Korea ’95 (1993) Board Game

Korea ’95 is a wargame that simulates modern warfare in the Korean Peninsula in in 1993. It was released in 1993 and designed by Sawshun Yamagushi. The game is set during a fictional conflict between North and South Korea, with players taking on the roles of military commanders strategizing their moves on a hexagon grid battlefield.

Game Components of Korea ’95

Map: Hexagon grid representing the Korean Peninsula

Counters: Units depicting military forces, including divisions, brigades, special forces, and air forces

Rulebook: Detailed rules for setup, gameplay, and resolution

Dice: For resolving combat and other events

Magazine: Often sold with CounterAttack magazine issue 4 or Command Magazine Japan #58.

How To Setup Korea ’95

Setting up **Korea ’95** involves placing the map, deploying the respective military units of North and South Korea according to the scenario, and determining the initial conditions for the conflict. Players need to carefully read the setup instructions to ensure accurate deployment of forces, as the initial setup can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The primary goal is to achieve a decisive victory by controlling key areas of the Korean Peninsula.

Turn Structure: Turns are divided into phases, including initiative, movement, combat, and exploitation.

Exploitation Movement: Allows mechanized forces to break through enemy lines and penetrate deep into enemy territory.

Special Forces: North Korean Special Forces play a significant role in infiltration and deep penetrations into enemy territory.

Air Warfare: Joint air operations are crucial for supporting ground forces and disrupting enemy supply lines.

Sea Control: Simplified sea battle mechanics to determine control of sea lanes for troop and supply movement.

Player Experience

**Korea ’95** offers a fast-paced and strategic experience, particularly suited for those interested in modern warfare and the geopolitical tensions of the Korean Peninsula. Players must balance ground, air, and special forces operations to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires careful planning and execution, making it appealing to wargame enthusiasts who enjoy complex, realistic scenarios.

Pros

Realistic Scenario: Faithfully portrays the military strategies and capabilities of the early 1990s.

Deep Strategy: Combines mechanized warfare, special operations, and air support for a comprehensive wargaming experience.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable setup ensure high replay value.

Historical Context: Provides insight into the military doctrines and capabilities of North and South Korea during that period.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game’s mechanics, especially the exploitation movement and special forces operations, can be complex and overwhelming for new players.

Abstracted Sea Battle: The simplified sea control mechanics might not appeal to players who prefer more detailed naval combat.

Outdated: As a game from 1993, some of its assumptions and mechanics may seem outdated compared to modern wargames.

Personal Thoughts on Korea ’95

**Korea ’95** is ideal for experienced wargamers who are interested in modern military conflicts and the strategic complexities involved. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy games with deep strategic layers and realistic military scenarios. However, new players may find the rules and setup challenging due to the game’s complexity. Despite being released over three decades ago, **Korea ’95** remains a compelling and thought-provoking game for those interested in military strategy and the geopolitical landscape of the Korean Peninsula.

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