphics and atmosphere of the game I do like a lot.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is appreciated in solo play, with players finding it amusing despite the repetitive nature of multiplayer matches. While some reviews highlight the game's comedic elements, others criticize its lack of originality and tedious gameplay, leading to mixed feelings about its overall fun factor.
- “Also, just to say this game is great, funny, and also difficult to play. Every match is different from the last.”
- “The similarities made me laugh at the professional reviews that called this game unique and creative - it's basically those two past games, but with updated graphics and a slightly different combat system.”
- “Funny enough, I was actually trying to find a way to convert the 'smg' game so I could play it on Windows 7, but that all stopped when I came across this game.”
grinding
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and boring, particularly criticizing the mechanics involved in managing artillery units and the need for constant checking of line of sight. The experience is likened to a less engaging version of a Total War game, lacking the depth of city management while still feeling monotonous.
- “With one of the worst sets of dry, boring, and tedious mechanics.”
- “For me, it is tedious to have to check my artillery units to ensure they are actually in line of sight and firing.”
- “I find it difficult, or at least tedious, for the artillery units to discern the shading and have to click on enemy units just to see if they are in line of sight.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply engaging, particularly in multiplayer battles where personal stakes feel high. The historical context enhances the experience, evoking feelings of empathy and responsibility as players navigate the complexities of leadership and strategy, often leading to poignant moments of reflection on the sacrifices made by soldiers. Overall, the heartfelt design and attention to detail contribute to a powerful emotional connection with the gameplay.
- “It made me feel as though this truly was my battle.”
- “Clearly this game is heartfelt; the developers gave it their best, and it's worth your time.”
- “Shed a tear for all those poor men you will inevitably send to their deaths due to your inexperience with mastering drawing lines.”