First Impressions of the March of the Ants Solo Mode
Enjoy a solo session report about my initial encounter with the tiny inhabitants of March of the Ants.
Lately, my goal has been to try to give more attention to some of my unplayed and underplayed games. It’s far from easy! However, the trick is to never let any pressure set in. So when my new package with March of the Ants arrived, I went with my instinct. It was definitely time to get this to the table, and technically check off an unplayed game!
Game Overview
Game Name: March of the Ants
Publication Year: 2015
Designers: Tim Eisner and Ryan Swisher
Artists: Tim Eisner, Ryan Swisher, and Peter Wocken
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
I used to fear bugs, insects, and anything else that might seem creepy crawly. Fortunately, that turned around and I took an interest in managing these groups!
This solo mode pits an ant colony against an invading force of centipedes. Not exactly an easy task…
First Play
March 4, 2020
Complexity
3
Latest Play
March 27, 2022
Expansions
2
Setup Time
5 Minutes
Lifetime Plays
25
Play Time
40 Minutes
High Score
26
Game Area
34" x 24"
Low Score
4
The Obvious Omission of the Expansions
I went all in and picked up the expansions, Minions of the Meadow and Empires of the Earth. And also every wooden component I could think of. Ha ha! Sometimes I like to mix all of the content to start with.
However, I decided to only play with the base game for a bit. I want to explore the basic strategies and get a feeling for what each expansion adds. It’s often difficult to understand these aspects when everything starts off mixed together. Apologies to anyone hoping to read more about the newest expansion. This is staying on my table for a bit, though!
Necessary Organizing
As I unpacked everything, I was surprised by the fairly low number of components. Don’t get me started… I unboxed Eclipse for my fiancé today. What a nightmare!
Still, I found one of my trusty Darice bead organizers to put everything in its place. Much better than bags!
Of course, everyone has a unique preference. This method works best for me because I don’t have to remove the components. They stay right there until I need them.
My guess is that I’ll still need to use the expansion box for some components, though I’ll take that any day!
Life in the Meadow
The rulebook took a little time to get through, but I was definitely in the mood to learn something new!
Even with a separate section for the solo mode, it didn’t drastically change a lot of the multiplayer rules. Well, aside from that whole thing with the centipedes. Ha!
I felt confident enough to begin. My little ants started out in the Dry Seep. Delicious food was about, or so it seemed.
There were a few standard moments during the beginning when I felt a little lost. Very few games can actually provide a simple opening session, though. No worries!
Centipede Invasion
Life was rather peaceful in the meadow as my little ants spread out and explored. Then, this nasty and monstrous centipede showed up! Or, more accurately, a centimeeple.
Yikes! The solo mode partially involves building up the colony, but the focus is also on fighting off the invaders.
I struggled mightily for a bit. There was even a time when a lone ant was all that stood between victory and defeat. I pulled things together, though, and stayed alive.
Just when one centipede was dealt with, another one showed up to ruin the day. How terribly rude! Get out, sir!
Balancing All of the Resources
I was distinctly reminded of Bee Lives: We Will Only Know Summer during a few moments. How I do love these tiny creatures! A lot of gameplay came down to resource management. I needed more larvae to combat the centipedes, yet feeding all of those hungry mouths wasn’t easy. I had to balance it all, which took careful planning.
Dangerous Tunnels
I had a wonderful time exploring new regions and finding new resource collection sites. My ants were smart!
But the centipedes refused to stop. Many of them made it to the central area, where they camped out to earn continuous victory points. The colony was whittling away.
Still, I fought back valiantly! The entire play only lasted 4 rounds throughout the seasons. I had to make quick and calculated moves. Or just give something a whirl.
Since this was my first play, I likely made suboptimal moves and poor decisions. Yet onward the ants marched.
Session Overview
Play Number: 1
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Easy Difficulty Level
Required Play Space: 34″ x 24″
Setup Time: 5 Minutes
Play Time: 30 Minutes
Outcome: 20-12 (Win)
There were likely a few rules mistakes early on, though I still felt like I did well! With a handful of nice evolutions, my ants were rather prepared for the centipedes. Victory!
%
20 Plays
Affordability
Price & Value
8
Functionality
Challenges & Mechanics
9
Originality
Design & Theme
9
Quality
Components & Rules
10
Reusability
Achievement & Enjoyment
9
Variability
Distinctness & Randomness
6
A Different Sort of Theme and Game
What really drew me into March of the Ants was a combination of its theme and mechanics. It also has a unique visual style. In some ways, it looks a little dated… Though I like to consider it vintage! The aesthetics may not be the most beautiful out there, but I do appreciate the emphasis on easy-to-read fonts and large icons. I prefer function over form!
Making Ant Friends
Ants may not be as cute and cuddly as some other living creatures, so the Calico Critters decided to stop by! They made some fast friends… So fast, that they marched on by.
I should note that one of the most iconic ant-related movie scenes for me came from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
Antie! He was the greatest. Maybe not accurately depicted, but that was one lovable ant. I think I may theoretically think of the centipedes as scorpions going forward.
I’ll also say that the wooden ants definitely add a lot to the game. Wooden cubes just wouldn’t be the same!
Running Far, Far Away
While most of the Calico Critters were busy making friends with the ants, a curious youngster headed down a tunnel.
She came running right back around with a hoard of invading centipedes on her tail! Which is, naturally, not present in a Calico Critter this young. Law of nature.
Never fear, though! She easily made it to safety and outwitted her pursuers. Rumor has it that they were momentarily confused by her green outfit.
I also upgraded to pick up a bunch of large centimeeples. Once again, it’s a decision I’m very happy with!
Victory Conditions
Defeat the Broodmother
- Overall Goal Progress 100%
Goals and Milestones
Win at least 1 expansion game at the easy difficulty level.
Win at least 1 game at the easy difficulty level.
Win at least 1 game at the hard difficulty level.
Win at least 1 game at the normal difficulty level.
Continue the Conversation
Have you played March of the Ants? What do you think of it in terms of its theme and solo mode? My first play definitely doesn’t paint the entire picture, and I look forward to playing a lot more in the near future. I think a little more familiarity with the rules will go a long way towards protecting the colony. Long live the ants!
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