Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series

Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series

As a long-time fan of cooperative board games, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the Undaunted series since its inception. The latest addition, Undaunted 2200: Callisto, has truly captured my attention and left me utterly captivated.


Callisto, which debuts at Gen Con this week, is set on Jupiter’s moon and offers a fresh perspective to the genre, leaving Earth behind while maintaining the excitement that the series is known for.

Certainly, such a significant change in the game’s setting was not made impulsively. Instead, it underwent thorough planning by designers David Thompson and Trevor Benjamin, along with publisher Osprey Games.

Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series

As a dedicated gamer, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about the latest addition to the Undaunted series: Undaunted 2200: Callisto. This game isn’t just a random creation; it’s a direct response to the gaming community’s clamor for something new and fresh in the Undaunted universe.

In the game ‘Undaunted 2200’, one player takes charge of a corporate security force, backed by a wealthy mining company. This disciplined yet cold-hearted military unit, made up of faceless soldiers and heavily armed mech units in armored suits, provides an overwhelming amount of firepower and intimidation. On the other side of the battlefield stand the miners, a motley crew armed with homemade weapons and repurposed industrial vehicles. These troops are given personal names instead of numbers, and they fight for their own wellbeing. The gameplay mechanics are similar to previous versions of Undaunted, where all characters are represented by cards that get added to each player’s deck and later played onto the battlefield to activate them. Although the setting is in a science fiction environment, the storyline mirrors real-world scenarios and offers a relatable extension of human experiences.

The developers shared during our Tabletop Simulator demo that they had decided from the beginning to create a setting that was authentic and rough around the edges. This approach aligned better with Undaunted’s historical background rather than introducing a fantastical, soft science fiction theme.

Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series
Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series
Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series
Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series

As a seasoned tabletop gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve played my fair share of deckbuilding wargames. And let me tell you, this new title truly resonates with me, reminding me of the charm and excitement of its predecessors. At its heart, it retains that perfect blend of deckbuilding mechanics, where each card addition to your hand feels like a strategic decision, and the traditional wargame framework, with squads maneuvering across a central board.

Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series
Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series

1. The rules for transport vehicles are straightforward yet potent. These vehicles, like those used by the mining union, can escort ground troops as they move, enabling swift maneuvering across the battlefield and rapid response to changes at the frontlines. Additionally, they bolster the capacity to seize and hold strategic points, a critical goal in many situations.

I really enjoy including the large mechanized units in my roster. These machines require multiple crew members, with each team member having a distinct card. When incorporating mech cards into your collection, you have the flexibility to decide which one to include and adjust your tactics accordingly, whether it’s prioritizing mobility or dealing damage. Additionally, this feature adds an authentic touch to how these vehicles operate on the battlefield. Not only does it make them feel impactful, but they are also invulnerable to harm without possessing anti-armor weaponry.

1. In playing “Undaunted 2200: Callisto”, I was struck by the game’s flawless shift into its imaginative setting. The system effectively simplifies intricate details, enabling a versatile platform to depict conflict in numerous contexts. The heart of the game lies in its portrayal of human strife, which is skillfully embodied through a card system that encapsulates the chaos of war and tactical factors. This core idea remains engaging and contemporary, resonating on both a social level and from a gaming standpoint. Moreover, it seems that this installment is one of the most refined in the series, providing team play as well as solo options right out of the box.

Undaunted 2200: Callisto is a big change for the WWII board game series

1. My worry was that the design team might lose enthusiasm for Undaunted due to having worked on numerous titles within such a brief timeframe. However, after playing the latest release and considering Ben’s feedback, my concerns have been alleviated.

“Switching to a sci-fi theme not only gave us a new viewpoint for designing the system, but it was essential. During the initial stages of our design process, we delved deeply into the thematic and mechanical implications of transforming Undaunted into a sci-fi game. These early discussions were particularly thrilling for us.”

As an excited fan, I can’t wait to share that I’ll be getting my hands on “Undaunted: Callisto” for the first time at Gen Con in August! The price tag will be set at a reasonable $85. Following Gen Con, this new addition to the Undaunted series will become more widely available in retail stores come September.

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2024-07-30 16:19

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