Combat Commander: Pacific
Anecdote
A transposition of Chad Jensen's system to the Pacific theatre, Combat Commander: Pacific renewed the formula by integrating the specific features of combat in the jungle, on beaches, and in Japanese bunkers. The Fate Deck and order card engine remains identical, but the designer adds rules specific to banzai charges, position fortification, and amphibious combat. The theatre covers Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, the Philippines, and Iwo Jima, with scenarios pitting American Marines, Australian, British, and Chinese soldiers against Japanese forces. A session lasts two to three hours, and replayability is supported by twelve initial scenarios and later expansions. The learning curve is identical to the first game; the title is standalone while remaining compatible. Jensen wanted to convey the moral and tactical asymmetry of the Pacific conflict, where the banzai charge coexists with determined defensive tenacity. The components follow the GMT standard with beautifully charted maps and a well-illustrated booklet. The expansion confirmed that Combat Commander was a true series rather than an isolated achievement. Its critical reception was excellent, earning several major nominations. The title's influence can be seen in the modelling of asymmetric combat, now standard in several recent wargames. A French localisation by Asyncron broadened its success in Francophone territory. The community is very active, generating fan-made scenarios and linked campaigns on Vassal. The historical booklet is well written and its archival iconography is carefully curated. For enthusiasts of the Pacific theatre, it is one of the finest tactical treatments ever produced in the modern format. Combat Commander: Pacific remains a pinnacle of mainstream tactical wargaming, true to Jensen's narrative vision.
Popularity & reception
Distinctions — Charles S. Roberts Award - Best WWII Boardgame (2008) · Golden Geek - Best Wargame nomination (2008) · International Gamers Award nomination (2009)
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