Salerno ’43 (2022) Board Game

Salerno ’43 is a wargame that focuses on the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943 during World War II. The game specifically zooms in on the Battle of Salerno, which was a crucial engagement that determined the success of the Allies’ Italian campaign.

Game Components of Salerno ’43

Map: A folded map representing the Salerno Plain and surrounding areas.

Units: Regiment and brigade-level units for both Allied and Axis forces.

Weather Table: Determines weather conditions and their effects on gameplay.

Invasion CRT (Combat Results Table): Used for resolving the initial amphibious landings.

Rules Book: A 32-page rulebook with detailed instructions and an example of play.

Counters: Various counters for units, weather, and supply points.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and weather rolls.

How To Setup Salerno ’43

Setting up **Salerno ’43** involves scenario-specific instructions, which can be somewhat complex for newcomers to wargames. The setup depends on whether you are playing the 8-turn Invasion Scenario or the 24-turn Campaign Game. The rules book outlines the setup procedures starting on page 23, requiring some careful reading and attention to detail to ensure all units and elements are correctly placed on the map.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Zone Of Control (ZOC) System: Developed by Mark Simonitch, this system governs unit interactions and movements.

Weather Rolls: Affect air unit availability, naval unit support, and supply points for both sides.

Invasion CRT: Resolves the initial amphibious landings, adding randomness to the start of the game.

Terrain Effects: Mountains and other terrain features significantly impact unit movements and combat.

Game Objective: For the Allies, the goal is to establish a solid beachhead and advance into Italy. For the Axis, the objective is to delay or repel the Allied invasion.

Player Experience

Playing **Salerno ’43** can be a rewarding but challenging experience, especially for those new to hex-and-counter wargames. The game requires a good understanding of the rules and mechanics, which can feel overwhelming at first. However, once familiar with the system, players can enjoy a deeply strategic game that closely replicates the historical conditions of the Salerno invasion. The game’s focus on terrain and weather adds a layer of realism and unpredictability.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game includes detailed historical Order of Battle (OOB) and realistic victory conditions.

Strategic Depth: Offers a challenging and engaging gameplay experience with multiple paths to victory.

Compact Design: Smaller map and fewer units make it more accessible compared to other games in the series.

Replayability: Although the main path of the game is somewhat scripted, the weather and invasion CRT introduce enough variability for multiple playthroughs.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The rules and setup can be complex for new players.

Referential Rules: The rulebook is detailed but requires careful reading to understand.

Limited Accessibility: Not ideal for beginners to hex-and-counter games due to its complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Salerno ’43

**Salerno ’43** is best suited for experienced wargamers or those willing to invest time in learning the intricacies of hex-and-counter games. It offers a unique blend of historical accuracy and strategic challenge, making it an excellent choice for those interested in operational-level WWII games. For solo players, it provides a satisfying experience with enough variability to keep the game interesting across multiple playthroughs. However, it may not be the best starting point for newcomers to the genre due to its complexity.

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