Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles

GMT Games · Board game · 2021
8.8 Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 2 · best 2 60 min Weight 2.7/5
Buy · from US$ 77.97
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy wargames with one foot in history and the other in card and dice tactics, this samurai game is for you! The variable unit scale and faithful scenarios make each battle unique.

Highlights
  • Engaging historical battles
  • Flexible unit scale
  • Commands & Colors system
  • Faithful and varied scenarios
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Requires English reading
  • Two-player only game
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive crucial moments of Japanese history with Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles! This wargame puts you in command of feudal armies, recreating epic battles with a system that has already won over many players. The beauty here is its flexibility: depending on the chosen scenario, a single unit can represent anything from an entire clan to a handful of elite samurai warriors. This ensures each battle carries its own unique weight and scale.

The game shines by bringing historical drama to the tabletop. Scenarios are based on actual force deployments and terrain features, immersing you deeply in the context of the era. However, be aware: the game is entirely in English and requires an extensive vocabulary to be played comfortably. If you don't mind having a dictionary nearby or already master the language, the path is clear to explore the military tactics and strategy of feudal Japan.

Featuring mechanics like command cards to dictate your actions, dice rolling for the unpredictability of combat, and movement on a hexagonal grid, Samurai Battles offers an engaging experience. Hand management is crucial for planning your moves, and the line-of-sight system adds an interesting tactical layer. It's a two-player game, perfect for those seeking a direct and strategic confrontation. The variable setup of scenarios ensures that each game is different, keeping the challenge consistently high. If you're a fan of historical wargames, especially from the samurai period, and aren't afraid of a bit of English, this game is a fantastic addition to your collection.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

10 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Country: Japan Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: Kamakura Period to Muromachi Period History: Sengoku Period Players: Games with expansions that add solo play Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Commands & Colors War Level of Command: Tactical
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Richard Borg
Artist Dariusz Buraczewski, Mark Simonitch, Terry Leeds

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,952owners
442wishlist
101want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate in a game?
Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles is exclusively a two-player game.
What is the average playtime for a battle?
A game typically lasts around 60 minutes, allowing you to play one or more battles in a session.
Is the game complicated to learn?
The game's average weight is considered moderate (2.68/5 on BGG). The Commands & Colors system is known for being accessible, but tactical depth might require a few plays to master.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency. You need to be able to read and understand cards and rules in English to play it comfortably.
Is this game part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the popular 'Commands & Colors' series, known for adapting its rules system to different historical periods.
What does 'variable unit scale' mean?
It means that, depending on the scenario, a miniature or token can represent anything from a large group of soldiers to just a few elite warriors, adapting the scale of the battle.
Is it a good game for wargame beginners?
Yes, especially if you enjoy the theme and don't mind the language barrier. The system is relatively simple to grasp but offers enough strategic depth for veterans.

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