The Tide at Sunrise: The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905 (2010) Board Game

The Tide at Sunrise: The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905 is a board game that simulates the conflict between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan during the Russo-Japanese War. This war, which took place from 1904 to 1905, was fought over control of territories in East Asia, particularly Korea and Manchuria. The game allows players to take on the roles of military commanders and strategize their way to victory in this historical conflict.

Game Components of The Tide at Sunrise: The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905

One 22” by 39” full color map

140 1/2” land formation counters

44 1 1/4” by 5/8” ship counters

16 page full color rulebook

How To Setup The Tide at Sunrise: The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905

Setting up the game involves placing the map, distributing the land and naval counters according to the initial setup rules, and ensuring each player has the necessary Transport Points. The Japanese player starts with an abstraction of their merchant marine force, while the Russian player has an abstraction of the rail capacity of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Players must also be aware of the Colonel Akashi Secret Operations Phase, which can disrupt Russian logistics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Naval Phase: Managing naval units and potential disruptions.

Transport Allocation: Allocating Transport Points for logistics.

Movement Phase: Moving land and naval units.

Combat Phase: Engaging in battles.

Replacement and Recovery: Replacing losses and recovering units.

Colonel Akashi Secret Operations Phase: Disrupting Russian logistics through secret operations.

Game Objective

Victory Points: Determined by success in the naval war, capture of key terrain objectives, and enemy losses.

Balance Between Defense and Attack: Managing resources to defend and attack on multiple fronts, such as Port Arthur and Manchuria.

Player Experience

**The Tide at Sunrise** offers a challenging and intricate gameplay experience, requiring players to balance logistical management with strategic military decisions. The game demands a deep understanding of the historical context and the mechanics involved. Players must navigate the complexities of transporting troops, managing supply lines, and engaging in combat, all while dealing with the unpredictability of weather and secret operations.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game provides a detailed and accurate representation of the Russo-Japanese War.

Complex Strategy: Offers a deep and challenging strategic experience.

Solitaire Option: Excellent solitaire gameplay rating.

Components: High-quality map and counters enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Lengthy Playtime: The game can take 3-5 hours to complete.

Complex Rules: The game has a complex rule set that may deter new players.

Out of Production: The game is currently out of production, making it harder to find.

Personal Thoughts on The Tide at Sunrise: The Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905

**The Tide at Sunrise** is ideal for seasoned wargamers who appreciate historical accuracy and complex strategy. It is not a game for beginners due to its intricate mechanics and lengthy playtime. For those interested in the Russo-Japanese War and looking for a challenging wargaming experience, this game is highly recommended. However, its current out-of-production status may make it difficult to acquire.

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