Command and Objective Cards Preview

Command and Objective Cards Preview with Andrew Haught The Command and Objectives cards provide players with optional cards that enhance or change their gaming experience. When we started working on Version 4 Flames Of War I was tasked with creating Command Cards, something we will make for each book to add more options to armies and to use some of those leftover points. These cards add new Formations, Upgrades and Warriors giving you, even more, choice when building your force.

Command cards have come a long way since we first sat down to do Version 4 and I am glad to be finally able to show off some of the Command cards. Command Cards allowed us to take some of the more complex rules that are not easily covered in an army book and put them onto cards so that they are easily referenced during games. Players can choose how to use Command Cards in their games. For example, each player can have a set amount of points dedicated to Command Cards, or players can add Command Cards directly to their lists spending points as normal.

Most Command cards are hidden until they are used, so you’re never quite sure what your opponent’s battle plans are until they are revealed.  While hidden Command cards do not affect their attached unit, a player must reveal them if they wish to gain the benefits of the card.  Some Command cards must be revealed at the start of the game, these cards are used to build your army and have the keyword Build. Pre-order your Afrika Korps Command Cards here... Pre-order your Desert Rats Command Cards here...

The Fog of War Objective deck adds a new mission to the game, creating an ever-changing game state where you may not know your opponents plans right away. Players will need some objectives on hand as these will be placed throughout the game. When taking an objective in the Fog of War mission you do not win right away, instead, you score victory points. The player who first hits the set victory point goal wins.  There are two ways to use the Fog of War deck, players can either construct their own objective deck or they can share a communal deck. Pre-order your Fog Of War Objective Cards here...

Command Cards This week we thought we would showcase some of the cards you will find in the Command Decks.  Each Command card has Points and Keywords that help you know how to use the cards in the game, these are explained in the Command Card rule insert. Command cards can be added to your force in two ways. You can add them to your normal point limit just like you would add a Unit to your force, or you and your opponent can agree on a set amount of points that players may only use to add Command cards to their lists.

Panzerknacker This card (and Sticky Bombs) give an interesting option to infantry forces and something that the Tigers in the Desert have to fear. Having some of these upgrades as cards in your deck will make tanks think twice when assaulting your troops, but on the other hand, they cost 2 points each so players have to make the choice between arming all the troops with Panzerknackers or taking that extra unit in your force. Click on the cards for a larger version...

Pip Roberts There are two ways Warriors effect your force, some Warriors like Pip Roberts have a global effect that will enhance a large part of your force, while others will take over models in your force and fight alongside your troops. Remember like other non-build cards Warriors remain hidden until used, so your opponent might not know until it’s too late that they are facing a formidable warrior.

Portees This card is an amazing upgrade for the 6pdr unit, it basically makes your 6pdrs into an unarmoured Tank teams, giving the unit a lot more mobility. This card can be used with your 6pdr models or if you happen to have the portee model, and want to use it, then this card allows you to do so.

Rapid Fire The old Tiger Ace abilities live on in the Command cards! Rules like the Tiger Ace rules have shifted into Command cards, some might seem pricey at first but they worth every point considering what they are improving.

Australian and New Zealand Divisional Cavalry One of the things we wanted to do in these Command Cards was add content that we could not include in the book. Build Cards are going to be some of the coolest options in the deck, giving you a whole new way to play your armies.

Soft Skin Transports In other words trucks and unarmoured halftrack vehicles. I really like this card as it gives your lists flexibility, and it also means that I don’t have to paint up 20+ trucks for my force unless I want to.  It just adds a lot of choice to my forces and allows me to use the models I happen to own as my transports.

Fog Of War Objective Cards Objective Cards is a cool new way to play Flames Of War. These cards can be used in all the time periods in Flames Of War, Early, Mid and Late war. The deck adds a bit of randomness to the game and uncertainty leaving players with the need to be flexible and make real-time decisions.  Below are some examples of Objective Cards you will find in the game.

View some more preview cards, as well as some frequently asked questions here... ~ Andrew.