I’ve sold many games over the years, and generally don’t regret those decisions. But there is one set I wish I still had: the Standard Games Outremer, Cry Havoc and Dark Blades games. They were beautifully illustrated hex and counter board games of man-to-man combat. You can learn more on a fan site here. The site has the rules for downloading. With single 15mm or 28mm figures and the now-available hex sheets, you could easily do some very nice games. You also can play the Cyberboard Version.
Board Games
Take Back Toe Print and Play
Take Back Toe is a free print and play game with elements of mancala and backgammon.
Pandemic Hot Zone Europe Print and Play
Pandemic is one of the best selling board games — and board game series — of all time. The latest in the series is Pandemic Hot Zone Europe. While you can buy it in stores, you also can get a print and play version at the link. It’s very nice of Z-Man to do this so people can see what it’s about before buying.
Red Dragon Inn Battle For Greyport Print and Play
Red Dragon Inn: Battle for Greyport is a neat deckbuilder published by Slugfest Games. You can get a print and play version at this link.
Airborne In My Pocket
Airborne in My Pocket is a free, downloadable WWII board game:
The night before June 6th, 1944, during Operation Neptune, thousands of Allied troops were parachuted into enemy territory to prepare the Normandy landings. During that crucial night, amid the flashes of German anti-aircraft fire, many paratroopers were scattered a long way from their drop zones as their planes were either destroyed or unable to reach their drop points.
You are among those troopers. But as luck turns out, the winds have blown you directly where you are needed the most! As you were descending, you discovered a terrible sight: the Germans have installed two 24.0 cm Guns in a hidden bunker. Those cannons are set to fire at the beaches of Normandy. You alone can stop them from killing the Allied troops!
During your jump, you lost your equipment bag which contained all your necessary gear. The only thing you have left is your trusted Colt .45 and your ingenuity. As you fold your parachute, you look at your watch: it’s 0700, the landings are starting. Will you have time to sabotage the German battery before they decimate your comrades? All you need are some explosives…
This game started out as a variant of Zombie in my Pocket, but now has become its own game, with Event cards, inside and outside tiles, scenario cards, item tiles and character cards.
ABimP can be simple (Basic Game) or more involving (Scenarios & Campaigns), as the player wishes. Advanced Game and Scenarios allow you to play as American, British, Canadian, French and even German soldiers. And the expansions bring even more variety with alternate cards and locations.
So join the airborne! Fight the enemy! Win the war!