Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange (1998) Board Game

Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange is a strategic naval wargame that focuses on a hypothetical conflict between the United States and Japan in the Pacific Ocean. The game is set in the early 20th century, during a time when tensions between the two nations were high. The scenario is based on the actual “Plan Orange,” which was a series of U.S. Navy war plans developed in the 1920s and 1930s to address potential conflicts with Japan.

Game Components of Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange

Common rule book: Shared across the series.

Tactical map: Generic open sea map for combat resolution.

Operational map: Game-specific map for fleet movements and missions.

Counters: Representing individual ships, destroyers, and smaller vessels.

Scenarios: Specific to the U.S. Navy Plan Orange context.

Fuel and hit trackers: For managing ship resources and damage.

How To Setup Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange

Setting up the game involves preparing the operational and tactical maps, distributing the counters according to the scenario, and assigning missions to the fleets. Each force is represented by a single counter on the operational map, keeping the composition unknown to the enemy. Missions are pre-plotted, with some allowing for more flexibility. Raiding forces are not visible on the map until they take action or are discovered.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Operational Game: Fleets move and conduct missions on a map with staggered squares (hex grid), with turns representing about 3 hours.

Tactical Game: Individual ships maneuver and engage in combat on a generic tactical map.

Mission Planning: Forces must pre-plot their missions, with some flexibility for raiding or searching.

Combat Resolution: Light tactical system with ships rated for primary, secondary, and tertiary gunnery factors.

Resource Management: Tracking hits, gunnery, hull, speed, and fuel.

Objective: Complete assigned missions while reacting to enemy actions and defending against enemy forces.

Player Experience

Playing **Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange** is a deeply strategic and tactical experience. Players must balance long-term mission planning with the need for quick reactions to unexpected enemy movements. The game demands a good understanding of naval warfare and logistics, making it both challenging and rewarding. The continuous interplay between operational and tactical levels keeps players engaged and immersed in the game world.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is highly praised for its historical detail and accuracy.

Depth of Strategy: Offers both operational and tactical layers of play.

Awards and Recognition: Won the Origins Award for Best Historical Board Game in 1998.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable set-ups ensure high replay value.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed mechanics and rules.

Record-Keeping: Managing hits, resources, and missions can be cumbersome.

Time Commitment: Games can be lengthy, requiring several hours to play through a scenario.

Personal Thoughts on Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange

This game is ideal for seasoned wargamers and those with a strong interest in naval history and strategy. It offers a rich and immersive experience that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargaming. For those who appreciate the nuances of naval warfare and are willing to invest the time to learn the rules, **Great War at Sea: U.S. Navy Plan Orange** is a highly satisfying and challenging game.

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