Axis & Allies: Pacific (2001)

Axis & Allies: Pacific

Axis & Allies: Pacific is a board game created by Larry Harris and published by Avalon Hill as part of the Axis & Allies family of games. It is a strategy game that simulates the Pacific Theater of World War II, where three main powers (Britain, Japan, and the US) square off against each other against the backdrop of the Pacific ocean. The game was first published in 2000, and an updated version, Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940, was released in 2009.

Why is Axis & Allies: Pacific Popular?

Axis & Allies: Pacific is popular among board game enthusiasts due to its strategic Gameplay Mechanics of Axis & Allies: Pacific and historical accuracy. The game allows players to experience the challenges and decisions faced by military leaders during the Pacific Theater of World War II. The game is also significant because it is part of the larger Axis & Allies series, which has been popular among board game players since its initial release in 1981.

Game Components of Axis & Allies: Pacific

Gameboard Map

345 Plastic Playing Pieces

National Control Markers

National Production Charts

Battle Board Chart

Industrial Production Certificates (IPCs)

12 Dice

Plastic Chips (Gray and Red)

Task Force Markers and Cards

Various units: Infantry, Marines, Artillery, Armor, Anti-aircraft, Bombers, Fighters, Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, and Destroyers.

How To Setup Axis & Allies: Pacific

Setting up the game involves placing the game board, distributing the initial units and markers according to the setup chart, and preparing the National Production Charts and Battle Board. Each player starts with a specific arsenal of units and resources. The game board is divided into various territories, each producing IPCs that are crucial for purchasing units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Unit Types: Infantry, Marines, Artillery, Armor, Anti-aircraft, Bombers, Fighters, Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, and Destroyers, each with unique abilities and costs.

Industrial Production: Players use IPCs to purchase units. The U.S. can build new factories, but only in specific locations.

Combat: Battles are resolved using dice rolls, with various units having different attack and defense values. Artillery boosts infantry attacks, and fighters can perform Combat Air Patrol.

Naval Strategy: Control of sea spaces is crucial for economic and military advantages. Submarines can disrupt enemy supply lines, and destroyers can cancel out submarine attacks.

Game Objective

Allied Goal: Conquer and occupy Japan for a turn, or reduce Japan’s IPC income to 9 or less.

Japanese Goal: Conquer and occupy any Allied capital (India, New South Wales, or USA), or accumulate 22 victory points by collecting IPCs.

Player Experience

Axis & Allies: Pacific offers a deep and challenging experience, requiring strategic planning in both economic and military aspects. Players must manage resources, deploy units effectively, and control key territories to achieve victory. The game’s complexity level is rated as challenging by Hasbro, making it suitable for players aged 12 and up who enjoy strategic gameplay.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game incorporates many historical elements, such as the importance of naval bases, airbases, and sea convoy routes.

Strategic Depth: Various unit types and gameplay mechanics provide a rich and engaging experience.

Replayability: Different victory conditions and the dynamic nature of the game ensure high replay value.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be daunting for new players due to its complex rules and numerous components.

Balance: Japan’s economic disadvantage compared to the Allies can make the game challenging for Japanese players, especially in the early stages.

Personal Thoughts on Axis & Allies: Pacific

Axis & Allies: Pacific is ideal for fans of World War II history and strategy enthusiasts. It offers a detailed and immersive experience that requires careful planning and execution. The game is best suited for players who enjoy complex strategy and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the game mechanics. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you and provides a rich historical context, Axis & Allies: Pacific is a great choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.