Played AP87 Empire's Fall, the flagship of AP9, boasting close to 60 squads-equivalent over the new maps 8a and 9b. The map layout forms a pretty nice battlefield. A large second-rate British force defends a long perimeter against which two separate Japanese forces poised to try to break through and reach VC areas. The Japanese force is of good quality (ELR4) but with not many SWs. The British are supposed by a group of 4 Bofors Guns. Fortunately for the Japanese, these powerful pieces are not HIP and setup close to each other. The British perimeter is reinforced by a large pool of mines and wire. Given that the number of fortifications allocated to the British can range between 8 and 30 fortifications as per SSR3, we decided to limit the variability by choosing a SSR3 DR=7, which limits the volatility of the number of fortifications within a more restricted range (13 to 25) while keeping a good degree of fog of war. Both sides have OBA; the weaker Japanese OBA gets an automatic first black chit. Good replayability of the scenario derives from the six possible VC conditions, which requires careful planning for both sides. The VC system, like other AP9 scenarios, allows for different scenario ends. The longer you take, the more VC you need.
In the scenario, one Japanese force managed to breach the perimeter and a small detachment seized one VC building on top of turn 3; but a British counterattack got a foothold back in the VC building and killed the defending Japanese squad, preventing the instant turn 3 win. Whoa! The other Japanese force went for a breakthrough of its own but ran into a minefield and incurred severe casualties. Furthermore the British redeployed quickly to the threatened sectors, making the advance slow and painful. A win following the turn 5-VC check was out of reach as quite a few Japanese units was stuck in wire in the back and CC dice were cool. The situation looked grim but on turns 6 and 7, dice went hot for the Japanese and with the help of energetic banzai charges, the British defence finally collapsed. At the end of turn 7, I had the 3 VPs to win for the turn 8 VC check and this time the odds to seize them back looked remote. Around 25 British squads had been slaughtered at the cost of 15 Japanese squads. A great scenario that delivers. The attacker needs careful planning and skilled play. Also suitable for a three-player scenario.