Battle Hymn Vol. 1 – Gettysburg and Pea Ridge – Restock

Publisher: Compass Games
Designer: Eric Lee Smith
Artist: Robert Shields
Era: American Civil War
Complexity: Medium / Historical
Language: English
Players: 1-2
Play Time: Scenarios 45 min–3 h | Full campaigns up to 8 h
Age: 14+

Overview

Battle Hymn Vol. 1 includes two complete games:
• Gettysburg: The Tide Turns, covering the pivotal July 1-3, 1863 battle.
• Pea Ridge: The Struggle for Missouri, depicting the fight that ensured Missouri remained in the Union.

The system is a brigade-level wargame that blends a chit-pull activation system with a detailed, fluid combat mechanism. It emphasizes strategy, maneuver, and fighting in a way that is both accessible and rich in historical feel.

Key Mechanics

• Chit-pull command activation
• Hex-and-counter movement
• Two combat phases per turn
• Attrition and morale effects
• Highly suitable for solitaire play

Scenarios & Playing Time

Gettysburg

• Pickett’s Charge – ~45 min
• Devil’s Den – ~1 h
• Day One – ~3 h
• Day Two – ~3 h
• Day Three – ~3 h
• Full Campaign – ~8 h

Pea Ridge

• Day One – ~2 h
• Day Two – ~1.5 h
• Full Campaign – ~5 h

Components

• 4 ten-sided dice + 1 distinct color die
• Two large maps (39″×25″)
• Two identical 8.5″×11″ player aids
• 32-page rulebook with extensive examples
• Two 176-unit counter sheets
• Game box