Death Ride Tarawa

This four-day Pacific battle simulation focuses on the U.S. Marine assault on Tarawa, where Japanese defenses, coastal fire, reefs, mines, and wire obstacles make establishing a beachhead difficult. The campaign begins with Marine units aboard transports. As units become available, they transfer to landing craft, approach the beach, and enter the map through designated beach lanes. Landing craft movement can create congestion, while obstacles and defensive fire disrupt the assault. Once ashore, Marines must attack fortified positions and secure the island within four days, accepting casualties and maintaining an aggressive advance. Additional scenarios cover individual beaches, an introductory attack by the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, and a hypothetical landing on the heavily mined Black beaches. The game includes large-scale maps, counters, rules, combat charts, and amphibious landing aids such as Wave and Transport Charts.

Players: 2–4 best 2
Playing time: 180–1200 min
Age: 16+
Complexity: 3.4 / 5