Battle Cry
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 45 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.1 / 5
- Year
- 1999
About the game
Battle Cry is a low-complexity two-player wargame recreating famous American Civil War battles using modular hexagonal terrain and plastic miniatures representing infantry, cavalry, artillery, and leaders. Players manage a hand of Command Cards to issue orders to their left flank, right flank, and center, launching attacks and repositioning troops accordingly. As the very first game to use what would become Richard Borg's celebrated Command and Colors system, it includes numerous historical scenarios from First Bull Run through Gettysburg and beyond.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editors regard Battle Cry as a foundational classic, the game that launched Richard Borg's beloved Command and Colors family. Its modular hex terrain and card-driven order system are easy to teach yet still deliver real tactical tension between two players. The dice-based combat resolution introduces a fair amount of luck, which purists after a pure skill test may find frustrating.
What we like
- Accessible entry point into the acclaimed Command and Colors system.
- Historical Civil War scenarios bring real battles to the table.
- Modular hex terrain keeps battles visually varied.
- Quick-playing tactical combat suited to a single evening.
Keep in mind
- Dice-based combat introduces significant luck.
- Limited to exactly two players.
- Miniatures require setup and storage space.
Who it's for
Great for two-player history and wargame fans, from newcomers wanting an accessible entry into Command and Colors to veterans who enjoy quick tactical battles.
