War by Television: Kosovo 1999 (2014) Board Game

War by Television: Kosovo 1999 is a board game that simulates the conflict in Kosovo in in 2014. Designed by Joe Youst and published by Decision Games in 2014, the game allows players to take on the roles of NATO or Serbian forces as they navigate the complex political and military landscape of the Kosovo War.

Game Components of War by Television: Kosovo 1999

Map: Features Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, with various charts such as the Combat Results Table (CRT), terrain effects, bridge demolition, and bridge repair tables.

Counters: Include NATO and Serbian units, with attack, defense, and movement factors. NATO units have combat and movement factors, while Serbian units have more detailed attributes. Some counters have two steps and standard military symbols.

Magazine Articles: Includes articles on the Serbia/Kosovo Crisis, USMC amphibious assault doctrine, Congo Rescue, tanks in counterinsurgency, Spooky Gunships, and Italian Aircraft Carriers Today.

How To Setup War by Television: Kosovo 1999

Setup involves placing the counters on the map according to the specified scenarios. The game posits a “what-if” situation where NATO and the US invade Serbia, so the initial placement reflects the hypothetical ground war. The game includes a setup phase where players determine the weather, reconstitution, and initial unit positions. There is minimal stacking allowed for NATO units, except for certain units like the KLA, while Serbian units can stack up to six units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hexagon Grid: Each hexagon represents 7.5 miles (12 km) and each game turn represents two days.

Units: Serbian units are mostly brigades and divisions with 2,000 to 5,000 men and 25 to 50 armored fighting vehicles. NATO units are divisions, corps, and armies with 9,000 to 25,000 men and up to 350 armored fighting vehicles.

Air Supremacy: Built into the rules, reflecting NATO’s air dominance without separate aircraft unit counters.

Victory Conditions: NATO wins by controlling key city hexes and achieving media perception points. The game includes a victory check phase to determine if NATO has met the conditions for victory.

Player Experience

**War by Television: Kosovo 1999** offers a unique blend of strategic depth and historical speculation. Players delve into a hypothetical ground war scenario, which adds a layer of complexity to the well-documented air campaign of the Kosovo War. The game is designed for 1 to 2 players, making it accessible for solo play or head-to-head competition.

Pros

Historical Depth: Explores a detailed “what-if” scenario, providing a fresh perspective on the Kosovo conflict.

Strategic Complexity: Balances unit management, air supremacy, and media perception, offering a challenging yet engaging gameplay experience.

Educational Value: Includes articles on various military topics, enhancing the player’s understanding of modern warfare strategies.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: The game mechanics, while not overly complex, may still be daunting for new wargame enthusiasts.

Limited Stacking: Restrictions on unit stacking can limit tactical flexibility for NATO players.

Personal Thoughts on War by Television: Kosovo 1999

This game is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and those interested in modern military history. It provides a unique perspective on the Kosovo conflict by exploring a ground war scenario that never occurred. The game’s balance of strategic depth and historical context makes it a compelling choice for players looking to engage in thoughtful and challenging gameplay. However, it may not be the best introduction for new players to the wargame genre due to its specific mechanics and historical context.

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