Open Beta! Playtesting is open for PACIFIC COMMAND

[crikeymiles]

Hello folks!

I'm delighted to let you know that I've just opened the public playtesting period for PACIFIC COMMAND, my game of WW2 pacific carrier clashes that is due to be published as part of the Osprey blue-books series sometime in early 2025.



I'm particularly interested in and keen to receive feedback from this fine community on the game. I may know my onions on game design (spake he modestly) but I'm likely one of the least expert on the Pacific war on this forum. I would very much welcome thoughts, input, comments and criticisms, and particularly value post-playtesting feedback once you've struggled through a game of it.

Download the beta rulebook for free here: https://planetsmashergames.com/news/pacific-command-public-beta-now-open/

The manuscript is pretty rough and ready, so I anticipate and look forward to comments.

Thanks in advance for taking a look!

[Easy E]

Glad to see Osprey going back to Naval wargaming. 

They have been very hesitant to lean into that design space and air combat games when I have worked with them. 

Hopefully this will help them stick there neck's out a bit further in these spaces.

[Kelly]

Thank you, I have my copy printed out and looking forward to going through it.

[crikeymiles]

Thanks for taking a look guys!

In response to the feedback I've had so far, and due to the fact that I've been very focused on the manuscript right now, I've just released a v1.2 of the Beta Rulebook, much expanded and clarified.

Some key changes to know about:

* Rookie vs seasoned Squadrons are gone (they are moved to a different mechanic)
* Search planes aren't cards anymore
* Air Actions now two actions: Recon and Airstrike
* "Faction" rules introduced, using a more coherent mechanic called "Mods"
* Flight Deck is now round up
* Catapault just lets you make recon actions, not have Squadron cards
* Fixed the 'bump and reveal' bug several folks had reported
* Added Santa Cruz and Coral Sea scenarios
* Added the "Arcade Mode" scenario generator
* Added Gambits (not yet tested, so expecting bugs with them)

You can grab the new version by reloading it from here: https://planetsmashergames.com/pacific-command/