So as usual I'm working on rules, and had a chance to test out my Vietnam rules – for the moment called "In Country."
After a combined attack to clear a few hills, a mixed force of US Army and Marines are hotly pursuing a mixed force of NVA and VC. The NVA were deployed hidden in a small valley with a mix of jungle, tall grass and rice paddies. A platoon each of NVA and VC supported by two mortar sections and a pair of recoilless rifles faced off against two squads each of Army and Marines, with 3 M113s in support (and possible gunship support that never materialized).
The US enter the board from a variety of points and have to slog their way through the valley. They cleared the west side of the board where most of the rice paddies were. One NVA squad did spring a nasty ambush, but got hit hard for the effort. A muddy river bisected the battlefield and it was the valley east of this waterway that gave the US trouble. Crossing the river was deadly with LOS limited to 4".
The M113s came up in support and their three machine guns proved deadly. Once they entered the valley, the recoilless rifles opened up and a duel ensued in which one M113 was badly damaged, but both rifles were taken out.
After another deadly ambush that resulted in hand-to-hand fighting, the NVA player exited the board slowly pursued by the now hesitant and bloodied Americans.
As it was a play test there were no strict victory conditions, but overall I'd have given it to the Communist player on points.
I was pleased with the overall flow of the game and how the core game mechanics work. i think shooting may be a bit too deadly, but other than that I think it is ready for adding in those Nam specific rules for spider holes, booby traps, artillery support, LZs, etc.
