I’ve made no secret of how much I enjoy the Command and Colors system, and Command and Colors: Ancients may be the pinnacle of the system (although Battlelore is giving it a run for its money). As soon as the original game came out, people began clamoring for an expansion; and as soon as the expansion was announced, it immediately ran up the P500 chart – as people were in love with the original game. I personally am a big fan of Greek history, so Commands and Colors Ancients: Expansion # 1: Greeks and Eastern Kingdoms (GMT Games, 2006 – Richard Borg) was of some interest to me. After playing the new expansion, I have to say that I’m impressed with the new scenarios, new dice, and expanded rulebook. That being said, I certainly don’t think that this expansion is by any means necessary, although fans of the original looking for more will most likely love it. Here are my comments on the expansion to clarify.

1.) Components: Once again, I sat down for hours, putting more stickers on the 364 blocks included in the game. This time, the blocks were colored light blue and tan – easily distinguishable from the original two armies. I had an easier time placing the stickers on, as they were organized quite a bit better on the sheets; and as with the original game, there are many extra stickers included. Some people might object to having all these new blocks when it’s certainly possible to play using the original pieces -- and after stickering, I was almost inclined to agree – but the different artwork certainly does help thematically. And folks like me are going to love each new expansion no matter what. The expansion comes in a box that is the same size as the original game, and that is certainly needed if only because of all the blocks included. One still needs the original game for the board, rules, and terrain.

2.) Dice: There was a loud outcry against the original dice, because of how light they were. GMT heard this proclamation and included seven nice, heavy dice in the expansion. This seems to be a rather satisfactory conclusion to me. People who didn’t care about the original dice get extra ones, and those who wanted heavier dice now get them included in the new expansion as an added bonus.

3.) Rules: There are a few new rules included with this expansion – in a rulebook that is actually THICKER than the first one. The rules talk about a few new unit types, some new mechanics, three pages of clarifications of the original rules, and then twenty-one pages of scenarios! When Commands and Colors first was released, I was impressed with how Mr. Borg got onto online forums and readily answered questions about the game. Much of that was included in the rules clarifications -- something that I personally haven’t needed to refer to much, but it’s nice to have. Anyone who’s played the original game need only read a few paragraphs and then can jump right into the expansion.

4.) Scenarios: This is where the expansion really shines, with twenty-one varied scenarios based on historical battles from the Greek wars against Persia, to the Peloponnesian Wars, to the wars against Rome. Most battles use little terrain, but the historical notes in the book are excellent – to the point where I read through them all simply for the enjoyment and historical value. Each of them (at least of the ones that I’ve played) has a different feel; and as usual, it’s interesting to attempt different strategies than were actually done historically. Many new configurations are used that were not in the original scenarios, and some units are used to greater effect – such as the war machines.

5.) Special Units: There are some new special units included in some scenarios. This includes Alexander’s Companion Cavalry, the Persian Immortals, and the Carthaginian Sacred Band. Most of the time, the special rules are simple – the unit can ignore a sword symbol and/or flag, etc. Still, I like the differentiation between these units. It certainly adds flavor to the game – but more importantly, gives you a feel of ownership over the pieces. It’s annoying when you lose your heavy cavalry, but devastating when the Companion Cavalry takes a blow. The leaders – ever so prominent in the original game, are just as important – if not more so. Alexander the Great in particular adds special abilities, and a player who utilizes him well will find that they dominate in their battles. This expansion also allows the use of camels and ranged cavalry – both of which aren’t terribly important but do add a bit of variety to the game.

I’m not sure how many people are interested in a review of this expansion, because most of the people who love Commands and Colors: Ancients are going to most likely pick up the expansion regardless. But for those who are wavering I would encourage them to get it if they want more scenarios, two new armies, and a few new rules. It doesn’t change game play too much, and some might consider it a lot of money for simply some “more of the same”. But for me, the extra armies and scenarios just add to the enjoyment of the game. So get those sticker peeling fingers ready for hours of work, and check out the first in a line of expansions for this tremendous little war game.

Tom Vasel
“Real men play board games”
www.thedicetower.com