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Ancients (1986) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for Ancients

Ancients is a board game released in 1986 that falls under the categories of Ancient, Medieval, Print & Play, and Wargame. It is designed by Doug Graham, Ted Koller, and Beth Queman, with artwork by 3W (World Wide Wargames) and Good Industries. The game is designed for 2 players, with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. Players will engage in strategic gameplay involving dice rolling, grid movement, hexagon grids, and combat results tables.

Game Components of Ancients

  • Game board featuring hexagon grids
  • Player pieces representing various ancient civilizations
  • Dice for combat and movement
  • Scenario cards for different missions
  • Rulebook for gameplay instructions

How To Setup Ancients

  • Place the game board on a flat surface.
  • Each player chooses a civilization and takes the corresponding pieces.
  • Shuffle the scenario cards and place them face down.
  • Roll dice to determine who goes first.
  • Follow the setup instructions on the scenario card to place pieces on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ancients, players will take turns moving their pieces on the hexagon grid board to strategically position themselves for combat. Dice rolling will determine the outcome of battles, with players aiming to defeat their opponent’s pieces to achieve victory. The game objective may vary based on the scenario card being played, adding variety to each playthrough.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Strategic gameplay requiring careful planning and decision-making
  • Variety of scenarios to keep gameplay fresh and engaging
  • Historical theme appeals to fans of ancient civilizations and warfare

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new players due to complex rules and mechanics
  • Luck-based outcomes in combat may frustrate some players
  • Limited replayability once all scenarios have been played

Personal Thoughts on Ancients

Ancients offers a deep strategic experience for players interested in ancient warfare and tactics. The build quality of the game components is sturdy and durable, ensuring longevity in gameplay sessions. While the game may not appeal to casual players due to its complexity, enthusiasts of the genre will find value in the depth of gameplay and historical accuracy. Pricing and availability for both new and used copies may vary, so it’s worth exploring different options before making a purchase. For those looking for alternatives or similar games, Ancients is a solid choice for fans of wargames and historical simulations. Ultimately, whether the game is worth your time will depend on your interest in the genre and willingness to invest in mastering its mechanics. Players looking for a challenge and a deep dive into ancient warfare will find Ancients to be a rewarding experience, while those seeking a more casual gaming experience may want to skip this one.

Game Components of Ancients

  • Game Board:** A map representing various ancient battlefields
  • Counters:** Units and markers for different types of troops and actions
  • Rules Booklet:** Detailed rules and scenarios
  • Maps:** Multiple scenarios and battlefields
  • Scenarios:** Pre-designed battles and historical engagements

    How To Setup Ancients

    Setting up “Ancients” involves several steps:
    1. **Choose a Scenario:** Select one of the pre-designed battles or scenarios provided in the game.
    2. **Place the Game Board:** Lay out the map corresponding to the chosen scenario.
    3. **Deploy Units:** Position the counters representing various troops and units according to the scenario’s setup instructions.
    4. **Determine Start Player:** Usually determined by the scenario or through a random process.
    5. **Prepare Rules and Reference Materials:** Have the rules booklet and any necessary charts or tables ready.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Hex-and-Counter System:** Units move and interact within a hexagonal grid.
  • Turn-Based:** Players take turns making moves and resolving combat.
  • Resource Management:** Managing unit deployments and reinforcements.
  • Combat Resolution:** Using dice rolls and combat tables to determine outcomes.

    Game Objective

  • Victory Conditions:** Vary by scenario but often involve defeating the enemy army, capturing key positions, or achieving specific strategic objectives.

    Player Experience

    Playing “Ancients” can be a deeply immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts. The game requires strategic planning, tactical execution, and a good understanding of historical military maneuvers. Players must balance resource management with aggressive or defensive strategies, making each game challenging and rewarding.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** Scenarios are based on real historical battles.
  • Replayability:** Multiple scenarios and variable setup ensure many different games.
  • Strategic Depth:** Encourages complex strategic thinking and planning.
  • Community Support:** Available resources and community mods expand gameplay options.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** Can be rules-dense, requiring significant time to learn.
  • Out of Print:** Original versions are no longer in print, though reprints and digital versions are available.
  • Counter Management:** Handling numerous counters can be cumbersome.

    Personal Thoughts on Ancients

    “Ancients” is ideal for seasoned wargamers and those with a deep interest in ancient military history. It offers a rich and challenging experience that mirrors the complexities of historical battles. For new players, it may be advisable to start with simpler wargames before diving into “Ancients” due to its complexity. However, for those looking to delve into the intricacies of ancient warfare, “Ancients” is a classic and rewarding choice.

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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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