Field Commander: Alexander (2009) Board Game

Field Commander: Alexander is a solitaire board game that was released in 2009 and designed by Wan Chiu. It is part of the Field Commander series by Dan Verssen Games (DVG) and focuses on the military campaigns of Alexander the Great.

Game Components of Field Commander: Alexander

4 scenarios: Granicus, Issus, Tyre, and Gaugamela, each with its own mounted board

Units and army composition cards

Enemy Operations counters

Advisors, Insights, and Gold tokens

Battleplans cards

Prophecy cards

Turn counter and track

Dice (D6)

How To Setup Field Commander: Alexander

To set up the game, you select the scenario you want to play, each having its own board with setup instructions. These instructions include the composition of Alexander’s army, forces currently on the map, any Advisors, Insights or Gold you start with, and the stack of enemy Operations counters which need to be randomized.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Progression: Advance the turn counter, refit reduced strength units for Gold, and resolve enemy operations.

Enemy Actions: Roll dice for enemy Strongholds to determine their actions based on a chart on the map.

Commanding Alexander’s Army: Move units, make Scouting rolls to manage supply and resistance.

Battle Resolution: Arrange units by speed, draw Battleplans, and resolve battles.

Prophecies: Accept and fulfill prophecies to gain Glorification Levels or face penalties.

Game Objective: Conquer all battlegrounds and Strongholds, and bring Alexander’s army to a specific location before the turn counter expires.

Player Experience

Field Commander: Alexander offers a challenging and engaging solo experience. Initially, the game may seem straightforward, but adding difficulty modifiers and playing the linked campaign reveals deeper complexity. Players must balance resource management, strategic movement, and battle tactics to succeed.

Pros

Depth and Replayability: Multiple scenarios and difficulty modifiers ensure long-term replay value.

Historical Context: Immersive experience set in Alexander the Great’s conquests.

Solo Play: Designed specifically for solo players, offering a unique challenge.

Dynamic Gameplay: Combines strategy with random elements for unpredictability.

Cons

Complexity: While considered entry-level, the game has a learning curve due to its mechanics and rules.

Time-Consuming: Scenarios can be lengthy, especially with additional challenges.

Solo Only: Limited to single-player experience.

Personal Thoughts on Field Commander: Alexander

Field Commander: Alexander is ideal for history enthusiasts and solo gamers looking for a strategic challenge. It appeals to those who enjoy war games and are interested in historical military campaigns. The game’s depth and replayability make it a valuable addition to any solo gamer’s collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking quick, light-hearted games or multiplayer experiences.

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