Alexander the Great (1971) Board Game

The Alexander the Great board game was released in 1971 and designed by Don Lowry and W. Scott Moores. It is a wargame set in ancient times, focusing on the conquests of Alexander the Great. Players take on the roles of commanders leading armies in tactical battles across the ancient world.

Game Components of Alexander the Great

Die-cut counters representing infantry, cavalry, phalanx formations, ranged weapons troops, chariots, and elephants

Hex grid map

Morale track

Combat results tables

Rulebook with historical background and game mechanics

How To Setup Alexander the Great

Setup involves placing the hex grid map, distributing the die-cut counters according to the historical deployment of forces, and initializing the morale track. The game requires about 15 minutes to set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Military tactics, strategy

Number of Players: 2

Playing Time: 2 hours

Chance: Low

Mechanics:
– “I Go, You Go” system for movement and combat
– Sliding morale track to determine combat results tables
– Simple combat resolution using dice rolls and tables

Objective: One player controls the Macedonians, while the other controls the Persian forces. The goal is to emerge victorious from the Battle of Gaugamela.

Player Experience

Playing **Alexander the Great** involves strategic deployment and management of troops, careful consideration of morale, and tactical decision-making. The game is noted for its innovative morale system, which affects the effectiveness of troops as their morale declines. However, critics have pointed out that the game’s design flaws prevent accurate historical recreations of the battle plans.

Pros

Innovative Morale System: The game features a unique morale tracking system that adds depth to the simulation.

Historical Context: Provides a historical background and simulates an ancient battle.

Tactical Depth: Focuses on tactical duels and morale levels, making it engaging for strategy enthusiasts.

Evenly Matched Engagement: The game is reasonably balanced, offering a challenging experience for both players.

Cons

Ugly Map Design: The map is often described as one of the ugliest in wargaming, which can be off-putting.

Design Flaws: Prevents accurate historical recreations of the battle plans.

Limited Terrain: Lack of terrain features concentrates attention solely on tactical duels and morale levels.

Difficult Recovery: Once a player gives ground, it is quite hard to recover.

Personal Thoughts on Alexander the Great

**Alexander the Great** is a game for those interested in ancient warfare and strategic wargaming. Despite its flaws, it remains a fair representation of an ancient battle and offers intriguing design features, particularly its morale system. It is best suited for players who enjoy tactical combat and are willing to overlook the aesthetic and design issues. For fans of Gary Gygax and early wargaming history, this game provides a unique glimpse into the evolution of wargaming mechanics.

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