"Looking for a patrolling game" Topic

I'm looking for a minis or boardgame that can generate events for a squad to platoon patrol game. WW2 but Vietnam might be suitable. Do any exist?

The game may have combat rules but I'm not looking for that feature. Ideally solitaire.

For example, a recce patrol. Or a platoon in Normandy ordered to take a small village a mile away. The rules would generate enemy forces and maybe control them to a limited extent.

Something like the AI in the Company Of Heroes computer game would be ideal.

I've never played it, but it sounds like you're describing AH's Squad Leader.

I have quite enjoyed DVG's "Warfighter" games. It might hit the zone you are aiming for. There are some abstractions, but for the most part I have always found them quite acceptable. We use Miniatures more for an accent to the game (don't tell my opponents, but little green army men might do an even better job). There are always a number of scenario types available, some spot on to your wish list.

Recon, for Vietnam, is just the thing you are looking for.

IIRC, there are/were several versions and supplements.

I think they were produced by Palladium press.

There are rules for encounters, and it's basically a RPG. Combat rules too.

It would be pretty easy to use them to create a set for WWIi, or you can just do that on your own with a little thought – encounter tables are pretty easy to come up with, and I suggest varying the levels of encounters/lethality, to keep life interesting.

Another idea is to use the Sci-Fi/Fantasy RPG Game Master Emulator "Mythic", to do the same thing. There are variable levels of chaos, which changes the percentage chances of encounters, and for other things to occur. That way, you don't know what will happen in advance, as in real life.

SPI had Patrol! that was a follow up to Sniper! It was a pretty good game that had scenarios ranging from WWI to Vietnam.

Victory Games' "Ambush": squad level solitaire.

My rules have a feel for the scenarios you suggest, and are solo rules, have a look, they are free! link

I hope you find what you are after, anyway.

NUTS! for WW2 or FNG2 for Vietnam, both from TwoHourWargames. Both can be played solo, co-op vs system/referee of head-to-head. For solo/co-op the enemy is generated by 'possible enemy forces' (essentially blinds) that move and reveal semi-randomly. The combat reaction system is not to everyone's taste, but in combination with the PEFs and a simple AI will produce enemy teams that move, fight and react (pretty) realistically with next to no input from the player.

+1 to Woollygooseuk

Someone, Buck Surdu (?), created a card-driven game for patrols, a while back.

I could be wrong about the creator, and if so, my apologies.

IIRC, I believe it may be called, not surprisingly, "Patrol".

I believe this is a follow-on to another card-driven game he's made for miniatures, but the name of that escapes me.

Patrols in the Sudan from Peter Pig determine imperial mission ahead of time, needs to scout terrain or get ambushed on the way to objective or getting out. It's out of the OP's period but the sighting/scouting mechanics could be relevant.
Phil

Thresher01, you got it right

Wolfhag

Thanks Wolfhag.

Wasn't sure, due to advanced age, since I am prehistoric.

Check out "Five Men at Kursk" from Nordic Weasel Games over at Wargames Vault. Pretty reasonably priced and fulfills exactly what you need. Also tips in the book for Solo gaming.

OK

Poor Bloody Infantry from Peter Pig would work. It has a good patrol section in the beginning.

Another idea comes from Wally Simon who saw the original at a convention. Russ Lockwood has repackaged his stories and published them. Check out onmilitarymatters.com. Great read and rules idea.

Chris

That would be "Solo Secrets of Wargame Design" -- # 3 in the series. The Vietnam article is one of 13 articles covering Solo gaming. And yes, volume 3 (and all the others) is available through OMM.

"Nuts" from two hour wargames is designed for solitaire play.

link