In 2017, we played ’65 when it was released on Kickstarter. This was Volume I in the Squad Battles Series and uses a very interesting Card Driven Game mechanic where the cards are multi-use and are used for the events, actions, keywords and to determine the results of combat. First off, I want to say that I’m always impressed by Mark Holt Walker’s games because he packs so much in the box, and your hard earned cash can take you really far. That same system was used in Volume II in the series which is focused on Afghanistan to cover the Soviets and their quagmire there in a new game called ’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires. We have played both now and really like the system and what it is trying to do. The rules themselves for ’85 are pretty light and approachable, especially for a squad level tactical game, but really make the game very accessible and I’d recommend it for those looking to enter the tactical side of the hobby, as well as those who are looking for a game that is high on the fun side, and low on the dreary sense of impending doom when you lose side.

I also wrote a series of Action Point posts on the game and you can read those at the following links:

Action Point 1 – Geomorphic Board

Action Point 2 – Various Units 

Action Point 3 – In-depth Look at the Multi-Use Cards

-Grant