Patrol!: Man-to-Man Combat in the 20th Century
- Designer Jim Dunnigan
- Publisher SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.)
- Illustration Redmond Aksel Simonsen
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Patrol!, you command individual infantry soldiers in realistic scenarios ranging from World War I to the Vietnam War. You secretly plan actions for your squad, maneuver on a hex grid, and face events like panic and artillery strikes. The game includes patrols, ambushes, raids, and assaults on fortified positions, with each turn representing a few minutes of combat requiring careful tactical decisions.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced wargame players aged 12 and up. With a playtime of about 240 minutes and detailed rules, it demands patience and strategic thinking. It is less suitable for casual gamers or families due to its complexity.
How It Works
At each turn's start, players secretly buy actions for their soldiers, who spend movement points on moving, firing, and other combat tasks. The game uses mechanics like Action Queue, Dice Rolling, and Hidden Movement to simulate tactical unpredictability. Movement occurs on a hex grid, emphasizing positioning. After planning, all actions resolve sequentially, including combat and grenade or artillery effects.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jim Dunnigan as a sequel to Sniper!, Patrol! focuses on non-urban infantry combat across multiple 20th-century conflicts. Though it has no awards, it is a classic known for its complex mechanics like Action Queue and Hidden Movement. It covers a broad historical span and belongs to a family of games exploring various countries and decades.
Pro
- Detailed simulation of infantry combat
- Varied scenarios from 1914 to 1970
- Tactical depth via Hidden Movement and Action Queue mechanics
- Supports solo play for 1 to 3 players
Contra
- Long playtime of approximately 240 minutes
- High complexity, not suited for casual players
- Recommended for ages 12 and up with some tactical game experience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in various non-urban battlefields from World War I through the Vietnam War, simulating typical infantry engagements in different historical conflicts and decades.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand action planning and hex movement before attempting complex tactics.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Patrol! supports 1 to 3 players, including a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 240 minutes, making it a lengthy session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is complex and best suited for players familiar with tactical wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
Patrol! stands out with its focus on non-urban 20th-century combat and mechanics like Action Queue and Hidden Movement.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Action Queue, Hidden Movement, and Hexagon Grid mechanics provides deep tactical planning and surprise elements.
Fazit
Patrol! is recommended for players seeking deep tactical gameplay and historical accuracy. Its long duration and complexity require commitment but deliver an authentic infantry combat experience outside urban settings.
