When *Undaunted: Normandy* hit the shelves in 2019, it instantly became a smash hit. This game falls into the category of deck-building games, where players start with a modest deck of less powerful cards and can enhance and refine their decks as they play, ultimately creating a robust and effective game engine. The genius of *Undaunted: Normandy* lies in its seamless integration of these deck-building mechanics with a squad-level tactical war board game.
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### Undaunted: Normandy
0See it at Amazon### Undaunted: North Africa
0See it at Amazon### Undaunted: Reinforcements
0See it at Amazon### Undaunted: Stalingrad
0See it at Amazon### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
0See it at Amazon### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
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In *Undaunted: Normandy*, players use soldier cards to maneuver and engage with corresponding units on the modular board, aiming to achieve scenario-specific objectives. Meanwhile, officer cards enable players to refine their decks, focusing on particular squads. This combination provides strategic depth in deck construction, thrilling tactical maneuvers on the board, and a simulation of combat where officers play a crucial role in enhancing the morale and effectiveness of their squads.
The success of *Undaunted: Normandy* has paved the way for a series of games that employ the same core system, expanding into various settings and levels of complexity, including a foray into outer space with a sci-fi variant. The *Undaunted* franchise offers a range of engaging titles, and this guide is designed to help you choose the best one for your gaming preferences.
Undaunted: Normandy
### Undaunted: Normandy
0See it at AmazonBest for: Those seeking a straightforward, quick-playing game with a military theme.
The inaugural game in the series, *Undaunted: Normandy*, is set in the days following the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War 2. As the most accessible game in the series, it focuses solely on infantry units and offers a limited set of maps, making it ideal for casual play. However, it may feel repetitive for those who want to explore all the scenarios included. Its historical accuracy, matched only by *Undaunted: Stalingrad*, might appeal to those interested in the military aspects of the series, though it could be off-putting for others.
Undaunted: North Africa
### Undaunted: North Africa
0See it at AmazonBest for: Enthusiasts of vehicle-based wargames or those who enjoy a more cinematic experience.
Responding to fan demand, *Undaunted: North Africa* introduces vehicles like armored cars and small tanks into the mix. These additions bring new rules for managing different types of fire, adding complexity while maintaining the core card play mechanics. The setting shifts to the North African theater, and the scale is reduced from squads to individual combatants, creating a more dynamic and action-packed experience. The inclusion of the Long Range Desert Group adds a thrilling, cinematic element to the game.
Undaunted: Reinforcements
### Undaunted: Reinforcements
0See it at AmazonBest for: Dedicated fans and players interested in solo gaming with Normandy or North Africa.
*Undaunted: Reinforcements* caters to fans who enjoy solo play, offering a sophisticated set of AI routines that enhance the solo experience for both *Normandy* and *North Africa*. Each scenario features unique AI behaviors for different units, ensuring challenging gameplay. Additionally, this expansion introduces new units and scenarios, along with a larger box for storing the first two games. However, its value is primarily for those deeply invested in the series and solo play.
Undaunted: Stalingrad
### Undaunted: Stalingrad
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players willing to engage in repeated plays for an enriched Undaunted experience.
*Undaunted: Stalingrad* elevates the series with a branching campaign that incorporates narrative elements and carries over the results of each scenario. Soldiers gain experience or suffer injuries, and the city evolves into a battleground with cover and fortifications. This game received a perfect score in our *Undaunted: Stalingrad review*, praised for maintaining the strengths of the original games while adding new strategic layers and a compelling story. However, it requires a commitment to multiple plays to fully enjoy its depth.
Undaunted: Battle of Britain
### Undaunted: Battle of Britain
0See it at AmazonBest for: Seasoned Undaunted players looking for a unique twist on familiar mechanics.
*Undaunted: Battle of Britain* breaks from the series' norm by shifting the action to aerial combat. While the deck-building mechanics remain intact, the gameplay adapts to the dynamics of aircraft, including facing and movement requirements. Players must strategize more intricately to set up effective dogfights. Although the deck-building theme doesn't fit as seamlessly with air combat, the game still offers excitement and a fresh take on the *Undaunted* formula.
Undaunted 2200: Callisto
### Undaunted 2200: Callisto
0See it at AmazonBest for: Players who enjoy the strategy and action but prefer a non-historical military theme.
Responding to requests for a non-historical setting, *Undaunted 2200: Callisto* transports the action to outer space. This sci-fi variant, as highlighted in our *Undaunted 2200 review*, retains the series' strengths while introducing improvements such as vehicle piloting, greater faction asymmetry, and diverse scenarios. It's an excellent choice for those put off by the military themes of earlier titles, and for those who appreciate its mechanics, it stands as the best in the series after *Stalingrad*.
Undaunted Promo Scenarios
Fans of the series should note that additional scenarios have been released over the years, published in magazines and distributed at conventions. Most of these are available for free download on the publisher's website, offering more content to explore and enjoy.