Commands & Colors: The Great War (2017)

HexWar Games, in collaboration with Plastic Soldier Company, presents the digital adaptation of the acclaimed board game Commands & Colors: The Great War. This immersive strategy game allows players to reenact pivotal battles from World War I, focusing on historically accurate troop deployments and significant terrain elements associated with trench warfare. Each engagement is scaled according to its historical context, offering diverse strategic challenges. Depending on the scenario, a single infantry unit may represent an entire division, while in other situations, a unit may depict just a small squad of soldiers advancing over the top.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The game employs a Command Card system that governs unit movement and introduces a "fog of war," creating dynamic and unpredictable strategic conditions. Combat is resolved using a Battle Dice system, ensuring rapid and efficient outcomes while preserving tactical depth. Additionally, Combat Cards add suspense to each engagement, requiring players to plan their actions carefully and coordinate their forces effectively. The interplay of these systems ensures that tactical decisions accurately reflect the capabilities and constraints of World War I units, their weaponry, battlefield terrain, and historical context.

Scenarios and Historical Battles

The digital version features 15 historically significant scenarios set along the Western Front. Each scenario is meticulously designed to replicate the strategic and tactical challenges faced by commanders during the Great War:

• Commands and Colours - Opening Action 1
• Commands and Colours - Opening Action 2
• Loos (2nd Division Diversionary Attack) - 25 September 1915
• Loos (Hohenzollern Redoubt) - 25 September 1915
• Loos (German Counter-Attack) - 27 September 1915
• Loos (Fight for The Trenches) - 29 September to 3 October 1915
• Loos (Renewed British Offensive) - 13-14 October 1915
• Somme (Hawthorn Ridge Mine Explosion) - 1 July 1916
• Somme (Mash Valley & La Boisselle) - 1 July 1916
• Somme (Sausage Valley & La Boisselle) - 1 July 1916
• Somme (Mametz) - 1 July 1916
• Somme (Mametz Wood) - 7-10 July 1916
• Vimy Ridge (1st & 2nd Canadian Infantry Divisions) - 9 April 1917
• Vimy Ridge (Hill 145) - 9-10 April 1917
• Vimy Ridge (The Pimple) - 12 April 1917
• Vimy Ridge (Bois-En-Hache) - 12 April 1917

Tactical Options and Strategic Depth

Players can engage in battles as German, British, or Canadian forces. The game emphasizes historically faithful strategic choices, incorporating the use of machine guns, rifles, artillery, bombers, and trench fortifications. Each weapon system and unit type is carefully represented to ensure realistic tactical interactions. Artillery strikes can devastate enemy positions, while the positioning of infantry and the coordination of attacks can turn the tide of battle. The combination of command, combat, and scenario design requires players to execute complex battlefield maneuvers and adapt to constantly changing conditions.

Cards and Combat Systems

The game includes over 50 unique Command and Combat cards, each influencing movement, attack, or defensive options. Command cards drive the sequence of actions and introduce uncertainty, while Combat cards provide critical advantages when used strategically. Players must balance immediate tactical needs with long-term strategic planning, making each decision impactful and historically resonant. This system reinforces the challenges faced by World War I commanders, emphasizing coordination, timing, and the effective use of limited resources.

Experience the Western Front

From the diversionary attacks at Loos to the defining moments at Vimy Ridge, Commands & Colors: The Great War delivers a detailed, historically grounded simulation of trench warfare. The game's digital format ensures quick setup, seamless rule enforcement, and faithful reproduction of complex battlefield conditions, allowing players to focus on strategy and decision-making. Every scenario challenges players to consider terrain, unit strengths, and tactical options while staying true to the historical events of the Western Front. The game provides an extensive and detailed representation of World War I combat, inviting players to experience the strategic depth and challenges of one of history’s most significant conflicts.