Raphia (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Raphia is a board game released in 2011 that takes place during the ancient battle of Raphia in 217 BC. Players take on the roles of either the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt or the Seleucid Empire of Syria in a strategic wargame.

Game Components of Raphia

Game board depicting the battle area near modern Rafah.

Unit counters representing infantry, cavalry, elephants, and other military units.

Rulebook with specific rules for Raphia, incorporating a subset of SCS rules.

Dice for resolving combat and morale checks.

Pressure and morale markers.

Victory condition hexes (e.g., the enemy’s camp).

How To Setup Raphia

To set up Raphia, players need to place the units on the board according to the historical deployment of the Battle of Raphia. The Seleucid forces, led by Antioch III, and the Ptolemaic forces, led by Ptolemy IV, are positioned on opposite sides of the board. Each side has its unique unit composition, including elephants, phalanx formations, and cavalry. The setup is crucial as it reflects the historical balance and strategy of the battle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Unit Movement: Units move according to their movement allowances, with restrictions due to Zones of Control (ZOCs).

Combat: Includes melee, trampling by cavalry, and elephant panic. Phalanx units engage in a “pushing” contest, resolved through morale and pressure checks.

Elephant Recovery: Elephants can cause chaos on both sides, with dice rolls determining their direction of panic.

Missile Units: Javelin, peltast, and archer units can attack at range.

Cavalry Exploitation: Cavalry units can exploit weaknesses in the enemy line after combat.

Game Objective

The objective is to achieve victory by capturing key hexes, such as the enemy’s camp, or by eliminating a significant portion of the enemy’s forces.

Player Experience

Playing Raphia offers a cinematic and immersive experience of ancient combat. The game captures the ebb and flow of battle, with units clashing, retreating, and regrouping. The use of phalanx formations, cavalry charges, and elephant units adds a layer of complexity and realism. Players must strategically manage their units and adapt to the dynamic battlefield, making each playthrough unique and engaging.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is based on one of the largest battles of the ancient world, providing a realistic historical simulation.

Complex yet Engaging Mechanics: The combination of unit types and combat mechanics creates a rich and immersive gameplay experience.

Replayability: Different strategies and dice rolls ensure that each game is unique.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game requires understanding a subset of SCS rules, which can be daunting for new players.

Crowded Board: The game can feel crowded, especially for players accustomed to less complex board games.

Personal Thoughts on Raphia

Raphia is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and those interested in ancient warfare. It offers a detailed and historically accurate simulation that appeals to players who enjoy strategic depth and complexity. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to wargames due to its intricate rules and setup. For fans of the Commands & Colors Ancients series or other historical wargames, Raphia provides a unique and engaging experience that brings the Battle of Raphia to life on the tabletop.

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