Introduction
I can't have been the only wargamer on BGG to notice that amongst the big hitters a relative newcomer is starting to make a name for itself. That newcomer being Legion Wargames, owned by <PERSON>.
I think there are a number of reasons for this. As someone who only dips in and out of CSW, it's been a real pleasure to have a publisher has shown such a strong commitment to the wargames forum on BGG. LG customers here can expect regular updates on products and speedy responses to enquiries or any issues they have with games - all with that patient politeness that marks out a true gent! None of this would matter, of course, if the products weren't any good, but they are. I have recently played and/or acquired three LG titles and the common thread is a professional service matched by excellent production values. All three games have proved to be an interesting challenge with unique mechanisms (at least to me) that help them stand apart from the opposition.
Brief Background
The game covers the siege of French forces of occupation in Vietnam, who had hoped to inflict a heavy military defeat on the Viet Minh in 1954 by taking over the key strategic valley of Dien Bien Phu and setting up an airbase there. The French then built up a series of fortified positions, (supposedly named after mistresses of the French Commander, but more likely because they match the first nine letters of the alphabet) and waited…
(With thanks to <PERSON>)
The Map
The map is well-organised with a number of tracks, charts and boxes around. This is to enable the players to keep an eye on a range of important pieces of information such as available airstrikes/different types of supplies etc… This was our first indicator that the game was not going to be a simple one where we set up, breeze through the rules and play.
Generally, the colours chosen for the map are a fairly subtle and muted colour, which matches my own strong preference. The only exception is the forest areas which look a little busy, but that’s a very minor complaint.
Quite correctly a design decision was taken to include the fortified position Isabelle on its own, slightly separated from the rest of the playing area on the map. Historically Isabelle was some distance from the others and to include it would have necessitated a down scaling and the inclusion of a lot of dead ground.
(Thanks for image to <PERSON> - designer)
The Rules
The rules are clearly laid out with a number of black and white examples of play. Colour would have been more useful but clearly added to the cost of the game. With some familiarity with the different counters in the game the examples of play do become much easier to interpret. 993
A really clever expanded sequence of play also shows you the rules you are using at each point with a page reference. This is included on the back of the rules and as a separate sheet. I was particularly pleased with this because when I saw the expanded sequence of play on the back of the rules I thought ‘that’s a great idea, I’ll photocopy that so I can use it while I’m flicking through the rules’. No need – Legion Games have done it for me on high quality card stock. Who believes in intelligent design now! I am going to say though that however good the sequence of play is, I do believe that every rulebook should have a rules index and this one doesn’t.
(Thanks for image to <PERSON> - designer)
Game Play
I’ll freely admit that it took me a while to get this one to the table after I had obtained it. I had MMP’s ‘Storm over Dien Bien Phu’ which was a much more straightforward game. Bust open the box, quick read of the rules and I was away. This one is far more subtle and nuanced where both sides are carefully balancing competing needs.
For the Viet Minh you need to be aggressive, putting pressure on your French opponent and, by capturing strong points, keep the morale of your forces high. On the other hand, if your losses are too high the morale of your divisions will drop and your men won’t be able to press their attacks with the same vigour as they did initially, leading ultimately to stalemate and defeat. The French only have to avoid surrender to win. You need to go for victory.
For the French you will face increasing shortages of supplies and have to decide where your priorities lie, particularly when the monsoons start. Is it in bringing in fuel to keep your tanks and ammo supplies up, or medicines to keep your men in good health? Sheer numbers of Viet Minh will mean you will need to give up certain strong points but face an agonising decision as to when. 993