Hué and the New Battles SeriesSGS Hué: The Third Game in the SGS Battle Series

Experience intense fights and battles in well-known (or not) small but fighting-heavy locations with SGS Hué, the third game in our SGS Battle Series. This game features a "grand tactical" scale, allowing players to control regiment, battalion, company, and even platoon-size units (depending on the game). Each game turn represents a short period of time, ranging from one or two days to just a few hours.

The Battle of Hué: A Long and Bloody Confrontation

The Battle of Hué took place from January 30 to March 3, 1968, as part of the Tet Offensive launched by the North Vietnamese Army and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (also known as the Viet Cong). This battle was one of the longest and bloodiest of the Vietnam War, taking place in both urban and rural areas.

The Strategic Importance of Hué

Hué, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, was a key target for both the NVA and the Viet Cong due to its political and cultural significance, as well as its geographical location. With a population of around 140,000, it was the third-largest city in South Vietnam in the 1960s.

The Tragedy of Hué

The tragedy of Hué in 1968 was amplified by its glorious past. Fierce fighting occurred in narrow streets, modern buildings turned into fortresses, and ancient monuments were caught in the crossfire.

SGS Battle for Hué: Recreating the Battle on a Grand Tactical Scale

SGS Battle for Hué allows players to experience the Battle of Hué on a "grand tactical" scale. Counters represent companies, platoons, sections, and even groups/squads, while each game turn corresponds to one day in real time. The turn-based gameplay allows players to face off against the AI, another player in a "hot seat," or via PBEM. Both sides, the "Free World" and the "Communists," are playable.

The Campaign Scenario

In the campaign scenario, players must simulate the entire battle. This scenario uses around 500 counters and can last several hours. Players can also choose from smaller scenarios, with more to be added after the game's release.

Objectives for Each Side

The Communist player must seize as many sectors of Hué and the surrounding area as possible to ensure the supply and reinforcement of units in the city's districts. The longer they hold these sectors, the greater their chances of victory. On the other hand, the Free World player must first resist the enemy offensive and then race against the clock to regain lost ground. Both sides must balance their strengths and weaknesses while navigating through complex terrain, including dense urban areas, military installations, villages, and rice paddies. Each terrain has its own modifiers that can make offensive operations challenging without proper planning and coordination.

Unit Types and Strategies

The "Free World" Forces

The "Free World" forces are made up of South Vietnamese and American units. South Vietnamese units have varying levels of effectiveness and often have mediocre firepower. American units are powerful, but if they suffer high casualties, their mobility is significantly reduced. Artillery is devastating but can only be used to a limited extent at the start of the game due to political constraints.

Communist Forces

Communist forces are more homogeneous, with excellent overall morale that can decrease towards the end of the campaign. However, they are increasingly outnumbered and must rely on fortifications, barricades, and tunnels to hold on as long as possible. They can also use harassment tactics to their advantage. Losing certain areas on the outskirts of Hué will result in a drop in supplies and reduced effectiveness.

Unit Combinations and Terrain

Players must learn how to best combine their forces to support each other in detailed battle phases. For example, an infantry company on its own will likely fail without the support of other units. The Marines' M48A3 tanks are invaluable in attracting enemy fire, allowing the infantry to lead the assault with fewer losses. In contrast, diminished Viet Cong units see their mobility increase, making them more difficult to defeat.

Support Units and Tactics

The game includes various support units, such as CS gas attack counters and sniper elements. Patrols can appear as reinforcements, certain command units can trigger mortar/artillery fire, and sapper counters can be deployed for suicide attacks. These tactical combinations add depth to the gameplay. The author of the game, who also designed SGS NATO's Nightmare, conducted extensive research to ensure accuracy.

Gameplay and Replayability

Unlike other SGS games, SGS Hué Battle primarily uses cards to authorize unit activation. The system used in the SGS Battle Series has been modified for this game, allowing units to move permanently without being activated by a card. The time needed to complete a game depends on the scenario played, and replayability is high due to the activation system and the various unit combinations. The game also features a detailed terrain map based on the 1968 staff map. Neither side has a clear advantage in the campaign, as the balance of power shifts throughout the game. The South Vietnamese and Americans must navigate through difficult terrain and enemy fortifications, while the Communists must hold on to their positions against increasing odds. SGS Hué Battle provides a better understanding of the challenges and stakes of this historic battle, with a level of detail that makes the game easy to learn and highly replayable.

• OS *: Windows 7/8/10+
  
• Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Dual Core
  
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600 or equivalent
  
• DirectX: Version 9.0
  
• Storage: 2 GB available space
  
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

• OS *: Windows 7 (SP1) or higher
  
• Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Dual Core
  
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: 1024 MB DirectX 11 compatible
  
• DirectX: Version 11
  
• Storage: 4 GB available space
  
• Sound Card: DirectX 11+ Compatible