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Empire at Sunrise (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Empire at Sunrise is a board game that takes players back to the Pacific Theater of World War I. It is set in a time when Japan and the United States were vying for control over the Pacific region. Players take on the roles of these two powerful nations, strategically maneuvering their fleets and armies to gain dominance.

Game Components of Empire at Sunrise

  • Maps: 3 maps (Kiautschou Insert – KI, Asia Pacific Map – APM, and Pacific Chart – PC)
  • Counters: 96 counters
  • Rulebook: 12-page rulebook
  • Tracking Display Sheet** and **Player Aid Card & Order of Battle Sheet**
  • Dice: 2 six-sided dice
  • Map Size: 22″ x 17″ mapsheet

    How To Setup Empire at Sunrise

    Setting up **Empire at Sunrise** involves placing the three maps, each representing a different scale of the conflict. The Kiautschou Insert map focuses on the area around Tsingtao, the Asia Pacific Map covers the broader Asian Pacific region, and the Pacific Chart spans the entire Pacific Ocean. Players must set up their respective naval and land units according to the starting conditions outlined in the rulebook. This setup ensures that the game is ready for the interlinked naval and land battles that will unfold.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Telescoping Scales: The game uses three nested playing surfaces to represent different scales of the conflict.
  • Naval Operations: Players engage in a cat-and-mouse game with destroyers and battleships across the Pacific.
  • Land Combat: Simplified rules with low counter density and no zone of control rules; trench and fortification rules favor the defender.
  • Victory Conditions: Germans score points by delaying or destroying the Australian Troop Convoy, eliminating Allied land and naval units, conducting successful commerce raids, and maintaining naval units in strategic zones. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance scores points by capturing German possessions and preventing German naval units from escaping.
  • Commerce Raiding: Germans can roll to destroy commerce if a naval unit is south of the Tropic of Cancer.

    Player Experience

    **Empire at Sunrise** offers a challenging and engaging experience, particularly for those interested in naval and land warfare during World War I. The game’s design forces players to manage their time and resources carefully, balancing the defense of German possessions with the pursuit of naval warfare to gain victory points. The simplicity of the rules, especially for land battles and commerce raiding, contrasts with the complexity of strategic decisions, making the game both accessible and deep. Players must weigh the importance of different objectives and manage their efforts to avoid being bogged down or cut off from escape routes.

    Pros

  • Unique Telescoping Scales: Provides a comprehensive view of the conflict at different scales.
  • High Solitaire Suitability: Designed to be friendly for solo play.
  • Simple yet Deep Mechanics: Easy to learn rules with complex strategic implications.
  • Historical Accuracy: Captures a lesser-known chapter in World War I history.
  • Time Management Challenges: Keeps players engaged and planning ahead.

    Cons

  • Production Quality: While functional, the production quality may not match that of larger publishers.
  • Learning Curve for New Players: The interlinked nature of the three maps and different scales can be daunting for new players.
  • Game Length: 150 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Empire at Sunrise

    **Empire at Sunrise** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and history buffs, particularly those interested in World War I and naval warfare. The game’s unique design and historical focus make it stand out, even if it may not receive the same marketing attention as games from larger publishers. It is a great addition to any collection for those who appreciate strategic depth and historical accuracy in their wargames.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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