Setup for the Americans and entry for the Japanese was critical. This was a very enjoyable scenario. The setup restrictions, the special rules for both the scenario & the module made this one play out very close. The Japanese needed ten American steps eliminated before they could exit off the West side of the board, to continue the Banzai into the rear area troops. They also need twice as many victory points to win this battle. It’s doable, after my first play but in my game, the Japanese fell a little short and the Americans won this battle, even if the Japanese did score more victory points, just not twice as many.

The Americans are spread thin over a large area and have limited stacking in the initial setup, so the Japanese must close fast, kill 10 steps and head for the exit before the Americans can consolidate their forces, but with this terrain, the American will have a slow time moving units together, so anything can happen. The smoke markers were just to mark the hill elevation, which really wasn't needed, as they were pretty much just the different color shades on the existing map. Stay out off the Muskeg/light tan hexes if you can, unless you are on the main Track running through it.

Alaska's War adds two new terrain types; Arctic Hills & Muskeg. Tracks are also a little different.

Also, some interesting rules for Cold Weather & Alaska Scouts.

Setup for the Americans and entry for the Japanese is very critical.