Thunder on the Mississippi: Grant's Vicksburg Campaign

Thunder on the Mississippi: Grant's Vicksburg Campaign is a two-player operational wargame depicting General Ulysses S. Grant’s 1863 campaign to capture Vicksburg, a decisive turning point in the American Civil War.

It is part of the acclaimed Great Campaigns of the American Civil War (GCACW) series, known for its historical accuracy and refined gameplay system.

The game covers the full campaign from maneuver warfare to siege operations.

Key Features

• Detailed simulation of a landmark Civil War campaign
• Mature and highly regarded GCACW system
• Multiple scenarios from introductory to full campaign
• Strong historical immersion (terrain, amphibious ops, siege warfare)

Components

• Two 22” x 32” full-color maps
• ~700 counters across multiple sheets
• Series rules booklet (24 pages)
• Game-specific rules booklet (~56 pages)
• Player aids and charts
• Two six-sided dice

Specifications

• Players: 2
• Age: 14+ (expert wargame estimate)
• Playing time: 1 hour (short scenarios) to full campaign (~70 turns)
• Language: English
• Complexity: Advanced / Expert
• Scale: Operational
• Theme: American Civil War – Vicksburg Campaign

Game System

Uses the latest version of the GCACW Standard Rules, featuring:

• Command activation system
• Operational maneuver warfare
• Combat and siege resolution
• Terrain-specific rules (loess hills, river bluffs)

Historical Background

The Vicksburg Campaign (1863) is widely regarded as a masterpiece of military operations, securing Union control of the Mississippi River and splitting the Confederacy.

Designers & Publisher

• Designers: Joe Balkoski, Chris Withers
• Artist: Charlie Kibler
• Publisher: Multi-Man Publishing