Persian Incursion (2010) Board Game

Persian Incursion is a modern warfare board game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Steven Cunliffe, Brien J. Miller, and Timothy Schleif, this game is set in a hypothetical scenario where Iran has initiated a conflict with the United States in the Persian Gulf region. Players take on the roles of either the Iranian or American forces as they engage in aerial combat and strategic maneuvers.

Game Components of Persian Incursion

Rulebooks: Detailed military and political rules adapted from Harpoon 4.

Maps and Charts: Representing the Middle East region and various military and political tracks.

Cards: Used for diplomatic, political, and military actions.

Tokens and Counters: For tracking military units, political influence, and other game elements.

Briefing Book: A comprehensive guide with extensive information on the scenario.

How To Setup Persian Incursion

Setup involves selecting starting scenarios, which can include various political alignments and military readiness levels. Players must also allocate Political, Intelligence, and Military Points to influence allies, purchase reinforcements, and prepare for military strikes. The game includes variable starting conditions and random strategic events that shape the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Players manage points to execute various actions.

Campaign / Battle Card Driven: Cards drive both military and political actions.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving combat and other critical events.

Simulation: The game simulates a seven-day Israeli air offensive against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Objective: The Israeli player aims to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities while navigating political and military challenges. The Iranian player seeks to defend these facilities and isolate Israel politically.

Player Experience

Playing Persian Incursion is a immersive and challenging experience, particularly for those interested in modern military strategy and geopolitics. The game requires meticulous planning, especially for the Israeli player who must secure air corridors and manage complex military operations. The Iranian player must use subtle strategies, including missile strikes and political maneuvers, to counter Israeli military superiority. The game’s depth and complexity can be both engaging and overwhelming, especially for those not familiar with wargames.

Pros

Detailed Simulation: Provides a highly detailed and realistic simulation of a hypothetical Israeli air campaign against Iran.

Educational Value: Offers insights into military and political dynamics of the Middle East, making it valuable for students and professionals.

Customizable Scenarios: Allows players to choose different starting conditions and adapt the game to various geopolitical scenarios.

Comprehensive Briefing Book: Includes extensive background information and data from open sources.

Cons

Complexity: The game is highly complex, requiring significant time and effort to set up and play.

Balance Issues: The game can be unbalanced, particularly favoring the Israeli player in military terms while requiring the Iranian player to rely heavily on political and strategic maneuvers.

Outdated Scenarios: The game’s scenarios, especially those involving Turkish-Israeli relations, are outdated given the current geopolitical landscape.

Personal Thoughts on Persian Incursion

Persian Incursion is ideal for serious wargamers, military strategists, and those with a deep interest in geopolitical simulations. It offers a unique blend of military and political strategy, making it an excellent tool for educational and training purposes. However, its complexity and detail level may deter casual gamers. With some tweaks and updates to its scenarios, it could be an even more effective and relevant simulation for understanding the intricacies of modern conflict in the Middle East.

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