Product Information
Set in Vietnam in 1964, this game captures the most agonizing US Cold - War engagement. It's not just GI versus Charlie. The conflict pitted tribesman against nationalist, Buddhist against Catholic, mandarin against villager, and Northerner against Southerner, even among the communists. As revolutionary change swept through this ancient civilization, Washington used its armaments and operations research. To withdraw, the US counterinsurgency had to go deeper. In the end, culture and will overcame technology and math, signaling the end of industrial might's dominance in modern warfare. This is Volume IV in GMT’s COIN Series, diving into the momentous and complex battle for South Vietnam. Fire in the Lake offers a unique multi - faction take on the Vietnam War. It takes 1 to 4 players on US heliborne jungle sweeps, Communist infiltrations of the South, and into inter - allied conferences, Saigon politics, Ho Chi Minh Trail interdiction, Northern infrastructure air defense, graduated escalation, and media war. Renowned designer Mark Herman teams up with COIN Series creator Volko Ruhnke. It features a card - assisted counterinsurgency game system similar to GMT's Andean Abyss, Cuba Libre, and A Distant Plain, with added twists. These include pivotal events like the Tet Offensive, Vietnamization, Easter Offensive, and Linebacker II; inter - coup campaign effects varying by RVN leader; counterinsurgent guerrillas; insurgent troops; tunneled bases; trail construction and degradation; a larger event deck; and short and medium - length scenarios with random or period - event options. Each faction presents unique challenges. As the Viet Cong, light the revolutionary fire. As the Republic of Vietnam, balance US help with traditional governance. As North Vietnam, funnel resources south and choose the right moment to move. As the United States, manage firepower and avoid losing public support. The game smoothly integrates political, cultural, and economic aspects with military operations. There are various gameplay options, and flow charts support solitaire or multi - player experiences.
How to play: First, choose a faction - Viet Cong, Republic of Vietnam, North Vietnam, or the United States. Each faction has its own goals and strategies. As you play, use the card - assisted system to carry out different actions like military operations, political maneuvers, and economic management. You can do things like US heliborne sweeps, Communist infiltrations, and inter - allied conferences. The pivotal events cards can change the course of the game, so pay close attention to them. There are also short and medium - length scenarios with different options. You can either choose random events or period - specific ones. For solitaire play, use the flow charts to run the other factions. If you're playing with 2, 3, or 4 players, each player takes on a faction. Things to note: Remember that each faction has its own unique challenges. For example, as the United States, too many casualties can break public support. As the Viet Cong, be careful that North Vietnam doesn't take over your movement. Maintenance: Keep the cards and game pieces in a dry and clean place. Avoid bending or folding the cards. If the game gets dirty, you can gently wipe the pieces with a soft cloth. Enjoy your Vietnam - themed board - game experience!
