Designer: Dean Essig, Sam Simmons
Publisher: The Gamers
Matanikau - Battles on the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, 1942 recreates the epic battles of the 5th and the 7th Marine Regiments along the Matanikau River in the fall of 1942 between the US Marines and the forces of Imperial Japan. The Japanese are attempting to establish a position from which they can launch further attempts to capture Henderson Field. The Marines are trying to expand the perimeter around Henderson Field far enough so as to deny the Japanese any decent staging area for attacks against that airbase.
Using The Gamers 3rd edition Tactical Combat Series (TCS) rules, this first ever TCS game set in the Pacific theater features Banzai charges, vicious night attacks, Higgins Boat, naval and air support, as well as the redoubtable 'Chesty' Puller.
Game Scale:
Game Turn: 20 minutes
Hex: 125 yards / 114 meters
Units: Infantry platoons, individual vehicles
Game Inventory:
One 22 x 34" full color maps
Three dual-side printed countersheets (700 1/2" counters)
One 28-page TCS version 3.0 specific rulebook
One 12-page Matanikau specific rulebook
Two 6-page TCS version 3.0 Charts & Tables folders
Two Player Aid cards
Two 6-sided dice
Solitaire Playability: High
Complexity Level: High
Players: 2 or more
Playing Time: 4-40 hours