Empire of the Rising Sun (1995)

Empire of the Rising Sun

Empire of the Rising Sun is a board game that simulates the Pacific Theater of World War II. The game was originally published by Avalon Hill in 1995 and designed by Bruce Harper with much input by Dave Casper into the naval warfare rules. The game system was later extended into the Pacific Theater from Advanced Third Reich. In 2017, a new board game called Rising Sun was released by CMON Limited, which is a game about strategy, negotiation, and warfare in a feudal Japan where the ancient gods (Kami) have returned to rebuild the empire.

Why is Empire of the Rising Sun Popular?

Empire of the Rising Sun is a popular game among board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic-level conflict simulations. The game is significant because it provides players with a unique opportunity to experience the Pacific War between the US and Japan in a board game format.

Game Components of Empire of the Rising Sun

Counters: Include units for the USA, Japan, Britain, Australia, India, Netherlands, Philippines, Thailand, and Chinese separatists.

Maps: Features maps of the Pacific theater.

Rules: Detailed rulebook with scenarios and variants.

Ultra Magazine: Includes a copy of Ultra magazine with a synopsis of the game.

Box and Packaging: Standard Avalon Hill packaging, compatible with other games in the series.

How To Setup Empire of the Rising Sun

Setting up the game involves laying out the maps, sorting and placing the counters according to the scenario being played, and distributing the rulebooks and other components. The game comes with introductory scenarios and full-map scenarios starting in 1942 and 1944, each requiring specific setup instructions outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Strategic Warfare: Players engage in naval, air, and land battles, with a focus on strategic resource management and technological advancements.

Submarine Warfare: Submarines play a critical role, with Japanese submarines initially having an advantage and American submarines growing in power over time.

Economic Management: BRP (Basic Resource Points) management is crucial, with the USA and Japan needing to manage their resources to support military operations.

Technological Research: Players can research changes in technology to improve their armed forces.

Objective: The USA aims to defeat Japan, while Japan seeks to expand its empire and defend against Allied attacks.

Player Experience

**Empire of the Rising Sun** is designed for players who enjoy complex, strategic wargames. The game is essentially for two players, although it can be adapted to include more players with certain scenarios. The game requires a significant amount of time and strategic thinking, making it ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates the Pacific Theater during World War II, including detailed rules for naval and submarine warfare.

Customization: Includes various scenarios and rules for combining with other games like Advanced Third Reich.

Awards: Won the Origins Award for Best Modern-Day Board Game in 1995.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has a complex rule set, which can be daunting for new players.

Time-Consuming: Games can be very long, requiring several hours to complete.

Component Intensive: Requires careful management of numerous counters and rules.

Personal Thoughts on Empire of the Rising Sun

**Empire of the Rising Sun** is for those who relish in-depth strategic gameplay and are willing to invest the time to learn and master the rules. It is a game that appeals to history buffs and fans of World War II-era military strategy. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers, it is a gem for serious wargame enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the complexities of the Pacific War.

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