Commands & Colors: Ancients
- Designer Richard Borg
- Publisher GMT Games , Devir , Wargames Club Publishing
- Illustration Rodger B. MacGowan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You command ancient battles from 3000 BC to 400 AD in a tactical game driven by cards and dice. The game uses a modular hex grid board and Command Cards to control movement and combat. Scenarios like Cannae and Zama offer varied scales and historical depth. The system simulates fog of war, requiring strategic planning and flexible tactics.
Who Is This Game For?
Commands & Colors: Ancients is aimed at experienced players seeking a medium-complexity wargame. With a playtime around 60 minutes and a minimum age of 12, it demands tactical understanding and patience. It is strictly for two players and less suited for families with young children or beginners without prior experience.
How It Works
The game is based on the Command & Colors system using Command Cards that drive movement and actions. Dice Rolling resolves combat while Hand Management requires smart card use. On the modular hex grid, you position units to leverage terrain and historic formations. Four card types—Leadership, Section, Troop, and Tactic—create tactical variety and simulate fog of war.
What Makes It Special
Richard Borg’s Commands & Colors: Ancients won the 2006 Origins Award for Historical Board Game of the Year. Part of the Commands & Colors family, it shares elements with Memoir '44 but adds deeper historical detail. The combination of Command Cards and Dice Rolling makes it unique among ancient battle wargames.
Awards
2007
2006
- 2006 Charles S. Roberts Best Pre-World War II Boardgame — Nominated
- 2006 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
- 2006 Origins Awards Historical Board Game of the Year — Winner
Pro
- Historically grounded wargame focusing on ancient battles
- Combination of Command Cards and Dice Rolling for tactical depth
- Modular hex grid board allows varied scenarios
- Winner of the 2006 Origins Awards Historical Board Game of the Year
Contra
- Designed exclusively for 2 players, no solo mode
- Requires tactical understanding and can be complex for beginners
- 60-minute playtime demands focus and patience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game covers ancient battlefields from roughly 3000 BC to 400 AD, featuring historical conflicts such as the Punic and Sicilian Wars on a realistic modular board.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Use Command Cards strategically and pay attention to terrain and unit advantages to adapt your plan flexibly.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Commands & Colors: Ancients is designed strictly for two players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
It is a medium-complexity wargame requiring tactical understanding and some prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
It simulates fog of war with Command Cards and combines historical detail with fast dice combat.
Is this suitable for families?
Given its complexity and age limit of 12+, it’s better suited for experienced players than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The use of Command Cards to control movement and actions combined with Dice Rolling for combat outcomes.
Fazit
Commands & Colors: Ancients is highly recommended for wargame fans wanting tactical historic battles. Its limited player count and moderate complexity make it ideal for strategic two-player duels.
