Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 (released in 2009) improves upon the original Axis & Allies Pacific game that was released in 2001. Players of the original Pacific game will notice some new rules along with some interesting new elements.
One such item is the Political Situation rule. Based in 1940, the game starts with just Japan and China at war. The remaining 3 Allies are at peace in the Pacific Theater with Japan. It’s a cat and mouse game to provoke and disturb terms and treaties with one another to really begin the back to basics Axis & Allies we all know well.
The Political Situation rule is great because the designer (Larry Harris) has really put history into game play as much as he could. Playing this game firsthand may seem a bit confusing when reading the rules, but understanding the political history, it makes a lot more sense.
As for units, new in Pacific 1940 is the Cruiser Warship — originally introduced in Axis & Allies Guadalcanal. Mechanized Infantry (better known as the Track, introduced in Axis & Allies Battle of the Bulge) is also new to the Pacific game. As for the skies, a new Tactical Bomber is added. It can land on aircraft carriers and partake in scramble operations.
Industrial complexes are deemed Minor or Major in this game, with the number of units that can be ‘built’ dependent on this. Air and Naval bases are also used – with each providing an extra space of movement when leaving from either.
Of note, Australia and New Zealand are their own player in Pacific 1940, fighting under the ANZAC banner.
Not included (when compared to the original Pacific game) are: IPC paper money, plastic industrial complexes and anti-aircraft guns, victory capital city roundels, task force cards and (it may seem) a lack of playing units. US Marine units are also removed for Pacific 1940.
There is a 2nd edition of Axis & Allies Pacific 1940. Essentially it includes an extra supply of units and plastic chips – and new colours.
To learn more about Axis & Allies Pacific 1940, please browse the information below. Each resource will open in a new window.
Rule Books:
- Rule Book – Original Edition [PDF]
- Rule Book FAQs and Corrections [PDF]
- Rule Book – 2nd Edition [PDF]
Forum Discussions:
Downloads:
Details:
- Players: 2-4
- Board dimensions: 35x 20 inches or 83 x 50 cm
- Can also combine with A&A Europe 1940 for a full global game
Game Primer Video:
A Closer Look:
Board art.
Box cover.
Country boxes.
Game board.
Start of game setup.
Kamikaze symbol on the game board.
Neutral zone example.
Strategic bombers can land on aircraft carriers.
Strategic bombers, cruisers and mechanized infantry are new to this version of Pacific.
ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand).
New look anti-aircraft. Introduction of Air and Navy bases.
China is supported by USA fighter.
Pricing:
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There is your quick review of Axis & Allies Pacific 1940. Be sure to check out all of the other versions of Axis & Allies as well!