Successors (1993) Board Game

Successors is a board game that was released in 1993 and designed by Joy Cohn and Mark Simonitch. It is a wargame set in ancient times and is published by Decision Games. The game allows 3-4 players to take on the roles of rival heirs to Alexander the Great, vying for control of his empire after his death.

Game Components of Successors

Board: A new, improved layout with a state-of-the-art map board based on original art by Mark Simonitch.

Miniatures: 12 large 40 mm plastic leader miniatures.

Cards: Tyche cards used for Operation Points or Events.

Charts: Updated charts for clarity and gameplay.

Rulebook: Rewritten and updated to fix issues from previous editions.

Illustrations: Over 60 illustrations inspired by historical sources.

Historical Scenarios: Introduced to streamline gameplay and shorten game sessions.

How To Setup Successors

Setting up *Successors* involves each player selecting one of the factions of Alexander’s generals, such as the Imperialist, Ptolemaic, Regents, Antigonid, or Seleucid. Each faction is represented by two or more generals. Players must arrange their generals, troops, and other game components according to the faction they choose. The game board is laid out with the improved map and charts, and each player receives a set of Tyche cards and other necessary components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics:
– Card-driven gameplay using Tyche cards.
– Area control and territory management.
– Intrigue and political maneuvers.
– Battles determined by army size and quality, and the grace of Tyche.

Game Objective:
– Players aim to gain control of provinces to earn Victory Points.
– Securing Legitimacy Points by controlling Alexander’s family members or his tomb.
– Balancing Victory Points to avoid being marked as an Usurper.

Player Experience

Playing *Successors* immerses players in the tumultuous world following Alexander the Great’s death, where former allies turn into fierce enemies. The game demands strategic thinking, as players must navigate the delicate balance between military conquest and political legitimacy. Each round, players use Tyche cards to either move generals, train troops, or leverage events to their advantage. The game’s simple core rules belie a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Players must juggle military victories, territorial control, and political maneuvers.

Historical Accuracy: The game is rich in historical context and detail.

Improved Components: The fourth edition features upgraded miniatures, charts, and a rewritten rulebook.

Variable Scenarios: Historical scenarios add variety and shorten gameplay sessions.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complexity can be daunting for new players.

Lengthy Gameplay: Despite streamlined scenarios, gameplay can still be quite long.

High Complexity: The game’s intricate mechanics may not appeal to casual players.

Personal Thoughts on Successors

*Successors* is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy deep strategy and historical themes. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the intricacies of card-driven wargames and the political nuances of ancient historical conflicts. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for new or casual gamers. For those willing to invest the time, *Successors* offers a rich and rewarding gaming experience that challenges and engages players in a unique and captivating way.

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