Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls (2021) Board Game

Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls is a wargame set in World War II, focusing on the Japanese invasion of the island of Ambon in in 2021. The game is designed by Nils Johansson and Òscar Oliver, featuring artwork by Bonsai Games and SNAFU Design. It is a 2-player game with a runtime of 60-120 minutes, suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls

Game Map: Designed by Nils Johansson, known for its innovative and visually appealing design.

Counters: Over 120 counters representing various units and elements of the battle.

Rules: Concise and playtested rules to ensure a smooth gameplay experience.

Ziplock or A3/A2 Map: Compact packaging characteristic of the “Snafu Small Battles” series.

How To Setup Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls

Setting up the game involves laying out the map of the island of Ambon and deploying the respective forces. The Japanese player sets up their units from the 228th Regiment of the 38th Division and the 1st Kure Special Naval Landing Force, while the Allied player sets up the Dutch Molukken Brigade and the Australian “Gull Force”. Each side has specific starting positions and objectives outlined in the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The Japanese player aims to conquer three main key locations and several secondary key locations on the island as quickly as possible to maximize victory points. The Allied player must slow down the Japanese advance while minimizing losses.

Time Pressure: The game features a time-sensitive mechanism, where the Japanese player’s success is measured against the clock.

Counter Movement and Combat: Players move and engage units using a turn-based system, with rules governing combat resolution and unit interactions.

Victory Points: The game ends when all key locations are captured or a predetermined time limit is reached, with the Japanese player earning victory points based on the speed of their conquest.

Player Experience

**Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls** offers a tightly wound and strategic wargaming experience. Players must balance resource management, timing, and tactical decisions to achieve their objectives. The game is heavily playtested, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience for both sides.

Pros

Compact and Portable: Part of the “Snafu Small Battles” series, it is designed to be compact and easy to carry.

Historical Accuracy: The game is a detailed simulation of the battle of Ambon, offering a realistic historical experience.

Visually Appealing: The map and counter design by Nils Johansson are highly praised for their aesthetic and functional quality.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategy, making it appealing to fans of wargames.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only, which might limit its appeal for those seeking multiplayer experiences.

Complex Rules: While the rules are concise, wargames can be complex and may require a significant amount of time to learn and master.

Personal Thoughts on Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls

**Ambon: Burning Sun & Little Seagulls** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and history buffs, particularly those interested in lesser-known battles of World War II. The game’s compact design and historical accuracy make it a great addition to any wargamer’s collection. However, it may not be the best fit for new players to the wargaming genre due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking.

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