Patrol: Lost! (2009) Board Game

Patrol: Lost! is a board game released in 2009 that is designed for 2 players. It falls under the category of dice games and print & play games, with a runtime of 30 minutes and an age recommendation of 12 and up. The game involves area movement and dice rolling as its primary mechanics.

Game Components of Lost Patrol

Game board featuring a jungle Death World

Space Marine Scout miniatures

Lurker tokens or miniatures

Dice for resolving combat and movement

Tile-based terrain system

Rulebook

How To Setup Lost Patrol

To set up the game, the board is composed of interlocking tiles that create a jungle environment. The Space Marine Scouts are placed at one edge of the board, while the Lurkers are secretly deployed by the other player. The objective for the Scouts is to navigate through the jungle and reach the extraction point, while the Lurkers aim to eliminate them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Gameplay: One player controls the Scouts, and the other controls the Lurkers.

Tile-Based Movement: The jungle terrain is created using interlocking tiles, which are revealed as the Scouts move through the jungle.

Hidden Enemy: The Lurkers are placed secretly, adding an element of surprise and tension.

Combat Resolution: Dice rolls determine the outcomes of attacks and defensive actions.

Objective: The Scouts must reach the extraction point without being eliminated by the Lurkers.

Player Experience

Playing **Lost Patrol** can be a tense and challenging experience, especially for the Scout player. The game is designed to be difficult for the Scouts, simulating the hazards of a Death World. Players often find themselves using house rules to balance the game, such as giving the Scouts more dice for shooting and assaults. The Lurker player must use strategic placement and timing to ambush the Scouts effectively.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game deeply immerses players in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

High Replayability: The tile-based terrain and hidden enemy placement ensure different experiences each time.

Strategic Depth: Both players need to strategize carefully to succeed.

Cons

Unbalanced Gameplay: The game can be very challenging for the Scout player, leading to frequent total party wipes.

Limited Player Base: It is a 2-player game, which may limit its appeal for larger gaming groups.

Outdated Rules: Some players find the original rules too harsh and may need house rules to balance the game.

Personal Thoughts on Lost Patrol

**Lost Patrol** is ideal for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and those who enjoy asymmetric, strategic board games. It requires careful planning and adaptability, making it a great choice for experienced gamers looking for a challenge. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking a more balanced gameplay experience straight out of the box.

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