From: "D. Holte" <dannyh22@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      The Forgotten War

I finally had time to open-up John Desch's new grand tactical
Korean War game from Decision, THE FORGOTTEN WAR.

This is not meant to be a detailed review, as I haven't played
yet.  But, here's a description for those who're curious:

THE FORGOTTEN WAR - Decision Games.  Sugg. Retail $49.95
(BTW, we have it for $37.50; mention Consim-L for _any_ of the
games and get an additional 5% off.)

1 16-page rule/scenario book
3-1/2 countersheets containing 980 counters
3 34"x22" Map
2 Identical Player aid cards (1 for each player; thank you!)
8 plastic storage bags
2 dice

Rulebook
--------

Wow!  This thing is going to get a play outta' me quicker than I
expected - there's only 10 pages of rules, and 2 of those are
the typical Intro & Identify pages.  I was expecting more (..rules
that is, not game) and am very pleased.  The rest of the rule-
book covers the scenarios, an extended example of play, and
designer's notes.

The scenarios are:

Naktong, the Battle of the Bulge
   Pusan perimeter, August 1950

Chosin
   The Marines at Chosin after the Chinese counterattack,
        27 Nov 1950

Hedgehog at Chipyong-ni
    Fighting South of Seoul in late 1950


On a quick glance, the rules look thorough and clear, but I'll
reserve my opinion until I play.  A player turn consists of:

a. Reinforcements and Replacements Phase
b. Weather Phase
c. Artillery Ammo Phase
d. Prep Fire Phase
e. Movement Phase
f. Defensive Fire Phase
g. Offensive Fire Phase
h. Close Combat Phase
   (Note - 'Reminds me of PB/PL)

Air strikes are also available and there are counters to represent
them.

Counters
--------

The counters, and there's a lot of 'em, are clear and functional.
U.S Marine, Army, and Allied units represent companies, NKPA and
CCF units represent platoons and companies.

Tank units are identified by type w/silhouette, infantry by
standard NATO symbols.  Artillery also have silhouettes on
the counters.

Maps & Charts
-------------

The two identical player aid cards are clear and quick to
read.  'Nice move by Decision to provide two - It's a pet peeve
of mine, swapping charts back & forth.

The three maps, by D.L. McElhannon remind me of the old SPI maps,
with more color.  Necessary charts are also located on each map,
and again, everything is functional and clear but with the maps
I feel they could have gone a bit further with the artwork.

However, this was pretty devastated terrain, and in the Winter
there was very little to look at except hills & ice.  So, the
maps are probably accurate.

I'll be playing this one ASAP so will let you know.  (Boy, this
one sure seems "scenario design friendly"...)

-Danny