| Author |
waynebaumber
|
| Method |
Solo |
| Victor |
Draw |
| Play Date |
2015-08-13 |
| Language |
English |
| Scenario |
Saip017
|
Although I have had this game now for at least two years I have not bothered playing any scenarios from it but looking for a quickie solo game and wanting to dip a toe back into Pacific PG I played this 1 map 10 turner.
I have the original maps which as we all know were printed in too dark hues making it hard to see what terrain is what, I knew that but hoped it would be easier with the colour terrain effects chart downloaded from this very site. Its not, but no matter as the new TEC from 4th edition does not include Cane Field's or Marsh either. Typical of AP's production standards. That said I treated Cane Fields as Fields and ignored Marsh completely calling anything that looked like it Swamp.
The scenario has a small force of Japenese entering from the North with a Reduced Tank unit entering from the south, they are outgunned by the Marine units who can set up on any Trail or Road hex, and that the problem with this scenario the Japanese player has to eliminate 3 Marine steps without losing 4 of his own. The former may be possible the latter to me looks very hard to achieve.
So in my game the Japanese marched on to the board, detached a HMG and reduced INF to harass the Ami's and the rest cowered in one corner of the map surrounded by dense jungle knowing that the Marines would struggle to get to them in time. The Tank chugged on and then ran around avoiding any contact with the American. The harassing force were wiped out but that was only 3 steps(so what) the result a draw.
I hope I am missing something but this was a most boring scenario the only plus side was it took less than 60 mins to play, back to the Eastern Front for me.
|
Wayne, my sympathies with the dark map. I purchased the replacement maps from Avalanche, which are much easier to use. Wondered whether you used the corrected (reduced rated) Marines included in the Golden Journal and standard in the 2nd printing of Saipan, or the super-soldiers from the first printing. The new Marines are mortal, and Japanese elan is more apparent when the revised Marines are tasked with assaulting them.
Every AAR for Saipan and Marianas from here on out needs to include whether mortal or super-soldiers were used.
Wayne, it doesn't sound like the Pacific is your thing. The terrain rules are right one the scenario book for marsh and swamp: Terrain: #3. But for cane fields, treat them as normal fields. You got the victory conditions wrong. The Japanese win if they eliminate three or more American steps and the Americans win if they eliminate four or more Japanese steps, if neither side or both sides win it is a Draw. Also the Marines are Not dug-in. I believe AP replaced the too dark maps with lighter ones if you requested or called them.
As Larry says Saipan is a bit more balance with the lower value Marines. Not sure why they were so high values to begin with. But from your AAR it sound like you had a terrible time, sorry to hear that.
I was tired of Western and Eastern front games only in PG, so I dove into Asia-Korea/Pacific areas and Sicily down to road to give PG a little variety plus I was interested in those subjects.
If you ever get Saipan back up, I recommend you play scenario #1: Red beach so you at least get a taste of what Saipan was like.
Also, here is a terrain chart that Guy Riessen did over on BGG that might help out:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/1522055/panzer-grenadier-saipan-1944
Larry I did use the Saipan 1st Edition Marines, so with unreadable maps, unusable Terrain chart and the wrong value for the marines AP did an outstanding production job, I feel sorry for Jay as I am sure there are some excellent scenario's in the game. I did not make a mistake with the VC's the result was a draw with the US getting three steps and Japanese none. As the Japanese player I played for the draw from the onset of the game as I would not expect to see many Japanese wins specially using the high value marines.
Wayne, I hope you find some enjoyment in Saipan in the future with another scenario and I hope you can get a hold of reduced Marine counters and newer maps as well. Keep on gaming!