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Schnell Boats: Scourge of the English Channel (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Schnell Boats: Scourge of the English Channel is a board game that takes players back to World War II, where German E-boats (Schnellboote) patrolled the English Channel, posing a threat to Allied shipping. Players take on the role of either the German E-boats or the Allied forces, engaging in strategic naval combat.

Game Components of Schnell Boats: Scourge of the English Channel

  • Two Counter Sheets of 5/8″ unit-counters
  • One Strategic Movement Map Board (mounted)
  • One Schnell Boat Crewmen Placement Board (Card Stock)
  • Two Combat Boards (double-sided) (Card Stock)
  • Two Schnell Boat Damage Log Sheets (Laminated Card Stock)
  • One Schnell Boat Squadron Status Sheet (Laminated Card Stock)
  • One Enemy Warship Status Sheet (Laminated Card Stock)
  • One Enemy Merchant Ship Status Sheet (Laminated Card Stock)
  • One Campaign Log Sheet (Paper Pad)
  • One Schnell Boat #1 Crew Status Sheet (Paper Pad)
  • One Schnell Boats #2-#4 Crew Status Sheet (Paper Pad)
  • Two Tables Books
  • One Rule Book
  • Four 10-sided dice, one 6-sided die, one 20-sided die, and one 4-sided die
  • Two erasable markers
  • Box and Lid.

    How To Setup Schnell Boats: Scourge of the English Channel

    Setting up the game involves preparing the various components such as the Strategic Movement Map Board, Combat Boards, and the Schnell Boat Crewmen Placement Boards. Players must also initialize the Schnell Boat Squadron Status Sheet, Enemy Warship and Merchant Ship Status Sheets, and the Campaign Log Sheet. The game includes a detailed Rule Book that guides the setup process to ensure everything is in place for the start of the campaign.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:** Dice Rolling, Paper-and-Pencil.
  • Game Objective:** As the Kommandant of a German Kriegsmarine torpedo boat squadron, the goal is to intercept and sink Allied cargo ships and tankers in the English Channel from June 1943 to June 1944. Players must manage their squadron, conduct missions, and survive for up to 12 months while maximizing Allied ship destruction without suffering too many losses.

    Player Experience

    **Schnell Boats: Scourge of the English Channel** offers a detailed yet accessible experience, particularly for those new to wargaming. Each mission can be completed within 20-30 minutes, with some extending to an hour if multiple enemy convoys are encountered. The game includes options for shorter campaigns of 4 or 8 months, adding to its replayability. Players will face various challenges such as enemy air patrols, Royal Navy gunboats, bad weather, and random events, making each mission unique.

    Pros

  • Detailed Yet Accessible:** The game is designed to be detailed but easy to learn, avoiding complicated rules.
  • High Replayability:** No two missions are the same, with multiple random events and challenges.
  • Solitaire Suitability:** Perfect for solo players, with a solitaire suitability rating of 10 out of 10.
  • Realistic Unit Management:** Models individual Schnell Boat crewmen, equipment, and components, adding realism to the gameplay.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** While streamlined, the game still has a complexity rating of 5 out of 10, which might be daunting for some casual players.
  • Lengthy Campaigns:** Full campaigns can take 5-15+ hours to complete, which may not be suitable for all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Schnell Boats: Scourge of the English Channel

    This game is ideal for enthusiasts of naval warfare and tactical wargames, especially those interested in World War II history. It offers a rich and immersive experience for solo players, with enough depth to keep gameplay engaging and unpredictable. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, casual games or those who are entirely new to wargaming without some prior experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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