Next War: Korea is a board game that was released in 2012 and is designed by Charles Kibler, Rodger B. MacGowan, and Mark Simonitch. It falls under the category of modern warfare and is classified as a wargame. The game is designed for 1-2 players and has a runtime of 120-480 minutes. It features a hexagon grid mechanism and is published by GMT Games.
Game Components of Next War: Korea
Map: Depicts the Korean peninsula with a scale of 7.5 miles per hex, including detailed terrain and key locations like Pyongyang and Pusan.Counters: Represent ground units (divisions and brigades), air units (fighter, bomber, and attack squadrons), and naval units (Aircraft Carrier Battle Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups).Rulebooks: Standard and Advanced rules, with additional game-specific rules and player aid cards.Updated Components: The 2nd Edition includes updated counters, erratas, and Orders of Battle for the US, China, Russia, and Japan.
How To Setup Next War: Korea
Setting up the game involves placing the map, deploying the initial forces according to the scenario, and organizing the counter sheets. Players need to familiarize themselves with the unit strengths, movement capabilities, and special rules. The setup also includes determining the weather, initiative, and establishing air superiority levels and sea control.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Time Scale: 3.5 days per turn.Initiative System: Grants the initiative player a first movement/combat advantage, reflecting the ebb and flow of combat operations.Phases: Includes an Air/Naval Phase, Movement and Combat Phases, and Arrival of Reinforcements and Replacements.Air-Land Combat: Integrated system for unit efficiency, armor effects, light infantry, attack helicopters, Close Air Support, and Cruise Missiles.Special Forces: Conduct raids, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines.Objective: For the North Korean People’s Army commander, the goal is to conquer South Korea within a short timeframe before full U.S. intervention. For the Republic of Korea’s Army commander, the goal is to hold out until help arrives.
Player Experience
**Next War: Korea** is not an introductory title for hex and counter games. It is designed for players who are willing to delve into complex rules and mechanics. The game offers a vanilla experience with the standard rules but becomes highly sophisticated and engaging with the advanced rules, which include features like advanced air combat and UN intervention systems. Players need to be motivated and interested in the period and scenario to fully appreciate the game.
Pros
Detailed Scenarios: Allows players to fight a near-future war on the Korean peninsula with updated Orders of Battle and rules.Complex Mechanics: Offers advanced game rules that include cyberwar, theater weapons, and nuclear capabilities, making the game highly realistic and challenging.Scalable Complexity: The game is scalable in size and complexity, making it suitable for experienced players looking for depth.High Production Value: The 2nd Edition has great production quality, including updated counters and a well-formatted rulebook.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: Requires a significant amount of time to learn and master the rules, especially the advanced ones.Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be overwhelming due to the detailed counters and rules.Difficulty in Finding Opponents: The advanced rules can make it challenging to find other players who are equally invested in the game mechanics.
Personal Thoughts on Next War: Korea
**Next War: Korea** is ideal for experienced wargamers who enjoy complex and realistic simulations. It is not a game for beginners, as it demands a strong commitment to learning and understanding the extensive rules. For those deeply interested in modern military conflicts and the Korean peninsula scenario, this game offers a highly engaging and challenging experience. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to the hex and counter genre.
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