Axis & Allies: War at Sea (2007) Board Game

Axis & Allies: War at Sea is a board game released in 2007, designed by Langdon Foss and Kevin Smith. It is set during World War II and focuses on naval battles between the Axis and Allied powers. The game features collectible components, dice rolling, miniatures, and grid movement mechanics.

Game Components of Axis & Allies: War at Sea

Miniatures: 9 randomized units in the starter set, including ships, submarines, and aircraft, all produced to 1:1800th scale for ships and 1:900th scale for aircraft.

Maps: 2 double-sided battle maps.

Island Cards: 6 cardstock island cards.

Dice: 8 six-sided dice.

Unit Cards: 9 unit cards matching the miniatures, indicating movement, fire, and damage stats, along with special rules.

Rule Book: A 40-page full rule book and a quick start guide.

How To Setup Axis & Allies: War at Sea

To set up the game, players start by deploying their fleets on the battle maps. The rules suggest fleets of 100 points each, but smaller point values can be used for a quicker game. Each ship or unit has a point value, and players must assemble their fleets accordingly. For example, the Ark Royal is 22 points, while the French Terrible destroyer is 9 points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initiative Test: Turns begin with an initiative test where the winner acts second, allowing them to react to the opposing fleet’s movements.

Movement and Firing: Moves are Igo-Ugo, but firing is simultaneous, starting with air attacks, followed by gunnery, and then torpedoes.

Elimination: If a vessel is eliminated during a firing stage, it cannot act in subsequent stages.

Objectives: The objective is to score 150 points by securing objectives or destroying enemy vessels. Each objective is worth 50 points in a full fleet game.

Player Experience

Axis & Allies: War at Sea is designed for simple, competitive play with the potential for more complex strategies. The game is not a detailed simulation but rather a fast-paced, tactical experience. The rules are easy to learn, with a quick start guide and advanced rules for deeper play. The game maintains historical principles and offers alternate scenarios and advice on recreating historical battles and fleets.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and a quick start guide make it accessible to new players.

Historical Accuracy: The game follows historical principles and offers scenarios based on real battles.

High Production Values: Full-color, pre-painted miniatures and well-designed components enhance the gameplay experience.

Flexibility: Allows for different fleet sizes and point values, making it versatile for various play styles.

Cons

Simplification: Naval enthusiasts might find the rules too simplified compared to more detailed naval simulations.

Expensive: The game and its expansions can be costly, especially for collector model miniatures.

Personal Thoughts on Axis & Allies: War at Sea

This game is ideal for those looking for a fun, fast-paced naval combat experience without the complexity of detailed simulations. It is perfect for casual gamers and those interested in World War II naval history. While it may not satisfy the need for detailed realism, it offers a balanced and competitive game that is easy to learn and play.

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.