# South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2016
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #6183
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 90-120 min
- **Weight**: 4.06 / 5
- **Designers**: Mark Herman
- **Artists**: Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
- **Publishers**: RBM Studio
- **Categories**: Nautical, Wargame, World War II
- **Mechanics**: Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Simulation

## Verdict
If you're into strategic wargames and World War II in the Pacific, South Pacific is an excellent choice! It takes the complexity of a classic like Empire of the Sun and condenses it into a more agile and focused experience, without losing depth. It's an intense tactical duel for two players, perfect for those seeking a historical challenge that fits into a single game session.Deep, focused strategyImmersive historical duelQuick, intense sessionsHigh replayabilityExcellent EotS gatewayHigh language dependencyInitial learning curveTwo-player onlyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Hey wargame enthusiasts! If you're a fan of military strategy and love a historical challenge, get ready to dive into *South Pacific: Breaking the Bismarck Barrier 1942-1943*. This game is a scenario variant of the classic *Empire of the Sun (EotS)*, but don't be fooled: it shines on its own! Developed by RBM Studio, *South Pacific* puts you in the eye of the storm of the Pacific War, focusing on the American counteroffensive led by figures like MacArthur and Ghormley/Halsey. The cool thing is that, even though it's a complete standalone game, it retains the tactical essence of *EotS*, so if you already know the 'parent' game, you'll feel right at home. The big draw here is the smaller, more focused map, which simplifies strategic options without losing depth. You'll feel the weight of interservice rivalry, the implications of China, and the competition for resources in Europe, all while trying to break the Bismarck Barrier. With a 24-card deck per side (re-numbered, of course!) and counters perfectly aligned for the four-turn scenario, the experience is fluid and intense. Designer Mark Simonitch redesigned the tracks to fit on the tailored C3i Mapsheet, highlighting the crucial turning point in the Pacific. Oh, and the reduced hand size (four instead of seven) and no deck reshuffling ensure incredible replayability and sessions that typically clock in at under two hours. Perfect for an afternoon of strategy!

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for South Pacific?
A game of South Pacific typically lasts between 90 and 120 minutes. It's a game you can easily finish in a single session, which is great for a wargame of this depth!

### How many players can play South Pacific?
South Pacific is exclusively a two-player game, perfect for intense and focused strategic duels. One player takes on the role of the Allied forces, and the other, the Axis forces.

### What is the complexity level of South Pacific?
With a BGG weight of 4.06/5, South Pacific is considered an expert-level game. It requires dedication to learn the rules, but it rewards players with a very rich and satisfying strategic experience.

### Do I need to know Empire of the Sun to play South Pacific?
It's not necessary, but it helps! South Pacific is a complete and standalone game. However, it shares many mechanics and tactics with Empire of the Sun, so learning one prepares you for the other.

### What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a detailed map of the Pacific region, counters representing military units, two decks of cards (one for each side) that drive actions, and dice to resolve combat and events.

### Who is South Pacific recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of historical wargames, especially those who appreciate World War II in the Pacific. If you enjoy deep strategic games with card-driven mechanics and dice rolling, and don't mind a learning curve, this is for you!

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 42.80 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2203239&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 49.43 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=774639&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 60.77 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6415996&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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