Oil War: American Intervention in the Persian Gulf (1975) Board Game

Oil War: American Intervention in the Persian Gulf is a wargame that was released in in 1975. It was designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.). The game is set in the Persian Gulf region and simulates modern warfare scenarios related to the control of oil resources.

Game Components of Oil War: American Intervention in the Persian Gulf

Game Board: A 17″ x 22″ hex grid map representing the Middle East.

Counters: 80 counters, which is a relatively small number for a wargame.

Magazine: Included as part of the game, specifically Issue 52 of *Strategy & Tactics*.

Scenarios: Three scenarios involving different coalition forces (American and European, American, European and Israeli, and an Iranian incursion into Iraq).

Box or Folio: Available in both boxed set and folio formats.

How To Setup Oil War: American Intervention in the Persian Gulf

Setting up the game involves placing the game board, deploying the counters according to the chosen scenario, and organizing the necessary materials for each player. The American player sets up their air transport and supply points, while the Arab player positions their defensive forces. Each scenario has specific setup instructions to reflect the different invasion and defense strategies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases:
– Land all American aircraft
– American supply phase
– American air transport phase
– American movement phase
– American air combat phase
– Land all Arab aircraft
– Reinforcement phase
– Arab movement phase
– Arab air combat phase
– Ground combat phase

Turn Structure: Each turn represents two days, with the game lasting eight turns.

Objective:
– American player: Control at least 15 of the 25 oil facilities and one of three ports by the end of the last turn.
– Arab player: Prevent the American player from achieving their objective.

Player Experience

Playing **Oil War** offers a unique blend of strategic air and ground combat. The game is characterized as “not complex” but features interesting challenges, particularly the logistics of air-lifting forces into battle and maintaining supply lines. Players must balance air superiority with ground defense, making for a tense and strategic experience. However, the game’s relatively short duration and limited number of turns can make it feel somewhat rushed.

Pros

Quick and Clever Design: The game is designed to be played in a few hours.

Balanced Scenarios: Each scenario offers a different strategic challenge.

Historical Context: Provides insight into the potential military responses to the 1973 oil embargo.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to hard-core wargamers looking for more intricate game systems.

Outdated: The game’s scenarios and mechanics are now somewhat dated by real-world events.

Limited Replayability: The number of scenarios is limited, which can reduce the game’s replay value.

Personal Thoughts on Oil War: American Intervention in the Persian Gulf

**Oil War** is best suited for those interested in historical and hypothetical military scenarios, particularly those fascinated by the geopolitics of the 1970s. It is an excellent choice for casual wargamers or those new to the genre, as it introduces complex strategic concepts in a relatively simple and accessible way. However, it may not satisfy experienced wargamers seeking more complex and detailed game mechanics. Despite its age, the game remains a thought-provoking and educational experience that highlights the challenges of combined air and ground operations in a politically volatile region.

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