Written by Bryan M. Booker, these rules are available from WOA, PO Box 27764, Seattle WA 98125-2764 for $12. The soft cover spiral bound booklet of some 40 pages contain 28 page of rules, the remainder include proposed clarifications and organization for some 12 armies of the period. There are 3 pages of play charts and 4 pages of formation diagrams.

As the title says, the rules are written for the Classical and Hellenistic period in the Mediterranean basin, which I fine a refreshing change from the universal types of rule sets as it allows a distinctive flavor to be created within the frame work of the rules reflecting a particular time period and geographical area of warfare. Although it does not say so specifically in the rules, they appear to be written for 15mm figures; base sizes for 25mm figures are also included, however.

They are designed to represent entire ancient battles using armies of 120 miniatures or less and are intended both to reflect the realities of warfare in this era and to allow for a fun game. The rules are billed as grand tactical in scope. Troops are classified according to their protection rating with five different classes including adjustments for formation and horse armor; attack rating which represents the offensive power based on type of weapon; a 4 level discipline rating and 4 deployment ratings. Figures are mounted on stands depicting their deployment order by figures/stand.

The rules have their own basing system but provide for WRG basing. Units are composed of 2 to 8 stands of generally the same kinds of troops, some of which are designated as 1 core units' whose destruction is critical to achieving victory in the game. The game is broken into 3 separate stages of play: placement of terrain, camps and initial battle array; the battle stage which includes multiple repetitions of movement and combat; The aftermath, involving a withdrawal phase and a final combat phase prior to determining victory.

The preliminary phase is interesting, in that it represents the jockeying for position and deployment that often occurred during the period leading up to the actual battle which could be a time period of several days. There are many innovative ideas used here to reflect the period. Some examples include are chariot rules that allow for a side-swipe maneuver Celtic chariots provide for the deployment of the warrior figures and locked shield formations by phalangites. There are provisions for a manipular legion formation and various cavalry wedges and rhomboids. Elephants may go berserk when they reach the panic stage, a provision which I enjoy and which seems representative of the period. Command figures affect discipline checks, and have a range of influence depending on their leadership rating.

Overall I would say that these rules are an innovative effort to achieve a playable game giving both the flavor of the period, as well as providing relatively simple mechanisms and an enjoyable game. They are not just another spin off on more popular rule sets and deserve serious consideration by anyone interested in restricting their ancient wargaming to this particular era and geographical area.

I would personally prefer to see larger numbers of troops involved, but the requirements for determining discipline and combat on a per stand basis probably provides an upper limit in this regard. Nevertheless, I would strongly recommend these rules to anyone looking for a fresh approach to wargaming in this era.

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