The Vietnam War remains one of the most emblematic conflicts of the Cold War era. Relive, on each side, the epic fight for dominance in this key Southeast Asia conflict from US intervention in 1965 till the Fall of Saigon in 1975.
Context
The Vietnam War (1965–1975) was a conflict between communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam. In 1965, the United States sent large numbers of troops to support South Vietnam and stop the spread of communism. North Vietnam was supported mainly by the Soviet Union and China. The war involved heavy bombing, guerrilla warfare by the Viet Cong, and many civilian casualties.
As the war continued, opposition grew in the United States and around the world. U.S. forces gradually withdrew after the Paris Peace Accords in 1973. In 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, ending the war. Vietnam was then unified as a communist country.
The Game Objectives
A campaign scenario lets you simulate the entire war. A number of smaller scenarios are also available, and several more will be added after the game's release.
In the campaign scenario, the Communist player (North Vietnam, its allies, and the Viet-Cong / VC, or National Liberation Front in the south) must seize control of as many regions of South Vietnam as possible, either via military control or through political loyalty. The latter is one of the most potent tool of the VC, as a favourable loyalty can ensure automatic control of whole areas, with the resulting advantages in supply and economic resources.
For the Free World player, on the other hand, the goal is to prevent the spread of the rebellion and Commies influence in the overly unstable South Vietnam. This can go through military might and, of course, all kind of ‘Hearts and Minds’ operations. It’s combat power is impressive, especially US forces, and it dominates the skies. But the rugged terrain deep jungles and endless marshes are a safe haven for the enemy guerrillas.
Players have to balance their strengths and weaknesses, with the added constraints of political interference (in the form of cards and events), weather issues and terrain constraints.
Content
The "Free World" forces are heterogeneous:
South Vietnamese units are of variable value and, in many cases, have mediocre firepower;
American units are powerful, but... if they suffer high casualties, their mobility is significantly reduced (reflecting the attention paid to the wounded). And every loss increases the body count, leading to a potential lesser commitment or even an ultimate withdrawal.
Communist forces are more homogeneous, and their overall morale is low in the beginning but progressively increasing. Their combat strengths are mediocre at best in pitched battles (it can increase towards the end of the campaign with the influx of more modern equipement), but their real strength lies in the ability to ambush, hide in the terrain and escape undesired battles.
The game includes various political and support units, and the specific of the war in Vietnam (e.g. ample use of helicopters by US forces) are modelled in different original mecanics.
A great deal of research was carried out by the author to cover not only the military aspects of the game, but also its economic and, above all, political and diplomatic dimensions.
The time needed to complete a game depends on the scenario played.
We hope that [b]SGS Vietnam War[/b] can provide players with a better understanding of the difficulties and stakes of this terrible conflict, with a level of detail that makes the game very comprehensive while remaining also easy to play!
Duration
Variable according to scenarios, from a few hours for the shortest scenarios to 100+ hours for the full war.
Balance
No side is specifically advantaged. Both are playable and enjoyable once you capture the essence of their specific strong points and weaknesses. Detailed scenario information sheets are here to help you get into the game.
