Platoon Figures Ideal
for Historical RPG

review by Wally Simon

RPG Inc., at Box 48, Lincoln AR 72744 sent in a flyer on their 20mm line. The series is termed PLATOON 20, and is in 1/72 scale; it consists of 14 separate groups of figures.

Each group costs $2.75 and has 5 related figures in it. An example is the GRUNTS 11 contingent, which is composed of 5 men standing, armed as follows: 2 with an M-16, and one each with an M-72 LAW, a 3.5" Rocket Launcher, and an M-60 LMG. The PLO group, in knit and fatigue caps, appropriately carries AK-47s, as does the NVA unit. The NVA 5 man squad, in sun helmets, has one man standing, one kneeling and firing, 2 prone and firing, and the last fella only shows his head and shoulders and AK-47, since he's firing from a spiderhole.

Someone has shown a bit of imagination in composing the groups: about the only thing lacking to fill out the inventory is a casualty figure. RPC advocates role playing systems rather than wargaming skirmishes, but even so, I would think that casualty figures are a must.

The brochure indicated a percentile role playing system that allows each player to become a reconnaissance team member . . .", called RECON, costing $10.00. Also available, at a price of $5.00, is a 1/72nd scaled map of 16 full city blocks. RECON is expanded upon with auxiliary rules sets: HEARTS & MINDS, a Special Forces operation; SWEEP, rules for infantry, armor and helicopter operations; and ROAD KILL, a vehicle combat system for autos, trucks and motorcycles. It is not quite clear from the brochure whether these last 3 gaming systems are part of RECON or must be purchased separately.

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