Buy SGS Battle For: Dien Bien Phu PC key

SGS Battle For: Dien Bien Phu is a turn-based game about the 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu, fought between French forces and the Vietminh during the Indochina War. You can play either side against another player by PBEM or against the AI. The battle spans March to May 1954, including initial operations as well as the siege itself, and its outcome affects France’s negotiating position at the Geneva Peace Conference.

The battle

As the French, you defend the fortified camp, trying to withstand the Vietminh assault and inflict losses on their main force. As the Vietminh, you seek to capture the fortified area and take the surviving French troops prisoner. The French mostly defend, though they can counterattack and harass Vietminh supply lines; the Vietminh carry the main burden of assault and conquest. Which side is harder to play can change during a scenario or campaign.

The game represents the battle as position warfare around the French strongpoints, or “Points d’Appuis,” in the valley. Most French units are company-sized, while most Vietminh units are battalion-sized, and each turn represents one day. The map’s shape reflects the fields of fire of defensive artillery, mortars and machine guns. Off-map areas represent more distant locations and the Vietminh supply network, whose control is crucial to victory in the extended artillery and attrition battle.

Scenarios and events

The game includes a campaign covering the battle from March to May 1954, along with shorter scenarios that begin on different dates or focus on particular areas. Historical events can be fixed or random, depending on their nature and the scenario settings. You can explore what-if possibilities such as a more effective French air force or artillery, US B-29 bombers from Guam attacking Vietminh artillery positions, or increased Soviet and Chinese support. Historical settings can also keep external events aligned with their real timing, with some latitude in dates for replayability.

The scenarios include:

• Gabrielle: A five-turn scenario about the first attack on the French strongpoint at the northern end of the fortified area, with few units and an introduction to the game’s specific mechanics.
• The Battle of the Five Hills: A six-turn scenario covering the fighting around Dominique 3 and Eliane 2 from March 30 to April 7, with one day per turn.
• Dien Bien Phu Alternative Campaign: A 56-turn campaign covering the full battle, with opening options such as a stronger French garrison or Vietminh regiments not deployed at Dien Bien Phu. You can also choose Operation Vautour, though the delay before it could be carried out means it may not take place.
• Dien Bien Phu Great Historical Campaign: A 56-turn campaign in which major events follow history, with few what-if options. Operation Desperado, involving anti-Vietminh guerrillas such as the “Cardamone” maquis, and Operation Condor, with the Godard relief column, take place as they did historically, beginning before the fortified camp fell.

Units and activation

The game includes the types of units present at Dien Bien Phu in 1954: armored vehicles, paratroopers, maquis (guerrillas), infantry, militia, engineers, artillery, and a few distinctive assets and weapons. Most units are ground forces, alongside some French air units. Many units instead serve as support assets that strengthen the defense or, less often, the attack.

Units can move and fight during a turn only if they have been activated. The limits on activation vary between battles and episodes. Estimated playtime ranges from an hour to many hours.