In the world of wargames, complexity is often seen as a virtue. Endless tables, dense rules, and detailed simulations promise a realistic experience, especially when recreating historical battles. But what if I told you that true strategic depth can be hidden behind a simple rule system? Games like Command & Colors: Ancients demonstrate that simplicity is not only sufficient but ideal for representing ancient conflicts.

Strategy Lies in Command

In ancient warfare, the outcome of a battle often depended more on the decisions of the commander and the circumstances of chance than on the meticulous control of troops. Game systems like Command & Colors capture this spirit through elegant mechanics such as:

• Command Cards: These simulate the limitations of control and communication on an ancient battlefield. You can't always move all your troops, and that was exactly what made command challenging in ancient times.
• Combat Resolution with Dice: More than just an element of chance, these dice reflect the unpredictability of combat: a veteran unit might fail, while an improvised militia could land a decisive blow.

Fewer Rules, More Decisions

The simplicity of the rules doesn't mean a lack of depth. In games like this, strategic decisions are integrated into the design:

• When will you use your most powerful card?
• Will you consolidate your weak flank or seize the opportunity to attack aggressively?
• Are you willing to risk everything in a desperate charge?

The system doesn't overwhelm you with calculations; instead, it challenges you to read the situation and make critical decisions with limited resources.

Ancient Conflicts: Chaos Reigned

When we think of ancient battles, such as those of Rome or Greece, we see that many variables were beyond human control:

• Morale fluctuated rapidly.
• Coordination between units was rudimentary.
• The nature of the terrain and weather conditions played a decisive role.

In this context, a lighter rule system is not only practical but historically appropriate. Generals didn’t have absolute control; their strategic decisions were important, but chance and chaos were always present.

The Elegance of Simplicity

Arguing that games like Command & Colors are too simple to represent ancient conflicts overlooks the magic of their design. This type of system accomplishes something extraordinary:

• It allows players to focus on strategic thinking and planning.
• It keeps games fast-paced without losing the feel of a historical battle.
• It captures the spirit of uncertainty, so characteristic of ancient warfare.

Final Reflection

We should not confuse simplicity with shallowness. Well-designed, simple wargames offer a rich and authentic strategic experience. True complexity doesn’t lie in the rules, but in the decisions players must make within their limits.