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

– 17″ x 22″ hex grid map
– 100 counters
– Rulebook
– Scenarios: historical setup and free placement

Game Setup of Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas

– Prepare the hex grid map and place the required counters on it according to the chosen scenario.
– Determine which player will control the American forces and which will control the Japanese forces.
– The American player moves all units desired and engages in combat.
– The Japanese player then has the same opportunity. This completes one game turn, which represents 2 days of game time.

Gameplay Mechanics of Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas

The game uses a simple “I Go, You Go” system of alternating player turns, where the American player moves all units desired and engages in combat, followed by the Japanese player. The game lasts 15 turns.

Game Objective of Saipan: Conquest of the Marianas

The objective of the game is to eliminate all enemy units from the board.

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