Play North & South - Wakuwaku Nanboku Sensou (Japan) Online

I first came across North & South on the NES back in 1987, published by Infogrames. It was one of those games that felt different from the usual platformers and action titles of the era, a quirky strategy and action hybrid set during the American Civil War. It didn't have the flash of some other releases, but it had a distinct charm and a novel approach to mixing genres that made it stand out on the shelf.

You control either the Union or Confederate forces, moving armies across a strategic map of the United States to capture territories. The real fun begins when two armies meet, switching to a side-scrolling battle where you directly command your troops. You can raid trains for supplies, man cannons to blast enemy forts, and watch your little soldiers engage in chaotic melee combat. The pacing is brisk, with the constant back and forth between thoughtful map movements and frantic action sequences. It feels like playing with very energetic, very destructive toys.