Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas, June 1944 (1975)

Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas

“Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas” is a two-player board wargame published by Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in 1975, designed to simulate the Battle of Saipan during World War II. Saipan is a critical objective in the US Navy’s “island hopping” campaign in the Pacific, as its two airfields were suitable for heavy bombers. The game is based on the system developed for “Napoleon at Waterloo” published by SPI in 1971, which uses a simple “I Go, You Go” system of alternating player turns.

Why is Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it simulates a critical historical event during World War II, specifically the Battle of Saipan, which was a turning point in the Pacific Theater. The game is relatively simple and quick to play, with a small hex grid map and only 100 counters, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. Additionally, the game comes with two scenarios: the “historical” setup, where units are placed on the map according to the actual battle, and “free placement,” where both players can set up their forces as they wish. The victory conditions are simple: The player that eliminates all enemy units from the board is the winner.

Game Components of Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas, June 1944

Game board featuring the island of Saipan

Unit counters for American and Japanese forces

Rulebook

Scenarios (historical and free placement)

Beachhead markers

Reinforcement charts

How To Setup Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas, June 1944

Setup involves placing units on the board according to the chosen scenario. In the historical setup, units are placed as they were during the actual Battle of Saipan. The free placement scenario allows players to set up their forces as they wish. The Americans start by establishing beachheads, through which all reinforcements arrive.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Sequence: Simple “I Go, You Go” system where each turn represents 2 days of game time.

Unit Movement: American and Japanese players take turns moving and engaging in combat.

Combat Rules: Mandatory combat when units are in adjacent hexes; units cannot move away from combat except as a result of combat.

Special Rules:
– Americans can hold up to six beachheads; reinforcements arrive through these beachheads.
– Japanese can make suicidal “banzai” charges, particularly effective in early turns.

Victory Conditions: The player that eliminates all enemy units from the board wins.

Player Experience

**Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas, June 1944** offers a tense and engaging battle experience. While the game is often described as unbalanced in favor of the Americans, it remains exciting and can be cliff-hanging until the end. Players appreciate the simplicity and the “banzai” attack mechanic, which adds a significant flavor to the gameplay.

Pros

Tense and Exciting: The game is known for its intense battles and often unpredictable outcomes.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: The “I Go, You Go” system and zone of control rules make the game easy to learn and play.

Historical Significance: Simulates a critical battle in World War II, offering a glimpse into the strategies and challenges faced during the war.

Banzai Attacks: Adds a unique and historically relevant element to the game.

Cons

Unbalanced: The game is generally considered to be in favor of the Americans, making it hard for the Japanese player to achieve a victory.

Limited Realism: Criticized for its simplicity, which does not fully capture the nuances of infantry, artillery, and cavalry interactions.

Predictable Outcome: Some players find the game predictable, especially when played solo.

Personal Thoughts on Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas, June 1944

This game is ideal for those interested in World War II history and wargaming. While it may not offer the deepest level of realism, its simplicity and historical context make it an enjoyable and educational experience. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate straightforward gameplay mechanics and are looking for a game that can be completed within a reasonable time frame. However, players seeking a highly balanced or complex wargaming experience might find **Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas, June 1944** less satisfying.

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