Successors is a historical board game that simulates the power struggle following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. Players take on the roles of his generals, vying for control of the vast empire he left behind. The game was first released in 1997 by The Avalon Hill Game Co, and has since seen a second edition.
Game Components of Successors
Generals: Each player controls two to four generals, depending on the player count, with unique special powers, Initiative, and Battle Ratings.Units: Macedonian and Mercenary troops, including war elephants.Map: A board representing the ancient world with key cities and provinces.Tyche Cards: Cards that influence gameplay and strategy each turn.Counters: For marking control over territories and tracking various game elements.Funeral Cart: Alexander’s body, which can be moved and buried to gain Legitimacy.
How To Setup Successors
Setup involves each player randomly receiving two generals, each with their own starting territory, units, and sometimes bonuses or penalties to legitimacy or prestige. The board is initialized with the funeral cart in Babylon, and players determine their starting order based on the player with the least Victory Points.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Combat: Simple yet punishing, involving summing unit strengths, rolling two d6, and adjusting based on factors like Battle Ratings.Movement: Generals move based on their Initiative, affecting interception and avoidance of combat.Legitimacy and Victory Points: Players can win through accumulating 18 Legitimacy points or achieving a specified number of Victory Points.Tyche Cards: Influence gameplay and strategy each turn.Control and Conquest: Players compete for control of provinces, fleets, and key locations.
Objectives
Victory Points: Control provinces, fleets, and key locations to gain Victory Points.Legitimacy: Gain Legitimacy by controlling Alexander’s heir, marrying his sisters, forging alliances with his mother, or burying his body in key cities.Instant Victory: Achieve 18 Legitimacy points or the required number of Victory Points.Regency Victory: Control specific Royal Family members and have the highest sum of Victory Points and Legitimacy.
Player Experience
**Successors** feels like a strategic and often passive-aggressive struggle between individual generals and their followers. The game starts amicably, with players expanding their territories, but turns intense as the board becomes full and players start competing aggressively for control. The game is known for its sharp edges, particularly in the late game, where weaker players may become targets.
Pros
Deep Strategy: Multiple paths to victory and complex strategic decisions.Historical Theme: Immersive gameplay set in the ancient world after Alexander’s death.Replayability: High replay value due to random general assignments and Tyche Cards.Awards: Won the Best Historical Board Game award at the 1998 Origins Awards.
Cons
Long Playtime: Games typically last 4+ hours.Complexity: Steep learning curve, especially for new players.Player Interaction: Can be brutal, with weaker players often targeted in the late game.
Personal Thoughts on Successors
**Successors** is for fans of deep, strategic board games who enjoy historical themes and complex gameplay mechanics. It is ideal for those who appreciate games with multiple paths to victory and are willing to invest the time to learn and master the game. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience.
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