Battle Hymn

Hobby Japan, Victory Games (I) · Board game · 1986
1 · best 1 Solo 240 min Weight 3.3/5
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

A classic tactical survival experience for solo players in the Pacific.

Highlights
  • High-level tactical immersion
  • Dynamic event system
  • Engaging campaign experience
  • Realistic combat simulation
Keep in mind
  • Requires full translation
  • Requires paper and pencil
  • Initial learning curve
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

If you're the type who loves a breathtaking tactical challenge and doesn't mind facing the jungle alone, Battle Hymn is your next obsession. Set in the turbulent Pacific theater during World War II, this 1986 classic puts you in command of a squad of American Marines. The real standout here is the 'Ambush!' system, which uses an innovative programmed paragraph approach to guide your adventure. You know that feeling of trekking through a steaming jungle only for everything to suddenly erupt into combat? That is exactly what this game delivers.

The gameplay is an intense blend of strategy and survival. You must manage your men, select their gear, and decide the best path across the hexagonal grid. But don't get too comfortable: the Japanese forces are deceptive, and the environment is unpredictable. With every step, a new event can trigger, turning a routine patrol into a desperate fight for survival. The game employs classic simulation mechanics, such as combat result tables and movement point management, ensuring every decision carries real weight in your mission's outcome.

A quick heads-up: get your paper and pencil ready, as the system requires tracking to maintain your campaign's progress. This is a game of pure tension, where your squad's heroism is tested with every die roll. If you are looking for a tactical wargame experience that flows organically through various scenarios and missions, Battle Hymn is a gem that still shines brightly for genre enthusiasts.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: USA Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: World War II (Pacific) Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Solitaire Only Games Players: Solitaire Only Wargames Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Series: Ambush! solitaire wargame system (Victory Games)
Publisher Hobby Japan, Victory Games (I)
Designer Eric Lee Smith, Joseph Reiser
Artist James Talbot, Ted Koller

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,387owners
306wishlist
132want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Can I play with more than one person?
The game is focused on the solo experience, utilizing the efficient Ambush! system for solitaire play.
Is the game very complex?
It is a tactical wargame, so it has depth, but the initial rules are accessible for genre enthusiasts.
Do I need a translation?
Yes, the game relies heavily on extensive text for events, so a translation is essential.
How long does a game last?
Playtime varies depending on the mission and the complexity of the scenario.
What do I need besides the game?
Have your paper and pencil ready to track your campaign's progress!

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