Field of Glory II: Age of Belisarius is a turn-based strategy simulation game set in the historical period from the fall of the Western Roman Empire through the late sixth century. It focuses on the transformation of Eastern Roman forces into a cavalry-oriented army and the rise of new kingdoms across Europe and the Near East. Players command armies in detailed tactical engagements drawn from real conflicts of the era, managing unit formations, terrain advantages, and historical troop compositions.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on commanding armies in turn-based battles where positioning, unit types, and orders determine outcomes. Armies draw from extensive lists that reflect period-specific forces, including heavy cavalry, horse archers, infantry spearmen, and light skirmishers. Terrain plays a decisive role, affecting movement, missile fire, and melee effectiveness, while players issue orders to maintain cohesion or exploit flanks. The simulation emphasizes historical accuracy in army composition and capabilities rather than abstract bonuses.
Eleven new factions appear in this expansion, covering groups such as the Avars, Byzantines, Franks, Gepids, Lombards, Ostrogoths, Slavs, Turks, Vandals, Visigoths, and Welsh. Seventeen new unit types join the roster, among them Byzantine lance and bow cavalry, dismounted armoured noble lancers, Sabir foot soldiers, Bedouin cavalry and light horse, Bulgar cavalry, and various Dark Age spearmen. These additions expand tactical options for both offensive and defensive playstyles.
Game Modes
Several distinct modes support single-player engagement with historical and custom scenarios. Epic Battles recreate six major clashes from either side, including Dara in 530 AD, Tricamarum in 533 AD, Taginae in 552 AD, the Volturnus in 554 AD, Bukhara in 557 AD, and Raith in 596 AD. Quick Battles provide thirty-seven additional matchups, also playable from either participating side.
Custom Battles allow selection from the full set of army lists once the necessary content is available. Sandbox Campaigns enable open-ended play across the expanded roster of lists. Four new historically based campaigns cover the campaigns of Belisarius, the reign of Clovis I of the Franks, Sassanid Persia under the title King of Kings 2, and the Rise of the Avars. These modes together deliver structured historical recreation alongside flexible scenario building.
Historical Context and Factions
The setting spans the emergence of barbarian kingdoms in the west and the Byzantine Empire's efforts to reclaim lost territories under Justinian I. Conflicts include Byzantine campaigns against the Vandals in Africa, the Ostrogoths in Italy, and portions of the Visigothic realm in Spain. Eastern fronts feature ongoing clashes with Sassanid Persia, while northern threats involve Avar expansion and interactions with groups such as the Hephthalites and Göktürks. Players can lead these factions or oppose them, using the new units and lists to reflect the shift toward cavalry dominance in Byzantine forces and the varied infantry and mounted capabilities of successor states.
Is It Worth Playing?
This expansion suits players who enjoy detailed turn-based historical wargaming with an emphasis on accurate army lists and tactical decision-making. The base game holds a Very Positive rating on its platform, while the expansion itself carries a Positive rating from its available reviews. It adds substantial new content through additional factions, units, battles, and campaigns that integrate directly into existing modules for custom and sandbox play. Those seeking realistic simulations of sixth-century warfare rather than fast-paced action will find the depth and historical focus rewarding, particularly if they already own the core title and related content. The game remains available for purchase and continues to support its established player base without recent major changes.
