Commands & Colors: Medieval

GMT Games · Board game · 2019
2 · best 2 60–120 min Weight 2.6/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 60.99
7.9 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy wargames that don't overwhelm you with complex rules but still deliver tactical depth and historical flavor, Commands & Colors: Medieval is for you! It's the classic C&C system with a great-feeling medieval twist.

Highlights
  • Addictive card system
  • Fast tactical battles
  • Engaging historical depth
  • Accessible and fun rules
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Two-player focus
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive epic medieval battles with Commands & Colors: Medieval! This game, part of the acclaimed Commands & Colors series, brings historical complexity to the table without being overly complex, making it accessible even for newcomers to wargames. The core innovation here is the Command Card system, which not only dictates which units can move but also creates that 'fog of war' suspense, making everything more exciting. Every card is a tactical decision!

The game introduces cool new features that add extra flavor: cavalry units with enhanced armor and status, heavy infantry with adjusted combat dice, and even the famous 'Parthian Shot' for light cavalry. The scenario maps are a highlight, with a stylized look that emphasizes terrain and the historical deployment of troops, but the scale is flexible – sometimes you command entire armies, other times, small groups of brave warriors. The key is that the tactics you'll employ make perfect sense with the units, weapons, terrain, and historical context of the era.

Focusing on the clashes between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Persians (between 530 and 627 AD), with a dash of battles against the Moors, the game delves into Byzantine military complexity and their genius for adaptation. The scale is designed for specific battles, with units representing anything from chiliarchies to a few warriors, but always respecting the strengths and weaknesses of each type of medieval troop. It's an invitation for history and strategy buffs, offering an engaging and quick tactical combat experience thanks to the battle dice. Prepare your strategy and good luck on the battlefield!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Cities: Istanbul (Turkey) Country: Greece Country: Iran Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: Byzantium Players: Games with expansions that add solo play Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Commands & Colors
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Richard Borg
Artist Chechu Nieto, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,874owners
498wishlist
123want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
Games typically last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the chosen scenario and the players' familiarity with the system.
How many players can participate?
This game is designed for two players, ideal for those who enjoy a direct and strategic confrontation.
Is the game very complex? Is it good for beginners?
Commands & Colors: Medieval is known for being less complex than other wargames, making it a great entry point into the genre. The rules are clear, and the card system helps guide the game.
Do I need to know how to play other Commands & Colors games?
It's not mandatory! While players of other titles in the series will recognize the system, Medieval is designed to be understood on its own.
What makes this game different from other Commands & Colors games?
It introduces specific mechanics for medieval units, such as enhanced armor for cavalry and the Parthian Shot, in addition to focusing on Byzantine and Persian historical scenarios.
Does the game come with many miniatures?
The game uses stylized unit pieces (blocks or meeples) instead of detailed miniatures, which contributes to the game's speed and clarity.
Do I need to translate the game to play?
Yes, the game has a significant amount of text on the cards and in the scenario book, so a full translation is recommended for a good experience.

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