American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

I posted this a few minutes ago on the WDS Forum hoping someone in the know can provide answers:

Rich Walker in another thread suggested I ask these questions elsewhere, so here goes:

1. In game series such as PzC or MC and others, engineers can actually repair bridges and build field fortifications, along with having destructive capabilities. However in the ACW series they are really just infantry with a different title. Would be possible to give these capabilities to them in a future update?

2. In other series it is possible with the scenario editor to designate units from removal from the map. In the ACW games other than using exit hexes and 'house rules' which would award unwanted VPs, this is not possible. Can this capability possibly be added? A good example would be for instance mandating the withdrawal of Buford's Division in the morning of July 2 at Gettysburg.

3. It's my understanding that development of new titles for this series stopped with Forgotten Battles. If that's the case, is it possible to make the map editor available as was done with the Squad Battles series? While it may not be easy to use, I'll bet some of us would like to try our hand at creating, or even expanding maps. I'd love to see Harper's Ferry, Frederick, Manassas Junction, and Centreville on the various Campaign Antietam maps for instance.

4. Could it be made possible for maps to be shared between different titles in the series?

I understand all of these might not be anything WDS wishes to consider, but I thought it better to ask than keep wondering.

Just curious to see if anyone has some thoughts, or if anyone from WDS drops by they can comment.

_________________
7th Brigade
4th Division
2nd Corps
Army of Northern Virginia

I think your suggestions would be useful from a game design perspective and broadly expand what scenarios could be developed as well as cover the numerous historical civil war actions that are not currently covered.

If I understand it correctly, I'm not sure about #2 being wise. It could have the potential to unbalance many scenarios. For example, some start with one side at a VP Victory level, so all that side needs to do is withdraw their forces to secure a victory, generally if they are the largest in number. To stop this gamey tactic, we have Rule 6.1.1.3:
"Players who withdraw any of their forces from the battlefield map, other than via a designated Exit Hex or as specified in the scenario as a victory condition, shall suffer a two-step reduction in the level of victory."
It would, however, stop the battle map from being 'the edge of the world' which causes some problems in other scenarios. [Not Gettysburg though, the map for it should be big enough for Buford to beat a fast retreat should he so desire.]

_________________
Paul Swanson
Lieutenant-General
First Division
First Corps
Army of Northern Virginia

I responded here:

https://forum.wargameds.com/viewtopic.p ... 958#p21958

_________________
Brigadier General Richard Walker
II Corps, 4th Division, 6th Brigade
Army of Tennessee
(JTS/WDS Scenario Designer)

Also, Rich Hamilton replied on the WDS forum:

Gents, the only "official" comment I can make at this point is - we are not done with American Civil War content.

When the time is right, more information will be shared.

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Brigadier General Richard Walker
II Corps, 4th Division, 6th Brigade
Army of Tennessee
(JTS/WDS Scenario Designer)