Guam: Return to Glory (2017) Board Game

Guam: Return to Glory is a wargame set during World War II, focusing on the battle for the island of Guam in in 2017. Players take on the roles of American and Japanese forces, strategizing and battling to control key locations on the island.

Game Components of Guam: Return to Glory

Game Board: Depicts the island of Guam and its strategic locations.

Counters: Representing US and Japanese forces, including troops, vehicles, and other military units.

Rule Book: Detailed instructions on gameplay and setup.

Player Aids: Charts and tables to help with decision-making and tracking game state.

Scenario Cards: Providing various historical and hypothetical scenarios to play through.

How To Setup Guam: Return to Glory

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which represents the island of Guam. Next, they place the counters for the US and Japanese forces according to the specific scenario being played. The rule book guides the placement of these units and the initial setup of player aids and scenario cards. Players must also determine the starting turn sequence and any special rules or conditions for the chosen scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Company-Level Game: Focuses on the tactical and operational level of the conflict.

Area Control: Players aim to control key areas of the island.

Resource Management: Managing troops, supplies, and other resources to achieve objectives.

Scenario-Based: Multiple scenarios allow for different historical and hypothetical engagements.

Game Objective: The US player must recapture the island from the 18,500 Japanese defenders, while the Japanese player aims to defend the island against the invasion.

Player Experience

Playing **Guam: Return to Glory** immerses players in the intense and strategic battles of the Marianas Campaign. The game requires careful planning, resource management, and tactical decision-making. Players must balance the deployment of forces, manage supply lines, and execute coordinated attacks or defenses. The game’s historical accuracy and varied scenarios ensure a unique experience with each playthrough.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Detailed representation of the historical events surrounding the US invasion of Guam.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios offer diverse gameplay experiences.

Complex Strategy: Engaging and challenging gameplay mechanics.

Educational Value: Provides insight into military tactics and historical events.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s rules and mechanics can be complex and time-consuming to learn.

Time-Consuming: Games can take several hours to complete.

Limited Player Count: Best suited for solo play or two players.

Personal Thoughts on Guam: Return to Glory

**Guam: Return to Glory** is ideal for war game enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay. It offers a deep dive into the military tactics and historical context of the Marianas Campaign, making it a great addition to any collection of historical war games. However, due to its complexity and time requirements, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargaming.

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