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Belisarius’s War: The Roman Reconquest of Africa, AD 533-534 (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Belisarius’s War: The Roman Reconquest of Africa, AD 533-534 is a board game that simulates the military campaigns led by the Byzantine general Belisarius to retake the African provinces of the Western Roman Empire from the Vandals in the 6th century. Players take on the roles of Belisarius or the Vandal king Gelimer, strategically maneuvering their forces to achieve victory on the battlefield.

Game Components of Belisarius’s War: The Roman Reconquest of Africa, AD 533-534

  • 11 x 17” map covering North Africa and the Western Mediterranean
  • 40 die-cut counters representing elite regulars, tribal warbands, fleets, and militia
  • 18 Campaign Cards for recruits, movement abilities, special bonuses for combat, and historical events
  • Four-page rule booklet

    How To Setup Belisarius’s War: The Roman Reconquest of Africa, AD 533-534

    Setup involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the initial forces of the Romans and Vandals, and dealing the Campaign Cards. Each player must understand their unique deck and the starting positions on the map. The rules booklet provides a detailed guide for initial setup.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The Roman player aims to reconquer key cities and territories, while the Vandal player must defend and counterattack to maintain control.
  • Campaign Cards:** Generate recruits, enable movement, provide special bonuses for combat, and trigger historical events.
  • Combat Resolution:** Quasi-tactical procedure emphasizing the unique advantages of each side, such as the Romans’ disciplined heavy cavalry and the Vandals’ ferocity.
  • Leaders and Morale:** Special rules for leaders like Belisarius, Huns, rebellions, and morale effects.
  • Point-to-Point Movement:** Players maneuver units across a map of North Africa and the Western Mediterranean.

    Player Experience

    **Belisarius’s War** offers a fast-paced and suspenseful experience, especially once players understand the strategies for both sides. The game is praised for its simple yet clever rules and the limited number of counters, which makes it easy to dive into. The dynamic of the Campaign Cards adds a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique.

    Pros

  • Simple and Clever Rules:** Easy to learn but challenging to master.
  • Historical Accuracy:** Faithfully represents the Vandal War and the strategies employed.
  • Replayability:** The Campaign Cards ensure each game is different.
  • Suspenseful Gameplay:** Keeps players engaged as the outcome is often uncertain until the end.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count:** Only suitable for two players.
  • Basic Components:** The game components, while sufficient, are not overly elaborate.

    Personal Thoughts on Belisarius’s War: The Roman Reconquest of Africa, AD 533-534

    **Belisarius’s War** is ideal for history enthusiasts and fans of wargames who appreciate a blend of strategy and historical accuracy. It’s a great introduction to the genre due to its simplicity and relatively short playtime, making it accessible to new players while still offering depth for experienced gamers. However, those seeking a game with more complex components or a larger player count may find it less appealing.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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