—
rating
Ludopedia
8.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
A serious strategic wargame for those looking to command fleets and armies in the Pacific.
Highlights
- High-fidelity historical simulation
- Epic and wide scale
- Very useful rule variants
- Surprisingly smooth gameplay
Keep in mind
- Requires significant time commitment
- Considerable learning curve
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're the type of player who loves diving deep into history and isn't afraid to spend hours planning your next big naval maneuver, Oceans of Fire is your new obsession. Designed by Rob Beyma, this title is a true journey from 1941 to 1945, covering the full intensity of the Pacific Theater during World War II. This game doesn't mess around: it offers an impressive scale with six countersheets representing the forces of Japan, the USA, and Commonwealth forces, as well as other nations caught in the crossfire.
The experience is built to be vast yet surprisingly playable. The map accurately reflects the spread of the conflict, starting from the Japanese home areas and expanding across the entire ocean. Over the course of eight turns (though shorter scenarios are available), you will manage units ranging from land divisions and brigades to air assets and mighty capital ships with their escorts. It's the kind of game where every positioning decision can shift the course of the war.
A feature I found absolutely fantastic is the optional event card variant. If you want to add an extra layer of historical flavor without making things overly complex, these cards bring incredible nuances to the table, such as Japanese night naval proficiency or Stillwell's Chinese forces. This adds a layer of unpredictability that makes you feel like you are truly commanding a real military campaign, where weather and historical circumstances play as much as your generals do. It is a serious strategic wargame for anyone seeking immersion and depth in the Pacific theater.
The experience is built to be vast yet surprisingly playable. The map accurately reflects the spread of the conflict, starting from the Japanese home areas and expanding across the entire ocean. Over the course of eight turns (though shorter scenarios are available), you will manage units ranging from land divisions and brigades to air assets and mighty capital ships with their escorts. It's the kind of game where every positioning decision can shift the course of the war.
A feature I found absolutely fantastic is the optional event card variant. If you want to add an extra layer of historical flavor without making things overly complex, these cards bring incredible nuances to the table, such as Japanese night naval proficiency or Stillwell's Chinese forces. This adds a layer of unpredictability that makes you feel like you are truly commanding a real military campaign, where weather and historical circumstances play as much as your generals do. It is a serious strategic wargame for anyone seeking immersion and depth in the Pacific theater.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
BEST
3
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Compass Games
Designer
Rob Beyma
Artist
Mark Mahaffey
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game take?
It depends on the scenario, but be prepared: it can range from 2 to 15 hours depending on the complexity chosen.
Is the game very difficult?
It is a strategic wargame, so it has complexity, but the design is intended to be playable despite the scale.
How many players can play?
It supports 1-3 players, making it excellent for solo players or small groups.
What is included in the box?
The game is rich in components, including six countersheets representing various military forces.
Who do you recommend it to?
For WWII history enthusiasts and players who love strategic-level wargames and simulations.
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