Taipei: China Invades (2000) Board Game

Taipei: China Invades is a wargame that was released in 2000 and designed by Beth Queman. The game puts players in the midst of a conflict between China and Taiwan, where strategic decisions and tactical maneuvers are key to victory. With a hexagon grid board and a playtime of 120 minutes, Taipei offers a deep and immersive gaming experience for two players.

Game Components of Taipei: China Invades

Map: Representing Taiwan and surrounding areas

Counters: Units for ground, air, and naval forces (though naval warfare is heavily abstracted)

Combat Results Tables (CRTs): Three CRTs, including the AirLand Battle CRT

Information Warfare (IW) Points: For executing IW missions and managing the IW Index

Rule Book: Includes rules for ground combat, air operations, and information warfare

How To Setup Taipei: China Invades

Setting up the game involves placing the map, deploying the respective forces according to the scenario, and allocating IW points. The game focuses on the ground combat aspects, with air and naval components integrated but abstracted. The setup requires careful consideration of unit placement and initial conditions to reflect the operational level of the conflict accurately.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Ground Combat: Primary focus of the game, using a hex and counter system.

Air Operations: Abstracted, similar to other games in the Fleet series or Crisis: Korea 1995.

Information Warfare: Includes C4I (Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence) ratings for units, IW missions (EW, PSYOPS, OPSEC), and the IW Index to track world opinion and political support.

Game Objective: Achieve either military or political victory. Military victory involves controlling key terrain, while political victory is based on accumulating Political Points through IW Dominance and battlefield outcomes.

Player Experience

Playing **Taipei: China Invades** can be complex and nuanced, particularly due to the detailed information warfare mechanics. Players must balance conventional military operations with the strategic use of information warfare to influence the battlefield and public opinion. The game requires a deep understanding of modern operational warfare, making it more suited for experienced wargamers.

Pros

Detailed Information Warfare Mechanics: Provides a unique aspect of modern warfare that is often overlooked in other games.

Operational Depth: Simulates the complexities of modern operational-level warfare.

Historical Context: Reflects the thinking on the Revolution in Military Affairs during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Cons

Abstracted Naval Warfare: May disappoint players who prefer more detailed naval combat.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s rules, especially the information warfare component, can be confusing for new players.

Outdated Concepts: Does not incorporate newer concepts like Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Taipei: China Invades

**Taipei: China Invades** is a game for seasoned wargamers interested in operational-level simulations and the intricacies of information warfare. While it may not be the best fit for those looking for a comprehensive treatment of all domains (land, air, sea), it provides a unique perspective on the advantages of C4I-enabled forces in modern conflict. The game serves as a historical snapshot of military thinking at the turn of the millennium, making it a valuable addition to a wargamer’s collection for its historical and educational value.

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