Phalanx: Tactical Warfare 500-100 BC (1971)

About this game

Excerpt from SPI advertising: Ancient warfare from Alexander the Great to Rome. Spearmen, swordsmen, bowmen and elephants clash in 15 battles from Marathon to Zama. Famous military commanders represented include Xerxes, Alexander the Great, Darius -- King of Kings, Hannibal, and Scipio Africanus. Included battles are Marathon; Arbela; and Zama. Phalanx recreates the military systems that clashed in these battles. There are five classes of units, spearmen, swordsmen, cavalry, mounted bowmen, and missile troops (slingers and javeliners). Special rules embody the "feel" of ancient tactics, including the effect of charismatic leaders on combat (Darius, Alexander), the unpredictable and fearsome battle elephants, and the great tactical flexibility of the Roman legion, one of history's greatest military units. 255 counters

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.2/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.