Ultimate General: Gettysburg

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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

Reviews

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,853 reviews

gameplay84 positive mentions

stability22 negative mentions

Great AI that adapts to player strategies, providing a challenging experience.
Dynamic campaign where decisions in one battle affect the next, enhancing replayability.
Simple and intuitive controls that allow for easy unit movement and management.

Units often behave erratically, failing to follow commands or retreating inappropriately.
Limited to a single battle (Gettysburg), which may reduce long-term replay value.
Artillery mechanics can be frustrating, with units sometimes failing to fire or having unclear line of sight.

gameplay
283 mentions
30 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its fun mechanics and intuitive controls, while others criticize the mechanics as broken or overly simplistic. Many players find the combat system challenging yet rewarding, though some express frustration with unclear mechanics and a lack of depth. Overall, the game offers engaging tactical gameplay, but it suffers from inconsistencies and a steep learning curve that may deter some players.
- “It's definitely not easy to win, but totally possible for both sides once you learn the mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced but still tactical.”
- “Ultimate General: Gettysburg is a great mix of realism and fun, combined with a user-friendly interface and simple, but perfect, game mechanics.”
- “The combat logic/mechanic makes no sense to me.”
- “The gameplay is slow and bland.”
- “The controls are clunky, the action is incomprehensible and the mechanics are downright bad.”
graphics
250 mentions
44 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple yet appealing, with a unique art style that effectively captures the historical context. While some players find the visuals to be cartoonish or lacking in detail compared to modern standards, many appreciate the game's aesthetic and the clarity of the maps and unit representations. Overall, the graphics are considered functional and well-suited for the gameplay, though they may not impress those seeking cutting-edge visuals.
- “The graphics are top of the line.”
- “The graphics are surprisingly good, and the gameplay is challenging yet fun.”
- “The graphics are beautiful; personally, I am a big fan of sprites and this is a perfect example of how they can look good even in this day and age.”
- “The graphics are cartoonish.”
- “The graphics and sound really aren't much better in this current version!”
- “The graphics are obviously not Total War graphics, but it's not even the purpose.”
replayability
87 mentions
30 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it surprisingly high due to various AI settings and branching scenarios, others note that its focus on a single battle limits long-term engagement. Many appreciate the attention to detail and the ability to approach the battle from different perspectives, which enhances replay value, but some feel that after several playthroughs, the novelty wears off. Overall, it offers enough variety and challenge to keep players returning, especially for those interested in 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 potentially 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
38 mentions
8 % positive mentions
84 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely driven by player actions, with missions affecting subsequent scenarios and outcomes, creating a dynamic and replayable experience. However, many players feel that the narrative lacks depth and coherence, as missions often feel disconnected and do not fully acknowledge previous successes or failures. While the campaign system allows for varied AI and outcomes, the overall storyline is minimal, leading to a perception of it being more about tactical gameplay than a compelling narrative.
- “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.”
- “Lastly, your actions and achievements in each scenario affect the way the game plays out, allowing you to choose from a number of concurrent scenarios that change depending on whether or not you managed to fulfill the goals of the mission before.”
- “Very clever 'campaign' system - allowing variable AI and 'storylines' to create many new outcomes to the battle.”
- “This is a problem with the iPad version of this game, in that no matter how well you played, the next mission will have no relation to what you did.”
- “It's 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.”
optimization
32 mentions
13 % positive mentions
78 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with smooth performance and minimal bugs reported, although some players experienced occasional FPS drops and minor issues, particularly in its pre-release phase. The dynamic nature of the gameplay, where unit performance and campaign progression are influenced by player decisions, adds depth, though some users noted that unit quality could have a more significant impact. Despite these optimization concerns, the game is praised for its engaging mechanics and replayability.
- “The best aspect of the campaign is the dynamic nature, where your performance in one battle affects the subsequent engagements.”
- “Based on your performance in one engagement (and sometimes on general strategy decisions you make between battles) the game will decide the reaction of the AI general and generate the next scenario, in which your units' casualties, morale, and condition will carry over--so don't burn out your army on the first day.”
- “The game rewards you for a good tactical performance and the brilliant AI trains you very well in it.”
- “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.”
- “Poor performance and excessive casualties earlier in the battle may come back to haunt the player as a subsequent engagement may have the player using depleted and exhausted brigades in later maps in the scenario.”
- “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.”
stability
26 mentions
15 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
85 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and minimal glitches, others experience frustrating freezes and bugs, particularly on certain platforms like macOS. Despite these issues, frequent updates seem to address many problems, and overall, the game is considered solid for an early access title, with most players finding it enjoyable despite the occasional hiccup.
- “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.”
- “You just get some 'battle delayed' rubbish that goes on into the 2nd of July 12:00 PM (25 hours after the battle starts) and then just freezes.”
- “I want to like this game, but it constantly freezes on macOS.”
- “Game freezes up every time I try to play it.”
music
25 mentions
16 % positive mentions
72 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of variety and presence during gameplay, as it primarily features a nice menu theme and minimal in-game music. While some appreciate the atmospheric quality of the sound effects, they feel that incorporating more period-specific music would enhance the overall experience. Overall, players suggest that adding more musical elements could significantly improve immersion and enjoyment.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “The game has no music apart from the main menu.”
atmosphere
10 mentions
60 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, characterized by impressive graphics, a friendly user interface, and immersive sound effects that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the atmospheric soundtrack and engaging audio elements, which contribute to a captivating environment, making it appealing even to seasoned strategy players. Overall, the game's atmosphere is consistently rated positively, with many noting its ability to create a rich and engaging setting.
- “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, complemented by cannons, muskets, and bugles for fighting units.”
- “The graphics and atmosphere of the game I do like a lot.”
- “Graphics: 5, story: -, controls: 4, gameplay: 5, soundtrack: -, atmosphere: 5.”
emotional
5 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be deeply engaging, particularly in multiplayer battles where personal stakes feel high. The historical context enhances the emotional weight, as players reflect on the consequences of their strategic decisions, often leading to a poignant connection with the characters and events they are navigating. Overall, the heartfelt design and attention to detail evoke strong feelings, making the experience memorable and impactful.
- “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.”
humor
4 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as both amusing and frustrating, with players finding irony in its repetitive gameplay and the contrasting outcomes of matches. While some appreciate the comedic elements, others express exasperation at the game's lack of originality, leading to a mix of laughter and annoyance. Overall, the humor seems to stem from the absurdity of the gameplay experience rather than clever writing or dialogue.
- “This game is great, funny, and also difficult to play, with every match being 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
3 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the need for constant micromanagement of artillery units to ensure they are in line of sight and firing effectively. The challenge of discerning visual cues for line of sight adds to the frustration, making the experience feel laborious.
- “For me, it is tedious to have to check my artillery units to ensure they are actually in line of sight and firing.”
- “Out of line of sight was shaded red, but I find it difficult, or at least tedious, for the artillery units to discern the shading. I have to click on enemy units just to see if they are in line of sight.”