Experience the Thrilling Game Elements of Commands & Colors: Ancients

Commands & Colors: Ancients is a captivating and immersive board game that allows you to step into the shoes of famous commanders from ancient civilizations. The game features various elements that contribute to its excitement and strategic depth. Let’s explore some of these compelling game elements that make Commands & Colors: Ancients a must-play for both history enthusiasts and board game lovers.

Command Cards: Your Strategic Arsenal

Command cards are your key to victory in Commands & Colors: Ancients. These cards represent the orders and actions available to you as a commander. Each turn, you’ll draw a hand of these cards and use them to strategically maneuver your troops, launch attacks, or react to your opponent’s moves. The command cards provide a tactical decision-making element, adding an element of uncertainty and surprise to the game. With each card played, you’ll need to carefully consider how to best utilize your forces and take advantage of the battlefield conditions.

Combat Cards: Strength in Numbers

When engaging in battle, Combat cards come into play. These cards determine the strength and effectiveness of your units during combat. By playing the right Combat cards at the right time, you can enhance your troops’ offensive or defensive capabilities, seize momentum, or turn the tide of battle in your favor. Using your Combat cards wisely and adapting your strategy based on the situation will be crucial to achieving victory on the battlefield.

Command & Colors: The Battle Dice

When it comes to resolving combat in Commands & Colors: Ancients, the battle dice play a pivotal role. These dice are rolled to determine the outcome of each battle. The battle dice have various symbols representing different results, such as hits, misses, or retreats. The combination of luck and strategic planning will heavily influence the outcome of battles. The battle dice introduce an element of tension and excitement, as every roll has the potential to sway the course of the game.

Historically Accurate Scenarios: Reenact Epic Battles

Commands & Colors: Ancients offers a wide array of historically accurate scenarios that allow you to relive famous battles from ancient times. Whether it’s the decisive clash at Cannae or the epic confrontation at Marathon, each scenario presents unique challenges and objectives. By playing through these scenarios, you’ll not only have a thrilling gaming experience, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the tactics and strategies employed by ancient commanders.

Accessible Rulebook: Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master

Commands & Colors: Ancients features an accessible rulebook that allows players of all experience levels to quickly grasp the core mechanics and start playing. The rulebook is designed to be user-friendly, providing clear explanations and examples. While the game is easy to learn, mastering the strategies and intricacies will require strategic thinking, adaptability, and careful planning.

Immerse Yourself in History

With its engaging gameplay elements and historical accuracy, Commands & Colors: Ancients offers an immersive experience that transports you back to the ancient world. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, this intriguing title will captivate you with its blend of strategy, history, and thrilling gameplay. Get ready to lead your armies to victory and carve your name into the annals of ancient history!

Welcome to the world of battlefield gaming! Today, I want to talk to you about the gameboard, also known as the battlefield. It’s like a grid made up of hexagons. Imagine a honeycomb. The battlefield has 13 hexes across and 9 hexes down. This creates a total of 117 hexes!

Now, let me introduce you to the sections on the battlefield. There are three sections, to be precise. Each section is separated by two dotted lines. We have a left flank section, a center section, and a right flank section. The dotted lines cut through some hexes, which means those hexes become a part of both the flank section and the center section. It’s like the hexes have a dual citizenship!

Moving on, let’s talk about terrain tiles. These tiles represent different types of terrain features, like hills, forests, and rivers. They are placed on the battlefield to create a realistic and historically accurate setting for each scenario. Don’t worry, I’ll explain the different types of terrain in more detail later.

Next up, we have command cards. These little cards hold a lot of power! They are used to give orders to your troops and tell them what to do. Whether it’s moving, battling, or doing something special, the command cards make it happen. You’ll have a deck of these cards to strategize with.

Last but not least, we have battle dice. These dice are the luck bringers! They determine the outcomes of battles and other important actions. Roll the dice and see what fate has in store for your troops.

So, now you know the basics of the battlefield gameboard. It’s like a canvas waiting for a strategic masterpiece to unfold. Get ready to command your troops, navigate the terrain, and roll the dice of destiny. It’s time to conquer the battlefield!

When you look at each battle die, you’ll notice that it has six blank sides that need stickers. It’s important to place the right stickers on each side of the die:

• one Light sticker (green circle)
• one Medium sticker (blue triangle)
• one Heavy sticker (red square)
• one Leader sticker (helmet symbol)
• one Banner sticker (flag symbol),
• one Crossed Swords sticker.

Don’t forget, there’s also a set of spare dice stickers.

Units

Food Units

A unit is made up of a certain number of blocks:

• All light, light bow, light slinger, auxilia, warrior, medium, and heavy infantry units consist of four small blocks.
• Heavy war machine units consist of two small blocks.

Mounted Units

• When it comes to cavalry, there are different types, including light, medium, and heavy. They all consist of three medium-sized blocks.
• Elephant units, on the other hand, are made up of two large-sized blocks.
• Heavy chariot units also have two rectangular blocks.
• Barbarian chariot units, however, have three rectangular blocks.
• It’s important to note that a Leader is not considered a unit. Instead, it is represented by a single rectangular block.

Look at this example of a foot unit and a cavalry unit. The foot unit is made up of four blocks, while the cavalry unit consists of three blocks.

Roman Units:

Carthagian Units:

Let’s talk about the various types of military units that were part of the ancient Carthaginian army. These units played a vital role in the success and power of Carthage.

First and foremost, we have the famed Carthaginian infantry. These soldiers formed the backbone of the army and were known for their discipline and skill in battle. They were equipped with spears, swords, and shields, making them formidable opponents on the battlefield. The Carthaginian infantry played a crucial role in both offensive and defensive operations.

Next, we have the Carthaginian cavalry. These mounted warriors were known for their speed and agility. They were adept at flanking maneuvers and provided invaluable support to the infantry. The Carthaginian cavalry was a force to be reckoned with and often struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.

Another important component of the Carthaginian army was the war elephants. These massive creatures, equipped with towers and armed handlers, were used as both weapons and tools of intimidation. The elephants were a sight to behold on the battlefield and could cause chaos among enemy lines.

Lastly, we have the naval forces of Carthage. The Carthaginians were skilled sailors and had a powerful navy. They relied heavily on their ships for trade, exploration, and warfare. The Carthaginian navy played a significant role in various conflicts, including the famous Punic Wars against Rome.

In conclusion, the Carthagian army consisted of a diverse range of units, each with its own unique capabilities and contributions. Their combined strength and strategic prowess made Carthage a formidable force in the ancient world.

If you want to apply stickers to the blocks, here’s what you need to do. First, get unit stickers for each block. Put Roman unit labels on the gray blocks and Carthaginian unit labels on the dark brown blocks. It’s a good idea to separate the blocks by color, with gray for Romans and brown for Carthaginians. Once you have them separated, sort the blocks by size.

Let’s start with the Roman Units. Take out 24 small gray blocks. Look for the Roman Light Infantry stickers on sheet 1 of 3 (there are two sheets with these stickers). Peel off the stickers and put them on both sides of the 24 small gray blocks. When you finish with the 24 blocks, move on to the Roman Light Bow Infantry. Take out 8 small gray blocks for this.

Hey there! Let’s dive into the exciting world of Roman Light Bow Infantry stickers. You’ll find them on Sheet 1 of 3. All you have to do is peel off the stickers and stick them on the front and back of the 8 small gray blocks. Once you’ve used up all the gray blocks, move on to the Roman Light Sling Infantry and their 4 blocks. Keep going like this until you’ve finished all the Roman units. Then, switch to the Carthaginian units and their dark brown blocks. Believe me, it’ll be worth the effort! We’ve even included a few extra blocks and stickers, just in case.

Quick heads up: Some of the units mentioned in these rules won’t actually be used in this game’s scenarios, but don’t worry, they’ll come into play in future expansion modules.

When I talk about the core of the system in these rules, I might refer to certain units like light bow cavalry, which aren’t included in this box. But no need to fret! They’ll show up in expansions later on.

Oh, and by the way, make sure to apply the Victory Banner labels to only one side of the small black blocks.

Symbols and Colors

Hey there! I want to tell you about something pretty cool – the symbols and colors we use to identify different types of units.

So, you know sometimes when you’re looking at a label or a sign, and you can see a little picture or symbol? Well, that’s what I’m talking about! We use these symbols to help us understand what kind of unit we’re looking at.

But wait, there’s more! Not only do we have symbols, but we also have colors. We use colors to give us even more information about the unit. It’s like a secret code!

Now, let me break it down for you. Each symbol and color combination tells us something specific about the unit. It’s like a language that only a few people can understand. But don’t worry, I’ll teach you!

If you see a red square, that means the unit is dangerous or hazardous. It could be something that can hurt you, so you gotta be careful!

On the other hand, a green circle tells us that the unit is safe. You don’t have to worry about this one. It’s all good!

Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky. If you see a yellow triangle, that means the unit is cautionary. It’s not quite as dangerous as a red square, but you still need to be careful and take precautions.

And finally, a blue diamond means the unit is mandatory or required. You have to pay attention to this one and make sure you follow any instructions that come with it.

So, there you have it – symbols and colors! They’re like our little helpers, guiding us in the right direction and keeping us safe. Just remember to pay attention to these symbols and colors, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Do you know what the green circle represents? It actually symbolizes the light infantry, light sling infantry, light bow infantry, light cavalry, and light bow cavalry. These units are known for their agility and speed, making them perfect for quick maneuvers on the battlefield.

When you see it on the battlefield, you may wonder, what exactly does that green circle with a white border mean? Well, let me shed some light on the subject for you. That symbol represents the presence of auxilia infantry and light barbarian chariots. It’s a signal to be aware and take necessary precautions when dealing with these troops.

When it comes to ancient military forces, the blue symbol was a game-changer. This symbol represented units that were versatile and could be used in a variety of ways. Just like the color blue itself, these units were known for their ability to adapt and overcome different situations.

Blue symbol: medium infantry, medium cavalry, camel.

Now, let me tell you why the blue symbol was so important. As a general in an ancient army, having versatile units at my disposal was crucial. I needed soldiers who could fight on foot or horseback, defend against both infantry and cavalry attacks, and traverse different terrains. The blue symbol provided just that.

Imagine being in a battle and suddenly realizing that you have the wrong type of unit facing the enemy. That could be a disastrous situation. But with the blue symbol, I didn’t have to worry. No matter the circumstances, I knew I had troops that could adapt and respond accordingly.

One of the key advantages of the blue symbol was its flexibility. The medium infantry could hold the line and engage enemy soldiers up close. The medium cavalry could charge into battle and disrupt the enemy’s formations. And the camels were especially effective against cavalry units, delivering powerful blows that could turn the tide of battle.

But the blue symbol was more than just a collection of versatile units. It was a symbol of innovation and strategic thinking. As a general, I had to constantly assess the battlefield and make split-second decisions. The blue symbol allowed me to do that with confidence, knowing that my troops had the capability to handle any situation.

So, if you’re looking for a military force that can adapt and overcome, look no further than the blue symbol. It’s not just about the units it represents, but the mindset it embodies. With the blue symbol, you can elevate your strategic thinking and regenerate your response to any challenge you may face.

When I first see the blue symbol with the white border, I am intrigued. It reminds me of a warrior infantry, ready for battle. Or maybe it’s a cataphracted camel, fully armored and prepared for combat. Either way, there is a sense of strength and resilience captured within that simple yet striking image.

Red symbol: refers to certain units in a war game called heavy infantry, heavy cavalry, heavy chariot, elephant, and heavy war machine.

But what does it mean to be a heavy infantry unit? How about a heavy cavalry unit? And why do these symbols matter when playing the game?

Let’s start with heavy infantry. Imagine a soldier wearing thick armor, wielding a broadsword, and carrying a shield. They are strong and tough, relying on their heavy armor to protect them in battle. They’re like the tanks of the army, capable of withstanding enemy attacks and holding the line.

Heavy cavalry, on the other hand, is all about speed and power. Picture a knight on horseback, charging towards the enemy at full speed with a lance in hand. They strike fear into the hearts of their opponents, as their horses trample through the battlefield and their lances pierce through enemy lines.

Now, let’s talk about heavy chariots. These are like mobile fortresses on wheels. They are armed with deadly weapons and manned by skilled warriors. They can crash through enemy formations, causing chaos and destruction wherever they go. Their main advantage lies in their ability to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies and break through enemy lines.

Elephants, too, play a significant role in the game. These massive creatures are incredibly strong and powerful. Just their presence on the battlefield can be intimidating. They can charge at enemies, using their size and strength to trample and crush anyone in their path. They are like living tanks, capable of dealing devastating damage to enemy units.

Finally, we have heavy war machines. These are the siege engines of the game, capable of destroying enemy defenses and fortifications. They are often used to break down walls, gates, or towers, allowing the attacking forces to breach the enemy’s defenses and conquer their territory.

So, you see, these symbols are not just random shapes on the game board. They represent specific units with different strengths and abilities. Understanding what each symbol means can give you a strategic advantage in the game. You can plan your moves and counter your opponent’s strategies more effectively.

Next time you play the game, pay attention to the red symbols and use them to your advantage. Whether you prefer the strength and endurance of heavy infantry, the speed and power of heavy cavalry, the destructive force of heavy chariots, the intimidating presence of elephants, or the siege capabilities of heavy war machines, knowing what each symbol represents will help you emerge victorious on the battlefield.

Hey there! Let’s talk about this cool symbol called the “Red symbol with white border.” Looks pretty awesome, right? It’s actually a representation of heavy cataphracted cavalry.

Now, you might be wondering, what in the world is cataphracted cavalry? Well, I’m here to break it down for you. Cataphracted cavalry refers to heavily armored soldiers who rode on horses into battle. They were like the tanks of ancient times, providing a strong and powerful force on the battlefield.

The “Red symbol with white border” is a way to symbolize this impressive cavalry and all the strength and power that they held. It’s a nod to the past and a reminder of the tactics and strategies that were used in ancient warfare.

So, next time you see that “Red symbol with white border,” keep in mind the brave soldiers who rode into battle on horseback, ready to defend their people and fight for what they believed in. It’s a fascinating piece of history that we can still appreciate today.