Task Force – Carrier Battles in the Pacific is an operational level wargame about WWII naval operations in the Pacific theatre between 1941 & 1945 and is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all – ranging from players with no experience of wargames to those with intermediate or above proficiency in the genre. It encompasses ten scenarios to play, focusing on Japanese naval engagements in World War II – of course, to large extent also covering the air warfare. There are no ground battles here.

Below I am presenting three first scenarios, all of them solitaire and designed as such, which gradually teach the game. I think this is not only great training material but those videos answer the question if this beautiful game is for you, Enjoy!

Scenario 1. Attack on Pearl Harbor (December 8, 1941)

In this introductory scenario, you will take command of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Kido Butai in their air raid over Pearl Harbor, forcing the entry of the USA in the World War II. It’s a 1 player scenario designed to show you the rules for air-to-surface attacks and anti-air defences. You play just two rounds of attacks, check the anti-air fire and damage you can inflict, tallying results at the end. Enjoy!

Scenario 2. Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse (December 10, 1941)

Here, you will take command of the Imperial Japanese Navy in their air raid over the Royal Navy’s Force Z. That engagement really marked the start of the twilight of battleships and focus shifting to Air / Carrier power. It is again a 1 player scenario designed to show you the rules for ship movement and the basics for air reconnaissance. Enjoy!

Scenario 3. Battle of the Java Sea (February 27, 1942)

In the last training scenario, you will take command of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the first inter-fleet engagement of the Pacific War where a strong IJN fleet tasked with the defense of transports for an invasion of Java met with a mixed force of American (US), British (UK), Dutch (DEI – Dutch East Indies) and Australian (AU) ships. It is a 1 player scenario designed to show you the Naval Combat rules (inter-ship battles and torpedo warfare). Get prepared!

Hopefully with those materials will help you with getting into the game and understanding the basic mechanics. From that point, feel free to continue your journey on your own!