Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC (2008) Board Game

Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire is a wargame that takes players back to ancient India during the rule of the Mauryan Empire from 319-261 BC. The game allows players to relive the great battles and military campaigns of this historical period, where the empire expanded its territory and influence across the Indian subcontinent.

Game Components of Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC

Maps: 2 22″ x 34″ full-color maps, backprinted, and 1 22″ x 17″ full-color map.

Counters: 3 Countersheets representing various army units.

Rules and Scenario Books: 1 Rules Book and 1 Scenario Book.

Charts and Tables: 4 Charts and Tables Cards.

Die: 1 ten-sided die.

Errata and Clarifications: Updated rules and clarifications from December 2013 and March 2018.

How To Setup Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC

Setup involves preparing the maps, deploying the counters according to the specific scenario, and ensuring all players have the necessary rules and charts. The game requires about 15-30 minutes to set up. Players need to carefully read the scenario instructions to accurately place their units and understand the objectives and any special rules for that scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Players take turns moving units, conducting combat, and resolving combat using an odds-based combat results table (CRT) with a die roll.

Army Composition: The game features the traditional Indian “four-fold” army consisting of foot-soldiers, chariots, elephants, and cavalry.

Leadership and Command: Rules emphasize leadership and command and control, allowing players to conduct extra moves or cancel opponent’s leader activations.

Victory Conditions: Victory is achieved by forcing the opponent’s army to quit the field or by obtaining specific territorial objectives.

Player Experience

Chandragupta offers a deep and complex wargaming experience, ideal for players who enjoy strategic and historical games. The game can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, with epic battles that require careful planning and execution. Players will find themselves immersed in ancient Indian warfare, managing various types of units and leveraging leadership abilities to outmaneuver their opponents.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a detailed and historically accurate representation of the Mauryan military system.

Complex Strategy: Offers a challenging and engaging experience for strategy enthusiasts.

Variety of Scenarios: Includes multiple scenarios, from set-piece battles to urban street fighting and camp raids.

High Replayability: Different scenarios and the randomness of dice rolls ensure high replay value.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has complex rules, which can be daunting for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last several hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Limited Player Count: While it supports up to four players, the game is best suited for two players due to its design and complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Chandragupta: Great Battles of the Mauryan Empire – India, 319-261 BC

This game is ideal for wargaming enthusiasts and those interested in ancient Indian history. It offers a rich, immersive experience that rewards strategic thinking and historical understanding. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime. For those willing to invest the time, Chandragupta provides a unique and engaging gaming experience that stands out in the wargame genre.

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