# Battle Hymn

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1986
- **BGG Rating**: 7.6
- **BGG Rank**: #4604
- **Players**: 1 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 240 min
- **Weight**: 3.30 / 5
- **Designers**: Eric Lee Smith, Joseph Reiser
- **Artists**: James Talbot, Ted Koller
- **Publishers**: Hobby Japan, Victory Games (I)
- **Categories**: Wargame, World War II
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Events, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Line of Sight, Movement Points, Paper-and-Pencil, Ratio / Combat Results Table, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Simulation, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
A classic tactical survival experience for solo players in the Pacific.High-level tactical immersionDynamic event systemEngaging campaign experienceRealistic combat simulationRequires full translationRequires paper and pencilInitial learning curveFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you're the type who loves a breathtaking tactical challenge and doesn't mind facing the jungle alone, Battle Hymn is your next obsession. Set in the turbulent Pacific theater during World War II, this 1986 classic puts you in command of a squad of American Marines. The real standout here is the 'Ambush!' system, which uses an innovative programmed paragraph approach to guide your adventure. You know that feeling of trekking through a steaming jungle only for everything to suddenly erupt into combat? That is exactly what this game delivers.

The gameplay is an intense blend of strategy and survival. You must manage your men, select their gear, and decide the best path across the hexagonal grid. But don't get too comfortable: the Japanese forces are deceptive, and the environment is unpredictable. With every step, a new event can trigger, turning a routine patrol into a desperate fight for survival. The game employs classic simulation mechanics, such as combat result tables and movement point management, ensuring every decision carries real weight in your mission's outcome.

A quick heads-up: get your paper and pencil ready, as the system requires tracking to maintain your campaign's progress. This is a game of pure tension, where your squad's heroism is tested with every die roll. If you are looking for a tactical wargame experience that flows organically through various scenarios and missions, Battle Hymn is a gem that still shines brightly for genre enthusiasts.

## FAQ
### Can I play with more than one person?
The game is focused on the solo experience, utilizing the efficient Ambush! system for solitaire play.

### Is the game very complex?
It is a tactical wargame, so it has depth, but the initial rules are accessible for genre enthusiasts.

### Do I need a translation?
Yes, the game relies heavily on extensive text for events, so a translation is essential.

### How long does a game last?
Playtime varies depending on the mission and the complexity of the scenario.

### What do I need besides the game?
Have your paper and pencil ready to track your campaign's progress!