The Blue & The Grey

By: Impressions

Copyright (c) 1994 Lee Perkins

The Blue & The Grey is the finest simulation of Civil War battles that I have seen to date. Certainly, it is the most polished Impressions release so far, and if the improved visual quality is any standard to judge by, Impressions have been making some serious adjustments to their versatile - albeit slightly bug-ridden - Micro Miniatures (MM) game system. Upon playing TB&TG for the first time, I found that it would be best suited to an experienced wargamer. Its control interface is simple enough to manipulate, being a series of windows and icons, but the sheer amount of strategic savvy required to appreciate the game may prove too daunting for a casual player. The documentation is an immense help, as the standard TB&TG package includes a general Micro Miniatures game system reference manual, a technical supplement/tutorial, a campaign manual, and a potted history of the American Civil War. The game includes a sample MM scenario, namely the first Bull Run encounter of July 21, 1861.

All things considered, TB&TG is absolutely top-notch strategic simulation fare. While its control system is not quite as "intuitive" as they would have you believe, it will allow an experienced wargamer to follow in the tactically deft steps of Ulysses S. Grant... Or in my particular case, the DAFT steps of Ambrose Burnside!

Reviewed on: PC 386 SX-33, Sound Blaster Pro audio card

Recommended retail price:  $99.95
Suggested audience rating: PD (Parental Discretion)

Challenge:      80%
Entertainment:  80%
Sound:          75%
Graphics:       85%