Band of Brothers: Screaming Eagles (2011) Board Game

Band of Brothers: Screaming Eagles is a two-player wargame that is based on the World War II era. It is designed by Michael Evans, Christopher Ono, Brandon Pennington, and Dan Safee and published by Worthington Games. The game allows players to take on the roles of American paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division as they participate in various missions during the war.

Game Components of Band of Brothers: Screaming Eagles

10 Geomorphic Maps: Interlocking maps to create various battlefields.

3 Sheets of Counters: Representing infantry, tanks, and artillery units.

Rules: Simple and concise, with Version 2.2 of the series rules.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and other in-game actions.

Player Aids: To assist players in tracking game state and rules.

How To Setup Band of Brothers: Screaming Eagles

Setting up the game involves selecting the desired scenario, placing the geomorphic maps accordingly, and deploying the counters for the units involved. Players must also familiarize themselves with the simple yet comprehensive rules, which do not require combat charts. The setup is designed to be intuitive, allowing players to quickly jump into the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Squad Level Combat: Focuses on the tactical movements and actions of individual squads.

No Combat Charts: Simplified rules eliminate the need for complex charts.

Suppression Mechanic: Units under effective fire become suppressed, affecting their subsequent actions.

Proficiency and Casualty Ratings: Units are rated for morale, firepower, and casualties, adding depth to the game.

Objective: Players aim to complete scenario-specific objectives, such as securing territory or eliminating enemy units.

Player Experience

Players experience a game that is both simple to learn and deep in strategy. The game flows quickly, with an emphasis on tactical decision-making rather than rule lookup. The suppression mechanic and proficiency ratings create a realistic and immersive experience, reflecting the challenges of WWII combat.

Pros

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and remember.

Intuitive Gameplay: Actions and consequences feel logical and realistic.

Deep Strategy: Despite simple rules, the game offers complex strategic decisions.

Historical Accuracy: Reflects the real challenges faced by units in WWII combat.

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games last from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cons

Dependence on Other Games: Some expansions, like Texas Arrows, require components from other games in the series.

Limited Complexity for Some: Players seeking very complex rules might find it too simple.

Personal Thoughts on Band of Brothers: Screaming Eagles

Band of Brothers: Screaming Eagles is ideal for players looking for a tactical WWII game that balances simplicity with depth. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate historical accuracy and intuitive gameplay mechanics. The game is accessible to new players due to its easy-to-learn rules, while still offering enough complexity for veteran gamers to enjoy. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in squad-level combat and the experiences of the 101st Airborne during WWII.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.