U.S.N.: The Game of War in the Pacific, 1941-43

About this board game

U.S.N.: The Game of War in the Pacific, 1941-43 is a two-player strategic wargame of air, land, and sea warfare in the Pacific during World War II. Released in 1971, it is designed for a playing time of approximately 360 minutes.

The game presents virtually the entire Pacific, stretching from east of Hawaii to west of Java. Each hex represents more than 200 miles, while each turn covers a week of operations. Land counters represent divisions or regiments, air units represent multiples of ten planes, and naval units depict individual aircraft carriers or groups of other vessels.

Players manage forces operating across a vast area while confronting the different conditions faced by air, land, and naval units. Naval forces fight complex campaigns at sea, while air, land, and maritime operations are represented through specialized combat procedures.

• Five Combat Results Tables: Separate tables accommodate actions ranging from torpedo attacks to bayonet charges.
• Multiple scenarios: Three campaign games and three shorter mini scenarios provide different ways to explore the Pacific conflict.
• Large operational map: The 22 x 28-inch map covers the campaign area from east of Hawaii to west of Java.
• Extensive playing pieces: The game includes 400 half-inch counters representing the forces involved.

In U.S.N., the Combat Results Tables represent abstract battle actions rather than detailing every individual engagement. The result is a broad operational view of one of history’s most complex campaigns, with the map scale, weekly turns, and varied unit types combining to portray warfare across the Pacific.

The game includes a folding rulesheet in “roadmap” format, games charts and tables, one map, and 400 counters. U.S.N. was later reimplemented by USN Deluxe.