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rating
Ludopedia
8.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you're into heavy wargames about WWII in the Pacific, Empire of the Sun is a feast! It's a card-driven game that innovates by using a hex map, offering a deep and engaging strategic simulation.
Highlights
- Deep strategic simulation
- Innovative card system
- High replayability
- Immersive historical theme
Keep in mind
- High complexity
- Long playtime
- Steep learning curve
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready, folks! Empire of the Sun: The Pacific War 1941-1945 is a strategic wargame that throws you right into the heart of the Pacific conflict during World War II. Imagine directing American or Japanese forces, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to Japan's surrender. Mark Herman, a master of card-driven games, brought his system to a classic hex map, blending card tension with the depth of a traditional wargame. You'll command fleets, air wings, and armies, making crucial decisions that shape the war's course. The game covers a vast theater, from India to Australia, with each turn representing 4 months of intense combat. Prepare for air-naval and ground battles that determine the victor. The key twist is that it's not just about destroying units, but about undermining the opponent's political will. Japan can win by forcing a negotiated peace, and the US needs to keep morale high. It's a complex game with detailed rules, but it rewards those who invest in learning it. Perfect for fans of deep historical simulations who aren't afraid of a challenge. Each game offers a new story, with high replayability and decisions that will keep you thinking.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Campaign Playthrough - Turn 1a - Operation Z
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Campaign Playthrough - Turn 1b - IAI Operation No. 1
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Empire of the Sun: Allied Strategy in late '42
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Teach & Play with Mark Herman - South Pacific scenario (turn 1)
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Amphibious Assault
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Rules Breakdown: Empire of the Sun - Part 1
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A Young Turk Looks at EotS vid 7
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Campaign Playthrough - Turn 2a
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Campaign Playthrough - Turn 4a
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Rules Breakdown: Empire of the Sun - Part 2
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Campaign Playthrough - Turn 4b
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Campaign Playthrough - Turn 5a
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games, Devir
Designer
Mark Herman
Artist
Dave Lawrence, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a full game take to play?
A full campaign can take a significant amount of time, around 360 minutes (6 hours). Each game year is divided into three turns, and the game has 12 turns in total, covering 1941 to 1945.
Is this a good game for solo play?
Yes! Empire of the Sun was designed with solo rules in mind, allowing a single player to take on the challenge of commanding one of the powers.
How complex is the game?
It's considered a complex game, with a medium-high weight (4.4/5 on BGG). The amount of rules and strategic depth require dedication to master.
What comes in the box?
Expect a large map covering the entire Pacific theater, many event and strategy cards, counters representing naval, air, and ground units, dice, and a detailed rulebook.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for wargame enthusiasts, fans of detailed WWII historical simulations, and players who appreciate card-driven games with deep strategic mechanics. It's not for casual players.
Are the cards important to gameplay?
Absolutely! The game is card-driven, meaning cards are essential for performing actions, activating units, and triggering events. Managing your cards well is crucial for victory.
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Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! – Russia 1941-42