When Undaunted: Normandy hit the shelves in 2019, it became an instant smash hit. As a deck-building game, it starts players with a modest deck of weaker cards that can be enhanced and customized throughout the game, evolving into a formidable and efficient engine. What sets it apart is its integration with a tactical war board game at the squad level, combining the deck-building mechanics with strategic battlefield maneuvers.
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### Undaunted: Normandy
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### Undaunted: North Africa
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### Undaunted: Reinforcements
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### Undaunted: Stalingrad
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### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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In Undaunted: Normandy, soldier cards enable players to maneuver and engage with corresponding units on a modular board, pursuing scenario-specific objectives. Meanwhile, officer cards enhance deck-building strategies, allowing players to fine-tune their decks and focus on particular squads. This harmonious blend provides strategic depth in deck construction, tactical excitement in battlefield positioning, and a realistic simulation of combat where officers play a crucial role in boosting the morale and effectiveness of their squads.
The success of Undaunted: Normandy has spurred a series of games that utilize the same foundational system, expanding into diverse settings and varying complexity levels, even venturing into outer space with a sci-fi variant. The Undaunted franchise is renowned for its quality, and this buying guide aims to assist you in selecting the perfect game from its extensive lineup.
Undaunted: Normandy
### Undaunted: Normandy
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Best for: Those seeking the most straightforward and quickest version without objection to the military theme.
The inaugural game in the series is set in the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. It is the most accessible entry, focusing solely on different types of infantry units and featuring a limited range of quick-play maps. This simplicity is perfect for casual play, although it may feel repetitive if you aim to complete all the scenarios in the box. Additionally, it offers a strong historical focus, appealing to those interested in the military aspects of the series, yet it might be off-putting to others.
Undaunted: North Africa
### Undaunted: North Africa
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Best for: Players eager to incorporate vehicles into their wargames or who enjoy a more cinematic experience.
Responding to fan demand, Undaunted: North Africa introduces armored cars and small tanks, managed through the same card-driven mechanics. The inclusion of vehicles adds a layer of complexity with rules distinguishing anti-armor and small arms fire. The setting shifts to the North African theater, and the scale reduces from squad-level to individual combatants, delivering a more dynamic and cinematic feel. The game features the Long Range Desert Group, a precursor to Britain's famed SAS, enhancing its action-packed atmosphere.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
### Undaunted: Reinforcements
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Best for: Dedicated fans and gamers interested in solo play with Normandy or North Africa.
Solo play enthusiasts often enjoy playing both sides, but the initiative system in Undaunted posed challenges. Reinforcements addresses this by providing a sophisticated set of AI routines for solo play, tailored to each scenario and unit in both original games. It also introduces new units and scenarios for Normandy and North Africa, along with an expanded storage box. However, these features cater primarily to dedicated fans who own both previous games and are keen on solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
### Undaunted: Stalingrad
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Best for: Players willing to commit to repeated plays for the ultimate Undaunted experience.
While the initial games featured a basic campaign structure, Stalingrad introduces a branching campaign with narrative elements where scenario outcomes influence subsequent games. Soldiers gain experience or suffer injuries, and the city transforms into a battleground of rubble, cover, and fortifications. This game earned a perfect 10/10 in our Undaunted: Stalingrad review for maintaining the series' best qualities while adding a new strategic layer and a compelling, evolving story. However, to fully enjoy it, players must commit to multiple games.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
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Best for: Veteran Undaunted players seeking a fresh twist on familiar mechanics.
Departing from the infantry focus of other games, Battle of Britain takes the action to the skies. While the core deck-building remains, the mechanics adapt to reflect aerial combat, including unit facing and mandatory movement. This setup encourages strategic planning and trap-setting, akin to real dogfights. However, the theme of deck construction feels less fitting for air combat, yet the game remains thrilling and offers a unique experience within the franchise.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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Best for: Those who enjoy the strategic depth but prefer a non-historical military theme.
Responding to calls for a version without real-world warfare themes, Undaunted 2200: Callisto transports the game to outer space. As detailed in our Undaunted 2200 review, this sci-fi iteration captures the series' core appeal while enhancing it with lessons learned from previous games. It includes vehicles, greater faction asymmetry, and a diverse set of scenarios. It's an excellent alternative for those put off by the military focus and, mechanically, ranks just below Stalingrad in the series.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series may be interested to know that additional scenarios have been released in magazines and at conventions over the years. The publisher has made most of these available for free download on its website, offering even more content for avid players to enjoy.
