Oceans of Fire

"Oceans of Fire" by Rob Beyma presents a comprehensive depiction of the Pacific conflict during the years 1941 to 1945. This expansive yet manageable game offers players the opportunity to engage with the historical events that unfolded in this theater of World War II. The game includes six countersheets representing the military forces of Japan, the United States, and the Commonwealth nations involved in the conflict. Additionally, forces from various other nations caught in the fiery turmoil of the Pacific are also accounted for.

The game accurately captures the geographical scope of the conflict, extending from Japan's initial territories across the expanse of the Pacific at the commencement of play. Over the course of eight turns, the entirety of the conflict is covered, although some scenarios offer shorter gameplay experiences. The counters utilized in the game generally symbolize divisions or brigades for land units, air points for aviation assets, and a selection of 1-2 named capital ships alongside their accompanying escort vessels for naval units. For those seeking an extra layer of historical immersion, optional cards are provided. These cards introduce a variety of events from history (such as Stillwell's Chinese forces and Japanese night naval proficiency) into the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience with minimal additional complexity.