![]() ![]() The big guns have a range of five hexes and roll dice similarly to Infantry. Artillery can move one space or may fire, but not both in the same turn. Cavalry can move up to three hexes when ordered and may then battle, but only against adjacent positions, tossing three dice. They have a combat range of four hexes and typically roll four dice when in a close assault against an adjacent enemy, and then one less cube for each successive hex in which the target is distant. The forces arrayed and marching in to engage at Winchester. Commanders run around by their lonesome, unless attached to a unit. Infantry begin the game with four minis per unit, while horseman and cannon each receive three. They will also control field generals for various benefits. In this little tilt between the states, players command infantry, cavalry, and artillery across plains and farms, through woods and towns, and over hills and streams. We have the 150th Anniversary edition, released in 2010, which is a bit more polished and includes many new scenarios/battles. Whether or not you are actually able to change history depends on how you play!īattle Cry was Borg’s first design to utilize the Commands and Colors system, published in 2000. Usually that equates to anywhere from 4-6 points. The overall objectives are the same: earn victory points by destroying enemy units and sometimes capturing objective hexes, depending on the scenario. Separate titles within the Commands and Colors system have specific rules, units, and other chrome applicable to the particular conflict each depicts. Those are the basics which are fairly universal to each game. Any resulting icon matching the targeted unit scores a hit. When battling, a unit rolls a number of these dice depending on its type and range from its target. Finally, the fourth major element to the Commands and Colors system is custom dice with icons matching the game’s units, a universal “hit” symbol, and a flag. ![]() There are also Tactics cards which provide a variety of special actions unique from normal movement/combat. In a few cases, a card may allow a broader, coordinated assault of several units across multiple sectors. An “order” constitutes moving and/or attacking with one unit. The majority are Command cards which allow you to issue orders to a specified number of units, usually within one particular section of the field. The number of dudes grouped together in a hex represents an individual unit’s strength, starting with between 3-4 minis depending on the unit type. Little plastic miniatures (or wooden blocks in the case of some Commands and Colors games) are another major feature. The game map also utilizes modular terrain tiles to customize the battlefield’s layout based upon the chosen scenario. First, the game board is hex-based and divided into three sectors: left flank, center, and right flank. The Commands and Colors system is a set of mechanics and elements designed to simulate, albeit rather abstractly, individual battles. Indeed, as each scenario claims: The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. In the design, players assume the roles of famous, infamous, or obscure commanders in some of those conflicts’ most critical battles. Covering perhaps the two most defining crucibles in American History, both games are designed by Richard Borg and based on his Commands and Colors system. So in honor of Veterans Day, it seemed appropriate to break out a couple of our favorites this past weekend – Battle Cry and Memoir ’44. While not completely immersive, they are nonetheless a simple way to connect with our past, learn about it in some measure, and have a little fun at the same time. Board games with historical themes are just an extension of that passion for me. History was my major in college and in grad school and I even got to use those degrees for 10 years professionally. I like to read about the past, contemplate it, discuss it, watch movies and documentaries on it, and write about it. One of the main reasons I enjoy playing war games is because, to put it simply, I’m a history buff. ![]()
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