South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943 (2016) Board Game

South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943 is a strategic board game that focuses on the naval campaigns in the South Pacific during World War II. Players take on the roles of either the Allied or Japanese forces as they battle for supremacy in the region. The game is designed by Rodger B. MacGowan and Mark Simonitch, with artwork by RBM Studio. It was released in 2016 and is recommended for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943

Map: A small bi-fold paper map depicting the Southeast Pacific, including the north coast of Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

Counters: Representing various units, similar in quality to those in **Empire of the Sun**, with some minor issues like off-center printing.

Cards: Each side has a 24-card deck, renumbered from the EotS cards, with unique logistics and operational values.

Rules and Scenarios: Simplified from the broader EotS rules, focusing on a four-turn scenario with specific setup and reinforcement markings.

How To Setup South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943

Setup involves placing units according to the scenario’s specific markings. The Allies start with Operation Watchtower off-board, while the Japanese begin with the Savo Island card in hand. Key units are placed in specific hexes, and resources are allocated as per the scenario rules. For example, the Allies have units like the Marine Brigade on 4825, and the Japanese have key naval units starting in isolated locations like Truk, which cannot be activated until later in the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Strategy: Players draw and play cards to activate units, conduct operations, and manage resources.

Operational Combat: Includes air-naval combat and strategic movement, with detailed rules for combat resolution.

Inter-Service Rivalry: Reflects the competition between Army and Navy for resources and influence.

Victory Conditions: The game ends after four turns; the player controlling at least three more ports/resource hexes than their opponent wins. The Japanese start in a favorable position but must defend key locations like Guadalcanal.

Progress of War: Tracks Political Will and resource availability, affecting gameplay and strategy.

Player Experience

Playing **South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943** is a dense but rewarding experience. The game requires strategic thinking and adaptability, as each card draw and unit activation can significantly impact the outcome. The smaller map region simplifies the strategic options compared to **Empire of the Sun**, making it more approachable for players new to the system. However, the game still retains the complexity and depth that fans of **EotS** appreciate.

Pros

Focused Strategy: The smaller map region makes strategic decisions more clear and manageable.

High Replayability: The card-driven system ensures no two games are alike, even with a fixed deck size.

Realistic Mechanics: Incorporates historical elements like inter-service rivalry and resource competition.

Engaging Combat: Air-naval combat and strategic movements are detailed and engaging.

Cons

Rule Complexity: Some rules, such as the Terrain Key and Progress of War, can be confusing for new players.

Setup Issues: Minor issues with counter placement and resource allocation can arise if not carefully followed.

Steep Learning Curve: While more approachable than **Empire of the Sun**, it still requires a significant investment of time to understand the rules and mechanics fully.

Personal Thoughts on South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943

This game is ideal for players who enjoy deep strategy and historical accuracy in their wargames. It is particularly suited for those familiar with the **Empire of the Sun** system or looking for a more focused, yet still complex, Pacific Theater experience. New players may find the rules challenging, but the game’s design makes it more accessible than its larger counterpart. Overall, **South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943** offers a rich and engaging gaming experience for those willing to dive into its intricacies.

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