Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Great Battles: Collector’s Edition offers an immense tactical playground by bundling three classic wargames—Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar—into a single package. Each title provides a suite of historically accurate scenarios that challenge players to master formation maneuvers, flanking tactics, and the ebb and flow of ancient warfare. The turn-based system employs a combination of hex-based positioning and an “I Go, You Go” model, ensuring that both offense and defense are rewarding yet ruthlessly tactical.

One of the standout features is the depth of unit differentiation. Phalanxes, heavy infantry, light skirmishers, and cavalry all behave according to their historical doctrines. In The Great Battles of Alexander, you’ll need to use the Macedonian phalanx’s impenetrable frontal defense to break through Persian lines, while in Hannibal’s battles you’ll be juggling war elephants’ psychological impact alongside Carthaginian infantry. Caesar’s campaigns shift the focus toward Roman legion versatility and engineering advantages, making each title feel distinct despite sharing a core engine.

Beyond the singular scenarios, each game includes multi-battle campaigns which tie victories and losses together, dynamically altering reinforcements and morale. A built-in scenario editor even allows players to craft custom battles or recreate lesser-known historical engagements. Combined with Play-By-Email (PBEM) multiplayer support, these features keep the gameplay loop fresh for both solo strategists and competitive wargamers alike.

Graphics

While the graphics in The Great Battles: Collector’s Edition are undeniably dated by modern standards, they remain functional and clear. Each hexagon bears distinct terrain markers—hills, forests, rivers—that directly affect unit movement and line of sight. Unit counters are rendered as three-dimensional sprites, with frontal facings and troop-type icons that make it easy to assess battlefield dispositions at a glance.

Zooming in on the battlefield reveals modest but serviceable unit animations: cavalry charges rear horse hooves, foot soldiers lean into their spears, and elephants lumber forward with surprisingly well-differentiated shapes. Though textures are simple and animations limited, the color palette is well-chosen to ensure that unit formations stand out against varied landscapes. This clarity is particularly helpful when managing crowded battlefields featuring dozens of counters.

Cutscenes and user interface elements are minimal, focusing on brief historical vignettes and text-based orders of battle. Menus and panels are straightforward, if somewhat austere. For wargamers who prize informational density over flashy graphics, the presentation strikes a satisfying balance: you always know exactly where each unit stands and how terrain will influence your next engagement.

Story

Rather than a continuous narrative, The Great Battles series leverages historical context to frame each scenario. Before every battle, you’re treated to a concise text briefing outlining troop dispositions, strategic objectives, and relevant anecdotes—often drawn from classical sources like Plutarch or Polybius. These synopses immerse you in the historical moment, setting the stage for what will often be a dramatic clash of arms.

In The Great Battles of Alexander, for instance, you’ll learn how Alexander’s audacious crossing of the Granicus River nearly spelled disaster before Persian cavalry were routed. Hannibal’s campaigns feature his legendary Alpine crossing, though most scenarios highlight tactical masterpieces like Cannae. Caesar’s chapters emphasize both gallant battlefield exploits and the political stakes behind the Roman civil wars. Each vignette sparks curiosity, encouraging you to revisit source material or deepen your knowledge of ancient military history.

While there are no voice-overs or cinematic cutscenes, the historical footnotes and epilogues after each victory or defeat provide satisfying closure. You’ll read about the long-term consequences of your actions, such as how a Roman setback delayed Caesar’s advance or how Alexander’s triumphs reshaped the balance of power in the Near East. For history enthusiasts, these story elements enhance the dry mechanics with genuine human stakes.

Overall Experience

As a compilation, The Great Battles: Collector’s Edition is a treasure trove for dedicated wargamers and history buffs. The combined content offers well over a hundred scenarios, complete campaigns, and a scenario editor that extends replay value virtually indefinitely. Whether you’re seeking to reenact legendary clashes or experiment with “what-if” battles, this package is a robust toolkit for strategic engagement.

Newcomers may face a steep learning curve—unit stats, morale tables, and movement allowances demand careful study. Fortunately, the included manual is comprehensive, and the interface provides on-the-fly tooltips that clarify combat formulas and terrain effects. For those willing to invest time in understanding the mechanics, the reward is a richly detailed simulation unmatched by most modern titles in terms of historical fidelity.

Ultimately, The Great Battles: Collector’s Edition stands as a testament to enduring design. Despite its age, the synthesis of Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar into one cohesive product delivers both breadth and depth. If you prioritize substance over spectacle and relish the intellectual challenge of classical warfare, this collector’s set is an indispensable addition to your library.