Solomons Campaign: Air, Land, and Sea Warfare, Pacific 1942 (1973) Board Game

Solomons Campaign: Air, Land, and Sea Warfare, Pacific 1942 is a historical wargame released in 1973, designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.). The game simulates the intense battles that took place in the Pacific theater during World War II, specifically focusing on the Solomon Islands campaign of 1942.

Game Components of Solomons Campaign: Air, Land, and Sea Warfare, Pacific 1942

Map: A non-traditional map dividing Guadalcanal and the surrounding ocean into nineteen giant hexes.

Counters: Land forces displayed with abstract point values, naval units representing specific ships or task forces, and air counters representing generic aircraft.

Rules: A 20-page rulebook outlining the complex mechanics and scenarios.

Scenario: One 16-turn scenario, with each turn representing one week of the battle, and a non-historic “what if?” option involving Japanese heavy battleships Yamato and Musashi.

How To Setup Solomons Campaign: Air, Land, and Sea Warfare, Pacific 1942

Setting up the game involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the scenario’s initial setup, and ensuring each player has the necessary rulebook and planning tools. The game begins with the U.S. invasion of Guadalcanal, and players must align their forces accordingly. The setup is intricate, reflecting the complex nature of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Simultaneous Revealed Movement: Players plan and reveal their movements simultaneously.

Combined Arms Operations: Integration of air, land, and sea forces.

Supply Management: Players must manage supply lines on the island.

Game Objective:
– The U.S. player aims to capture and retain the strategically vital airbase known as Henderson Field.
– The Japanese player seeks to counterattack and regain control of the island.

Player Experience

Playing **Solomons Campaign** is a deeply strategic and complex experience. The game requires meticulous planning and the ability to outguess the opponent’s movements. The simultaneous revealed movement system adds a layer of unpredictability, making each turn highly engaging and challenging. However, the game’s complexity can also make it daunting for new players.

Pros

Strong Strategic Emphasis: Players must engage in deep strategic thinking.

Combined Arms Simulation: Successfully integrates land, sea, and air operations.

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully simulates the Guadalcanal campaign.

Replayability: The “what if?” scenario adds a layer of replayability.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate rules.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming.

Limited Scenarios: Only one main scenario is provided, although a non-historic option is available.

Personal Thoughts on Solomons Campaign: Air, Land, and Sea Warfare, Pacific 1942

**Solomons Campaign** is ideal for experienced wargamers who appreciate complex, strategic gameplay. It is not a game for casual players due to its intricate rules and setup. Those interested in the historical aspects of World War II, particularly the Pacific Theater, will find this game highly engaging. However, it may not appeal to players seeking a quick, straightforward gaming experience.

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