US Marines Review:
expansion for
Order of Battle: Pacific
Generally, most games do not accurately represent the quandaries faced due to supply during amphibious operations. However, Slitherine’s Order of Battle: Pacific tackles this, and does it extremely well. I experienced all of this somewhat during play of the base game and its first expansion, “Morning Sun”. Now though, supply, landing area, and reinforcement decisions are increased because of the larger number of amphibious assaults in its latest expansion, “US Marines”.
Order of Battle: Pacific has always been extremely approachable and very easy to get into, and this latest installment is no exception. However, being easy to play does not mean easy to beat! The very competent AI has kicked my butt around these islands numerous times (actually, more like continuously). It is definitely no cake-walk trying to slog through the swamps and rough terrain, while simultaneously keeping your own units supplied, and facing dug-in Japanese troops supported by (the newly added) concrete bunkers, ships and aerial reinforcements.
Lastly, as your units gain experience, sometimes commanders will be generated to be attached to them. This is another layer of decision-making while also adding realism to the game. Overall, “US Marines” is a must-have for your Order of Battle: Pacific experience.
As a great example of logistics, I have to go back and try to keep my Marines alive, as I have burned through most of my reinforcement pool. Lucky for me, I got two destroyers on Turn 10 (a few days ago) to help with the invasion. This is great of course, but in reality, I could have used them five or six days earlier. Grateful for the help, just hope it’s not too little, too late.
-Clayton