Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
A brutal, historical solo wargame for fans of pure simulation.
Highlights
- High-fidelity historical simulation
- Very fluid card-driven system
- Immersive and tense solo experience
- Very realistic combat scale
Keep in mind
- Requires attention to detail and tables
- May require card translation
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're the type who prefers tackling a historical challenge without needing company, D-Day at Tarawa is your next obsession. Based on John Butterfield's revolutionary system from the classic D-Day at Omaha Beach, this game delivers platoon and company-scale combat that is pure historical adrenaline. Here, you take command of the invading American forces and must face off against Japanese defenders, who are controlled by the game system itself. The setting is Betio Island, November 1943, during one of the most brutal and decisive confrontations in the Pacific Theater of WWII. The game recreates the tension of an extremely contested landing, where the survival of the defenders is minimal against the American advance. Featuring a detailed hexagon grid map, you manage your units through a card-driven system that dictates the pace of battle. It is a dense and deep simulation that captures the brutality of the conflict, where every move counts toward clearing the island. Prepare for a journey of pure strategy, where the fate of hundreds of soldiers rests in your hands. It's the perfect game for those seeking a high-fidelity historical wargame with card mechanics that maintain constant tension from start to finish.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Decision Games (I)
Designer
John H. Butterfield
Artist
Joe Youst, Larry Hoffman
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game truly for one person?
Yes! It was specifically designed to be played solo, with the system controlling the enemy.
What is the difficulty level?
It's an expert-level game. Expect serious and strategic simulation.
Do I need to know English to play?
The game has moderate language dependency, so a translated table helps a lot.
How long does a game last?
It can vary from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the intensity of the battle.
Is the map detailed?
Yes, it uses a hexagon grid to allow precise unit movement.
What's in the box?
One map, two counter sheets, and 55 command cards.
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