South China Sea: War Game Replay

Overview

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Noble Knight Games

My gaming buddy Harvey Mossman and I decided to give this game a shot as we are both intrigued by the subject matter. We also wanted to see whether this was more of a "game" or a "simulation" (or a nice combination of both, hopefully). But, most of all, we want to know if it is a fun, engaging, competitive game. I chose to be the Americans (also playing on behalf of regional power Vietnam), leaving Harvey to lead the Chinese (and regional power Malyasia). The Philippines will ride the fence, allowing the two major powers to alternate control every other turn.

We decided on "Scenario 4: Spratly Missile Crisis" which looked the most like a "campaign" game and dove right in, learning the rules as we go along. We opted to play the six political turns, rather than using the alternative short-cut and, while it may ultimately end up being a lot of work for very little benefit, we both think that the political card play could result in a significant advantage for one side or the other at the start of the Military Turns if skillfully handled.

We got to the 3rd political turn before Armed Conflict was triggered. USA netted a starting victory point advantage of 1. I really like the fact that the game can be played to a victorious conclusion without ever triggering armed conflict and will probably invest some time in analyzing the possibility of one player maneuvering the other into an inescapable political defeat. But, per the scenario instructions, if after 6 political turns neither major power has won, proceed directly to the 10 Military Turns. So, there will definitely be "armed conflict" in this game.

Our intention is to provide very brief summaries each week on the progress of the game, possibly some detailed commentary, and definitely some pictures.

Military Turn #1

U.S. Summary

Not a lot happening yet, as you might expect. My two large forces are split between a 3-carrier task force in the Celebes Sea, and a large naval, air and ground force on Okinawa. It will take several turns before they are able to fully engage the Chinese. I believe that we are to assume full military cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam and also between China and Malaysia. So I intended to send the Vietnamese navy and air force out to run interference as best they can. Harvey anticipated this and destroyed the airfield, SAM unit and Flanker squadron at Cam Ranh Bay. The Vietnamese Kilo-class subs are on the prowl now and will hopefully get some payback next turn.

I chose to focus my LACM strikes on Chinese units present in the Spratlys and was able to destroy both of the SAM units there. Lots of victory point hexes in the Spratlys so I want to soften them up fast.

Meanwhile, in the Celebes Sea, I unleashed my carrier based F-35s and AV-8Bs loose on the Malaysian navy and air force, with disppointing results. Gave them a bloody nose, but both are still in existence and are therefore still a threat to my carriers. Better luck next turn.

China Summary

(As the game progresses, Harvey will add his comments about Chinese play and strategy. But in the meantime, I've added a few pics of his current force dispositions.)

Closing Thoughts

Mark: Not much to say here. Things should heat up quite a bit on Military Turns 2 and 3. Time will tell...

Harvey: What he said...