Battlefields of Olympus (2008)

A light-strategy card game for 2 players.

Contents: 100 beautifully illustrated cards, rule sheet, quick reference guide and optional rules.

• 50 Warrior Cards
  • 13 Spearmen
  • 13 Swordsmen
  • 10 Cavalry
  • 7 Heavy Infantry
  • 7 Archers
• 30 Action Cards
  • 4 Ambush
  • 4 Elite
  • 4 Flank
  • 4 Rally
  • 4 Scout
  • 4 Skirmish
  • 4 Surround
  • 2 Raid
• 14 Land Trophy Cards
  • 3 Woodland
  • 3 Meadow
  • 3 Bridge
  • 3 Fortress
  • 1 Temple
  • 1 Olympus
• 6 Ares Cards

Battlefields of Olympus is a quick turn based strategy game with some hand management. The numerous tactical choices, combined with a limited military force and the unexpected appearance of Ares on the battlefield, give the game its strategic component. The relatively simple game mechanics make it easy to learn and play, even if you aren't a tactical genius.

There is also an element of press your luck as the appearance of Ares and the order that land turns up during the game is randomly predetermined. On the other hand, when there is a stack of face-up Land Trophy cards, strategic planning is paramount, as players must decide when it is better to concede a battle in favor of a more valuable Land Trophy card farther down in the stack.

Each player commands a legion of up to 4 Warrior cards, but there is often a reserve pile of Warrior cards to draw from at the end of battle. Players need to decide when it is better to keep more powerful Warriors in hand and when it is better to retire the weaker ones from their reserve pile. The limit of 4 Action cards in hand forces players to manage what actions they need most.

The optional fortify and sacrifice rules create more tension as players have additional tough decisions to make. Using the Fortify action will protect your land, but at the risk of temporarily weakening the size of your military force in hand. Do you sacrifice a piece of hard-fought land in favor of your opponent's more valuable property, or do you wait until a valuable Land Trophy card turns up on the land pile.

Expanded by:

• Campaigns of Glory

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As the general of battle hardened archers, infantry, and other units, you have been commissioned by the high priests to lead your people to victory. When the sisters of fate look favorably upon you, your armies will find strategic advantage on the battlefield. Ambush, flank and surround your opponent's forces in an effort to gain the upper hand. If the battle looks bleak, call on your mercenary forces to turn the tide."

• Released: November 12th, 2008
• English Rules (~3.8mb PDF) • French Rules (~3.8mb PDF)
• English Optional Rules (~2mb PDF) • French Optional Rules (~2mb PDF)
• English/French Quick Reference Guide (~3.2mb PDF)
• FAQ, Battle Example & Variants (On BoardGameGeek)
• Strategy and Tactics Hints (On BoardGameGeek)
• Free to play online version over VASSAL

Made in the USA, Battlefields of Olympus comes in a 5.5 x 4.0 x 1.0 inch box with top and bottom (not a tuckbox). The two 50 card decks are separated by a divider. The cards are slightly taller than standard playing card size at 3.625 x 2.5 inches. Rule sheet, quick reference guide, and optional rule sheet are in full color.

Illustrated By:
Fred Dee, Shih-Kai Chang & Ryan Slemko

Graphic Design By:
Nicole Maas & Ryan Slemko

Design Contributions & Rules Editing By:
Tyler Sigman

Additional Editing and French Translation By:
Eric Quarez

Rule Sheet & Quick Reference Guide Layout By:
Cory Lake

Home Page of Publisher: Smartass Games

Microbadges:
Warrior Icons (Buy One)
Smartass Games (Buy)