Destroyer Captain (1979)

About this game

Hex-based simultaneous-move wargame based on destroyer (and an occasional light cruiser) actions in the 20th century. By the same designer and uses the same system as Ironbottom Sound. Gunfire is figured in factors, and an ordered-pair dice roll determines number of hits based on factors firing and range. The location of each hit is then determined by another ordered-pair dice roll. A hit on a location knocks it out unless the location has armor superior to the shell which hit it, and most destroyers have no armor. Torpedos are handled similarly, but must travel to their target before possible hits are determined. Ship plan sheets for typical WWI and WWII turret layouts are provided. Players must fill these out from the ship stat sheets prior to playing. Thirteen historical and two hypothetical scenarios are provided, along with extensive ship stats lists. It should be possible for players to set up additional balanced scenarios. Republished in Command Magazine Japan #51 in 2003.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 3.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.