We Must Tell the Emperor (2010) Board Game

We Must Tell the Emperor’ is a board game that immerses players in the strategic decisions and battles of World War II. Designed by Steve Carey and released in 2010, the game focuses on the Pacific Theater of the war, specifically the conflict between the United States and Japan.

Game Components of We Must Tell the Emperor

Game Map: Depicts the Pacific Ocean and parts of Asia, highlighting key areas such as the Japanese Home Islands and other strategic locations.

Event Cards: Divided into Early War, Mid-War, and Late War phases, these cards drive the gameplay by moving Allied units, managing resources, and providing Die Roll Modifiers (DRM).

Resource Markers: Track Army-Navy, Prestige, and Oil resources, which are crucial for maintaining Japan’s military and economic stability.

Kamikaze Markers: Used to provide a +1 DRM in attacks against Allied units on Island spaces.

How To Setup We Must Tell the Emperor

To set up the game, players need to prepare the game map, shuffle and place the event cards into their respective phases, and initialize the resource markers. The game starts with the player controlling the Japanese Empire, aiming to defend the Home Islands and manage resources effectively. Detailed rules are provided in the game manual, ensuring a thorough understanding of the setup process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card-Driven Gameplay: Event cards dictate Allied movements, resource management, and available actions each turn.

Resource Management: Players must balance Army-Navy, Prestige, and Oil resources to maintain Japan’s war efforts.

Die Roll Modifiers: Used to influence the outcomes of various actions such as attacks, resource gathering, and defensive measures.

Objective

Defend the Home Islands: Prevent Allied units from occupying the Japanese Home Islands.

Manage Resources: Ensure resource markers do not reach zero, indicating a complete collapse of Japan’s ability to wage war.

Achieve Victory: Win by either drawing all event cards without losing (Survival Victory) or knocking out three Allied Fronts (Military Victory).

Player Experience

**We Must Tell the Emperor** offers a tense and exciting solo wargaming experience. Players are constantly on their toes as they manage resources, make strategic decisions, and face historical events that impact the game. The card system ensures a dynamic and challenging experience, with each game differing due to the shuffling of cards and dice rolls. The game’s historical context and realistic winning conditions add to its immersive nature, making every decision critical and every die roll pivotal.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game closely follows the historical events of WWII in the Pacific, adding a layer of realism and educational value.

High Replayability: The combination of card shuffling and dice rolls ensures that each game is unique and challenging.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance multiple resources and make tough decisions, which enhances the game’s strategic appeal.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed mechanics and resource management.

Sensitive Historical Context: Players take on the role of Japan’s military leadership, which can be uncomfortable for some, especially given the historical context of war crimes and genocide.

Personal Thoughts on We Must Tell the Emperor

**We Must Tell the Emperor** is ideal for fans of solitaire wargames and those interested in the historical aspect of WWII in the Pacific. It is a game that requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck. While it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its sensitive historical context, it provides a rich and challenging gaming experience for those who appreciate its depth and complexity. This game is best suited for experienced gamers and history enthusiasts who are looking for a immersive and intellectually stimulating experience.

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