Battlegame Book 5: Fighting Ships

Unipart Verlag, Usborne · Board game · 1976
2–4 · best 2, 4 30 min Weight 1.7/5
rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy fast naval skirmishes and the fun of cutting out your own pieces, this book will win you over.

Highlights
  • Variety of naval scenarios
  • Simple, clear rules
  • 30‑minute playtime
  • DIY components add charm
Keep in mind
  • Outdated graphic quality
  • Mono‑coloured pieces can be fragile
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About the game
Battlegame Book 5: Fighting Ships arrives as the fifth volume of Andrew McNeil's book‑game series, originally published in 1976. Each book contains four distinct scenarios, all centered on naval combat, and includes an A3‑size coloured board for each game plus mono‑coloured pieces that players cut out and assemble themselves. The scenarios are diverse: "Viking Raids" puts you on a hex map of Northern Europe hunting treasure; "Silver Fleet" simulates galleon routes between Spain and Cuba; "Frigate" recreates a naval duel between warships; and "Battle for the Med" offers WWII convoy missions in the Mediterranean. The point‑to‑point movement system lets ships travel from one marked point on the map to another, making routes and tactics easy to follow without complex rules. Each game runs about 30 minutes and supports 2‑4 players, perfect for small groups seeking a quick tactical bite. Because everything is printed and cut‑out, the game has a DIY charm that appeals to fans of classic wargames and handcrafted components. Though the title is old, the rules are clear and the variety of themes make it a solid entry point for anyone wanting to try different naval battles without a massive board or expensive miniatures. Its BGG average rating sits at 6.8, suggesting decent appeal, though some note the graphics look dated by modern standards.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Series: Battlegame Books (Andrew McNeil)
Publisher Unipart Verlag, Usborne
Designer Andrew McNeil
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?
2 to 4 players, depending on the scenario.
What’s the typical play time?
About 30 minutes per game.
Do I need extra supplies to assemble the pieces?
Just a scissors or hobby knife and glue; everything is printed in the book.
How complex are the rules?
Low to medium; the mechanics are straightforward, focusing on point‑to‑point movement.
Are the maps continental or national scale?
Yes, each scenario includes an A3 map covering the needed region.
Is it suitable for wargame beginners?
Absolutely, it’s a great entry point thanks to its quick and intuitive play.