'Ultimate General: Gettysburg' allows you to reign as the commanding general of the Union or Confederate forces partaking in one of the most bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.

The game might be mercilessly difficult for some newcomers commencing their first day on the battlefield, but it also allows time for the player to learn through a mid-tier learning curve. The battles in the game are spread over a couple of days, with each battle lasting a set amount of time before troops from each side call to retire from exhaustion and replenishment.

Orders made on the battlefield could have rippling effects on the outcome of the next few days, and the impressively smart enemy AI will constantly push the player to make split second decisions that can alter the course of the battle as a whole. Falling back from an important defensive position on the field might save a whole brigade from utter annihilation, but losing the position might prove very difficult for the player to retake it from the enemy, hence allowing the AI to use it as a staging area for the next days to come.

Art in the game is pleasant to the eyes, and the gradient colours ironically allows a sense of relaxation even in the midst of stressful decision-making.

In hindsight, the duration of the game is very short with a mere three hours of gameplay in my initial playthrough. However, this shortcoming is cushioned with some replayability in the game, as different decisions made in the battles can allow for very different outcomes and areas to fight on.

Pros:

• Unique battle mechanics and gameplay.
  
• A variety of outcomes from players' decisions, offering a chance in replayability and exploration.
  
• Artstyle is pleasing.

Cons:

• Gameplay is short, and might leave much to be desired.
  
• Learning curve might be steep for some players.

All in all, 'Ultimate General: Gettysburg' offers unique and intelligent gameplay, and presents fresh battle mechanics that are properly executed and rarely seen in the tactical strategy games of today. I personally would recommend this game to fans of the genre, and dare say that this gem will leave an indelible impression on you.