Commands & Colors: Napoleonics

2010

Engage in strategic warfare with Commands & Colors: Napoleonics. Command French and British armies, use cards judiciously, and navigate diverse terrains to claim victory.

90
minutes

2 - 2
player(s)

14+

Medium

About the game

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is an engaging board game that transports you into the era of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most brilliant military strategists. The game is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars that raged across Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As you immerse yourself in this game, you’ll feel the pulse of the battlefield, the tension of strategic decision-making, and the thrill of victory.

You’ll not only be captivated by the historical theme and setting, but also drawn in by the game’s core mechanics. In Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, you’ll be in command of either the French or the Allied forces, represented by beautifully crafted wooden blocks. The battlefield is a hexagonal grid, and your goal is to outmaneuver your opponent, capturing key terrain features and crushing their forces.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is a war board game that represents Napoleonic era battles. The game comes with a variety of components, each playing a specific role in the game:

1. Game Board: This is the primary component of the game where all the action takes place. The board represents the battlefield divided into three sections – left, center, and right – and further divided into hexagonal spaces.

2. Unit Blocks: These wooden blocks represent different types of military units such as infantry, cavalry, and artillery. The color of the block represents the nationality of the unit while stickers applied to the blocks depict the specific type and strength of the unit. Blocks are moved around the board according to the gameplay rules.

3. Command Cards: These cards control movement and combat actions of the units. Each card indicates in which section of the board you can order units, and how many units can be ordered.

4. Terrain Tiles: These cardboard pieces represent different types of terrain such as hills, forests, and buildings. Terrain tiles are placed on the game board and can affect movement and combat.

5. Dice: Six-sided dice are used to resolve combat. Different symbols on the dice correspond to the unit types, and a successful combat result is achieved if the symbol rolled matches the unit type being attacked.

6. Victory Banner Tokens: These tokens are used to track each player’s progress towards victory. A player earns victory banners by eliminating enemy units or achieving scenario-specific objectives.

7. Reference Cards: These cards provide a quick summary of the rules and unit capabilities, helping players to make decisions during the game.

8. Scenario Booklet: This booklet provides historical background for the battles represented in the game and details the setup instructions for each scenario.

Each component of Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is designed to interact with the others to create a dynamic, strategic, and historically accurate gaming experience. The combination of unit types, command cards, and terrain tiles can create a wide range of tactical situations, while the dice and victory banner tokens add elements of randomness and competition. The reference cards and scenario booklet help to guide the players and enrich the game’s historical theme.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is an engaging board game that invites you to take on the role of Napoleon or one of his adversaries in various battles. The game is easy to learn and fast-paced, ensuring a thrilling and strategic gaming session. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set it up:

1. Role Assignment:

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is primarily a two-player game. One player assumes the role of the French forces under Napoleon, while the other player takes on the role of the British, Prussian, Russian, Spanish, or Austrian forces.

2. Board Placement:

The game board should be placed flat between the players. The board is a hex grid, with a set of base terrain hexes depending on the specific battle being played. The players sit on either side, with the British/Allied forces on one side and the French on the other.

3. Scenario Selection:

Select a battle scenario from the Scenario Book. Each scenario specifies the layout of the battlefield, the specific forces involved, and the victory conditions. The scenario will also provide any special rules for that particular battle.

4. Initial Resources:

Each player gathers the troops, leaders, and units as specified in the chosen scenario. The strength and types of units vary depending on the scenario and the armies involved. For example, the British player may command infantry, artillery, and cavalry units, as well as leaders, while the French player may also have access to Imperial Guard units.

5. Battlefield Setup:

Set up the battlefield according to the map in the chosen scenario. Place any terrain hexes and units as indicated. Remember that a hex with a unit or leader is considered occupied.

6. Cards and Victory Banners:

Shuffle the Command cards and deal cards to each player according to the scenario. These cards represent your strategic options and orders you can give to your units. The victory banners (which represent victory points) are placed aside. They will be claimed as players meet their objectives during the game.

7. Random Elements:

The randomness in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics comes from the Command cards and the dice. The Command cards you draw dictate your strategic options, while the dice rolls during combat determine hits, retreats, and other battle outcomes. Both these elements add an exciting uncertainty to the game.

Now that the setup is complete, you’re ready to delve into the strategic warfare of the Napoleonic era. Enjoy the game!

Game flow Round and round we go

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is a war game that simulates various battles from the Napoleonic era. The game is divided into rounds, with each round consisting of several phases. Below is a detailed explanation of the game structure:

1. Command Card Phase

The round begins with the Command Card Phase. The player whose turn it is selects a command card from their hand. This card determines the actions that the player can take during the round, including the number of units they can order and where these units can be located on the battlefield.

2. Order Phase

Next, the player enters the Order Phase. During this phase, the player gives orders to their units based on the command card they chose. Orders can include moving units across the battlefield, changing the formation of units, or preparing units for combat.

3. Movement Phase

After orders have been issued, the player proceeds to the Movement Phase. Here, the player moves their units on the battlefield according to the orders they issued in the previous phase. It’s important to note that the sequence of movement can influence the outcome of the round, as units may be able to support each other or conduct coordinated attacks.

4. Combat Phase

The Combat Phase follows the movement phase. In this phase, the player’s units engage in combat with the opponent’s units. The outcomes of these battles are determined by dice rolls, with various factors such as the type of units involved, terrain, and the presence of leaders potentially influencing the results.

5. Draw Phase

The final phase of the round is the Draw Phase. At the end of their turn, the player draws a new command card to replace the one they played at the beginning of the round. This ensures that the player always has the same number of command cards in their hand at the start of each round.

Once the Draw Phase is complete, the round ends, and it becomes the other player’s turn. The game continues in this way until one player achieves the victory conditions specified in the game scenario, such as capturing a certain number of victory flags or eliminating a certain number of enemy units.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is a fascinating board game that allows players to relive historical battles. In this game, a player’s turn consists of several distinct phases. Each phase offers strategic choices that can significantly affect the gameplay. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens during a player’s turn.

Order Phase

The player starts by playing a command card from their hand. This card determines the number of units the player can order, and in which section of the battlefield. The player states out loud which units they are ordering.

This step is crucial as it sets the strategic tone for the turn. A player must consider the current situation on the battlefield, their long-term strategy, and the potential reactions of their opponent.

Move Phase

The player moves the ordered units. Infantry and artillery units may move or battle, but not both, whereas cavalry units may do both. The player must consider the positioning of their units, both for offense and defense. The terrain also plays a role in movement.

This step involves both tactical and strategic considerations. A player may choose to advance aggressively, retreat to a more defensible position, or reposition to flank the enemy.

Battle Phase

The player battles with all ordered units that are in range and line of sight to an enemy. The player must consider the type of the unit, the range, and the potential retaliation from the enemy.

The outcome of battles can drastically change the state of the battlefield. Winning a battle can provide a significant advantage, while losing a battle can expose a unit to counterattacks.

Draw Phase

The player ends their turn by drawing a new command card, replenishing their hand. This card will provide options for the next turn, but its usefulness depends on the evolving battlefield situation.

The draw phase can introduce an element of luck into the game. However, skilled players can adapt their strategy to leverage the new options provided by the drawn card.

In conclusion, a player’s turn in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics involves a combination of strategic planning, tactical decision-making, and adaptation to the changing battlefield conditions. Each phase of the turn offers various choices and possibilities, and the player’s decisions in each phase can significantly affect the outcome of the game.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘Commands & Colors: Napoleonics’ ends when one of the players reaches a predetermined number of Victory Banners. The number of Victory Banners required for victory varies depending on the scenario being played, but typically ranges from 5 to 8. Victory Banners are primarily earned by eliminating enemy units.

Victory Conditions:

There are multiple ways to earn Victory Banners in ‘Commands & Colors: Napoleonics’:

Eliminating Enemy Units: Each time an enemy unit is eliminated, the player earns one Victory Banner. A unit is considered eliminated when all of its blocks have been removed.
Occupying Key Terrain Hexes: Some scenarios have key terrain hexes. A player earns one Victory Banner for each key terrain hex they occupy at the start of their turn.
Achieving Scenario-Specific Objectives: Some scenarios have specific objectives that, if achieved, award additional Victory Banners. These objectives are outlined in the scenario’s briefing notes.

It’s important to note that some scenarios may have special victory conditions, which will be clearly stated in the scenario’s briefing notes.

Actions Before Final Scoring:

Before the game can end and final scoring can occur, a few actions must be taken:

Complete the Current Turn: The current turn must be fully completed before victory is declared. This means if a player earns the required number of Victory Banners during their turn, they must still complete the rest of their turn before victory is declared.
Check for Additional Victory Banners: After the current turn is completed, players should check for any additional Victory Banners that may have been earned during the turn. This includes Victory Banners earned from occupying key terrain hexes and achieving scenario-specific objectives.
Declare Victory: If a player has the required number of Victory Banners at the end of their turn, they declare victory and the game ends. If both players have the required number of Victory Banners at the end of the turn, the player whose turn it is wins.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

The scoring system in ‘Commands & Colors: Napoleonics’ is primarily based on the elimination of opponent’s units and leaders. The game ends when a player reaches a set number of Victory Banners, which are typically gained by eliminating enemy units and leaders.

Scoring Points:

Eliminating Units: Each time a player eliminates an opponent’s unit, they earn one Victory Banner. A unit is considered eliminated when all its blocks are removed from the battlefield.
Eliminating Leaders: If a player eliminates an opponent’s leader, they earn one Victory Banner. A leader is considered eliminated when it is in a hex by itself and attacked.
Special Terrain: In some scenarios, a player may earn Victory Banners by occupying certain hexes or terrain features on the battlefield.

Tie-Breaking:

In the event of a tie, where both players reach the required number of Victory Banners on the same turn, the player who has the most blocks remaining on the battlefield wins. If there is still a tie, the player who did not initiate the first turn of the game wins.

Optional Rules:

Some scenarios include optional rules that can affect scoring. For instance, a scenario may specify that a player earns extra Victory Banners for achieving certain objectives, or that a player loses a Victory Banner if a specific unit is eliminated. These optional rules are always clearly stated in the scenario’s special rules.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics is a war game that requires strategic planning and tactical execution. There are some rare or special rules and exceptions which can significantly impact the gameplay. Here are some of them:

Leaders: A key special rule in Napoleonics is the use of leaders. Leaders provide several benefits to units in their hex.

They allow units to ignore one flag.
They provide one additional die in close combat if the leader is with the unit.
They allow units to move two hexes and still battle.

However, it’s important to note that Leaders cannot battle, move or evade without an attached unit. If their unit is eliminated, they must check for casualty.

Combined Arms: Another special rule is the Combined Arms attack. This happens when an infantry and artillery unit in the same hex attack the same target. The player gets to roll an extra die in this case.

Formations: Units in the game can be in one of three formations: Square, Line or Column. Each formation has its own movement and combat abilities, and changing formation can cost movement points.

Square formation is defensive, especially against cavalry. It reduces movement and combat abilities but increases defense against cavalry.
Line formation increases the unit’s firepower but reduces its movement and makes it vulnerable to cavalry.
Column formation allows for greater movement but at the cost of reduced firepower.

Special Units: Some units have special rules associated with them.

Light Infantry: Light Infantry units have the ability to move two hexes and still battle, but with only one die.
Riflemen: Rifle Light Infantry units have the ability to battle twice when they do not move.
Cavalry: Cavalry units in a successful melee combat may execute a ‘bonus’ melee attack but at the risk of not being able to retreat after the bonus attack.

Terrain: Different hexes have different terrain that can affect movement and combat. For example, a unit on a hill can see over intervening units and terrain, while units in forests battle out with one less die.

These are just some of the special rules and exceptions in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics. It’s important to consult the rulebook for a full understanding of how these rules can influence your strategy and decision-making during the game.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies:

Understand the Terrain: Many battles in Commands & Colors: Napoleonics are won and lost on the terrain. Study the lay of the land and use it to your advantage. High ground, forests, and buildings can all provide significant tactical advantages.
Use Combined Arms Effectively: Maximizing the effectiveness of your units requires careful coordination. Use infantry, cavalry, and artillery together, exploiting each unit’s strengths and covering their weaknesses.
Manage Your Cards Wisely: Command cards are a limited resource. Use them judiciously, and always keep an eye on your opponent’s hand. Try to anticipate their moves and disrupt their plans.

Beginner Tips:

Start Slow: Don’t rush into battle. Take the time to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your units, and the specific rules of the scenario.
Use Your Artillery: Artillery units can attack from a distance and are very powerful. However, they’re also vulnerable in close combat. Keep them protected.
Keep Your Units Together: Lone units are easy targets. Try to keep your units in groups, so they can support each other.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overextending Your Forces: It’s easy to get carried away and push your units too far forward. This can leave them isolated and vulnerable. Always make sure your advances are supported.
Ignoring the Objectives: The game is not just about defeating the enemy’s units, it’s also about completing objectives. Always keep the objectives in mind when planning your moves.
Wasting Command Cards: Command cards are a precious resource. Don’t waste them on moves that don’t advance your strategic goals.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan Ahead: Good strategy requires foresight. Try to plan your moves several turns in advance.
Adapt to the Situation: The battlefield situation can change quickly. Be ready to adapt your plans on the fly.
Practice: Like any game, Commands & Colors: Napoleonics gets easier with practice. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the mechanics and tactics.