Commands & Colors: Ancients (2006) Board Game

Commands & Colors: Ancients is a historical wargame designed by Richard Borg and first released in in 2006. The game is set in ancient times and allows players to recreate famous battles from history. It is published by GMT Games and has gained a dedicated following among wargaming enthusiasts.

Game Components of Commands & Colors: Ancients

Wood Blocks: Several hundred blocks in two colors for Roman/Syracusan and Carthaginian armies, with stickers for different unit types.

Victory Banners: 16 small wooden blocks.

Dice: 7 larger plastic dice with stickers.

Command Cards: A deck of cards for ordering units.

Board: Folded card stock laid flat for play.

Terrain Pieces: Hexagonal terrain pieces for scenario setup.

Rule Book: Full-color rule book.

Scenario Book: Color scenario book.

Cheat Sheets: Two color, two-page double-sided cheat sheets.

How To Setup Commands & Colors: Ancients

Setup involves arranging units on the board according to the maps and scenario descriptions in the scenario book. Players are dealt a number of command cards based on their command value for the chosen scenario. The board is set up with the folded card stock and any necessary hexagonal terrain pieces. Units are placed on the board as specified by the scenario, and players prepare their command cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unit Movement and Combat: Units move and conduct combat when ordered by command cards.

Command Cards: Cards refer to sections of the battlefield (left, center, right) or specific actions.

Victory Banners: Earned by eliminating enemy units or leaders.

Objective: Earn the requisite number of victory banners for the scenario.

Player Experience

Commands & Colors: Ancients offers a strategic and immersive experience, simulating the “fog of war” and uncertainty of real battlefields. Players must maximize their opportunities by judiciously playing their command cards, managing diverse units, and utilizing terrain effectively.

Pros

Historical Depth: Focuses on epic battles of the ancient world from 3000 BC to 400 AD.

Strategic Complexity: Combines luck and strategy through the use of command cards.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and expansions available.

Awards and Recognition: Won the 2006 Origins Award for Historical Board Game of the Year and the 2007 BoardGameGeek Golden Geek Award for Best 2-player Game.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Initial setup and understanding of rules can be time-consuming.

Component Preparation: Requires applying stickers to blocks and dice before initial play.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Personal Thoughts on Commands & Colors: Ancients

This game is ideal for history enthusiasts and fans of tactical wargames. It offers a rich historical context and deep strategic gameplay, making it perfect for those who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and setup requirements. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your strategic thinking and provides a detailed historical experience, Commands & Colors: Ancients is an excellent choice.

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