Modern War #33: War on ISIS is a strategic-level two-player wargame exploring a near-future Middle Eastern conflict scenario set between 2017 and 2020. Designed by Joseph Miranda, this title places players at the centre of a potential regional war between Iran, ISIS, and Coalition powers in a volatile and geopolitically critical period. The game examines how shifting alliances, emerging nuclear capabilities, and political uncertainty could ignite a new and devastating Gulf War.

The scenario envisions a future in which Iran may have achieved limited nuclear capability, prompting regional tension and military escalation. With the United States entering a period of “neo-isolationism” and limited intervention, Iran’s leadership seizes the opportunity to pursue a bold, conventional campaign aimed at establishing itself as the dominant power in the Middle East. In this setting, the player commanding Iran can attempt a lightning offensive across the Gulf region, capturing vital oil fields and cities to consolidate Tehran’s influence, while the opposing player must manage fragmented Coalition, Arab, and residual ISIS forces to resist or destabilize Iranian expansion.

War on ISIS also functions as an expansion and update to the earlier game Oil War: Iran Strikes (Modern War #2), allowing players to connect both games into an expanded campaign covering a broader range of scenarios. Whether played as a standalone or combined with Oil War, this game provides a rich operational simulation of 21st-century hybrid warfare—where conventional, insurgent, and nuclear threats interact within a single strategic framework.

Players will command forces representing Iranian conventional units, ISIS insurgents, Coalition forces, and regional militaries. Each side must manage logistics, morale, political objectives, and international reactions, balancing offensive momentum with the risk of escalation. The game models modern combined-arms warfare, including airpower, missile strikes, and urban combat, while integrating asymmetric elements like terrorism, insurgency, and covert operations. Every decision carries long-term consequences, as even a tactical victory could trigger global political backlash or nuclear retaliation.

The map represents the Middle East and Persian Gulf region, from the Levant to Iran’s interior and the Arabian Peninsula. Each hex represents operational distances across key strategic zones such as Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. With 228 detailed counters representing divisions, insurgent cells, missile units, and command assets, the game delivers both strategic depth and tense decision-making. The straightforward yet flexible ruleset makes it accessible to experienced players and newcomers alike who enjoy exploring modern conflict and political-military interaction.

Components:

• One 22” x 34” full-colour operational map
• 228 die-cut counters representing modern military units, insurgents, and command assets
• Comprehensive rulebook including standalone and expansion scenarios
• Player aids and reference sheets

Scale and Play Details:
Players: 2
Level: Operational / Strategic
Time Period: Near-Future (2017–2020)
Map Scale: Regional Middle East (approx. 35 km per hex)
Counters: 228 pieces

Modern War #33: War on ISIS offers a compelling and realistic look at how modern military, political, and ideological forces collide in the post-ISIS era. With its dynamic system, contemporary setting, and optional integration with Oil War: Iran Strikes, this wargame presents both a challenging simulation and a sobering exploration of real-world geopolitical instability.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading retailer for historical and modern wargames. Includes price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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