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Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan
1992
Rules assistance for Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2 players
- 180 min
- 12+
- Complexity 2.6/5
Rules assistant for Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan
For 2 players
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan is a board game released in 1992 for 2 players, 180 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. It was designed by Terry R. Shrum and its main mechanics are Hexagon Grid and Variable Phase Order.
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About the game
PACIFIC WAR CLASSICS VOLUME 1: The Island Battles of Tarawa and Saipan consists of two games in one package. The battles at Tarawa and Saipan are depicted on separate game maps and use two separate game systems. Although the Fresno Gaming Association was probably guilty of plagiarism in some of their game designs, their graphic presentation was always first class and this game is no exception. The Island Battle of Saipan uses the system that FGA previously used in their OPERATION CRUSADER game. This is basically a traditional Ugo - Igo system. On the Saipan map, each hex is 1.8 miles across and a Game Turn equals one day of actual time. The Island Battle of Tarawa is a tactical-level game covering the invasion of Betio Island, part of the Tarawa atoll. This is a two map introductory level game using a game system called STS (Simple Tactical System) that Fresno Gaming Association claimed as their own. The STS is a pseudo-simultaneous-movement system. First one player moves a stack, or performs combat with a stack, and then his opponent does the same. The first player then repeats this with another stack, etc. The Game Turn continues according to the Sequence of Play until chance ends the Turn. That is determined by combat die rolls. Each hex on the Tarawa map represents 35 yards from hexside to opposite hexside and a Game Turn represents 2 hours. 9" x 12" x 2" bookcase style game box; 16-page (8?" x 11") Rules booklet; two 22" x 34" unmounted game maps; 17" x 22" unmounted game map; 960 die-cut, back-printed, unpunched, cardboard counters; five card-stock Player Aids; and a 10-sided die.
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Fresno Gaming Association History Games
Questions and answers
Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan is 180 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan has a complexity rating of 2.6 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan belongs to these categories: Wargame and World War II. Its main mechanics are Hexagon Grid and Variable Phase Order. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan are: Terry R. Shrum. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Pacific War Classics Vol 1: Tarawa & Saipan as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.