Midway (1991) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Midway is a board game that was released in 1991 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It is a nautical-themed wargame that simulates the events of the Battle of Midway during World War II. The game is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of 90-240 minutes. Players take on the roles of commanders of either the American or Japanese fleets, strategically maneuvering their ships and aircraft to gain the upper hand in battle.

Game Components of Midway

Search Boards: Duplicate boards, one per player, using hexagonal spaces to eliminate corner adjacency issues.

Battle Boards: Representing small patches of open ocean for air-surface and surface-surface battles.

Counters: Double-sided cardboard counters for combat aircraft squadrons, aerial reconnaissance squadrons, capital ships, and surface escort squadrons. Additional counters for record keeping, such as damage and suspected enemy locations.

Rulebook: A 24-page rulebook with standardized format and historical material.

Other Components: Hit record sheets and fuel markers.

How To Setup Midway

Setting up **Midway** involves each player receiving their own search board, which is divided into hexagonal spaces. Players place their friendly forces on their board with full knowledge, but have limited knowledge of the opponent’s forces. Unit deployments are made at the start of each battle on the battle boards. The game requires about 15 minutes to set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Search Mechanics: Aerial reconnaissance is crucial; players use dedicated reconnaissance squadrons to gather information about enemy positions.

Battle Mechanics: Battles are resolved on the battle boards with units sustaining up to six levels of damage before destruction.

Aircraft Availability: Aircraft are available every other turn, requiring one turn for refueling and rearming.

Game Objective: The Japanese player must attempt to invade Midway Island, while the American player aims to prevent this and sink Japanese ships. Victory points are awarded for sinking ships and occupying Midway Island.

Player Experience

**Midway** offers a complex yet engaging experience, ideal for introducing new players to wargaming. The game’s simplicity and historical accuracy make it appealing, though some reviewers feel the 1991 edition is slightly more complex than the original. The double-blind hidden movement and search system add a layer of realism and strategy.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Designed with consultation from a veteran of the Battle of Midway.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Realistic Mechanics: Includes aircraft refueling, reconnaissance, and multi-directional assaults.

Educational Value: Useful in classroom settings to teach strategic thinking and historical context.

Cons

Complexity in 1991 Edition: Some players find the updated version more complex than the original.

Casualty Rates: The game may exaggerate casualties suffered by attacking aircraft.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last between 2 to 4 hours.

Personal Thoughts on Midway

**Midway (1991)** is an excellent choice for those interested in historical wargames and strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for new players looking to enter the world of wargaming due to its balanced simplicity and complexity. The game’s historical significance and realistic mechanics make it a valuable educational tool as well. However, it may not be ideal for those seeking quick, casual gaming sessions due to its lengthy gameplay.

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