When Undaunted: Normandy hit the shelves in 2019, it became an instant smash hit. This game is a deck-building game, a genre where players start with a modest deck of less powerful cards that can be upgraded and customized during the game, eventually creating a formidable and efficient engine. What sets Undaunted: Normandy apart is its integration of these mechanics with a squad-level tactical war board game.
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### Undaunted: Normandy
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### Undaunted: North Africa
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### Undaunted: Reinforcements
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### Undaunted: Stalingrad
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### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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Soldier cards allow players to move and attack with the corresponding unit on the modular board, aiming to achieve scenario goals, while officer cards refine the deck, enabling focus on specific squads. This blend creates a strategic depth in deck construction, tactical excitement in board maneuvers, and a simple simulation of combat where officers enhance the morale and composition of the squads they command.
The success of Undaunted: Normandy has spawned a series of games using the same core mechanics, exploring various settings and complexity levels, even venturing into outer space with a sci-fi version. The Undaunted franchise is exceptional, and this buying guide is designed to help you choose the right title for your gaming preferences.
Undaunted: Normandy
### Undaunted: Normandy
0See it at AmazonBest for: Those seeking the simplest and quickest version, comfortable with the military theme.
The inaugural game in the series is set in the days following the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. While none of the games in the series are overly complex, Undaunted: Normandy is the most accessible, focusing on various infantry units and offering a limited set of quick-to-play maps. This makes it attractive for casual gaming, though it may feel repetitive if you play through all the scenarios in the box. It also maintains a strong historical accuracy, similar to Undaunted: Stalingrad, which may appeal to those interested in military history but could be off-putting to others.
Undaunted: North Africa
### Undaunted: North Africa
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players interested in incorporating vehicles into their wargames or those who enjoy cinematic action.
A common request from fans of the original game was the inclusion of vehicles, which Osprey Games fulfilled in this sequel by adding armored cars and small tanks. While these vehicles operate under the same straightforward card play system as the infantry, they introduce additional rules to distinguish between anti-armor and small arms fire. The game shifts the setting to the North African theater and scales down from squad-level counters to individual combatants, creating a more dynamic and cinematic experience. This is further enhanced by the focus on the Long Range Desert Group, the precursor to Britain's renowned SAS.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
### Undaunted: Reinforcements
0See it at AmazonBest for: Dedicated fans and players interested in solo play for Normandy or North Africa.
Many enthusiasts of military games appreciate the ability to play solo, even if it means managing both sides. The tense initiative bidding system in Undaunted made this challenging, but Reinforcements addresses this with a complex yet effective set of AI routines for solo play. Each scenario in the original games has unique routines for each unit, ensuring a robust solo experience. Additionally, this expansion introduces new units and scenarios for both Normandy and North Africa, along with an expanded box to store both titles. However, these features are primarily for hardcore fans who own the previous games and are interested in solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
### Undaunted: Stalingrad
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players willing to invest in multiple plays for the ultimate Undaunted experience.
While the initial games offered a loose campaign mode, Stalingrad elevates this with a branching campaign featuring narrative elements where the outcomes of each scenario affect the next. Soldiers gain experience or sustain injuries, and the city gradually turns into rubble, offering cover and fortification opportunities. This creates a highly engaging experience, earning a perfect score in our Undaunted: Stalingrad review. It retains the best elements of the first two games while adding a new strategic layer and a dramatic unfolding story. However, players should be prepared for multiple games to fully appreciate this title.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
0See it at AmazonBest for: Experienced Undaunted players seeking a novel twist on familiar mechanics.
In a significant shift from the ground-based combat of most Undaunted games, Battle of Britain takes the action to the skies. While the core deck-building remains intact, the behavior of units on the board is transformed to reflect aerial combat, with planes needing to move each turn and having a facing. This requires careful planning to set up ambushes, much like a real dogfight. However, the deck-building aspect doesn't fit the aerial theme as seamlessly as it does in ground combat. Despite this, the game remains thrilling and offers a fresh perspective within the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players who want the action and strategy without the historical military theme.
Following the success of the original game, a demand arose for a version without the real-world warfare theme. The answer was Undaunted 2200: Callisto, set in outer space. This sci-fi adaptation captures the essence of the franchise while introducing improvements, as detailed in our Undaunted 2200 review. It includes vehicles to pilot, increased asymmetry between factions, and a variety of engaging scenarios. If the military theme of previous titles was a deterrent, this game is an excellent alternative. Even without that concern, it stands as one of the best entries in the series, second only to Stalingrad.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series may be interested to know that additional scenarios have been released in magazines and at conventions since the game's launch. Most of these are available for free download on the publisher's website, offering more content to explore.
