Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Definitely not for the casual gamer or anyone into pretty graphics, Sid Meier’s Antietam! is great game nonetheless, providing an accurate and historic simulation of one of the bloodiest (i.e. casualty-filled) single days in American history.
  2. A wargame that only hardcore wargamers could love. Historically accurate to a fault, vast in scale, unnecessarily complex and poorly presented, it isn't going to win any new fans for the genre.
  3. 60
    The dated graphics and the lack of a campaign turned me off. SMA may have been successful if it was an add-on pack that came out last year, but this year it just seems dated.
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Negative: 2 out of 5
  1. TheManichaean
    Sep 30, 2004
    8
    This game is worthy of the Sid Meier name, in both the positive and negative ways. On the positive side, the concept is excellent. This Real This game is worthy of the Sid Meier name, in both the positive and negative ways. On the positive side, the concept is excellent. This Real Time Strategy was really ahead of its time, and even implements some things that I'd like to see in current games. For example, formation actually matters to your troops. Line formation is your standard, but there are others: columnar is fast on the march, but terrible for fighting. Skirmish is a spread out stance good for combat on the move over rough terrain, but it just won't stand up against a fortified line of troops. Troops have morale, which can be boosted by the presence of commanders. Close combat is exciting too, full with fast, furious charges and answering vollies from encamped defenders. These are the characteristics of a great Sid Meier game: inspired to the last breath. Now, though, the bad point: no good multiplayer support. Meier is a genius of gaming, having created Pirates (if any of you guys remember that gem!) and Civilizations. Unfortunately, Meier seems to be stuck back in those good old days. Back then, Commodore 64's couldn't network to play (very easily, at least). It was OK to make a stupendous 1 player strategy game. Now, though, any wargamer worth his lead figurines wants to take the combat online. And Gettysburg simply doesn't facilitate that easily. It's truly a shame, and if Meier were to release a revised version (like Blizzard's Warcraft 2 online edition), I'd be the first guy in line. So if you come across this hidden gem of a game, buy it! You'll only be disappointed that you can't play it online! Full Review »