V2,
As General Kaulbars points out, one of the interesting twists of the HPS games is the ability to play campaigns -- combinations of individual battles that encourage more historical shepherding of forces and less fight-to-the-last-man type of tactics that can come into play in stand-alone scenarios. Even fatigue can carry over between battles, so it is important to keep men rested.
That said, it is possible to play any of the scenarios in the HPS game stand-alone -- and there are many of them to choose from. There are many versions of the individual battles from the campaign, plus scenarios that play no part in any of the campaigns and can only be played stand-alone.
Another basic difference is that casualties are taken in 1-man increments instead of 25-man blasts. It is still possible to get a 'No effects' result from firing, but you're just as apt to get 2 or 3 men taken out. Fatigue is figured on a basis of 100 points instead of 10, so there is much more variation in this as well. Supply wagons carry several hundred rounds of ammo instead of just (up to) 10.
There are different settings you can use. One emulates the Talonsoft style of play, so if you like that style you can continue with it. Another allows auto defensive fire against moving targets <i>while they move</i>. Both styles have their advantages and their disadvantages, and their proponents. You can find those who will only play one way or the other, and others who will play whichever you prefer.
Bridges can be more of a factor in many of the HPS scenarios as well. Bridges across large bodies of water are assigned strength values and can be destroyed. With upgrade patches available in some of the games (not Gettysburg, at least not yet), the kinds of units a bridge can carry depends on the relative strength of the bridge and partially destroyed bridges can be rebuilt. Some units are even equipped with boats and can cross bodies of water on their own for amphibious landings.
I'm sure I'm overlooking many of the details (and probably even some other major points), but I hope I've whetted your appetite enough that you'll want to pick up at least one of the HPS games and check it out.
And welcome to the club (even if you did choose the wrong side [:)] !).
Your humble servant,
Gen 'Dee Dubya' Mallory
David W. Mallory
ACW - General, Chief of the Armies, Confederate States of America & Cabinet Member
CCC - Ensign, Georgia Volunteers, Southern Regional Deaprtment, Colonial American Army
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