Litko Aerosystems has been expanding its range of plastic game tokens (including custom-made tokens). Many games use tokens to represent unit orders (e.g., advance) or status (e.g., fired). Litko has also been producing a series of three-dimensional effect markers (e.g., smoke, fire, blast) to denote game events.

Most gamers will know Litko as a producer of bases and basing accessories. My own 10 mm WW2 Infantry are based on 40×20 mm Litko bases with adhesive magnetic strips on the bottom. Litko also provides parts for radio-controlled aircraft and makes 28 mm-scale urban terrain

Initial Impressions
The sample package, containing over 20 bags of different tokens and effect markers, came in a sturdy box and none of the tokens was damaged in transit. Inside, each set of markers was contained in a separate plastic bag.

On inspection, every bag contained the stated contents and there was no breakage or defects. I was quite amazed by how many tokens could be packaged in such a small box—each being around 20 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick.

The tokens themselves were lovely to behold, each carefully laser cut from various opaque and translucent plastics. The tokens range in cost from $4.99 to $10.99 USD for bags containing between 5 and 15 tokens.

Area Effect Tokens
The first group of tokens are area-effect markers. For $9.99 USD, you get 10 two-dimensional tokens, including two each of fire, smoke, target reticle, radiation hazard and biohazard. All of the tokens are cut from opaque acrylic, with the exception of the translucent fire and smoke tokens.

It is also possible to purchase these tokens separately, in bags of 10 for $9.99 USD. The targeting reticle is available in red, green and blue. A bag of 10 smaller targeting reticles is also available for $4.99 USD. These tokens would be useful in any sci-fi or modern skirmish game to indicate table conditions.

Command Tokens
Litko has also produced an extensive line of command tokens. Each pack includes 10 different tokens: form, move, charge, attack, maneuver, defend, flanked, stunned, disordered and routed. These sets are available in blue, green, red and black and cost $4.99 USD each. Each type of order token is cut in a different shape and has the order (e.g., move) etched on the token.

It is also possible to purchase the tokens separately in bags of 10 for $4.99 USD. All of these tokens are cut from opaque acrylic. These tokens would nicely replace counters that are included in games such as Command Decision. They would also be useful for homebrew rules and they do not blow around like cardboard counters can.

Unit Status Tokens
A third type of token are unit status markers. These tokens address important game issues, such as “is my gun loaded?”, and are useful for skirmish gaming and, to a lesser degree, element-based games. These bags of (normally 10) tokens sell for between $4.99 and $5.99.

These tokens include gun jammed, reloading, overwatch, alert, bogged, dug in, covering fire, alert, obviously dead, ammunition, hand grenade, landmine and acid and blood splatter tokens. There are also scanner blip tokens for marking potential hostiles and various sizes and colours of skull tokens for marking hits and casualties.

Three-Dimensional Tokens
Litko has produced some ingenious three-dimensional tokens to represent fire, blast and smoke. These tokens come in two pieces with reciprocating notches, such that the pieces slide together. When the two parts are assembled, they form an X-shaped base that allows the token to stand upright.

These tokens come in small, medium and large sizes and are sold in bags of seven, five and three, respectively, for $4.99 USD. You can also buy a mixed bag containing one large, two medium and two small tokens or the same price.

There is also a set of five weather-effect tokens (for $9.99 USD) allowing you to track weather conditions (sunny, windy, rainy, foggy, snowy). Each stands about 30 mm high.

Game-Specific Tokens
Sets of game specific tokens have been produced. Gamers playing Wizard of the Coast’s Axis and Allies: War at Sea can pick up a set of 40 tokens for $19.99 USD. Litko has also produced three sets of WW2 plane silhouettes. These could be used with many games.

Four elevated templates (artillery, air support, smoke barrage and smoke) for Flames of War are available. These templates sit on four-inch elevating pegs. They cost between $6.99 and $10.99 USD each. These items are not authorized by the game manufacturers.

Comments
The quality of these tokens is very high and they will be very useful in games (particularly skirmish games) at the club. While no more functional than cardboard tokens (other than being slightly easier to pick up), they significantly increase the visual appeal of the game. In short, they look quite slick.

The available tokens are well thought out and should appeal to gamers. An odd omission on the order token set is a “fire” order. You could easily use the “attack” counter for this or simply have Litko make up a custom token for you, so this is not a significant issue.

Being able to order custom tokens (10 for $6.99) is a definite plus. These are available in 11 colours and 14 shapes and can accommodate up to 12 letters on each. I’m considering ordering some custom tokens for our upcoming club convention with the clubs URL on them.

Litko also operates a product development lab. In this lab, Litko pilots new offerings, with popular offerings becoming a part of the Litko’s catalogue. Currently there are various space-game related tokens (asteroids, shuttles, missiles, etc.) that are quite tempting.

Conclusion
Overall, the samples supplied by Litko were top notch. As a gamer who already has lots of troops, I find myself increasingly spending my gaming money on useful accessories. These counters have definitely made my list of things to pick up.

My past experience with Litko (ordering bases) has been very positive. Items were shipped promptly and arrived intact. Other gamers at my club have ordered custom-made bases (some of which have been pretty strange!) and Litko rendered them with precision. This same customer-service orientation is apparent in Litko’s willingness to customize counters as well as running a product development lab.

Pros

• Vast selection of tokens and other products at competitive prices.
• Willing to customize materials for even small orders.

Cons

• None. This is a solid product line.