Battlegroup: Rule Book (2013) Board Game

Battlegroup: Rule Book is a wargame based on World War II, focusing on realistic and historically accurate battles. It was released in 2013 by designer David Pentland and published by Iron Fist Publishing and PSC Games. The game is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of around 120 minutes. Players take on the roles of military commanders, strategizing and battling it out on the tabletop.

Game Components of Battlegroup: Rule Book

Rulebook: The core component, detailing all the rules and mechanics.

Miniatures: 20mm or 15mm World War II miniatures.

Dice: D6 dice for determining orders and resolving actions.

Battle Rating Counters: Used to track unit morale and overall battlegroup effectiveness.

Order Tokens: For issuing orders to units.

Artillery and Mortar Rules: Including spotting rounds and barrage resolutions.

Reaction Order Tokens: For assigning ambush fire or reserve moves.

How To Setup Battlegroup: Rule Book

To set up Battlegroup, players first determine the size of the game, which can range from platoon to battalion size. Each player rolls a number of D6 dice (1D6 for platoon-sized games up to 4D6 for battalion-sized games) plus the number of officers they have, to determine the number of orders available for their force. Players then assign Battle Rating (BR) values to their units, which are totalled to give an overall BR value for the battlegroup. The battlefield is set up according to the scenario, and units are deployed accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

IGOUGO System: Players take turns issuing orders to their units.

Orders: Move and fire, fire and move, double move, double fire, infantry assault, request artillery fire, and specialist orders.

Reaction Orders: Units can be assigned to reserve move or ambush fire during the opponent’s turn.

Battle Rating System: Tracks unit morale and overall battlegroup effectiveness.

Area Fire and Aimed Fire: Different types of fire to pin or destroy targets.

Artillery and Mortar Fire: Includes spotting rounds and barrage resolutions.

Game Objective:

The objective is to maintain your battlegroup’s effectiveness by managing orders, morale, and unit casualties. The game ends when the total value of Battle Rating counters collected exceeds the initial BR value, prompting senior command to issue the order to break off.

Player Experience

Battlegroup offers a dynamic and flexible gameplay experience with a strong focus on strategic planning and adaptability. Players must carefully manage their orders and reaction orders to disrupt their opponent’s plans. The game simulates the uncertainties of war through its mechanics, such as the variable number of orders available each turn and the impact of casualties on unit morale. While some players might find certain rules simplistic or game-like rather than simulation-oriented, the system is designed to be fast-paced and fun, allowing for easy adaptation with house rules.

Pros

Fast-paced Gameplay: Quick turns and dynamic action keep the game engaging.

Flexibility: Reaction orders and variable number of orders add strategic depth.

Adaptable: Easy to modify rules to improve the simulation aspect.

Period Feel: The game captures the essence of World War II battles effectively.

Resupply Mechanics: Adds realism by requiring players to manage ammunition and resupply.

Cons

Lack of Detail in Certain Areas: Some rules, such as artillery and smoke, may feel oversimplified.

No Subject Index: Makes it difficult to find specific rules quickly.

Low Level of Detail for Battalion Scale: Players have to count individual weapons and casualties, which might be too detailed for some.

Arbitrary Ammo Loadouts: Can seem unrealistic for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Battlegroup: Rule Book

Battlegroup is ideal for players looking for a balanced mix of strategy and fast-paced action in their World War II wargames. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy the flexibility of reaction orders and the challenge of managing limited resources. While it may lean more towards being a ‘game’ rather than a strict simulation, it offers a period feel and is highly adaptable, making it a great choice for both casual and experienced wargamers. However, players seeking a more detailed simulation might need to implement additional house rules to enhance the experience.

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