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(More customer reviews)Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 uses the same core set of rules used in the 50th Anniversary Edition and 1942 edition of the game, but the similarities end about there. This game focuses on the Pacific theater with the United States, China, United Kingdom, and ANZAC (Australia/New Zealand) prematurely "setting" the Rising Sun of Japan.
This game uses the same premise of the original Pacific but with the new set of core rules. Other major changes from the original Pacific is that the Victory Point system is no longer used and the Combat Air Patrol has been revamped and now called Scramble.
The map spans from India out east to the United States and has many more Asian territories most similar to the Anniversary Edition. There are also more sea zones and island territories on this map. Additional units and rules in Pacific 1940 also gives this game more of a historic flavor that really enhances the experience as compared to 1942 edition. The board itself is very large at 35" wide by 32" tall and will match up with the upcoming release (Q3) of Europe 1940. The two maps combined (billed as measuring 60" x 32") is rumored to have multiple set ups (by year - similar to 50th AE) and it's own unique subset of rules (like Technology, etc.) Mum is the word on exactly what these might be, however.
Before your first game you will want to search the web for revisions to the rules/setup than what was initially produced (called errata - they're out there on a prominent forum dedicated to Axis & Allies). There are a number of things that have changed after feedback from players as well as additional play testing by the development team (unofficial at this point as they are probably still looking into feedback from players). I won't cover what these are as they still may change but they are significant to game play.
Overall quality of the game components is great and what you would expect:
* The board is large and very durable. I prefer boards that do not fold but then the box would've been massive
* There are plenty of units and chips (a tad too few Tac Bombers for Japan)
* Includes the player aids and storage trays (no dividers) that we have seen in the past (besides 1942 edition)
You can expect the time to complete a game to be about the same as other versions of Axis & Allies (3 1/2 to 5 hours for experienced players). The Political Situation (rule) starts the game with Japan at war with China but not US/UK/ANZAC. This essentially gives Japan free reign of the Pacific for up to 3 turns while it moves it's units into position for it's attack on US/UK/ANZAC; or it can launch an unprovoked attack before then at the risk of bringing the US into the war earlier (US starts the game with reduced IPCs but it's income gets a boost when it's "at war" with Japan. The UK/ANZAC may declare war during any turn, but any counterattack by Japan will not bring the US into war (so it had better be a crushing blow).
The addition of Naval and Air Bases really makes things interesting as those units have more range than what you see in the 1942 or 50th AE of Axis & Allies. This really adds an element of strategy on where to place your units around various islands and territories. Pacific 1940 also introduces Tactical Bombers and Mechanized Infantry. Tac Bombers when paired with Fighters/Tanks have an attack of 4 (instead of 3) and may land on Aircraft Carriers. Mechanized Infantry have a movement range of 2 as well as the ability to blitz along with tanks.
This game is probably best played with 2-3 players (3 players being Japan, United States/China, and UK/ANZAC) but could be played by up to 5 people if you want to break China away from US and ANZAC away from UK.
The following are some of the new elements to Pacific 1940 compared to 1942 or 50th Anniversary Editions
Units:
* Tactical Bombers and Mechanized Infantry
* Aircraft Carriers are now Capital Ships and take 2 hits to destroy (damaged Carriers cannot launch/land planes, though)
* Industrial Complexes are divided into Minor & Major (Major = up to 10 units mobilized, Minor = up to 3 units mobilized) and are upgradeable
* Naval and Air Bases (adds 1 movement point for units leaving these sea zones/territories, also where Capital ships are repaired)
* Anti-aircraft guns now only cover attacks against units (Industrial Complexes and Naval/Air bases have their own "built-in")
* Tanks cost $6 and Aircraft Carriers $16
Major Rule Additions:
* Political Situation - In short, all nations are not hostile to start (except Japan vs China)
* Scramble - Air Units on Islands with Air bases may defend in Naval combat in surrounding Sea Zones
* Convoy Zones - hostile Naval units in convoy zones reduce income received from Territories in that Sea Zone
* Kamikaze - Japan can conduct up to 6 Kamikaze attacks in certain Sea Zones (Kamikaze symbol printed on map)
* Neutral Nations - These now have units printed on the map that are placed when their borders are crossed
Pacific 1940 is a must have for any fan of the Axis & Allies franchise and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quality strategy game with a little more substance. The additional rules may take a game or two to master but are well worth the time investment. The Political Situation rules alone adds an element of history and strategy that enhance the Axis & Allies experience. I am very interested to see this effect on the combined global game when Europe 1940 is released. Despite the initial need of rule/setup corrections, Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 is a quality board game that will give you and your friends many hours of entertainment.
Happy Wargaming!
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Axis and Allies Pacific 1940Axis & Allies celebrates 25 years of strategy war gaming with the release of this deluxe theater-level game in December 2009. Axis & Allies Pacific 1940, designed and developed by Larry Harris, utilizes the updated rules established in the A&A Anniversary Edition. Two new combat units debut in this game, Tactical Bombers and Mechanized Infantry. Australia and New Zealand, joined together as the ANZAC forces, debut as a new playable ally. China fields more forces than ever before, but will need all the help they can get from their allies the United States, ANZAC and the UK to withstand the might of Imperial Japan.Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 features an oversized board that measures 35 wide by 32 high. With over 450 pieces, deluxe game components and local storage boxes, this game raises the standard established by the A&A Anniversary Edition. All new rules for neutral nations, naval & air bases, kamikaze attacks and convoy disruption add even more depth and historical accuracy to this giant game.For 2 - 4 players.
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