Next War: Vietnam (2020) Board Game

Next War: Vietnam is a modern warfare board game released in 2020, designed by Mark Simonitch and published by GMT Games. It is part of the Next War series, which focuses on hypothetical conflicts in the near future. The game simulates a potential conflict between the United States and Vietnam, set in the year 2025.

Game Components of Next War: Vietnam

Maps: The game includes a map representing the area in and around the northern border of Vietnam, scaled at 7.5 miles per hex, and a Strategic Display for sea areas.

Counters: Final Countersheets 1, 2, and 3, representing divisions, brigades, and battalions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), as well as air and naval units.

Units: Ground units rated for attack, defense, movement, and unit efficiency; air units rated for all-weather capabilities, range, pilot skill, and combat capabilities; naval units abstracted as task forces for various naval operations.

How To Setup Next War: Vietnam

Setting up Next War: Vietnam involves placing the map, counters, and other components according to the scenario chosen. Players need to align the map, which spans from just west of Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam to just east of Nanning, China, and distribute the appropriate counters for each side. The setup also includes configuring the Strategic Display for sea areas. While specific step-by-step instructions are not provided here, the game manual and included documentation will guide players through the detailed setup process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Turns: Composed of multiple phases, including combat resolution, which considers unit strengths, efficiency, and terrain.

Combat Resolution: Reflects the attritional nature of modern warfare, with casualties representing both actual losses and losses of unit cohesion.

Scenarios: Several Standard Game scenarios are available, ranging from small, limited objectives to a full campaign game. Advanced Game scenarios offer different starting points representing various levels of build-up.

Objective: As the Chinese player, the goal is to enforce control over Vietnam and the South China Sea. As the Vietnamese player, the objective is to defend against Chinese aggression.

Player Experience

Next War: Vietnam offers an immersive and challenging experience for wargamers. Players are thrust into a complex, modern conflict where strategic decision-making is crucial. The game demands a good understanding of military tactics and logistics, making it appealing to those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay. With a playing time of 4+ hours, it is not a game for the faint of heart but is rewarding for those who invest the time.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Engaging and complex gameplay that requires careful planning and execution.

Realistic Mechanics: Reflects the nature of modern warfare, including attritional combat and the impact of terrain and unit efficiency.

Flexibility: Allows for combined play with other games in the series, such as Next War: Taiwan and Next War: Korea.

Historical Context: Set in a geopolitically significant region, adding a layer of realism and relevance.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Tough series to learn, especially for new players to wargaming.

Long Playing Time: Requires a significant time commitment, with games lasting 4+ hours.

Sensitive Shipping: Game boxes can be prone to damage during shipping, affecting collectible quality.

Personal Thoughts on Next War: Vietnam

Next War: Vietnam is tailored for experienced wargamers who appreciate detailed, strategic gameplay. It is ideal for those interested in modern military conflicts and geopolitical scenarios. While it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics. If you’re a fan of the Next War series or enjoy deep, strategic wargaming, Next War: Vietnam is definitely worth considering.

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