Hi John. Finding local opponents is always a challenge. Back in the day, the AH General found me a gaming buddy more than once - one of which is still a friend of almost 50 years! These days I use Vassal and sometimes Tabletop Simulator to let me play with guys across the country. It’s not perfect, but it helps. - Paul
Hello E-4!! Just wondering if you got TUSCW set up and what you thought of it. I reallly like the updated rules and charts; they are much better written than the 1st edition. FYI: I'm working on a WW2 Air game overview that I should get out this week. Stop by over the weekend and check it out. -- Paul
I have been trying to learn this. I put it aside for a bit but I'm thinking about getting back to it. Good videos like yours are certainly motivational :).
Hello Marc. I think you will be rewarded if you go back to learning this one. Great fun, and probably the very best on its topic. My advice is to NOT use the advanced rules -- which adds a lot of "stuff" to the naval rules, but also adds a bunch of rules, slows the game down, and does not materially change the outcome or flow of the game. Be sure to get the most recent copy of the rules and tables from GMT (free download), as the original rules had sections that were not well written and organized. This has all been cleaned up with the latest copy. Good luck!! -- Paul
As a “newer” Wargamer, I really appreciate the history you implement into this, and other videos. The “Back Story” is great to know for peeps like me who might not know where a game, or “system” was born from! And I love the editing you do! I just received my copy. Don’t know when I’ll get it to the table, but didn’t want to pass this up! With the information in this video, makes me really glad I didn’t pass this up and, say bought an older copy! But even there, good to know GMT has an update kit OR the free download updates! Thanks Paul, again…. You are a wealth of information.
Great comparison. Subbed. I’ve had the first edition on my shelf forever but never got it to the table. I ordered the upgrade kit. Can’t wait to bust it out. New grand strategy PC ACW game just announced too. Great time to be a gamer.
Yup, these are the best of times for our hobby. Just letting you know that when I looked yesterday, GMT has the four files you need to upgrade to 3rd edition available for free download on the “upgrade kit” page. I bought the full 3rd edition offering, but Im going to print the files out and update my 1st edition copy. Such a deal !! Of course, you will get professional printed copy with what you have ordered, but sometimes I like having the rule book on my iPad. Thanks for subbing! Paul
I've got the update coming, too. I've got VG's Civil War, as well as AH's For the People, too. Before Simonitch's The US Civil War, FtP was my favorite in the genre. I've never been a huge fan of CDGs, though. They always feel like card games crammed into wargames, like peanut butter and chocolate. The US Civil War is perfect to me, though, best in class. I think Simonitch is the best designer in the industry, and he also is the best graphics artist in the industry. Go figure.
@@horrido666 Hello Mr Lucky! I agree with you regarding Simonitch; at least he is in the circle of awesomeness on the very top tier. I like Herman Lutmans work as well, and I’d put him up there too. Regarding CDGs, yes I think you are right. The fad began to roll back right about the time USCW was first published, and I have long thought that thE main reason it uses cards to begin with. That’s IT…, I’m making counters and retiring the cards! Inkscape, wherefore art thou? The main exception I would have is the COIN system, and in particular I think Fire in the Lake is on my top ten all-time list. Pure awesome sauce. If you don’t have that one, you should look into it. - Paul
Very interesting…just had this game delivered today! This will be one of the more complex games in my collection, I think, but I’m looking forward to giving it a go (once I get a second table set up). You have a new subscriber!
Hello DMH! I think you will find USCW to be worth the time climbing the learning curve. The 3rd edition did a great job cleaning all the rule issues that I had. Take my advice and do NOT use the advanced naval rules - at least not at first. The base rules do such a great job of simulating naval power that I never use the advanced rules myself. I just don’t think the advanced rules offer a good complexity vs playability trade. Anyway, thanks for the subscription. More fun stuff is in the works! - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 thanks Paul! The game looks gorgeous I can’t wait to get to it. I’ll be playing almost entirely solo, but from what I’ve read/watched people seem to find the solo rating to be higher than what GMT rates it. At any rate you have a videos on a few games I recently bought (this and Fire in the Sky) so I’ll be going back thru your vid’s!
Another great video. I'm catching up on your back catalogue. I played TCW back in the day so it was very interesting to see the contrast, but I don't think that either TCW or USCW has handled leader replacement very well. Would it be a difficult design challenge to make the players pay resources (activation points or something else) to retire bad generals, and to require the largest forces to be under the command of the generals with the most seniority?
Hello AJ. That’s an interesting idea; but I think you’ll have quite a wait to find that. What I’d do is just buy a complete, new, copy of USCW. I took a look at one of my “go to” places and found they still have a few new copies at the prepublication price of $56. For the high quality merchandise you are receiving, it’s a great deal in my opinion. Hope this helps! - Paul
I'm struggling to find this game anywhere. All the entries on GMT's site say 2nd edition and reference the 2015 release. I can't for the life of me find any links to the new 3rd edition. Any way you could direct me there?
Hello! If you are trying to upgrade a game you own, take another look at the video as I show you right where to go to get the upgrade files. There are 4 of them. If you are looking for a complete copy, then just order from GMT’s P500. I know it has misleading verbiage, but that’s how I got mine and I received 3rd edition second printing. And if you are hopelessly lost, just give them a phone call; they answer! Good luck. Paul
I have the original printing of the 1st edition and never did get the 2nd edition rules. If I ask GMT to send me the 3rd edition rules, are my 1st edition components playable? Any map or card errata? Thx for doing this video!
Hello, I went over to the GMT site earlier today to look the what they had out there. The p500 page for the 3rd edition game has 2nd edition rules downloadable. Then for grins I went to a the USCW upgrade kit page in P500, and found that that have everything for the 3rd edition available for free download. That includes the new rule book, the new advanced naval book, the 3rd edition player aids, and the new scenario setup cards. If you want, the kit is still available for $25 if you want a professional printed copy. I’ve already downloaded, and will update my old 1st edition copy. Bottom line is that I see no reason why you can’t update your game to 3rd edition with those 4 components, and I think you will be glad you did. - Paul
I think you get the eagle-eye award on this one! The copy of the rules that comes with the new game is definitely labeled 3rd edition and dated August 2021. The just-released copy of the game is sold as the 2nd printing of the 3rd edition. The rules on GMT's website talk about the 2nd printing of the 2nd edition, and give a link to an August 2017 version. The rules I had as 2nd edition were dated May 2017. So definitely, GMT has put time into updating the system, which to me says that there were issues that needed fixing. WIth the 2nd edition rules I had, I found that GMT was still struggling with integrating the basic naval and ground rules in the same rule book. When I compared to the 3rd edition, literally all the issues I had flagged from the 2nd edition had been addressed. Bottom line is that (I believe) fans of the game should get on to the 3rd edition. RIght now that comes down to either buying the game (again), or buying the upgrade kit from GMT. I opted to the the former, and from what I see, I may see if I can snag a copy of the upgrade kit for my older game. I don't think fans of the game will want to stay on the older versions as so much is cleaned up in the 3rd edition. Hope that helps. -- Paul
More news.... I went to the GMT website for the "2nd Edition Update Kit" and if you look under "Living Rules" you will see a clickable "update kit". Clicking on "Update Kit" will take you to digital copy of all the stuff in the kit which GMT is giving away if you don't want to pay for professional printed copy. The 3rd edition rulebook, separate (new) advanced naval rule book, player aid cards, and scenario setup cards are there. Just download and you can have it all right now. Thank you GMT! - Paul
![Opening moves of 'The US Civil War' campaign [GMT, 2021]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/g1NJYsolVIw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Unboxing and overview: Mark Simonitch's 'The U.S. Civil War' [2nd Printing, 3rd Ed., 2022]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XYXMREPQDEM/mqdefault.jpg)
A good review of a good game. Now if i can only acquire a regular, dependable opponent near me. Anyone in Oklahoma wanting to play this game?
Hi John. Finding local opponents is always a challenge. Back in the day, the AH General found me a gaming buddy more than once - one of which is still a friend of almost 50 years!
These days I use Vassal and sometimes Tabletop Simulator to let me play with guys across the country. It’s not perfect, but it helps. - Paul
a very well done going over of a great game thank you
Hello E-4!! Just wondering if you got TUSCW set up and what you thought of it. I reallly like the updated rules and charts; they are much better written than the 1st edition. FYI: I'm working on a WW2 Air game overview that I should get out this week. Stop by over the weekend and check it out. -- Paul
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
I have been trying to learn this. I put it aside for a bit but I'm thinking about getting back to it. Good videos like yours are certainly motivational :).
Hello Marc. I think you will be rewarded if you go back to learning this one. Great fun, and probably the very best on its topic. My advice is to NOT use the advanced rules -- which adds a lot of "stuff" to the naval rules, but also adds a bunch of rules, slows the game down, and does not materially change the outcome or flow of the game. Be sure to get the most recent copy of the rules and tables from GMT (free download), as the original rules had sections that were not well written and organized. This has all been cleaned up with the latest copy. Good luck!! -- Paul
Terrific overview, thank you Paul!
Thanks Steve, glad you liked it! - Paul
Excellent overview and comparison, thank you.
I aim to please!
As a “newer” Wargamer, I really appreciate the history you implement into this, and other videos. The “Back Story” is great to know for peeps like me who might not know where a game, or “system” was born from! And I love the editing you do! I just received my copy. Don’t know when I’ll get it to the table, but didn’t want to pass this up! With the information in this video, makes me really glad I didn’t pass this up and, say bought an older copy! But even there, good to know GMT has an update kit OR the free download updates! Thanks Paul, again…. You are a wealth of information.
Great comparison. Subbed. I’ve had the first edition on my shelf forever but never got it to the table. I ordered the upgrade kit. Can’t wait to bust it out.
New grand strategy PC ACW game just announced too. Great time to be a gamer.
Yup, these are the best of times for our hobby. Just letting you know that when I looked yesterday, GMT has the four files you need to upgrade to 3rd edition available for free download on the “upgrade kit” page. I bought the full 3rd edition offering, but Im going to print the files out and update my 1st edition copy. Such a deal !! Of course, you will get professional printed copy with what you have ordered, but sometimes I like having the rule book on my iPad.
Thanks for subbing! Paul
I've got the update coming, too. I've got VG's Civil War, as well as AH's For the People, too. Before Simonitch's The US Civil War, FtP was my favorite in the genre. I've never been a huge fan of CDGs, though. They always feel like card games crammed into wargames, like peanut butter and chocolate. The US Civil War is perfect to me, though, best in class. I think Simonitch is the best designer in the industry, and he also is the best graphics artist in the industry. Go figure.
@@horrido666 Hello Mr Lucky! I agree with you regarding Simonitch; at least he is in the circle of awesomeness on the very top tier. I like Herman Lutmans work as well, and I’d put him up there too. Regarding CDGs, yes I think you are right. The fad began to roll back right about the time USCW was first published, and I have long thought that thE main reason it uses cards to begin with. That’s IT…, I’m making counters and retiring the cards! Inkscape, wherefore art thou?
The main exception I would have is the COIN system, and in particular I think Fire in the Lake is on my top ten all-time list. Pure awesome sauce. If you don’t have that one, you should look into it. - Paul
Very interesting…just had this game delivered today! This will be one of the more complex games in my collection, I think, but I’m looking forward to giving it a go (once I get a second table set up). You have a new subscriber!
Hello DMH! I think you will find USCW to be worth the time climbing the learning curve. The 3rd edition did a great job cleaning all the rule issues that I had. Take my advice and do NOT use the advanced naval rules - at least not at first. The base rules do such a great job of simulating naval power that I never use the advanced rules myself. I just don’t think the advanced rules offer a good complexity vs playability trade. Anyway, thanks for the subscription. More fun stuff is in the works! - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 thanks Paul! The game looks gorgeous I can’t wait to get to it. I’ll be playing almost entirely solo, but from what I’ve read/watched people seem to find the solo rating to be higher than what GMT rates it. At any rate you have a videos on a few games I recently bought (this and Fire in the Sky) so I’ll be going back thru your vid’s!
Another great video. I'm catching up on your back catalogue. I played TCW back in the day so it was very interesting to see the contrast, but I don't think that either TCW or USCW has handled leader replacement very well. Would it be a difficult design challenge to make the players pay resources (activation points or something else) to retire bad generals, and to require the largest forces to be under the command of the generals with the most seniority?
Nice review. Such a fun game and wonderful components. See if you can spot the typo in your introduction. :)
I hate it when that happens..., but I think I got it! Glad you like the video. - Paul
i'd like to get the USCW map only for cheap (not $40) and use it to play TCW.
Hello AJ. That’s an interesting idea; but I think you’ll have quite a wait to find that. What I’d do is just buy a complete, new, copy of USCW. I took a look at one of my “go to” places and found they still have a few new copies at the prepublication price of $56. For the high quality merchandise you are receiving, it’s a great deal in my opinion. Hope this helps! - Paul
I'm struggling to find this game anywhere. All the entries on GMT's site say 2nd edition and reference the 2015 release. I can't for the life of me find any links to the new 3rd edition. Any way you could direct me there?
Hello! If you are trying to upgrade a game you own, take another look at the video as I show you right where to go to get the upgrade files. There are 4 of them. If you are looking for a complete copy, then just order from GMT’s P500. I know it has misleading verbiage, but that’s how I got mine and I received 3rd edition second printing. And if you are hopelessly lost, just give them a phone call; they answer! Good luck. Paul
I have the original printing of the 1st edition and never did get the 2nd edition rules. If I ask GMT to send me the 3rd edition rules, are my 1st edition components playable? Any map or card errata? Thx for doing this video!
Hello, I went over to the GMT site earlier today to look the what they had out there. The p500 page for the 3rd edition game has 2nd edition rules downloadable. Then for grins I went to a the USCW upgrade kit page in P500, and found that that have everything for the 3rd edition available for free download. That includes the new rule book, the new advanced naval book, the 3rd edition player aids, and the new scenario setup cards. If you want, the kit is still available for $25 if you want a professional printed copy. I’ve already downloaded, and will update my old 1st edition copy. Bottom line is that I see no reason why you can’t update your game to 3rd edition with those 4 components, and I think you will be glad you did. - Paul
@@theoakenknight1748 thank you so much for this effort!
Is this the same version as listed on GMTs P500 website which says 2nd Edition ? Thanks!
I think you get the eagle-eye award on this one!
The copy of the rules that comes with the new game is definitely labeled 3rd edition and dated August 2021. The just-released copy of the game is sold as the 2nd printing of the 3rd edition. The rules on GMT's website talk about the 2nd printing of the 2nd edition, and give a link to an August 2017 version. The rules I had as 2nd edition were dated May 2017.
So definitely, GMT has put time into updating the system, which to me says that there were issues that needed fixing. WIth the 2nd edition rules I had, I found that GMT was still struggling with integrating the basic naval and ground rules in the same rule book. When I compared to the 3rd edition, literally all the issues I had flagged from the 2nd edition had been addressed.
Bottom line is that (I believe) fans of the game should get on to the 3rd edition. RIght now that comes down to either buying the game (again), or buying the upgrade kit from GMT. I opted to the the former, and from what I see, I may see if I can snag a copy of the upgrade kit for my older game. I don't think fans of the game will want to stay on the older versions as so much is cleaned up in the 3rd edition.
Hope that helps. -- Paul
More news.... I went to the GMT website for the "2nd Edition Update Kit" and if you look under "Living Rules" you will see a clickable "update kit".
Clicking on "Update Kit" will take you to digital copy of all the stuff in the kit which GMT is giving away if you don't want to pay for professional printed copy. The 3rd edition rulebook, separate (new) advanced naval rule book, player aid cards, and scenario setup cards are there. Just download and you can have it all right now.
Thank you GMT! - Paul