Across the Pacific (2010) Board Game

Across the Pacific is a strategic board game that takes players back to the time of World War II, with a focus on the Pacific theater. Designed by Adrian George, this game challenges players to navigate the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean while engaging in naval combat and strategic maneuvers.

Game Components of Across the Pacific

Map: A 34″ x 45″ mapboard depicting the Pacific Ocean and Asia, divided into a hexagonal grid.

Game Pieces: 960 pieces representing various military units.

Rulebook: A 24-page rules and scenarios booklet.

Player’s Handbook: A 24-page handbook with notes and examples of play.

Terrain Effects Chart: Printed on the map to identify terrain features and their effects on movement and combat.

Turn Record Track: On the mapboard to record the current turn.

Air Umbrellas: Networks for deploying and rebasing air units.

How To Setup Across the Pacific

To set up the game, players choose a scenario and organize their units according to the scenario’s Order of Battle (OB) charts. The Allies set up first, followed by the Japanese. Players place control markers on the map based on the initial OB of the chosen scenario. Strategic and Tactical phase chits are placed in separate opaque cups. The game turn marker is set to the first turn, and the Allied “Magic” chit is moved to the OB chart for the next turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Scale: Each turn represents 5 months, with a hex size of approximately 120 miles at the equator.

Phases: The game uses a combination of traditional phases and randomly drawn activity chits within Strategic and Tactical phases.

Unit Movement: Units move within the hex grid, affected by terrain features.

Combat: Combat is influenced by terrain and unit types.

Air Operations: Players use Air Umbrellas to deploy, rebase, and manage air units.

Reinforcements: New forces enter the game based on the turn and scenario.

Objective: The goal is for the Allies to defeat Japan or for Japan to achieve its historical objectives by the end of the game in August 1945.

Player Experience

Playing Across the Pacific is an immersive and challenging experience, requiring strategic planning and tactical execution. The game spans nine turns, each lasting about 5 months, making the entire campaign game last around 12-18 hours. Players must manage vast networks of air and ground units, navigate complex terrain effects, and make crucial decisions about reinforcements and resource allocation.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a detailed and historically accurate representation of the Pacific Theater.

Complex Strategy: It offers a deep and engaging strategic experience.

Scalability: Includes both a long campaign game and shorter scenarios.

Realistic Mechanics: Incorporates realistic elements like terrain effects and air operations.

Cons

Time Commitment: The campaign game is very long, requiring a significant time commitment.

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules and mechanics.

Component Intensity: Managing 960 game pieces can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Across the Pacific

Across the Pacific is ideal for serious wargamers and history enthusiasts who are willing to invest the time and effort into mastering its complex rules and mechanics. It is not a casual board game but rather a detailed simulation that rewards strategic thinking and historical insight. If you’re looking for a game that delves deeply into the intricacies of World War II in the Pacific, this game is a must-play. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quick or light gaming experience.

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