Undaunted: Normandy (2019) Board Game

Undaunted: Normandy is a World War II-themed wargame designed by Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson. It was released in 2019 by Osprey Games and has gained popularity for its unique blend of deck-building and tactical combat mechanics set in the historical backdrop of the Normandy campaign during World War II.

Game Components of Undaunted: Normandy

Cards: Two decks, one for the US and one for Germany, each with unique actions and abilities.

Map Tiles: 18 double-sided square cardboard tiles representing various terrains such as open fields, heavy woods, rivers, bocage, and buildings.

Tokens: Represent objectives, troops, and other game elements.

Dice: Four 10-sided dice used for resolving attacks.

Campaign Booklet: Includes 12 scenarios that simulate the missions of the US 30th Infantry Division.

How To Setup Undaunted: Normandy

To set up the game, players start by selecting a scenario, each of which has a specific setup of map tiles and initial card decks. The tiles are arranged differently for each scenario to reflect the varying terrains and objectives. Players then shuffle their deck, draw a starting hand of four cards, and place their unit counters on the board according to the scenario’s starting conditions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players build their decks by adding or removing cards to enhance their forces and strategies.

Hand Management: Players manage their hand to execute actions, such as moving units, taking cover, and attacking.

Dice Rolling: Used to resolve attacks and add an element of randomness.

Objective Control: The primary goal is to control key objectives and push deeper into enemy territory.

Casualty Management: Losing units removes cards from the deck, forcing players to adapt their strategy.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of American or German forces, navigating through a series of missions that reflect the historical battles in Normandy. The game is praised for its thematic depth, where each soldier has a name, and the terrain tiles are evocative of the actual battlegrounds. The gameplay is fast-paced yet strategically deep, requiring players to plan, react, and adapt to changing circumstances. Each scenario can be completed within 45-60 minutes, making it an accessible yet engaging experience.

Pros

Thematic Depth: The game feels highly thematic, with great art and terrain tiles that immerse players in the WWII setting.

Strategic Depth: The game rewards planning, reacting, and adapting, making it deceptively strategic.

Replayability: The 12 scenarios and modular board ensure high replayability.

Easy to Learn: Simple and thematic rules make it easy for new players to grasp.

Components Quality: Sturdy and excellent quality components, including cards, tokens, and dice.

Cons

Luck Factor: The roll of dice can be frustrating, as it introduces randomness into combat outcomes.

Limited Unit Types: The base game has a limited number of unit types, which may require expansions for more variety.

No Multiplayer Beyond 2 Players: Designed strictly for two players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Undaunted: Normandy

**Undaunted: Normandy** is ideal for those who enjoy deck-building games and have an interest in World War II history. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that combines strategic depth with thematic immersion. The game’s accessible rules and fast gameplay make it a great option for both new and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with a large number of players or those who prefer games without any element of luck. For fans of the series, other entries like **Undaunted: North Africa** and upcoming expansions offer additional challenges and scenarios to explore.

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