Thunderbolt Deluxe Edition brings The Ancient World game system to the Second Punic War, covering the conflict between Rome and Carthage across Italy, Africa, Spain, and western Mauretania. The game features a full grand campaign together with numerous smaller scenarios.

Following the passing of Richard H. Berg, the game was completed by Mark Herman and Alan Ray, who also expanded it into this Deluxe Edition.

The system uses chit-pull activation, command-based movement, and combat driven by dice rolls and numerous tactical modifiers. It includes rules for interception, retreats, pursuits, sieges, diplomacy, and the Auguries random event system.

Political systems remain central to gameplay, with Roman magistrates and Carthaginian commanders operating under their respective historical structures, while Hannibal retains the freedom to conduct independent operations. Celtic and Iberian tribes can be influenced through diplomacy, recruited, or subdued, and naval warfare uses the streamlined Naval Superiority System.

In addition to the complete Second Punic War campaign, the Deluxe Edition also includes the full Rise of the Roman Republic and Carthage games, complete with their scenarios, exclusive rules, and player aids. The exclusive rules have been extensively revised based on player feedback, and all components have been updated to GMT's latest graphic standards.

Contents

• Two 22" × 34" maps (Italy and Spain)
• One 22" × 17" map (Africa)
• Six countersheets (1,680 counters)
• One and a half additional countersheets (420 counters)
• The Ancient World v3.0 series rules booklet
• Thunderbolt exclusive rules booklet
• Thunderbolt scenarios booklet
• Carthage exclusive rules and scenarios booklet
• Rise of the Roman Republic exclusive rules and scenarios booklet
• Four Ancient World Player Aid Cards
• Two Second Punic War Scenario Player Aid Cards
• Two Celts Charts and Tables Player Aid Cards
• Roman Charts and Tables Player Aid Card
• Carthaginian Charts and Tables Player Aid Card
• Advanced Naval System Charts and Tables Player Aid Card
• 2nd Punic War Auguries Player Aid Card
• Carthage Auguries Player Aid Card
• RRR Augury Tables Player Aid Card
• Roman Magistrate Quick Reference Card
• Map Gazetteer Card
• Two Roman Army Displays
• One Carthaginian Army Display
• One Alliance Level/Game Turn Tracks Display
• One Carthaginian Political and Manpower Display
• Two City Occupation Displays
• Four Carthage City Occupation and Army Displays
• Four Rise of the Roman Republic City Occupation and Army Displays
• One Rise of the Roman Republic Alliance Level Tracks Display
• Two 10-sided dice