When Undaunted: Normandy hit the shelves in 2019, it was an instant smash hit. This deck-building game quickly captured the hearts of gamers with its unique blend of card management and tactical war strategy. In Undaunted: Normandy, players start with a basic deck of cards which they can upgrade and tweak throughout the game, gradually building a more powerful and reliable engine. The genius of this game lies in its ability to merge these deck-building mechanics with a squad-level tactical war board game. Players use soldier cards to move and engage enemy units on a modular board, aiming to achieve scenario-specific objectives, while officer cards allow for deck fine-tuning and strategic squad management. It's a perfect marriage that offers strategic depth in deck construction, thrilling tactical maneuvers on the board, and a realistic simulation of combat dynamics.
The success of Undaunted: Normandy has paved the way for a series of games that build on its innovative system, expanding into various settings and levels of complexity, including a venture into outer space with a sci-fi twist. The Undaunted franchise has become a staple for enthusiasts, and this buying guide aims to help you navigate its diverse offerings to find the perfect match for your gaming preferences.
Undaunted: Normandy
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**Best for**: Those seeking the simplest, fastest gameplay and who are comfortable with a military theme.
Set in the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, Undaunted: Normandy is the most accessible entry in the series. It focuses on infantry units and features quick-playing maps, making it ideal for casual play. However, the game may feel repetitive for those committed to completing all scenarios. Its strong historical accuracy, akin to Undaunted: Stalingrad, will appeal to those interested in military history, but might be off-putting to some players.
Undaunted: North Africa
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**Best for**: Players interested in incorporating vehicles into their wargames or who enjoy a more cinematic experience.
Responding to fans' requests, Undaunted: North Africa introduces vehicles like armored cars and tanks, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay. These vehicles are managed using the same card-driven mechanics but require additional rules to differentiate between anti-armor and small arms fire. The game shifts to the North African theater and scales down to individual combatants, enhancing the cinematic feel. The inclusion of the Long Range Desert Group adds to the excitement and historical context.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
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**Best for**: Dedicated fans and gamers looking to play Undaunted: Normandy or North Africa solo.
Undaunted: Reinforcements addresses the challenge of solo play in the Undaunted series by introducing sophisticated AI routines tailored to each scenario and unit in both Normandy and North Africa. It also includes new units and scenarios, as well as an expanded storage solution for both games. While this expansion offers significant value, it is primarily suited for hardcore fans who own the previous games and are keen on solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
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**Best for**: Players willing to invest in multiple plays for the ultimate Undaunted experience.
Undaunted: Stalingrad elevates the series with a branching campaign that includes narrative elements and lasting consequences across scenarios. Soldiers can gain experience or carry injuries, and the city's destruction adds strategic depth. Our Undaunted: Stalingrad review awarded it a perfect 10/10 for retaining the best elements of the series while adding a new layer of strategy and storytelling. However, to fully appreciate this game, players must commit to multiple playthroughs.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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**Best for**: Veterans of the Undaunted series looking for a fresh take on familiar mechanics.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain shifts the focus from ground combat to aerial dogfights, introducing new dynamics such as aircraft facing and mandatory movement. While the deck-building remains core, the theme of air combat is less seamlessly integrated with deck construction compared to ground-based games. Nevertheless, the game offers a thrilling and novel experience within the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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**Best for**: Gamers who enjoy the strategy and action but prefer to avoid the historical military theme.
Responding to player feedback, Undaunted 2200: Callisto moves the series to a sci-fi setting, offering a fresh take on the franchise. As detailed in our Undaunted 2200 review, it retains the series' core strengths while introducing vehicles, greater faction asymmetry, and a variety of scenarios. This game is perfect for those who were put off by the military theme of previous titles but still want to experience the strategic depth and excitement of the Undaunted series.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series should also know that additional scenarios have been released over time, available in magazines and at conventions. Most of these are now available to download for free on the publisher's website, providing even more content for avid players.
