Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles (2nd Printing)

Categories: Medieval, Pike and Shot, Renaissance, Wargame

Mechanics: Command Cards, Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Hand Management, Hexagon Grid, Line of Sight, Scenario/Mission/Campaign Game, Simulation, Variable Set-up

Players: 2

Ages: 14+

Playtime: 60 Min

Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles allows players to reenact significant engagements from Japanese history. The scenarios in the booklet emphasize historical troop deployments and key terrain features, scaled appropriately to the game system. The game’s scale is adaptable, with units representing either entire clans or small groups of warriors, depending on the scenario.

Command cards guide movement and introduce a “fog of war,” creating dynamic challenges and opportunities. Battle dice ensure swift and efficient combat resolution. The Honor & Fortune mechanic requires players to balance these two crucial elements. Additionally, Dragon Cards introduce elements of surprise, potentially altering the battle’s outcome with rule-bending effects.

To achieve victory, players must use tactics that align with the strengths and limitations of various Japanese unit types, their weapons, the battlefield terrain, and historical context.