Empire of the Sun: The Pacific War 1941-1945

GMT Games, Devir · Board game · 2005

— Ludopedia 8.3 BGG 1–2 · best 2 Solo 360 min Weight 4.4/5

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— rating Ludopedia

8.3 rating BGG

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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

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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

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Empire of the Sun: The Pacific War 1941-1945

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Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players

1 REC

2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher GMT Games, Devir

Designer Mark Herman

Artist Dave Lawrence, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

6,985owners

1,418wishlist

214want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

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.