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The Great Pacific War: The Second World War in the Pacific 1937-1945 (2003) Board Game

ByMichail

The Great Pacific War: The Second World War in the Pacific 1937-1945 is a board game that simulates the events of World War II in the Pacific theater. Designed by Brian L. Knipple and published in 2003 by Avalanche Press Ltd., the game allows 2 to 5 players to reenact historic battles and strategic decisions of the time period.

Game Components of The Great Pacific War: The Second World War in the Pacific 1937-1945

  • Maps:** Two map sheets covering the Pacific Theater, including Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka, Siberia, China, India, and the Pacific Islands.
  • Counters:** 10 sheets of 5.8 inch counters, totaling 1650 pieces, representing various military units and administrative markers.
  • Rulebook:** A 120-page full-color rulebook with color-coded sections for ease of navigation.
  • Cards:** 40-page book of scenarios, 32-page book of examples and designers’ notes, 40-page book of charts and tables, and 106 variant playing cards.
  • Dice:** D10 and D6.
  • Other Components:** Play raid cards, tracking sheets for game turns, naval and air battles, and various other tracking mechanisms.

    How To Setup The Great Pacific War: The Second World War in the Pacific 1937-1945

    Setting up the game involves laying out the two map sheets, which join together to form the complete Pacific Theater map. Players must organize the numerous counter sheets, each containing different military and administrative units. The game also includes various tracking sheets and cards that need to be placed appropriately. Given the complexity and the large number of components, setup requires careful attention to ensure all elements are correctly positioned.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Area Control:** Players control vast areas of the Pacific, managing military units and resources.
  • Hex-and-Counter:** The game uses hexes on the map to denote different geographic areas and counters to represent military units.
  • Simulation:** The game simulates the entire war in the Pacific, including naval, land, and air battles.
  • Diplomatic Strategy:** Players must manage diplomatic relations, particularly with nationalist China.
  • Carrier Warfare:** Sophisticated rules for naval battles, especially carrier warfare.
  • Optional Rules and Variants:** Includes scenarios like the Doolittle Raid and Japanese Fleet suicide missions.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to recreate the historical conflict in the Pacific from 1937 to 1945, with players aiming to achieve strategic and tactical victories in line with their historical roles.

    Player Experience

    The Great Pacific War offers a deeply immersive and complex gaming experience, appealing to those who enjoy strategic-level wargames. With a high complexity rating of 8 out of 10, it is not for casual players. The game requires significant time investment, with play times ranging from less than an hour for small scenarios to over 30 hours for the full campaign. The game is suitable for 2-4 players and has good solitaire suitability.

    Pros

  • Historical Depth:** Offers a detailed and comprehensive look at the Pacific Theater during World War II.
  • Complexity and Realism:** Includes sophisticated rules for carrier warfare and diplomatic strategies.
  • Replayability:** Numerous scenarios and optional rules provide high replayability.
  • Immersive Experience:** The game’s scale and complexity make for a highly engaging experience.

    Cons

  • Time Consumption:** Requires a significant amount of time to set up and play.
  • Complex Setup:** The game has many components, making setup cumbersome.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** The high complexity rating means new players will need to invest time in learning the rules.

    Personal Thoughts on The Great Pacific War: The Second World War in the Pacific 1937-1945

    This game is ideal for dedicated wargamers and history enthusiasts who are willing to delve deep into the strategic and tactical nuances of the Pacific Theater during World War II. It is not a game for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick, light gaming experience. However, for those who enjoy intricate gameplay and historical simulation, The Great Pacific War offers an unparalleled experience.

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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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