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Replay value is tremendous

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 22 / 24
Date: April 18, 2006
Author: Amazon User

While I could go on and on about the great graphics, superb game play, and most excellent AI (that is as good as, if not better, than a human opponent), I am instead going to focus on the replay value of this gem.

First of all you get a whopping 48 historical scenarios that cover the battles of Cedar Mountain, 2nd Manassas, and Chantilly. In these battles the force under your direct command will range from a tiny 3 regiment brigade of 800 men, all the way up to an entire army of more than 60,000 men. Most of these scenarios have branching decision trees in them that introduce variations with each replay that range from very subtle, to extreme.

Even if you play a scenario twice and it takes the same branch, the game will still play differently because to the personalities of the AI commanders. That's right, I said "personalities". Each and every commander in the game has a personality that is rated for such things as initiative, ability, etc. Therefore, a commander's actions will be influenced by his personality. A timid commander will tend to hold back, while an aggressive one will take the battle to the enemy, which is all well and good if he has mad skills, but that is nothing quite as bad a an aggressive leader who is incompetent, and believe me, you will find some of those in the game (General Banks for one).

So, after playing, and perhaps replaying all 48 historical scenarios, you still have Open Play to explore. Open Play is just that. First you pick a battlefield from one of the eight maps that come with the came. Next you pick what type of battle it will be with options ranging from meeting engagements, defensive, offensive, or set-piece battles. Then you pick what order of battle to use such as Cedar Mountain, 2nd Manassas, etc. (side note: there are already several custom OOBs created by users that you can also download and enjoy). Next you select which particular commander you want to be, and this can be anything from the commander of a single artillery battery all the way to army commander. Finally you decide how long you want the battle to last. Then the game will start with you units placed at variable (yet sensible) locations on the map and the battle commences. There are literally thousands of possible combinations for open play, and you will most likely never exhaust them.

In conclusion, for your $40 bucks you not only get an outstanding game, but it will keep you playing for many months, if not years to come. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

Take Command: 2nd Manassas - A Truly Great PC Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 18 / 20
Date: April 19, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game was released today, but the beta was available to those who had preordered for some months now. I can tell you that this game has been worth the wait for those who enjoy PC Gaming and especially those who enjoy Wargaming.

1. This is a hybrid and unique RTS game experience. The developer's have been successful in uncannily dropping the player into immersive Civil War scenarios. The game truly makes you feel like you are in command of Civil War units, in very precise historical engagements. You are literally recreating battles that really took place, but now you are able to give orders and see if you could have possibly changed history.

2. The graphics have been improved since the previous Civil War Bull Run release of Jan-2005, which I personally thought were fine, though I am a tactical and strategic oriented gamer. The graphics of Take Command: 2nd Manassas now are of a high definition quality that should satisfy even the most visually oriented player.

3. The game is developed by Mad Minute Games and is being published by Paradox. MMG's last release was top quality at the inital release, and they are extroardinary in their support for those who purchase their games. The developer's are truly a part of the community that supports this game, and you can see that very quickly by visiting their Forum.

4. I think anyone who enjoys PC Games and especially those who enjoy Wargaming will find this game the best possible mix, of strategic, tactical, exciting, and immersive gaming. And the excitement comes from a real continuing buildup based on the decisions you make, not the mindless excitement you see in so many FPS or some other RTS games.

5. And lastly the replayability of MMG's games are simply phenomenal. Based on Civil War Bull Run they have developed an AI that literally keeps you on your toes, months and now moving into years later, and to think that Take Command: 2nd Manassas is an improvement on the AI of Civil War Bull Run just makes it that much better.

What more can I say

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 17
Date: April 21, 2006
Author: Amazon User

The other reviews of this game are spot on. I am an avid strategic and tactical gamer, but i tend to shy away from real time games as they are dominated by the typical "Clone and Conquer" type click-fests that care more about looks than substance. This game absolutely blows me away. Not only does it look good, but it has the substance to back it up. The attention to historical detail is so precise that i feel this game is as close as one can get to understanding what battle was like during the Civil War. If you are into the Civil War, or are sick of run of the mill "resource gathering and rush the enemy" type games and want a true tactical experience, then get this game.

Best War Game Ever!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 27 / 30
Date: April 22, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is the game I have dreamed about for years! This is a must buy for any history buff who also enjoys wargaming. The game's realism is superior to anything ever presented in a war game, from the painstakingly rendered terrain to the same care in researching and presenting historically accurate scenarios. The game is tremendously immersing - the "you are there" factor is off the charts, from the realistic AI, which represents personalities and their reaction to stressful situations on a level not shown in any game I can think of, to the booming cannon and rolling crash of small arms. I cannot recommend this game enough. And yet, to top it off, this is not a game from some giant developer. This is a product of two dedicated guys, who gave it their all in its creation. 2nd Manassas and its eagerly awaited sequels, representing other Civil War battles, are slated for gaming history. Dig in!

Best Civil War Computer Game Available - Bar None

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 45 / 48
Date: April 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

In the interest of full disclosure I want to mention that I was an uncompensated playtester for this game. I've been a Civil War buff for almost all of my 27 years and I've been playing Civil War computer and board games since the age of 6. I can honestly say that this is the best Civil War game for computer that I've ever played. The first time I played MMG's first game, Bull Run Take Command 1861, I knew I was hooked. The game truly makes it feel like you are there. Your heart pounds as the enemy line dissappears behind a ridge and then reappears minutes later...and much closer! The explosions around and over your troops as they take artillery fire indicate that this isn't going to be an easy fight. The game is also extremely moddable. Do a web search on Take Command or Mad Minute Games and you'll find numerous fan sites (including mine) that offer new scenarios, new graphics, new sounds, new OOBs, etc. Honest Abe is correct when he/she says that there is no multiplayer. However, the game is great even without multiplayer. Open Play offers unlimited gaming and you'll never have the same experience twice. If you don't believe me or the other reviewers who gave this game a positive ranking, feel free to try the free demo, available at many places. If you are a Civil War buff and you play computer games, you will absolutely love this one.

Easily the best Civil War game ever

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: April 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I have actually played this game, so I will not call the other reviewers liars like Honest Abe did. This game is a complete masterpiece and really captures what it must have felt like to be a commander during the Civil War. And in response to Abe's snide comment, it does not pretend to be an RTS. It is a Real Time Combat Simulator (RTCS). It is tactical, not strategic. No silly base building or resource gathering, no tank rushes, etc. It is very deep with a challenging AI that will beat you if you are not at the top of your game.

This game is produced by MadMinute Games, and it is only published by Paradox so, disregard the rantings of rabid Paradox haters and jugde this game on its own merits.

Now for a more Honest Review

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 8 / 28
Date: April 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Let me give you a little insight of what to expect.

1) This is a command decision type of game, though it is rts, it is more based on issuing a command to the commander of the detachments, brigades, regiments, etc. etc. and the AI carries out the orders based on it's socalled historical nature of the commander in charge.

2) Graphics are mediocre compared to todays standards. Go back 2 or 3 years and this is what you will get.

3) It's published by Paradox Interactive. Many of you are probably familiar by now with Paradox releases. Faulty and buggy out of the box and takes many patches to be a complete game. Basically if you buy a Paradox game you are paying to be a beta tester.

4) The hands off approach to this rts wannabe leaves me rather bored. I guess if you like watching the AI play and implementing some action every now and then you might like this sort of game. It doesn't have the action of say a Creative Assembly Total War game. It's more of a grognards type of game and not much in the excitement catagory of rts. You could basically take one small detachment and just watch the AI play the entire battle.

5) As for the AI playing the battle. When you step down and take on a smaller detachment the AI will attempt to control even the detachment you chose to play. This can be a pain when you want to setup on a ridge and it wants you down in front, once again the lack of control makes for an unfun experience.

It has potential, but, I would still classify it as a grognards type of game and not a mainstream title that I think many of those that enjoy a true rts game would like and might be misled to by it thinking it like an rts game. It's one of those once in awhile type of games and that is about all.

6) It doesn't support multiplayer of any type. Big disappointment there. Totally a single player only game.

Not a whole lot more for twice the price

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 8 / 37
Date: April 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I played the origional version of this Civil War:Bull Run by Activision. Now, I've seen the 2nd edition at twice the price and I can't say I'm impressed with basically the same game with a few modified tweaks. The combat engine is the same, the maps are the same for all basic principles. The addition of the campaign feature was really all I saw being new, though in my case not worthy of an additional $20 when the first game was only $19.99

Something else that puts me aback about this game is it is a Paradox release. Well you all know my stance on Paradox that have been following my reviews (all 3000+ of you and I thank you). You rarely if ever get a complete package when you buy a Paradox title and in many cases end up having to wait months to over a year and a half plus for a version that actually works.

I will state that the AI is pretty good in this one (at first), though of course no master. It's pretty easy to figure out if you are an experienced wargamer of any depth.

A multiplayer feature might have put this one over the top. It's also for the more old fashioned wargamer in place of anyone who is rts oriented. I personally don't recommend this if you are a multiplayer enthusiast.

As I've always recommended waiting a few weeks to months on purchasing Paradox titles I do once again. You'll probably find this one in the bargain bin price range ($20 or less) within a few weeks/months. So, unless you are just the impatient type, I'd suggest a wait on this one.

Raginhood: Big Hat, No Cattle...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 18 / 22
Date: April 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Raginhood is a well known troll in the gaming community and posted this (ahem) "review" for no other reason then spite--his typical mode of operation. He talks the talk...and that's about it. I'm sure his "3000+" friends hang on the very edges of their seats 24/7 just hopin' he'll clear his voice to hear himself speak. But as usual...Big Hat, No cattle...

scream at the monitor fun

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 14 / 17
Date: April 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I can not say enough about this game! There are times when I am waiting for reinforcements to come up the road behind me and I actually turn in my chair to llk for them! Where is AP Hill! I have yelled at the monitor to implore some tardy general to hurry up, I need help! Several others have commented on the tactical planning need to win a battle on this game and they are all spot on. What clinches the deal is the heart pounding emotion that you feel in this totally emersive game!

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