ONUS! Rome Vs Carthage (2014) Board Game

ONUS! Rome Vs Carthage is a historical miniatures wargame that allows players to immerse themselves in the intense conflicts between the ancient civilizations of Rome and Carthage. The game is designed to provide an authentic experience of the warfare tactics and strategies used during this period.

Game Components of ONUS Rome Vs Carthage

Units: Represented by cards, scaled around a Century or Maniple, with 80-100 men for Infantry, 20 cavalrymen for Cavalry, or 6 Elephants.

Unit Traits: Include Melee Combat, Range Attack, Defensive capacity, Morale, Life, and Movement capacity.

Unique Skills: Each unit has specific abilities.

General Figure: Represents the HQ and escort, providing leadership benefits and morale boosts to nearby units.

Events and Orders Cards: Combine to make each game unique and unpredictable.

Game Area: Requires a flat surface, at least 100 x 90 cm.

How To Setup ONUS Rome Vs Carthage

Setting up the game involves deploying units on the game area, with each side preparing for battle. The base game does not include terrain, which was added in later expansions. Players must position their units strategically, considering the historical context and the unique abilities of each unit. For example, in the Battle of the Trebbia scenario, the Romans must contend with being soaked and cold after crossing the river, while the Carthaginians must deploy their ambush forces effectively.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Campaign / Battle Card Driven: Games are driven by cards that represent orders and events.

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to execute their strategies.

Dice Rolling: Used to resolve certain aspects of combat.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players select actions simultaneously.

Objective: Win by routing enough enemy units to break their morale.

Player Experience

ONUS Rome Vs Carthage offers a deeply immersive and historically rich experience, recreating battles like the Battle of the Trebbia with surprising realism. Players must balance strategic planning with the unpredictability of events and orders cards. The game requires careful unit management and tactical decision-making, making it engaging for both casual and experienced wargamers. However, some rules can be ambiguous, requiring additional resources to clarify.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates ancient battles, especially those of the Second Punic War.

Dynamic Gameplay: Events and orders cards ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and tactical execution.

Versatile: Can be played with 1 to 4 players.

Cons

Rule Complexity: Some rules can be ambiguous and hard to understand.

Setup Time: Requires a significant amount of time to set up the game area and deploy units.

Terrain Limitations: Base game does not include terrain, which is a significant aspect of historical battles.

Personal Thoughts on ONUS Rome Vs Carthage

ONUS Rome Vs Carthage is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in the Second Punic War. It offers a challenging and engaging experience that blends strategy with historical context. While it may be more suited to experienced gamers due to its complexity, the game’s unique mechanics and historical depth make it a valuable addition to any wargamer’s collection. However, new players may need to invest time in understanding the rules and setup process.

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