Semper Fi!

About this board game

Semper Fi! is a high-complexity tactical combat game for 2 players, with a listed playing time of 240 minutes. Released in 1997, it depicts four actions fought by US Marines during their first five months in Korea.

The game focuses on Marine counterattacks against the North Korean 4th and 6th Divisions at the Pusan Perimeter, followed by their epic stand against the Chinese IX Army Group near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. It is part of The Gamers’ Tactical Combat Series.

Semper Fi! uses a detailed scale suited to tactical engagements. Each turn represents 20 minutes, each hex covers 125 yards (114 meters), and the playing pieces represent infantry platoons and individual vehicles.

• Four full-color mapsheets, including one 22 x 17-inch sheet, one 11 x 17-inch sheet, and two 8.5 x 11-inch sheets
• Three double-sided countersheets with 700 half-inch counters
• A 28-page TCS version 3.1 system rulebook and a 32-page game-specific rulebook
• Two TCS Charts & Tables folders and three player aid cards
• Two six-sided dice

The official listing allows 1 or more players and rates solitaire playability as medium-high, while the recorded player range is 2-2. With a listed play time of 240 minutes and an official range of 6 to 20 hours, this is a substantial game for players seeking an involved portrayal of US Marine combat in Korea.