Salamis (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Salamis is a board game released in 1999 by GMT Games, designed by Richard H. Berg and Mark Herman. It is a wargame set in ancient times, specifically focusing on the Battle of Salamis, a crucial naval battle between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire in 480 BC.

Game Components of Salamis

Hexagon Grid game board

Rulebook

Counters representing ships and markers

Dice

How To Setup Salamis

Place the game board on a flat surface.

Place the hexagon grid pieces on the board to create the game board layout.

Place the counters representing ships and markers on their designated spaces.

Follow the setup instructions in the rulebook for specific scenarios.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take on the roles of commanders of either the Greek or Persian fleets. The objective is to outmaneuver and outwit your opponent by strategically positioning your ships and engaging in naval combat. The game is played on a hexagon grid, and dice are used to determine the outcomes of battles.

Player Experience

Pros:

Historical theme that offers a unique gaming experience.

Strategic depth with a focus on naval warfare tactics.

Hexagon grid adds an interesting twist to the gameplay.

Cons:

Lengthy gameplay time of up to 6 hours may be a deterrent for some players.

Complexity of rules may take time to grasp for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Salamis

Salamis is a niche wargame that will appeal to history buffs and fans of tactical strategy games. The build quality of the components is solid, and the artwork by Rodger B. MacGowan adds to the immersive experience. While the game may not be for everyone due to its long playing time and complexity, it is worth considering for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay in a historical setting.

In terms of pricing and availability, Salamis can be found both new and used through online retailers. As for alternatives and similar games, players who enjoy Salamis may also like other wargames with a historical theme, such as “Battle Cry” or “Commands & Colors: Ancients.” Overall, Salamis is a game that is worth your time if you are interested in ancient naval warfare and are looking for a challenging strategic experience. It is recommended for players who enjoy deep immersion in historical settings and are willing to invest the time to learn the rules and gameplay mechanics. Those who prefer lighter, quicker games may want to skip Salamis in favor of other options.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.