The First Jihad: The Rise of Islam 632-750 (2020)

About this game

"The First Jihad: The Rise of Islam 632-750" is an "inside-out" States of Siege-style solitaire wargame from White Dog Games (2020). The First Jihad simulates the rise of the Umayyad Caliphate between 632 and 750 AD. The game's AI plays the forces of the Muslim Caliphate, based in Mecca (the game's center position); the player plays a host of nations invaded by the Caliphate (Byzantium, Persia, Visigothic Spain, Nubians, Khazars, Armenians, the Chinese, Indian states, etc.) The game has about 77 counters, one 11x17" map, 50 event cards, and numerous player aids and historical background materials.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 1 player — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.7/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.