Coast Watchers: Allied Field Intelligence in the South Pacific, 1942-1943

Play the struggle between Allied coastwatching teams and Japanese security forces across the South Pacific in 1942–1943. Standup blocks represent coastwatching stations, guerrillas, refugees, and stranded crew; facedown counters hide Japanese force buildup that coastwatchers try to observe and report. Players draw Mission cards: Allied Missions assign tasks for the coastwatchers, while Japanese Missions set secret operational objectives like air and sea attacks. Asset cards grant special abilities and bonus points. Japanese patrols and search actions are resolved with counters and cup draws, while Allied players attempt deliveries, warnings, and intelligence reporting. The game includes 15 standalone scenarios, four linked campaigns, and a solitaire mode.

Players: 1–2 best 2
Playing time: 60–120 min
Age: 14+
Complexity: 3.3 / 5