Flanks of Gettysburg (FOG) consists of two, two-player games on a company level, simulating the two brigade sized flank attacks on Little Round Top and Culp’s Hill on July 2, 1863. Each assault is a separate game. One player controls the forces of the United States (Union) and the other player controls the forces of the Confederate States (Confederate). Historically the Union bested rebel forces on both flanks because it fed enough reinforcements in to stem the gray tide But that is not to say that the rebels don’t stand a chance. They do. Note, the fighting on Culp’s Hill went well into the night and ended the day’s fighting.
FOG uses a chit pull system similar to John Poniske’s Ball’ Bluff and Belmont designs. FOG clocks in at three to three and a half hours per game and provides high solitaire capability. The design allows for several what-if situations and many additional optional rules to ensure replayability. Both games follow similar rules applying unique fire and movement, melee and order assignment. These are simple, rapid playing approaches to complex situations. Yes, it’s another game on Gettysburg, something John said he would never do. Then again, he believes these individual actions are worthy of individual treatment, Culp’s Hill in particular.
The battles of Culp’s Hill and Little Roundtop demonstrated Lee’s determination to attack and envelop the Union Army of the Potomac. FOG does not attempt to recreate either grand assault in full, rather it presents the desperate three-hour finale that took place on the extreme ends in both cases These were the two instances when Lee came closest to claiming a Gettysburg breakthrough. Culp’s Hill offers the Union prepared defensive positions but the liability of having reinforcements report to General Greene before joining the line. Little Round Top introduces artillery and sharpshooters and challenges players to exit or block the exit of Rebel forces between Little and Big Round Tops.
Each game offers a beautiful Rick Barber map and a low counter mix. Regimental draw chits allow companies to move, volley fire or melee at the player’s discretion. The ground over which the Confederates must assault is rough and at times movement under fire can be distressingly slow. Casualties mount rapidly until the rebels are close enough to exact revenge. Officers are essential to relay orders, to rally broken units and to influence melee. In some cases officers may prove the only way to break or hold the line. Because of their importance and visibility, officer casualties are high. Replacement officers are available but make excellent targets as well
The designer, John Poniske, is currently working on a sequel, using the same rules, covering the Gettysburg cavalry battles.
Product Information:
- Complexity: 5 out of 10
- Solitaire Suitability: 5 out of 10
- Players: 1-2 (best with 2)
- Playing Time: 3.5 hours for each game
Components:
- One 20 page Rulebook
- Two Player Aids (2 sided- one US, one CS)
- Two 22 x 34 Battle Maps (Little Round Top, Culp’s Hill)
- Eight – 10 sided dice (Four US Blue, four CS gray)
- 425 – 5/8 inch Counters (Half units and officers, half tokens and markers)
Game Credits:
- Designer: John Poniske
- Artwork: Rick Barber, Vinny Siracusano, Bruce Yearian
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