Trajan: Ancient Wars Series (2004)

About this game

"Trajan: Ancient Wars Series", by award winning designer Joseph Miranda, is a two-player or multi-player wargame that combines, expands and updates four strategic-level Roman era titles published previously in Strategy & Tactics. Joseph worked mightily to update/consolidate the rules, add individual and campaign scenarios, and add a half sheet of new counters (otherwise, the map and counters are from the original print runs). The four wargames are: Trajan, Roman Civil War, Caesar in Gallia and Germania. Redone rules and tables, along with a new tactical "Battle Board" option, are included. Additionally, this expansion presents 140 new counters, along with 11 new scenarios played on all four maps as one huge monster game. Among the new scenarios are: "Year of the Four Emperors," "Marcus Aurelius," and "What If Caesar Hadn't Been Assassinated?" Each turn represents one to several months; each map hexagon is 46 miles across, and the main units of maneuver are legions and barbarian warbands. Game components include four maps, over 1,000 die cut counters, a rules book and player aid cards.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 1 to 2. It has a designed solo mode.
• Rules load. At 3.7/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.