Harpoon

Modern Naval Miniatures Rules

by Cliff Sayre, jr.

This updated version of HARPOON modern naval miniatures rules by Larry Bond is quite timely in light of current events in the Persian Gulf. The game is published by Game Designer's Workshop and comes in a boxed, ready-to-play format.

The distance scale is one inch per thousand yards (i.e., 1:3600). There are two types of turns; a 10 minute intermediate turn, and a 30 second tactical turn divided into seven phases: plotting, movement, planned fire, detection, second air movement, reaction fire, and resolution. Sample log sheets and data forms are also included along with helpful examples, diagrams, and sketches that clarify the concepts and procedures. A sample scenario is described in detail to illustrate the application of the rules.

The rules are classified on the box as "intermediate" (i.e., three on a scale of 1 to 5). The rules are simple in the sense that they are logical (not convoluted), but complex in the sense that there isa lot to keep track of... active and passive sensors, various types of sensor ranges, missile ranges, gun ranges, etc. Naval gamers who are familiar with WWI or WWII scenarios in which many ships participate will find that the modern engagements (that can be gamed) with aircraft, missiles and submarines are different. The modern actions are more likely to involve a couple of ships per side and several aircraft. Most of the suggested scenarios reflect this modest scale of forces. Although the thirty-seconds-per-turn time scale may seem short, most of the actions will only last a relatively short time. Missile flight times are short, a hit is more cleadlythan many salvos of shell fire, and the number of reloads per launcher (if any) is limited.

HARPOON is a good set of rules. The text and explanations also provide the gamer with a better understanding of contemporary naval warfare, sensor, and weapon capabilities. The Data Annex Book is a good summary of the characteristics of naval ships, aircraft, and missiles for about ten different countries. I recommend HARPOON for any gamer with an interest in modern naval warfare. HARPOON is available from Game Designer's Workshop, P.O. Box 1656, Bloomington, IL 61702.

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