Field of Glory: Ancient and Medieval Wargaming Rules (2008) Board Game

Field of Glory: Ancient and Medieval Wargaming Rules is a tabletop wargame first released in 2008 by Osprey Publishing. Designed by Simon Hall, Richard Bodley Scott, and Terry Shaw, this game allows players to recreate historical battles from ancient and medieval times using miniatures and a set of rules that simulate realistic combat tactics.

Game Components of Field of Glory: Ancient and Medieval Wargaming Rules

Rulebook: A comprehensive 176-page book with color illustrations, photographs of miniatures, and diagrams.

Army Lists: Companion lists to help players select and build historically accurate armies.

Figure Painting Guide: Included in the rulebook, providing tips on painting miniatures.

Osprey Artwork: Detailed artwork from Osprey books.

Organization Tables and Historical Background: Information on the history and organization of ancient and medieval armies.

How To Setup Field of Glory: Ancient and Medieval Wargaming Rules

To set up the game, players need to choose their armies based on the provided army lists, ensuring they follow the historical accuracy guidelines. The rulebook includes color-coded chapters and clear diagrams to help navigate the setup process. Players must also prepare their miniatures according to the basing rules, which are consistent with other wargaming rules sets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Combat Mechanics: Involves both troop loss and morale effects, making combat outcomes less predictable.

Command and Control: Detailed rules for commanding and controlling units, including complex movement tests.

Army Size and Composition: Armies can vary in size, which affects gameplay, particularly in terms of flanking and unit deployment.

Game Objective: The primary goal is to defeat the opponent’s army by reducing their morale and troop numbers.

Player Experience

**Field of Glory** is designed for both beginner and expert wargamers, though it may be more challenging for occasional gamers due to its complex rules. The game is known for its realistic portrayal of ancient and medieval battles, with a focus on strategic deployment and command. However, it can be time-consuming, with games typically lasting around 3 hours.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously researched and offers historically accurate army lists and scenarios.

Detailed Rules: Comprehensive rules with clear diagrams and photographs make the game engaging and immersive.

Beautiful Presentation: The rulebook is well-illustrated with color diagrams, Osprey artwork, and photographs.

Community Support: There is a strong community and a dedicated support site, making it easier for players to learn and engage with the game.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve, with 106 pages of rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Unequal Army Sizes: Armies can have different sizes, which can lead to imbalance in gameplay.

Long Gameplay: Games can last up to 3 hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Not Beginner-Friendly: The complexity of the rules and gameplay mechanics may not be ideal for occasional or new wargamers.

Personal Thoughts on Field of Glory: Ancient and Medieval Wargaming Rules

**Field of Glory** is ideal for dedicated wargamers who appreciate historical accuracy and complex strategic gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for occasional gamers due to its complexity, it has quickly become a standard in the historical ancients miniatures wargaming community. The game’s detailed rules and beautiful presentation make it a must-have for those passionate about recreating ancient and medieval battles on their tabletops.

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