The Legend of Robin Hood

The Legend of Robin Hood was published in 1979 by the Operational Studies Group (OSG), a company founded by game designer Richard Berg. During the late 1970s, the wargaming hobby was dominated by complex tactical simulations, and OSG sought to apply these rigorous design principles to the legendary lore of Sherwood Forest. The game was designed to blend traditional hex-and-counter mechanics with elements of individual heroics and role-playing, a departure from the typical military unit formations of the era.

The design was influenced by the growing interest in narrative-driven board games that moved away from purely historical warfare. Richard Berg aimed to capture the essence of high adventure while maintaining the depth expected of OSG titles, utilizing a system that balanced the stealth and movement of Robin and his outlaws against the forces of the Sheriff of Nottingham. It remains a notable curiosity from the late seventies, praised at the time for its innovative approach to thematic integration within a traditional wargame framework.