Next War: Taiwan (2014) Board Game

Next War: Taiwan is a modern warfare board game that simulates a hypothetical conflict between China and Taiwan. Released in 2014, the game is designed by Charles Kibler, Rodger B. MacGowan, and Mark Simonitch, and published by GMT Games. With a focus on strategic decision-making and tactical combat, Next War: Taiwan offers players a deep and immersive gaming experience set in a contemporary military scenario.

Game Components of Next War: Taiwan

Game Map: Depicts the island of Taiwan at a scale of roughly 7.5 miles per hex, including holding boxes and tracking displays.

Combat Units: Ground units represent brigades, regiments, and battalions; air units represent fighter, bomber, and attack squadrons; naval units are abstracted to include submarines and other naval capabilities.

Rules and Scenarios: Standard and Advanced Game scenarios, including options for combined play with *Next War: Korea*.

International Posture Matrix: Allows players to experiment with various intervention options for non-Chinese players.

How To Setup Next War: Taiwan

Setting up *Next War: Taiwan* involves placing the game map, deploying units according to the chosen scenario, and organizing the various tracking and holding boxes. Each scenario has specific setup instructions to reflect different initial conditions of the conflict. For example, the first three Standard Game scenarios focus on the initial assaults by the PRC to establish beachheads and take ports.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Scale: 3.5 days per turn.

Unit Scale: Brigade, regiment, and battalion level for ground units.

Game Objective: Players aim to achieve strategic and tactical objectives, such as conquering or defending Taiwan, depending on their side. The PRC must conquer the island before significant U.S. intervention, while the ROC must hold out until help arrives.

Naval System: Includes submarine threats, ASW, mine warfare, and anti-naval strikes.

Air Combat: Represents fighter, bomber, and attack squadrons with ratings for all-weather capabilities, range, pilot skill, and air-to-air combat, close air support, and strike missions.

Ground Combat: Units are rated for attack and defense strengths, movement capabilities, and unit efficiency.

Player Experience

Playing *Next War: Taiwan* offers a deep and complex experience, particularly appealing to fans of modern military strategy and wargaming. The game requires careful planning and execution, especially given the intricate naval and air combat systems. Players must balance resources, manage unit deployments, and adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield.

Pros

Detailed Scenarios: Multiple scenarios provide a variety of gameplay experiences, from initial assaults to full-scale campaigns.

Combined Play: Option to combine with *Next War: Korea* for an expanded conflict simulation.

Updated Mechanics: The 2nd Edition includes all known errata and updated order of battle to reflect current military capabilities.

Educational Value: Offers insights into modern military strategies and the complexities of a potential Taiwan conflict.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve, making it less accessible to casual gamers.

Cost: The game is relatively expensive, priced around $200.

Time Commitment: Each game can be time-consuming, especially the Campaign Game scenario.

Personal Thoughts on Next War: Taiwan

*Next War: Taiwan* is ideal for seasoned wargamers and those interested in modern military strategy. It provides a detailed and immersive experience, allowing players to delve into the intricacies of a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. However, due to its complexity and cost, it may not be the best fit for new or casual gamers. This game is for those who are willing to invest time and effort into understanding its mechanics and scenarios, and who are keen on strategic and tactical planning in a military context.

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