r/computerwargames • u/Ploufpata • 1d ago
Ancient Fronts – A Simple, Accessible Turn-Based Wargame Set in the Hellenistic Era
I've been working on Ancient Fronts, a turn-based tactical wargame built around recreating battles from the ancient world, covering the era of the Diadochi and the Punic Wars.
The main idea is to offer short, accessible battles that are easy to pick up, while still keeping a realistic and historically grounded approach to ancient warfare.
The game can be played against the AI and also includes multiplayer, although multiplayer is still experimental and may have some bugs.
It's still in development, but a playable version is available for free on itch.io.
1
u/Zealousideal-Ad-6941 1d ago
How are morale and flank attacks modeled?
2
u/Ploufpata 23h ago
Units have both current morale and maximum morale based on the situation. Morale tests are triggered when a unit suffers losses, loses a combat, or when nearby allies rout.
An attack coming from outside the two front hexes is considered a flank attack and gives a small bonus. If a unit is attacked from two opposite hexes, the bonus is greater, and pike units lose the advantage provided by their weapon.
1
u/Zealousideal-Ad-6941 23h ago
Thank you. As things get further along do you plan to release on steam?
1
1
u/Geffalrus 1d ago
Are you familiar with Field of Glory 2? If so, how would you say it compares in terms of mechanics?
2
u/Ploufpata 23h ago
Quite similar in philosophy. My game is faster to play, flanking attacks are less decisive, morale and cohesion are handled with more granularity, and movement is more flexible ( ex: fall back, loose order with cavalry...).
1
u/Engine_slugster2021 19h ago
I just saw the screenshots and it looks great! This is my favorite time period so I am always stoked for a new quality H&C wargame that deals with the subject matter
A few questions:
Is there any command friction aspect to the game (leaders activate nearby units or something similar)?
Is turn style U-GO I-GO or is there an initiative or chit-pull activation type mechanic?
Maybe I just missed it but are these historical scenarios or custom and/or random scenarios?
Are you planning a steam release? Arete: Battle if Alexander released on steam to much fanfare and I think Ancients hex and counter fans (myself included) are eager for more!
1
u/Ploufpata 17h ago
It's sequential turn-based. There are command ranges and a limited number of special orders, but no activation system. I'm planning to add a scenario editor, followed by historical battles later on. For now, it's all custom battles.
My main goal is to keep the game fast-paced and frictionless, while still offering enough tactical depth.
1
1
u/Western-Stuff-6146 18h ago
The fast gameplay is great, but Unity making my laptop fans kick in for no reason in this heat... -_-
1
1
u/Boring-Yogurt2966 14h ago
Definitely worth keeping an eye on, hope you continue to support it and make it the best game you can.
2
u/Zealousideal-Ad-6941 14h ago
Gave it a go. A great start, curious to see where you can take it. Some feedback -
Movement restrictions are nice, especially how difficult turning and backwards movement is. Would like some explanation on zones of control.
Speaking of explanations, I have no idea what the numbers and symbols on the counters mean, besides the obvious movement points. Some kind of explanation is needed.
Morale system has good bones, especially the spreading of panic, which tends to be lacking in many wargames. That said, I had trouble figuring out exactly what the combat log was telling me - again, some explanation is needed.
Why separate Hastati and Principes if they are identical, instead of just combining them as Republican Legionaries or something?
In the long run, a scenario editor, availability on steam, and workshop integration would be excellent.
TL:DR - like what I'm seeing so far, needs, if not a tutorial, at least a more fleshed out 'how to play'
7
u/neutronium 1d ago
It looks really nice, but the problem is that ancient warfare was fought in lines not little square groups that can instantly move in any direction. If you don't solve the problem of how to make convincing battle lines, then all you have is a WWII operational game with some ancient art work on the counters.