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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Zulu1966 on March 29, 2025, 06:04:59 PM

Title: Ancients Wargame
Post by: Zulu1966 on March 29, 2025, 06:04:59 PM
Hex and Counter

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3570700/Arete/
Title: Re: Ancients Wargame
Post by: Destraex on March 29, 2025, 06:47:03 PM
Interesting that this game will have multiplayer PVP and coop that so many wargames do not have including the new Strategos. Also has a campaign map over Strategos, which looks like it might only be a string of battles. Of course it is limited by only being Alexanders campaigns where Strategos has an insane amount of armies and ancient periods.

Also that the blurb says "Download Arete today and become a legendary conqueror!" but it's only coming soon on steam. I assume Arete must already be available somewhere else.

Love that it has an initiative roll to see who goes first.

It does look kinda cool. But I don't like the idea of needing a verified 3rd party account to play online.  This must be a hangover from whatever previous platform outside of steam they use.
Title: Re: Ancients Wargame
Post by: devoncop on March 30, 2025, 01:14:14 AM
Quote from: Destraex on March 29, 2025, 06:47:03 PMInteresting that this game will have multiplayer PVP and coop that so many wargames do not have including the new Strategos. Also has a campaign map over Strategos, which looks like it might only be a string of battles. Of course it is limited by only being Alexanders campaigns where Strategos has an insane amount of armies and ancient periods.

Also that the blurb says "Download Arete today and become a legendary conqueror!" but it's only coming soon on steam. I assume Arete must already be available somewhere else.

Love that it has an initiative roll to see who goes first.

It does look kinda cool. But I don't like the idea of needing a verified 3rd party account to play online.  This must be a hangover from whatever previous platform outside of steam they use.

I did some digging as a GBOH on PC would be a dream and it seems it is indeed a simplified version of the Great Battles of Alexander GMT boardgame already released on mobile via Google App store for both Apple and Android and has been well received.

Single US developer despite the Ruski sounding dev name on Steam.

MP play and v AI also available.

According to devs Facebook pay the game is ready for launch and is just awaiting Steam to OK the game files.


Title: Re: Ancients Wargame
Post by: Destraex on March 30, 2025, 01:32:04 AM
I see. Why would you simplify something that bringing to computer should allow more complexity.
I guess you probably mean streamlined to take the player dice rolls and such out.
Title: Re: Ancients Wargame
Post by: devoncop on April 01, 2025, 12:34:01 PM
Arete now released at less than £8 Sterling.👍

Apparently decent AI.

Have bought and will give it a go this evening
Title: Re: Ancients Wargame
Post by: Tripoli on April 01, 2025, 01:20:53 PM
Quote from: devoncop on April 01, 2025, 12:34:01 PMArete now released at less than £8 Sterling.👍

Apparently decent AI.

Have bought and will give it a go this evening
I have no willpower...... purchased
Title: Re: Ancients Wargame
Post by: devoncop on April 01, 2025, 03:06:32 PM
Just done the quick and clear tutorial and then tried Battle of Chaeronea as the Macedonians.

As a total melt I went with the MP setting for the battle which is balanced rather than the slightly harder SP setting and ground out a hard fought victory (34 to 20)  though it was dependent upon the performance of the Macedonian right under Phillip II breaking the Greek left as Alexander was in a lot of trouble on the Macedonian left and very narrowly avoided being cut down on two occasions by converging Greek units.

The visible dice rolls give things a real sense of tension and this is highly recommended for boardgame fans.Rallying,Initiative,leader casualties (the Greek left wing commander was slaughtered by Phillips boys) and command ranges all tie in well to give great replayability.

Lots of battles included as well as a linked battle style Campaign game.