Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 (2009)

Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940

Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 is a board game created by Larry Harris and published by Avalon Hill as part of the Axis & Allies family of games. It is considered to be a revision of Harris’ earlier game, Axis & Allies: Pacific, and features newer rules from newer Axis & Allies revisions, as well as features exclusive to this game. The game is set in 1940, with Japan and China at war, and the remaining three Allies (the United Kingdom, the United States, and ANZAC) at peace in the Pacific Theater with Japan.

Why is Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 Popular?

Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 is popular among board game enthusiasts due to its historical accuracy and depth. The game is significant because it allows players to experience the strategic challenges of World War II in the Pacific Theater, and it is part of the larger Axis & Allies family of games, which has a dedicated following.

Game Components of Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940

Game Board: An extra large 35” x 32” board for enhanced play experience.

Plastic Miniatures: 500 miniatures representing various units.

National Storage Boxes: 5 boxes for organizing pieces.

Battle Strip and Casualty Strip: Tools for managing combat.

Markers: 100 National Control Markers, 16 Naval Base Markers, 16 Air Base Markers, and 16 Industrial Complex Markers (8 Major & 8 Minor).

Chips: 55 Gray Chips, 15 Green Chips, and 10 Red Chips.

Dice: 6 dice for resolving combat and other actions.

Facilities: Industrial complexes, air bases, and naval bases with varying capabilities.

How To Setup Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940

Setup involves placing the initial forces of Japan, China, the U.S., U.K., and ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand) on the board according to the specified starting positions. Japan is already at war with China, while other Allied powers are not yet at war with Japan. The game includes detailed setup instructions to ensure all units and facilities are correctly placed at the start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Theater-Level Combat: Focuses on the Eastern Hemisphere during the early stages of World War II.

Unit Types: Includes land units (infantry, artillery, mechanized infantry, tanks), air units (fighters, tactical bombers, strategic bombers), naval units (battleships, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, transport units), and new units like tactical bombers and mechanized infantry.

Movement and Combat: Units have specific movement values and combat capabilities; for example, battleships hit on a 4 or less, and infantry attacks on a 1 but defends on a 2 or 1 with accompanying artillery.

Facilities: Industrial complexes for unit production, air bases, and naval bases enhance unit capabilities and are susceptible to strategic bombing.

Repairs: Damaged battleships and carriers must be repaired at a naval base.

Declarations of War: Japan is at war with China at the start; other Allied powers enter the war under specific conditions.

Victory Conditions: Japan wins by controlling six victory cities, while the Allies must capture Tokyo with at least one of their capitals still under their control.

Player Experience

Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 offers a deep and engaging strategy experience. Players can take on the roles of Japan, China, the U.S., U.K., or ANZAC forces, each with unique challenges and opportunities. The game is known for its complex interactions between units and the strategic depth required to manage resources, declare war, and capture key territories. Games can be long, typically lasting around 6 hours, but the experience is rewarding for those who enjoy detailed strategy and historical context.

Pros

Historical Depth: Provides a detailed and immersive experience of the Pacific theater in World War II.

Strategic Complexity: Offers a rich strategy game with numerous unit types and facility interactions.

Replayability: High replay value due to the variety of starting conditions and player choices.

Components: Includes a large, detailed game board and a substantial number of plastic miniatures.

Combination with Europe 1940: Can be combined with Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 for a comprehensive World War II experience.

Cons

Learning Curve: Steep learning curve due to complex rules and numerous unit interactions.

Time Commitment: Games can be very long, typically lasting around 6 hours.

IPC Tracking: The IPC (Industrial Production Certificate) tracking system can be cumbersome, as it is done on the board rather than with physical money.

Personal Thoughts on Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940

Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 is ideal for strategy enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy complex, immersive board games. It requires a significant time commitment and a willingness to learn detailed rules, but the payoff is a deeply engaging and historically rich experience. This game is perfect for those who appreciate the strategic nuances of World War II and are looking for a game that challenges them on multiple levels. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, lightweight experience.

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