8.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you enjoy solo wargames with a strong historical theme and tactical challenges, Raid on St. Nazaire is a definite must-have! It's a deep dive into the actual operation, with gameplay that puts you in control.
Highlights
- Immersive historical simulation
- Solo tactical challenge
- Replayability with variable setup
Keep in mind
- Rules can be dense
- Luck-dependent outcomes
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready to relive a key moment of World War II with Raid on St. Nazaire, a solo wargame that puts you in command of the audacious British raid on the Nazi-occupied French port on March 28, 1942. The mission is clear: neutralize strategic enemy facilities, such as the dreaded submarine pens and warships. The game begins with the tense approach of your boats and the disguised destroyer HMS Campbeltown, as you try to evade the port's defensive fire and plan the landing. Once ashore, the race against time and luck begins. You'll need to guide your commandos through St. Nazaire, destroying crucial targets while the game system simulates the German response. Enemy troops, initially disorganized, become more dangerous and efficient as the operation progresses, demanding tactical planning and constant adaptation. The German AI is represented by a draw and direct movement system, seeking to intercept your forces. The success or failure of the mission is decided when all your units are eliminated or manage to escape, with the final score depending on the objectives destroyed. With a setup that varies each game and a rules system focused on simulating the operation, Raid on St. Nazaire offers an immersive and challenging experience for those who enjoy diving into military history. It's a game that requires attention to detail and a good dose of strategy to overcome defenses and achieve objectives before it's too late.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 01
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Raid on St. Nazaire: Turn Sequence
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 02
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Raid on St. Nazaire: French Partisans
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 03
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 05
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Raid on St. Nazaire: Open Locks & Caissons Optional Rule
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 07
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 09
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 06
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 08
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Raid on St. Nazaire - Turn 04
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
The Avalon Hill Game Co
Designer
Mark Seaman, Robert G. Markham
Artist
Charles Kibler, George I. Parrish, Jr.
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many people can play Raid on St. Nazaire?
This is strictly a solo game, designed for one player to face the challenge against the game itself.
What is the average playtime?
Expect to dedicate around 3 hours to complete a game, as it simulates a complex operation.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
It has a complexity rating of 3.0198 on a scale of 5 on BGG, indicating intermediate complexity. It requires attention to the rules, but the reward is a rich simulation.
Do I need to know English to play?
There is very little text on the cards and components, making it easily memorizable or adaptable with a small guide. Most players find little difficulty.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for wargame enthusiasts, fans of WWII historical simulations, and players seeking a challenging and immersive solo experience.
Is there a lot of luck involved in the game?
Yes, dice rolls and event card draws introduce an element of luck, simulating the unpredictability of combat and real-world conditions.
What is the main mechanic of the game?
Raid on St. Nazaire combines area movement, dice rolling, movement point management, and simulation to recreate the military operation.
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