Undaunted: North Africa (2020) Board Game

Undaunted: North Africa is a tactical card-based wargame set during World War II in the North African campaign. Designed by Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson, the game is published by Osprey Games and features artwork by Roland MacDonald. Players take on the roles of either the British Commonwealth forces or the Axis powers, using command cards, deck building, and dice rolling to outmaneuver and outwit their opponents on the battlefield.

Game Components of Undaunted: North Africa

Tokens representing individual units

Oversized cards for vehicles

Deck of cards for unit actions and reinforcements

Modular board tiles

Dice for resolving attacks

High-quality artwork by Roland MacDonald

Solid, detailed game components.

How To Setup Undaunted: North Africa

Setting up the game involves placing the modular board tiles to form the battlefield, each player drawing their starting deck based on the scenario, and placing their unit tokens on the board. The game systematically introduces new elements through its scenarios, allowing players to build up their learning while playing. The initial setup is straightforward, and the game can be ready to play within 15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draw a hand of four cards and bid for initiative.

Deck, Bag, and Pool Building: Manage and modify the deck through reinforcements and actions.

Dice Rolling: Resolve attacks and other actions with dice.

Modular Board: The battlefield changes with each scenario.

Simulation: Immersive gameplay simulating World War II combat.

Objective: The British LRDG aims to disrupt Italian operations, while the Italians seek to capture points or eliminate LRDG forces. Objectives can vary significantly between scenarios, adding asymmetry to the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Undaunted: North Africa** is a tense and exciting experience. The game is quick to learn but rich in strategy, with a focus on deck management and tactical decisions. Each session can be quite different, with moments of high tension as players wait for the right card draw to execute their plans. The game’s design ensures that it remains engaging without overwhelming players with complex rules.

Pros

Tense and Exciting Gameplay: High levels of tension and strategic depth.

Easy to Learn: Quick setup and straightforward rules.

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Unique objectives and unit capabilities for each side.

Quality Components: High-standard artwork and solid game pieces.

Vehicle Mechanics: The addition of vehicles adds a new layer of strategy and fun.

Cons

Less Beginner-Friendly: The added complexity due to vehicles and asymmetry may be challenging for new players.

Dependent on Card Draw: Success can heavily rely on the cards drawn, which might frustrate some players.

Personal Thoughts on Undaunted: North Africa

**Undaunted: North Africa** is an excellent choice for fans of strategy games, deck-builders, and World War II enthusiasts. While it builds upon the mechanics of **Undaunted: Normandy**, it offers a unique and more complex experience with the introduction of vehicles and asymmetrical gameplay. It is recommended for those who have experience with deck-building games or have played **Undaunted: Normandy**, although new players can still enjoy it with a bit more learning curve.

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.