Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles (2023, 2nd Printing)

Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles (2023, 2nd Printing) brings the acclaimed Commands & Colors system to feudal Japan, allowing players to recreate some of the most iconic battles of the Samurai era. This updated printing includes all known errata corrections, offering a refined and improved gameplay experience.

Command rival clans across a wide range of historical engagements, where units may represent anything from small warrior bands to entire formations depending on the scenario. The game blends tactical decision-making with historical flavour, capturing the strengths, limitations, and battlefield roles of Samurai-era forces.

Driven by the familiar Commands & Colors card system, players must manage movement, positioning, and timing while dealing with the uncertainty of the “fog of war.” Combat is resolved quickly using dice, while the Honor & Fortune system adds an extra layer of strategic balance. Dragon Cards introduce unexpected twists, creating dramatic moments that can shift the course of battle.

This game includes:

• Mounted battlefield game board

• Samurai rulebook

• Scenario booklet with approximately 40 battle scenarios

• 60 double-sided terrain tiles

• 60 command cards

• 40 dragon cards

• 12 battle dice

• 30 double-sided Honor & Fortune tokens

• 18 double-sided victory banner counters

• 12 double-sided clan markers

• 2 unit summary sheets

• 2 terrain summary sheets

• 254 small infantry blocks

• 72 medium cavalry blocks

• 14 leader blocks

• Block and dice label sheets

Key features:

• Commands & Colors system adapted to Samurai-era warfare

• Around 40 historical scenarios covering key battles of feudal Japan

• Card-driven gameplay creating tactical choices and unpredictability

• Honor & Fortune mechanics adding strategic depth

• Dragon Cards introducing surprise elements and dynamic gameplay shifts

• Wide variety of unit types including infantry, cavalry, and leaders

• Mounted board and durable wooden blocks for improved usability and storage

About the game:

Set during Japan’s feudal period, this game recreates famous battles such as Kawanakajima, Okehazama, Nagashino, and Sekigahara. Each scenario reflects historical deployments and terrain, offering players a chance to explore different tactical situations and strategies.

The second printing enhances the experience with corrected errata and improved components, replacing fragile miniatures with durable blocks that are easier to handle and store. The battlefield is brought to life with a mounted board and a wide range of terrain features, including castles, ramparts, and defensive positions.

With a large number of scenarios and flexible unit scaling, Samurai Battles offers both accessibility and depth, making it suitable for newcomers to the system as well as experienced Commands & Colors players.

Game details:

• Players: 2

• Playtime: 60–120 minutes

• Ages: 12+

• Complexity: Medium

• Solitaire suitability: Low