Across the Pacific

About this board game

Across the Pacific is a World War 2 Pacific War board wargame for 2–4 players, with an advertised play time of 1080 minutes. Played in five-month turns, it covers the conflict from Pearl Harbor to Imphal and from Dutch Harbor to Brisbane.

The game combines strategic scope with detailed operational decisions. Units range from armies to regiments, while naval forces include air fleets and destroyer flotillas. Its interactive system keeps each player involved throughout play rather than waiting for a separate opponent turn.

At the heart of the design is a sequence of strategic and tactical phases, with five phases per player in each turn. A chit draw determines the order in which actions are undertaken. Players know the possible actions available to themselves and their opponents, but not the order in which those actions will occur, creating continual opportunities to respond and adapt.

Across the Pacific is designed as a manageable, fast-paced wargame while retaining a high level of detail, operational flavor, and the strategic ebb and flow of the Pacific War. The 2010 release includes a substantial set of components:

• A 36 by 48 inch map of the Pacific Basin
• 960 die-cut, backprinted 5/8 inch counters
• A 24-page rules booklet and a 24-page booklet of designer’s notes, historical commentary, and examples of play
• Japanese and Allied order of battle charts
• Japanese and Allied unit and carrier air group display charts
• Two task force display charts and two charts and tables cards

With its combination of uncertain phase order, broad geographic coverage, and varied military formations, Across the Pacific presents a focused way to explore the major strategic and tactical pressures of the Pacific theater.