Title: Robert E. Lee: Civil War General
Overall Rating: A

Source: www.sierra.com (no longer supported by sierra)
Playing Time: A typical battle can take hours to complete. The Confederate campaign option features a series of 8 battles which should take the novice player many hours to complete.
Software Release Date: 1996
Cost: $14.95 at www.smartkidssoftware.com/cdsra32.htm
Operating System: Windows 3.1 or better

Number of Players: One and two player options
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: None, however an internet patch for internet competition is availablie at http://www.gamesdomain.com/patches/r/1699.html
Subject Area: American History/Social Studies
Objectives: The main objective of single battle play is to move troops onto hexagonal areas on a large scale map in an attempt to defeat the opposing army. Single battle play allows for players to fight as either the Union or Confederate forces.
Brief Description: This is a strategic turn-based game that chooses military based decision making over flashy graphics. Simplistic to play, this game allows for a multitude of scenerios to be played on the fields of the American Civil War. After choosing single battle or campaign play, the player can move units, attack, dig in, or retreat during their turn (with each turn representing 30 minutes of actual game time) Terrain, weaponry, ammunition, and morale effect the tactical success of the fighting. Using 8 real battles and actual lieutenants, colonels, and generals, the Robert E. Lee game is a combination of educational tool and addictive gaming software. This game also includes generic Civil War re-enactment photos and film, Civil War era music, and art work by renowned Mort Kunstler in an attempt to convey realististic battles.
Entry Capabilities Required: Keyboard skills.

Rating: (1-5)

Relevance to objectives: 4 - Although morale, terrain, weaponry, etc. come into play, luck in many cases seems to be just as important.
Provides practice of relevant skills: 5 - The learning curve on military tactics in this game allow for continued fun and improvement.

Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5 - The sounds, film, and continuing action causes this game to create Robert E. Lee software junkies!
Likely to be comprehended clearly:4 - Directions are but a mouse click away at all times.
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 3- Dated, this game's graphics do not blow you away as a player. Decent for time it was released.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather than chance): 4 - Definately based on skill and continued play to be an effect controller army commander. Luck plays a large role as well and the game does not always play the same way.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic, accurate depiction): 4 - Some of maps historically were questionable, a few mess ups with who was where in regards to field generals, but only the biggest of history buffs would pick these up.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results): 5 -Students love this game. Keep copy at desk and works for rowdy study halls too!
Clear directions for play: 5 - Included manual and help availability makes this a game easy for even the most novice of computer users.
Effectiveness of debriefing: 2- Play this game, no time for reflection!