The Map
I really like the new map. The inclusion of additional cities and territories really adds to the simulation. Still, I think that it would have been beneficial to include smaller and more numerous regions, particularly in the eastern theatre. While I haven't played a proper PBEM yet I can see some games having a trench warfare stalemate in the east which could have been avoided with more regions to manoeuvre in. Nevertheless it is still a massive improvement over the original, in particular in the West as well as the Shenandoah valley and WV areas. I'm sure I'll discover more as I play through a proper game.
The Division Cap
I always thought that it was a little silly to model this with a hard cap. Historically speaking, it is very difficult to find a hard number of divisions for either side as organisation of units was extremely common. Since the design choice was to not include bde commanders possible limiting factors should have been either the number of general officers, or as was the case historically, the number of men available. ACW2 implements the second of these options. While it does make some of the large bde's a little less useful as independent units I still think it is a big plus.
Industrialisation
I love the new method of industrialisation. Being able to pick between different areas and structures is a massive improvement over the original. It gives certain and tangible results in the areas where you need them. Still, for the rebels, after a first look I still think turning to the sea is the way to go to increase the limiting factor in the confederate war effort in the first few years: war supplies. This changes to conscript companies after a while, but not much you can do about that.
New Units and Military Recruitment
It's a big one. Being able to choose where you reinforcement will muster is huge. Awesome change. Also, I am loving some of the new units! In particular, HQ supports and the separation of marines and the pontoons! I am fairly certain that additional starting units have been included as well, in particular more cavalry bde's which I think is awesome. The only thing I would have liked to see was an implementation of my suggestion to make Forrest's regiment, and possible the Texas ranger bde, mounted infantry. In any case, can't wait to try these out on the fields of friendly strife!
Regional Decision Cards
This was something entirely new and I wasn't quite sure how to approach it first. While I'm not 100% if/how/when certain cards are replaced I think these are an awesome addition to the game. Being able to develop an area, build a road, support demonstrations and insurrections in enemy territory, pillage cards, requisition cards, cotton cards! The list goes on. I can see these as game changing especially in a few areas, as my future PBEM opponents are sure to find out! Very well done whoever's idea it was to put these in. Can't wait to master the subtleties of these bad boys!
