Into the Woods: The Battle of Shiloh is the eighth installment of the Great Battles of the American Civil War (GBACW) series, published by GMT Games. It depicts the pivotal western theater battle of Shiloh, also known as Pittsburg Landing. This is the battle in which General Albert Sidney Johnston cast caution to the wind and launched the rebel Army of Mississippi in a desperate surprise attack on Grant's Army of the Tennessee before Buell's Army of the Ohio could reinforce it. The novice soldiers and amateur leaders of the two similarly sized armies grappled desperately in what became the bloodiest battle of the war so far.

Shiloh determined not only the fate of central Tennessee, but that of both army commanders. If U.S. Grant had lost here, theater commander Henry Hallack would likely have relieved him of duty, removing the North's most valuable army leader, with dramatic effects on the remainder of the war. IF A.S. Johnston had won, he would have regained a good part of Tennessee as well as his reputation. He knew this was a desperate gamble and risked all, including, ultimately, his life.

Into the Woods contains ten scenarios, both historical and hypothetical, ranging from small brigade actions on an 11" x 18" scenario map to the two-day battle played across two full-sized battle maps. Experienced players will be able to play several small scenarios in one sitting.

Hypothetical scenarios include the most likely "what ifs": a last desperate attack on the landing on the evening of the first day, a more effective Confederate deployment at the start of the second day, and a Confederate attack a day early, maximizing surprise. The game rules reflect many of the unique conditions at Shiloh, including Johnston's leading from the front lines, Union surprise, friendly fire, Confederate plundering of camps, and the importance of the terrain on movement and combat.

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Game Length: 180-480 minutes