As a game for kids and parents, it's not bad. The theme is there in the background, maybe leading to an interest in the ACW, and the little toy figures might stimulate an interest in miniatures. If my kid shows interest when he's older, then so much the better. For what it's worth, my favorite game in the old American Heritage series was Broadsides, a slick little naval game set during the War of 1812. British ships brave the fire of coastal guns to battle American ships trying to guard merchant shipping.
Damage is shown by removing masts from the little ships.
I had a lot of fun with that one. It was neat. You lined up your little infantry and cavalry guys next to a line of enemy units. Except if you had an artillery unit in the last place position. But artillery pieces were rare.