Battle Cry

Avalon Hill, Wizards of the Coast · Board game · 1999
2 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.1/5
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Battle Cry is a fantastic game for those who want to dive into the American Civil War with an accessible tactical system and lots of action! It's a classic that kicked off the Commands & Colors series.

Highlights
  • Engaging historical simulation
  • Easy-to-learn rules
  • Quality miniatures and components
  • High replayability with scenarios
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency
  • Dice luck can be significant
  • Two-player focused
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Gear up to relive the American Civil War in Battle Cry, a strategy game that puts you in command of historical armies! With a modular board assembled from hexagonal tiles, each game recreates famous battlefields, packed with miniatures that bring infantry, cavalry, artillery, and leaders to life. The complexity is accessible, but tactical depth is guaranteed. Your trump card? A deck of cards that dictates orders to your troops on the left, right, and center flanks. Managing this hand well is crucial for maneuvering your units and surprising the opponent. The game offers a variety of scenarios based on real battles, allowing you to explore different tactics and strategies. It's the starting point of the acclaimed Commands & Colors series, which evolved to become a landmark in modern wargames. If you enjoy history, miniatures, and a good tactical challenge with dice rolls to spice up the action, Battle Cry is an excellent gateway to the world of war games. Language dependency is moderate, but with a translated reference sheet or adapted cards, the fun is guaranteed for two players seeking an immersive and historical experience.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Components: Miniatures Country: USA Digital Implementations: VASSAL Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Commands & Colors War Level of Command: Tactical
Publisher Avalon Hill, Wizards of the Coast
Designer Richard Borg
Artist Scott Hill (I)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can participate?
Battle Cry is designed for 2 players, with each player commanding one side of the conflict.
How long does a game take?
A game of Battle Cry typically takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
No, the complexity is considered low to moderate. The rules are relatively simple to grasp, especially if you've played something from the Commands & Colors series before.
Do I need to know a lot about history to play?
It's not required, but the game is inspired by real battles of the American Civil War. Knowing a bit about the history can enrich the experience, but it's not essential to play.
What comes in the box?
The game includes a modular board, soldier miniatures (infantry, cavalry, artillery), command cards, dice, and markers.
Do I need to translate anything?
Yes, the game has moderate language dependency. The command cards and some rules might require translation to facilitate gameplay.
Who do you recommend Battle Cry for?
We recommend it for fans of historical wargames, players who enjoy miniatures, and those looking for a tactical Civil War game with accessible rules and quick playtime.