The Siege of Constantinople: The End of the Middles Ages 1453 A.D. (1978) Board Game

The Siege of Constantinople: The End of the Middles Ages 1453 A.D. board game, released in 1978, simulates the historic event of the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in in 1978. Designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.), this game is a strategic wargame for 2 players, with a playtime of approximately 180 minutes. It falls under the categories of Medieval and Wargame, featuring dice rolling, hexagon grid, and a combat results table as gameplay mechanisms.

Game Components of The Siege of Constantinople: The End of the Middles Ages 1453 A.D.

Map: One 17″ x 22″ hex grid map

Rule Book: A 12-page rule book

Counters: 200 counters

Scenarios: Two scenarios, one for the second half of the siege and one for the entire siege

How To Setup The Siege of Constantinople: The End of the Middles Ages 1453 A.D.

Setup involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the scenario chosen, and familiarizing players with the rule book. The game is divided into turns, each representing two days, and players must align their forces and artillery as specified in the rules. For example, in Game Turn 1, the Ottomans move all artillery except the Pera gun to the Blachernae assault area to begin bombardment against Constantinople’s outer wall.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Bombardment: Ottomans can choose to bombard the walls.

Assaults: Ottomans can launch assaults on the city walls.

Fire Combat: Simultaneous fire and engineering rules.

Wall Repair: Byzantines can repair damaged wall sections.

Game Objective:

Ottomans: Win by placing 25 attack strength points inside the city at any time during a turn.

Byzantines: Win if the Ottomans fail to achieve the above objective by the end of the game.

Player Experience

The Siege of Constantinople is a complex game that requires strategic planning and tactical execution. Players take on the roles of either the Ottoman forces or the defenders of Constantinople, engaging in a series of bombardments and assaults. The game’s complexity, with many new rules added to the SPI system, can make it challenging but also rewarding for those interested in historical wargaming.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is based on the historical siege of Constantinople.

Complex Gameplay: Offers a deep and challenging experience for wargame enthusiasts.

Detailed Rules: Includes rules for bombardments, tunnelling, and wall repair.

Cons

Poor Reception: The game was not well received by critics due to its complexity and limited map utility.

Limited Map Use: Most of the game is played in a narrow corridor along the city walls, making much of the map redundant.

Personal Thoughts on The Siege of Constantinople: The End of the Middles Ages 1453 A.D.

This game is for avid wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed simulations of historical battles. Despite its complexity and some criticisms regarding its design, it offers a unique and immersive experience for those willing to invest the time to understand and master its rules. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a more straightforward wargaming experience.

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