Battlegame Book 1: The Wild West

Buch und Zeit Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.h., Köln, Unipart Verlag, Usborne · Board game · 1975
2–4 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.9/5
rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy classic wargames, American history, and don't shy away from some good old cardboard crafting, this game book is for you! It offers four quick and thematic Wild West scenarios.

Highlights
  • Unique retro experience
  • Four games in one
  • Strong Wild West theme
  • Accessible for wargame beginners
Keep in mind
  • Requires manual component assembly
  • Paper components can be fragile
  • Simpler games than modern wargames
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to travel back in time with Battlegame Book 1: The Wild West, a 1975 gem that brings four mini wargames straight from the pages of a book! Each game comes with a colorful board and pieces to cut out and assemble, many in 3D format to stand on their own. We have "Buffalo Hunters," where you lead a tribe to capture horses and buffalo, using tactics to corner the animals. In "Red Cloud's War," two players face off in a supply duel: one tries to keep supply wagons reaching the fort, the other tries to cut them off. "Iron Horse" has you building railroads towards Central City, but beware of Native Americans and other players who might hire gunmen to disrupt your plans or even steal your workers. To top it off, "Lincoln County War," a direct confrontation in the Wild West, with gunmen, rifles, and even a Gatling gun in play, simulating a famous shootout of the era. Yes, it's a book game, meaning you'll need scissors and glue, but the reward is a retro and accessible wargame experience, perfect for those who enjoy American history and classic mechanics like dice rolling and grid movement. With quick games, it's ideal for anyone wanting to dive into different Wild West scenarios without getting bogged down for hours.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (City Scale) Country: USA History: American Old West (Wild West) Series: Battlegame Books (Andrew McNeil) Theme: Native Americans / First Peoples
Publisher Buch und Zeit Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.h., Köln, Unipart Verlag, Usborne
Designer Andrew McNeil

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

85owners
20wishlist
6want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate?
This game book contains four different scenarios, with most of them supporting 2 to 4 players. "Red Cloud's War" and "Lincoln County War" are specifically for 2 players.
How long does a game take?
Games are quite fast! Each of the four games within the book takes about 30 minutes to play.
What is the game's complexity?
The complexity is quite low, with an average weight estimated at 1.87 (on a scale of 5). It's a great entry point for those wanting to explore older wargames.
Do I need to assemble the components?
Yes! Being a 'book game', you'll need to cut out and assemble the board and pieces from the book's pages. Scissors and glue are your friends here!
Is this a game for children?
Due to the need for cutting and assembly, and the war theme, it's more recommended for teenage and adult players.
Is it worth it for fans of modern games?
If you appreciate the nostalgia and simplicity of classic wargames, yes. If you prefer complex mechanics and modern production, it might not be the ideal choice.
What's the difference between the four games?
Each game focuses on a different aspect of the Wild West: animal hunting, supply warfare, railroad construction with protection, and a famous historical shootout.

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