PBI 2025
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This page is about the 2025 edition.
PBI2025 replaces the 2015 “Company commander” edition.
PBI2025 concentrates on a player's ability to use a WW2 company.
PBI2025 tests the players skill at command, rather than his skill at force building.
PBI2025 constantly throws up command decision so that player's can show their ability (or otherwise) to manage a battle.
Period of warfare covered
PBI2025 covers WW2.
Game Setting
The game puts each player in command of a company. Typically this will be 3 platoons each of 12 bases. Added to this might be a support platoon and three tanks. Some players will use a foot only company. Such companies have an equal chance of success to a company with tanks.
All PBI games are of the attack/defence type. This gives the attacker different success criteria than the defender. The defender needs to hold the objectives and inflict damage on the attacker. The attacker needs to take those objectives and force the defender troops back. There are various additional criteria that count toward the victory points of the players.
Associated Peter Pig range
Range 8 has over 600 packs of 15mm figures, guns and tanks.
Game scenario generator
The game starts with a quick piggy chase to determine which payer choose to be the attacker or defender.
Game table size
PBI2025 is a griddled game. Just like the 1998 version.
An 8x8 grid of 6” squares. Each square represents 60m. Yes PBI has a proper ground scale.
This gives table size of 4 by 4 feet. Thus, allowing space for gaming junk to be kept off the table. Much nicer.
How much scenery is needed
Each player brings 6 pieces of scenery. Each piece occupies a pair of table squares ( 6x 12 inches). The usual woods, hills, type scenery options are all included in the choices.
How many D6 needed
Players need 18 D6 all of the same colour. Plus another 4D6 to show the command rolls for units.
Measurement method
Units move from square to square. Foot usually move 3 squares zone per turn when moving.
Basing of troops
Any basing will work due to the grid nature of the game table. The specific PBI2025 sizes are 3x3cm for foot. A typical platoon would have an officer base, 3 LMG bases, 6 rifles bases and an AT base. Although PBI is a 1 to 1 representation of the troops, they are still grouped into bases. There are no single figures running about the table.
Typical player force
3 foot platoons, mortar support platoon, 2 tanks.
Number of forces
There are detailed organisations for 112 different companies in the architect book. Along with this there are details of hundreds of tanks and guns.
Controlling the troops
In PBI, a D6 is rolled for each of a platoon commander’s three allowed motivations/squares. A score of 4 allows 4 points to be spent. Shooting costs 1 point per “volley”.
Moving a square also costs 1 point etc..
Role of the player
The player takes on the role of the company commander. This means he controls which units move where, but has no control or interest in those jobs the soldiers can do for themselves. Soldiers do not need to be told which close enemy are the priority target or tell tank commanders which ammunition to use. The company commander does not need to instruct soldiers to take cover as soldiers know what to do.
Moving system
Troops move from square to square. No diagonals except for vehicles.
It cost 1AP to move out of an open square but 2AP to move out of a scenery square. Men get into houses easily, but are slower at coming out again.
Shooting system
Only scores of 6 are hits. The variable is the number of D6 rolled. This makes foot shooting very straightforward and will be learned very quickly.
Fighting system
Fights in PBI are called assaults. An assault is the only time in which bases enter an opponent square. A bunch of about 12D6 versus another bunch of about 12D6. The number of D6 is based upon the number of bases and additional dice for weaponry and quality. This time the 6 scores are kills with no saving rolls.
Morale system
The morale system is a pair of D6. Morale happens on a unit basis. Problems = pair of casualties, no officer etc.
When a unit has two or more problems, it takes morale. Morale fails result in bases being lost.
Game length
A countdown system (battle clock) starting at 36. Players roll a D6 at the end of their own turn and may re-roll.
Gives a typical game length of 10 turns ( 5 each).
Victory conditions
Dead opponents, objectives held plus a host of other lesser criteria too.
Changes for 10/20mm figures
Use the existing 6” squares or increase decrease as desired. Everything is measured in squares, so no adjustments to the rules are needed. 1 square is still 1 square.
Scenery
6 pieces per player. Typically a player might bring 2 gentle hills, 2 buildings and 2 woods.
Assets
Each company has possible assets. They are not guaranteed to arrive. Assets include snipers, off table HE support, rapid arrival and excellent platoon commander.
Best parts
The assaults are always very tense.
Catching out an opponent whilst he is in the open.
Battle sheet
Play sheet
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