Commands & Colors: Ancients

Ever wanted to lead Roman legions or Greek phalanxes in epic clashes? Commands & Colors: Ancients is the perfect entry point for those wanting to dive into the world of wargaming without needing a manual the size of an encyclopedia. The game covers a massive timeline, from the dawn of military history (3000 BC) to the beginning of the Dark Ages (400 AD), allowing you to relive legendary battles such as Cannae and Zama.

The heart of the game is the Command Card system. Instead of simply moving any piece, you need specific cards to activate sectors of the battlefield or selected troops. This creates the famous 'fog of war': you know what you want to do, but you don't always have the right order in your hand at the perfect moment. This is where hand management and strategy come in, forcing you to be flexible and aggressive to secure victory.

Combat is resolved with fast and efficient battle dice, which take into account the unit's strength (Light, Medium, or Heavy) and the presence of leaders. The modular board and hexagonal grid ensure that positioning and terrain are crucial for victory. While it is more detailed than its 'brother' Memoir '44, it maintains a smooth flow, with most scenarios concluding in less than an hour. The game balances historical simulation with stylized gameplay, where the scale of units changes depending on the scenario — one moment you're commanding legions, the next, just a handful of brave warriors. It's the ideal blend of historical tactics and luck, requiring a solid battle plan that can adapt to the unpredictability of the dice.