Starting with the raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ending with a
hypothetical invasion of Wake Island, the seven scenarios in
Midway provide many hours of challenge.
Using the same rules system (Second World War At Sea) as the
previously reviewed Eastern
Fleet, Midway takes place in the Pacific theater.
As with Eastern Fleet, this game also covers naval and air
combat, this time the legendary battles between the Japanese Axis forces and the
American Allied forces.
Midway is not for the feint of heart: it is a serious simulation of the
significant battles (and a few hypothetical ones) that took place as the
Americans and Japanese vied for naval control of the Pacific. In addition to the
forces and victory conditions, each scenario presents a little bit of background
information about why the battle was (or might have been) important. All
scenarios have special rules that range from surprise to midget submarines. Some
optional special rules, like code breaking, can be used to provide additional
challenge or insight into the scenario.
Game play can be, predictably, long. Each turn represents four hours of game
time; the shortest scenarios can be played in about 30 minutes if you're already
familiar with the rules. While the rules are clear and concise, they are
moderately complex. It pays to study them for a day or two before trying to
play.
I've commented before about the quality of Avalanche Press' materials and
they don't disappoint in this game. Midway had a tremendous quantity of counters
(490); obviously all-important. The level of detail and use of color is
effective and visually rewarding. Midway comes in a 2" thick box (the other
games I've reviewed were in 1" boxes); it's possible the game materials could
have fit in a 1" box but it would have been a tight fit. The added volume lends
a certain heft to the game. Also, Midway comes with two dice (absent from the
other two games); you'll need eight or more.
If naval warfare simulation is your thing, I highly recommend this game.
Midway: Turning Point
From: Avalanche Press
Type of Game: War Game
Series Design By: Joe Keller, Brien J. Miller
Scenario Design By: Brian L. Knipple, Dr. Mike Bennighof
Box, Color Graphics: Brien J. Miller
Black and white graphics: Peggy Gordon
Contents: 24 page series rulebook, 36 page scenario book, 24”x18” tactical map,
35”x24” operational map, 490 game pieces, 1 player aid card, 4
organizational cards
Retail Price: $49.95 (US)
Item Number: STK 0021
