The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41 (1999) Board Game

The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41 is a historical wargame that takes players back to World War II in 1941, specifically focusing on the battle for the Philippines. Designed by Winston and Darla Hamilton and released in 1999, this game allows players to experience the challenges and strategies faced by both the American and Filipino forces as they try to defend the islands against the invading Japanese army.

Game Components of The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41

Maps: Special maps, including one at a scale of 1.6 miles to the hex for the Bataan peninsula and Corregidor Island.

Counters: Representing various units of the Japanese and Allied forces.

Rules: Comprehensive rules governing gameplay and scenarios.

Scenarios: Five scenarios, including the campaign for the Bataan peninsula and Corregidor Island.

How To Setup The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41

Setting up the game involves preparing the maps, sorting and placing the counters according to the scenario being played, and familiarizing players with the rules and objectives. Each scenario has specific setup instructions to reflect the historical context and tactical starting points of the Conflict.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hexagon Grid: The game uses a hexagon grid to represent terrain and movement.

Ground, Air, and Naval Forces: Players maneuver these forces to conduct combat and achieve objectives.

Allied Objective: Disrupt the Japanese advance, inflict unacceptable losses, and deny the Japanese use of Philippine ports and airbases.

Japanese Objective: Quickly overrun the Philippines to redeploy forces for future campaigns.

Player Experience

**The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41** offers a deep and immersive experience for wargame enthusiasts. Players must strategize extensively, managing resources, deploying forces tactically, and adapting to changing circumstances on the battlefield. The game’s complexity and historical accuracy make it appealing to those who enjoy detailed wargaming.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously researched and reflects the real-life conflict in the Philippines during WWII.

Depth of Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple scenarios.

Multi-player Flexibility: Can be played with two players but allows for additional players to take on different command roles.

Detailed Components: High-quality maps and counters enhance the gameplay experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game’s operational-level detail and extensive rules can be daunting for new players.

Time Commitment: Games can be lengthy, requiring several hours to complete.

Learning Curve: Requires significant time to understand the rules and mechanics fully.

Personal Thoughts on The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41

**The Damned Die Hard: Philippines ’41** is ideal for seasoned wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay. It is not suited for casual gamers due to its complexity and the time required to learn and play. For those who enjoy delving into the tactical and strategic aspects of historical conflicts, this game offers a highly engaging and realistic experience.

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