Golan (game)

Cover of Golan wargame 1975

Golan is a board game designed by Eyal Shimony and published by Simba Toys in 1984. The game is set in the Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance in the Middle East. The game is designed for two players and simulates military conflict in the region.

Gameplay

The game board represents the Golan Heights and is divided into a grid of hexagonal spaces. Each player controls a set of military units, which include infantry, tanks, and artillery. The objective of the game is to capture key strategic points on the board or to eliminate the opponent's forces.

Setup

At the beginning of the game, players place their units on designated starting positions on the board. Each unit type has specific movement and attack capabilities, which are detailed in the game's rulebook.

Turns

Players take turns moving their units and engaging in combat. Movement is determined by the type of unit and the terrain of the hexagonal spaces. Combat is resolved using a combination of dice rolls and unit strength values. The game includes rules for line of sight, terrain effects, and supply lines.

Victory Conditions

The game can be won in several ways:

• Capturing a certain number of strategic points on the board.
• Eliminating all of the opponent's units.
• Achieving specific objectives outlined in the scenario being played.

Components

The game includes the following components:

• A game board representing the Golan Heights.
• A set of military unit tokens for each player.
• Dice for resolving combat.
• A rulebook detailing the game's mechanics and scenarios.

Strategy

Players must balance offensive and defensive strategies, taking into account the terrain and the capabilities of their units. Effective use of combined arms, coordination between different unit types, and maintaining supply lines are crucial for success.

Reception

Golan received mixed reviews upon its release. Some praised its strategic depth and historical accuracy, while others criticized it for its complexity and steep learning curve.

Legacy

Although Golan is not as well-known as other military strategy games, it has a dedicated following among enthusiasts of historical wargames. It is considered a valuable addition to collections focused on the Arab-Israeli conflict and modern military strategy.

See also

• Board game
• Military strategy
• Golan Heights
• Arab-Israeli conflict