Historical Simulations

I am a relatively inexperienced IBM PS/2 computer owner. Because of my clear lack of knowledge, I subscribed to your magazine and have enjoyed every informative issue. I especially enjoy your consistent reviews of new software and hardware. As fast as the market changes, your magazine manages to keep abreast of the most recent technology.

I am very interested in the United States' Civil War. Would you please tell me how, and from whom, I might be able to get some quality simulation games on the military aspects of the Civil War? Last, would you be so kind as to inform me of any other simulations on nineteenth-century American history—such as the cultural, social, economic, or political aspects of the War Between the States?

MARK C. BARLOON
IOWA CITY, IA

Senior Editor Keith Ferrell responds:

The Civil War has proved a fertile area for software development, with dozens of good historical simulations available. Notable among these are a series from SSI and another from SSG. My personal favorites include SSI's Rebel Charge at Chickamauga, and the first volume of SSG's Decisive Battles of the American Civil War. Many of these games are available from mail-order companies or through software retailers.

These are primarily battlefield simulations; as far as I know, no one has as yet focused on the economic and social sides of the conflict. Developers, how about it?