From: Dave Townsend <davet@MAGNET.COM>
Subject:      Across Five Aprils Review (brief)

>At any rate, what's some opinions about Across Five Aprils? Is it easy
>to learn, a good game, worth a buy??

Let me echo the positive comments that have been posted.  It is indeed easy
to play and worth the buy.  Most people think the scenarios are a rather
mixed lot, but no one seems to agree on which are the best! So probably you'll
love at least one of 'em.

For the record, I think Shiloh is the best of the bunch; play balance is
suspect (can the Confederates win?) but it's still a lot of fun.  I think
the command system works best for this battle, giving it a good historical
feel, as the Confederates have surprise and numbers but have a hard time
applying them due to command restrictions.

First Manassas has too few troops for the command system to really shine.
It can be a tight contest, but it's pretty common to see chit pulls resulting
in blowouts.  It's fun if you're not playing for blood, though.  Otherwise,
play a best 3 out of 5 match.

Bentonville and Pea Ridge I didn't play much.  They were OK scenarios, but
they don't make the game.  They are a good change of pace from the big
battles.

Gettysburg was OK but didn't have much of the historical feel to me.  The
command system does prevent the Confederates from blowing away Buford on the
first day, but the rest of the battle (e.g. Longstreet's countermarching)
just doesn't happen.  Of course, I'm not that excited about Gettysburg games
anyway.

--DaveT;
davet@magnet.com