Lock 'n Load: Band of Heroes

Lock 'n Load Publishing, LLC., Matrix Games · Board game · 2005
2 · best 2 60 min Weight 3.1/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
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8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

For those who want to command paratroopers in Normandy with real strategy!

Highlights
  • Intense tactical combat
  • Engaging historical scenarios
  • Variety of units and weapons
  • Agile rules system
Keep in mind
  • Requires constant tactical focus
  • Small-scale combat focus
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
If you're the type who loves commanding troops on the battlefield with a serious level of tactical detail, get your uniform ready! Lock 'n Load: Band of Heroes is a true masterclass in tactical combat set in the heart of Normandy, June 1944. The focus here is entirely on airborne troops (the famous paratroopers) during the critical moments of the invasion. The game pits you against the enemy in intense scenarios narrating the struggle of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions against German forces in the famous Norman hedgerows.

What makes this experience so special is the sheer richness of detail. Forget generic battles; here you'll deal with specific units like the 17th SS Panzergrenadier and the 6th Fallschirmjäger. The arsenal is impressive: you'll find everything from heavy tanks like the Tiger and Sherman to iconic machine guns like the MG42 and the M1919A4. Additionally, the game includes a generous set of Skill Cards that grant special abilities to your leaders and heroes, turning what would be a simple unit combat into a narrative of bravery on the battlefield.

The gameplay system is robust, utilizing a modular board and a hexagonal grid, meaning every battle can feature different terrain, forcing you to constantly adapt your strategy. It's a fast-paced yet deep combat game, where every move and every dice roll can decide the fate of an entire platoon. If you're looking for a wargame that perfectly balances historical simulation with agile and exciting gameplay, Band of Heroes is your next command destination. Prepare for the parachute jump and good luck on the front!
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In English

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Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Lock 'n Load
Publisher Lock 'n Load Publishing, LLC., Matrix Games
Designer Mark H. Walker
Artist Marc von Martial, Nicolás Eskubi
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1,455 owners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime?
A game typically lasts around 60 minutes.
How many players is this game for?
It is a game focused on 2-player combat.
Is the game very complex?
It is an expert-level game requiring tactical attention, but with agile rules.
What is included in the box?
Maps, hundreds of counters, skill cards, and 16 scenarios.
Do I need other games from the line to play?
This is a complete module, but it is part of the Lock 'n Load system.