Archie's War: The Battle for Guadalcanal

Join General "Archie" Vandegrift in the jungles of Guadalcanal as you defend Henderson Field from relentless attacks by the battle hardened Japanese forces. The game includes one double sided game board with a 2 player map on one side that uses diceless combat to achieve victory, and a single player map with an innovative solitaire system.

The 2 player game is a tense chess match of maneuver, deception and surprise. In the solitaire game you play as the Marines as you attempt to hold on to the perimeter protecting Henderson Field against relentless Japanese attacks taking your forces to the breaking point.

Archie's War is a 1-2 player game on the Battle for Guadalcanal.  American Marines  confronted the Japanese army on the island in a pivotable battle during World War 2.  Both sides were hampered by limited troops, supply and intelligence regarding the other's disposition.  Blocks are used for game units to hide unit strength and capabilities.  Maneuver, deception and attrition are key factors in the game.  Combat is decided not by dice, but by which side can bring the most forces into each attack.

COMPONENTS

• Beautiful game box
• Double sided hard mounted game board (one side solo / one side 2 player)
• 60 wooden blocks for game units.  Red blocks for Japanese and green blocks for the Marines
• Marker cubes for game status tracking
• Label sheet with 2 sets of labels (one full set / one spare set)
• 1 die
• Game rules
• Battle archive
• Plastic Tray for storage

In the two player game you take the role of the Japanese commanders, trying to take back Guadalcanal or of Vandegrift, the American commander, trying to hold on to Henderson Field.  The status of Henderson Field depends primarily on the state of the runway, which the Americans are constantly trying to improve while the Japanese bombard it by air, land, and sea.  As the Japanese player your troops arrive slowly and it is difficult to build enough force to gain a clear advantage.  Also, the Marine artillery and light tanks with Vandegrift are a decisive factor when they are able to engage in battle.  You must always use the jungle and fog of war to hide your troops as they maneuver for attack against the Marine perimeter around Henderson Field.  Also, you have one advantage, your navy, which can bombard the Marine positions.  

As Vandegrift, you must protect the airfield from Japanese attack and bombardment.  If they are able to close in and bring their artillery into range of the airfield all is lost.

In the solitaire game you are Archie Vandegrift, commander of the 1st Marine division and Medal of Honor recipient, tasked with holding Guadalcanal against the Japanese. Your Marines are tough but isolated as the Japanese build up around you.  Your biggest asset is Henderson Field, a small airstrip that gives you control of the sea lanes during the day; at night, the Japanese sneak in boats with men and supplies, and sometimes bombard the field directly.  You must weigh the various threats against you and defend the island until relief comes.