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Commands & Colors: Medieval (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for Commands & Colors: Medieval

Commands & Colors: Medieval is a board game that was released in 2019, designed by Rodger B. MacGowan and Chechu Nieto. It is part of the Commands & Colors series, which is known for its historical wargames that are played on a hexagon grid. This particular edition focuses on medieval warfare, allowing players to recreate battles from this time period using command cards and dice rolling mechanics.

Game Components of Commands & Colors: Medieval

  • Hexagon grid game board
  • Command cards
  • Dice
  • Unit miniatures
  • Terrain tiles
  • Scenario cards
  • Rulebook

How To Setup Commands & Colors: Medieval

  • Place the game board in the center of the table.
  • Shuffle the terrain tiles and place them on the designated spaces on the board.
  • Each player chooses a side and sets up their units according to the scenario card.
  • Shuffle the command cards and deal a hand to each player.
  • Begin the game by following the scenario objectives and using command cards to maneuver your units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The gameplay of Commands & Colors: Medieval revolves around using command cards to move and attack with your units on the board. Players must strategically position their forces, utilize terrain bonuses, and make tactical decisions to outmaneuver their opponent. The game objective varies depending on the scenario card being played, but typically involves eliminating enemy units or capturing key objectives.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Easy to learn rules and quick gameplay
  • Strategic depth and replayability with different scenarios
  • Miniatures add a visual appeal to the game
  • Historical accuracy in terms of unit abilities and tactics

Cons:

  • Some scenarios may feel unbalanced
  • Dice rolling can introduce luck into gameplay
  • Limited player interaction beyond combat

Personal Thoughts on Commands & Colors: Medieval

Commands & Colors: Medieval is a well-crafted wargame that offers a mix of historical accuracy and strategic gameplay. The components are of high quality, and the artwork adds to the immersive experience. The game is priced reasonably for the content it provides, and both new and used copies are readily available. For fans of medieval warfare and tactical combat games, Commands & Colors: Medieval is definitely worth your time. However, players who prefer heavy player interaction or dislike luck-based mechanics may want to skip this game. Overall, I would recommend this game to those who enjoy historical wargames and are looking for a challenging yet accessible gaming experience.

Game Components of Commands & Colors: Medieval

  • Battlefield scenario maps** that emphasize important terrain features and historical deployments.
  • Medieval Command cards** that drive movement and create a “fog of war.”
  • Battle dice** for resolving combat quickly and efficiently.
  • Blocks representing forces** for quick setup and clear visibility on the map.
  • Special rules** such as Auxilia units and Mounted Charge Command cards with unique effects.

    How To Setup Commands & Colors: Medieval

    Setup involves placing blocks on the battlefield according to the specific scenario, ensuring that each side’s forces are correctly deployed. The battlefield maps are designed to highlight key terrain features, and the command cards are shuffled and dealt to each player. The game scale can vary, but setup is generally quick due to the block-based system.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Command Cards: Drive movement and initiate actions, creating uncertainty and strategic depth.
  • Battle Dice: Resolve combat efficiently, introducing an element of chance.
  • Terrain Features: Influence movement and combat outcomes.
  • Objective: Typically, the objective is to defeat the opponent’s forces by capturing or eliminating their units.
  • Special Rules: Scenarios may include unique rules, such as Auxilia units battling back with extra dice.

    Player Experience

    **Commands & Colors: Medieval** is designed for 2 players, with potential expansions allowing for 4-8 players in the future. Games can vary in length from 30 minutes for confrontational scenarios to 1.5 hours for larger engagements, with an average playtime of about 1 hour per scenario. The game has a medium complexity level, making it accessible to wargamers who prefer lighter, shorter games.

    Pros

  • Logical Continuation: Builds upon the successful mechanics of **Commands & Colors: Ancients**.
  • Quick Setup: Blocks allow for fast and clear deployment.
  • Strategic Depth: Command cards and battle dice create a engaging and unpredictable gameplay experience.
  • High Quality Components: Published by GMT Games, ensuring superb quality.
  • Flexible Scale: Scenarios vary in scale, offering different challenges and experiences.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count: Currently only supports 2 players, with future expansions needed for more.
  • Rules Complexity: While generally lighter than other wargames, it has slightly more rules than **Commands & Colors: Ancients**.

    Personal Thoughts on Commands & Colors: Medieval

    This game is ideal for fans of the **Commands & Colors** series, particularly those who enjoyed **Ancients**. It is also suited for wargamers who prefer games that are lighter and shorter, allowing for multiple scenarios to be played in one evening. The transformation from infantry to cavalry dominance adds a fresh layer to the gameplay, making it an exciting addition to the series. However, the full potential of the game may be realized with the release of future expansions.

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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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