Field Commander Lee

Field Commander - Robert E. Lee - Command the Army of Northern Virginia

Field Commander - Robert E. Lee is a solitaire wargame that builds upon the design of *Field Commander - Napoleon*, placing the player firmly in control of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War (ACW). The Union forces are skillfully managed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system.

Five Major Campaigns

The game allows the player to relive critical moments of Robert E. Lee's command, from securing the Confederate capital to the final northern campaign. The five included campaigns are:

• Seven Days Battles (Lee secures Richmond in 1862, leading an inexperienced army).
• Second Manassas.
• Antietam.
• Chancellorsville (Often cited as Lee’s masterpiece).
• Gettysburg (The final northern foray, ending in defeat in July 1863).

Key Design Developments for the ACW

While based on the *Field Commander* system, this title features important developments tailored to the American Civil War era:

• Command Points (CP): CP replace the previous Supply Points and are used to represent reforming broken Forces or gathering scattered Brigades and Regiments. They can also reflect improved morale when forces reach specific Regions.
• Scout Counters: Greater availability and use of Scouts simulate the unique manner in which cavalry was employed during the ACW, adding decision-heavy gameplay.
• Capturing Artillery: Artillery is now captured rather than merely destroyed. Both the Confederate player and the Union AI can seize 'abandoned' cannon and turn them against the enemy—a historically crucial mechanic for the resource-strapped Confederacy.
• Artillery Range Attenuation: Artillery effectiveness decreases the further the target is, adding realism to fire planning.

Union AI and Strategic Depth

The opposing Union AI features significant upgrades to simulate ACW combat more accurately:

• Union Orders: Union Forces follow specific Campaign Map Orders until they enter the Battle Area (marked by red borders), where they switch to the detailed Battle Area Orders table, simulating concentrated battle actions.
• Union Tactics: The AI shifts between Aggressive and Defensive postures, attacking only when the odds favor it.
• Special Battle Plans: An expanded range of plans simulate combat specific to the ACW, including mass charges, Flanking Fire, and Hidden March actions that threaten the Confederate rear.

Each campaign includes detailed Special Rules that highlight the key events, features, and personalities of the respective battles.

Customizable Difficulty

Players can tailor the experience by choosing the Difficulty Level (Regular, Hard, Veteran). You may also mix and match effects from different levels (e.g., using Veteran Special Rules with the Hard Command Points option) to create customized challenges.

Selling Points and Components

• Selling Points: Solitaire focus, American Civil War theme, fast to learn and play, maximum replayability via campaign options. Play times range from 1 to 2 hours per campaign.
• Components: Five 11” x 17” Mounted Maps, two 11” x 17” Mounted Battlefield Maps, nine Counter sheets, Help Sheets, Full color Rulebook.