A TABLETOP game designed by an independent company in Croydon is making a big impression in the world of miniature gaming.
Dropzone Commander has earned glowing reviews since it was released by George Street-based Hawk Wargames last year.

The company has now published a two-player starter set which has sold more than 2,000 copies since it was launched at the end of last month.
The game, which sees players vie for control over war torn cityscapes using 10mm scale model armies, has come a long way since being imagined in David Lewis’ bedroom.

e former Trinity School pupil created the game from scratch, designing the rules, digitally sculpting the figures and creating the scenery the game is played on.
“Ever since I can remember I’ve been interested in wargaming and creating things,” said David, who did a master’s degree in product design at Leeds University.
“It was very challenging to work on something for three years before the game was released without earning almost any money.
“Nothing can prepare you for working non-stop to make something happen and not knowing whether it’s going to be successful or not.”
Mr Lewis, 27, who is currently in Brazil promoting his game, set up Hawk Wargames with business partner Louis Downs and released Dropzone Commander at Salute, an annual gaming convention held at the ExCel Centre in London, last year.
It proved a hit with hobbyists, particularly fans of Games Workshop’s tabletop wargame Epic, which is out of print.
“There was a big niche to fill but David is much more about being a perfectionist than he is about trying to make money,” said Louis.
“He wanted to create a great game which is fast-paced and accessible to people who have never played a wargame before.”
The company, which produces a range of Dropzone Commander products on top of the base game, distributes to countries across the world, including Australia, Hungary and Spain, but does 80 per cent of its business in the US.
The new £60 box set, released on September 28, has met with an encouraging response, with reviewers praising the generous amount of content and intricate detail of the vehicles and infantry models.
“A lot of people have said it is one of the best starter sets ever made which is quite a compliment,” said Louis.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into making it so to get such a good reception is really rewarding.
“There’s a lot more to come from the game and the company.”
'Thriving hobby'
Interest in board and miniature gaming is “thriving” in Croydon says the business brain behind Dropzone Commander.
The company’s products are stocked at Heroes and Legends Games, a hobby shop in St George’s Walk, and there are also regular gaming nights held in pubs in the town centre.
“We were just at a recent show in Crystal Palace and there are a surprising number of people who play who you wouldn’t think would,” said Louis Downs.
“The scene itself is quite underground because the nature of wargaming is not seen as cool as, say, playing football. It would be nice to be able to change that a bit.”
Asked what he would say to people thinking of trying it out, the 27-year-old replied: “Head down to one of your local stores and see what a lot of the people there are like.
“It’s quite a norm, even if it’s a bit hidden. If you went to a restaurant or bar you would be surprised how many people play wargames even if they might not openly talk about it.”