Harpoon: Captain’s Edition (1990) Board Game

Harpoon: Captain’s Edition is a wargame designed by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games) and first released in in 1990. It is a modern warfare simulation game that focuses on naval combat and strategic decision-making. The game has been praised for its realistic depiction of naval warfare and has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years.

Game Components of Harpoon: Captain’s Edition

Map: A 17″x22″ map covering the GIUK gap and nearby seas using 1″ hexes.

Counters: 300 counters, mostly markers.

Rules and Briefing Books: Each 16 pages long.

Ship and Aircraft Cards: 54 cards.

Tracking Tools: Bases tracking card, combat reference chart, and a roster pad for hits and ammo expenditure.

Miniatures: Ten little plastic aircraft.

How To Setup Harpoon: Captain’s Edition

To set up the game, players start by reading the rules section by section, each of which covers a different aspect of modern naval warfare such as surface naval vessels, detection of enemy vessels, submarines, and aircraft. After each section, players are directed to play a scenario that illustrates the rules presented. The scenarios include detailed briefings with information on forces available, starting positions, and discussions on modern weapon systems.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Learning Through Scenarios: The game is structured to teach players about modern naval warfare through incremental rules and scenarios.

Mission-Based Gameplay: Advanced scenarios involve players randomly drawing mission chits that assign objectives and budgets to buy forces.

Asset Points: Players use asset points to purchase ships or aircraft based on their hull value or flight costs.

Objective: The objective is to complete the mission while navigating the challenges of modern naval combat.

Player Experience

**Harpoon: Captain’s Edition** is designed to be fast, simple, and fun to play, while also being educational. The game breaks down complex naval warfare principles into manageable sections, making it accessible to new players. The random mission draw and variable force composition create a high replayability factor, with 81 possible mission sets and near-infinite scenario variations.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Broken down into easy-to-understand sections.

Educational: Teaches fundamental principles of modern naval warfare.

High Replayability: Random mission draws and variable force compositions.

Balanced Gameplay: Emphasis on tactics over weapon system reputations leads to balanced matches.

Cons

Commercial Success: Not a commercial success at the time of release.

Limited Advanced Rules: Few advanced rules, though they add some complexity.

Simplification: Some may find it too simplified compared to the original Harpoon game.

Personal Thoughts on Harpoon: Captain’s Edition

**Harpoon: Captain’s Edition** is ideal for those new to wargaming or interested in naval warfare. It serves as a great introduction to the complexities of modern naval combat without overwhelming the player. The game’s design makes it suitable for both casual players and those looking for a more educational experience. Despite its commercial failure, it maintains a strong following and is supported by enthusiasts.

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